A Guide to Clean Beauty: How to Navigate the Beauty and Skincare Industry’s Latest Buzzword

June 4, 2023

Whether you are a self-proclaimed skincare professional or more like a novice, navigating a world of clean beauty can be a daunting task. With various terms and definitions, it is difficult to know exactly what is going on in your face.

Whether you are a self-proclaimed skincare professional or more like a novice, navigating a world of clean beauty can be a daunting task. With various terms and definitions, it isn't easy to know precisely what is going on in your face. Due to a lack of regulations surrounding cosmetic products, demand for cleaner skincare has risen. It is unpredictable if this is just a trend, but we promise you that not all hope is lost – read below for tips on understanding the ins and outs of clean beauty. 

Why does it matter? Although often neglected as one, the skin is the body’s largest organ and the first barrier of defense against the world. It can indicate the body’s health with warning signs, such as rashes, dark moles, or other unexpected changes. They contain crucial nerve endings that send messages to the brain when an object is potentially harmful. It is essential to protect the skin and keep it healthy by blocking the sun, keeping it hydrated, getting enough sleep, and staying alert to any changes. 

Surrounding topics of Climate Change and increasing awareness of ingredients in our daily products potentially harmful to our bodies and the planet, opting for clean and natural swaps is all the rage. 

Despite the prevalence of the term and its implications in today’s day and age, the Food and Drug Administration’s laws on cosmetics and skincare are murky. According to the FDA’s website, “The law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, to have FDA approval before they go on the market” (FDA) 

Keeping the FDA’s lack of regulation in mind, the term ‘clean beauty’ is subjective. Let us break down some commonly used terms for clean cosmetics. 

Natural

This term can be considered clean, but not always. It does not automatically equate goodness and purity. It is not the ultimate clean beauty standard, as not all artificial ingredients, such as synthetics and preservatives, are unsafe. 


Green

To be considered “green beauty,” many associations are made: plant-derived, eco-friendly, vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, sustainably sourced – and more! These are all wonderful but do not equate to clean beauty, as they can still include toxic ingredients and fit these qualifications. Additionally, ingredients such as silk, honey, beeswax, and more are not vegan but are clean. 

Clean

The truth lies in the ingredients. Clean beauty does not claim to be anything that it is not; it is free of certain artificial ingredients, and the labels are transparent and understandable. This means they do not always need to be natural or green, as some safe synthetics and preservatives do not fall under these categories.

Symbol

When searching for products, you may see symbols on packaging to signify specific environmental or medical standards. Here is a guide to these meanings.

  • Cruelty-free logos

These icons signify no animal testing occurred when creating these products.

not tested on animals
cruelty free
animal test free and vegan
  • Made safe 

MS ensures that over 6,500 banned and restricted substances have been avoided.

made with safe ingredients
  • EcoCert 

Active in over 80 countries, EcoCert is one of the most prominent organic certifications in the world and one of the most notable in the cosmetics industry.

Eco Cert
  • Climate Neutral

When shown on a product, it means this “company has shown work to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from making and delivering its products and services” (Climate Neutral)

climate neutral

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when making the best decisions for your health, wallet, and planet. It is essential to do the best you can. Do your research, contact your physician or dermatologist,  and do what is best for YOU and the planet! Shop for clean products like Burt’s Bees and other skincare at the Boynton Pharmacy. Happy moisturizing!

Written by: Gracie Kibort

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