Clean beauty products are now more popular than ever. A trend toward wholesome, healthier living has made beauty enthusiasts more discerning toward the quality of their skincare, haircare and makeup. If you want to enhance your health and wellness but are not sure what makes an item “clean,” you are not alone. This beginner’s guide will help you to spot these beauty products and avoid imposters. Once you understand what is behind the terminology, you can make better choices for every part of your beauty regimen. You will also be empowered to make more informed decisions about what you put on your teeth, skin and hair.
Understand Clean Beauty Basics
The definition of a clean beauty product is free from ingredients that are thought to be harmful to humans, animals or our planet. There are tens of thousands of toxic personal care ingredients used in today’s beauty products, which means that consumers and beauty enthusiasts must do their research to make sure they are safe while reaching their beauty goals. Some products include carcinogens that can contribute to the development of cancer. Others contain industrial pesticides and known hormone disruptors.
Clean hair products, teeth whitening kits and skincare products skip the unnecessary chemicals and do not contain elements that cause harm to the body. To start on your clean journey, avoid this list of personal care preservatives and compounds:
- Oxybenzone
- Hydroquinone
- Formaldehyde
- Talc
- Triclosan
- Parabens
- Aluminum compounds
- Synthetic colorants
- Synthetic fragrances
A handy list of harmful cosmetic ingredients can help you to memorize what should not be in your favorite beauty items. If you are new to clean beauty, consider taking a list with you while you shop and familiarizing yourself with “The Dirty Dozen.” This is a list of ingredients that you should avoid. Another idea is to consult with a dermatologist, beauty professional or dentist.
Some online stores and brick-and-mortar beauty shops pride themselves on selling clean brands, so feel free to ask about which ones you should buy. There are clean beauty products available in nearly every facet of personal care, including facial care, makeup and teeth whitening. If you would like to make the switch to clean beauty, it is possible to find items for every part of your regimen.
Look for Clean Beauty Buzzwords
Now that you know the most common beauty ingredients to avoid, you should also recognize products that are meant to be clean and nourishing to your skin, teeth and hair. While you should double-check the brand, product and ingredients list, know that there are some phrases and terms that may help you spot a clean item.
This list is not exhaustive, but some popular clean beauty “buzzwords” include:
- Non-toxic
- Plant-based
- Organic
- Green
- Natural
- Sustainable
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Clean beauty products may also include:
- Vitamins
- Antioxidants
Many clean items are natural and organic, but there are also safe items that are created in a laboratory. Various natural and lab-created products also affect everyone’s skin and hair differently. If you have sensitive skin or scalp, it may help to test clean beauty items before you use them. Essential oils are an example of a popular clean beauty item that has varying effects in different concentrations. Read the packaging carefully before using any type of facial care, makeup or personal care item.
Know the Best Clean Products
If you are searching for a few clean beauty items to help you begin, know that there are a few items that may be most helpful to your appearance and wellness. These include skin products, makeup and teeth whitening products. Since your skin, mouth and tooth enamel are delicate, prioritizing clean ingredients in these areas can help you to avoid symptoms such as allergic skin reactions or discomfort.
Shop for clean products in the following areas:
- Skincare: Many of the most trusted clean skin brands will steer clear of sulfates, parabens and mineral oil. These ingredients are commonly added to soaps and moisturizers, but are also known to irritate the skin. Others will go further, banning hundreds of potential ingredients from their brand list. Some will be lab-created, while others will be natural. Experiment with what you like best. If your skin is sensitive, you should avoid synthetic fragrances and opt for vegan formulas. Some beauty stores have their seal of approval, which will help you to narrow down your choices.
- Teeth whitening: The safest products for your mouth and tooth enamel avoid ingredients like triclosan, parabens and propylene glycol. Look for convenient, gentle and effective items like teeth whitening gel and teeth whitening pens that you can use at home or while you are on the go. While these products are clean and vegan, they also help to make your teeth shades whiter while avoiding any discomfort of the tooth and gums. The Glow on the Go blue light device is a popular clean item that combines with other effective and clean teeth whitening solutions to maximize the power of your teeth whitening while helping to kill mouth bacteria.
- Makeup: For those who wear makeup daily, clean ingredients can help to keep your skin clearer and healthier. Make sure your lipstick, concealer and mascara are free of parabens, talc and any ingredient that begins with the letters “PEG,” which refers to the toxic chemical polyethylene glycol. You should also steer clear of paraffin, petrolatum and sodium lauryl sulfate. Clean makeup is popular, making it easy to search for brands and the best ingredients online. Many cosmetic stores even have a clean brand section in their store or on their website.
Discover the Benefits of Clean Beauty Products
Clean beauty products benefit everyone. While there are many toxic ingredients to avoid during your beauty routine, the good news is that there are plenty of hair, skin and teeth items that can make you look amazing without impacting your health and wellness. By using this guide as you shop, you can get acquainted with clean beauty and find your favorite products faster.
If you have more questions about clean beauty, natural beauty or issues like hormone disruption, do not hesitate to talk to a doctor. Everyone’s health situation is unique, so understanding which ingredients and chemicals affect your wellness can make it even easier to make decisions about your favorite beauty products. The journey to clean wellness is simpler than ever, with hundreds of brands available online or in your neighborhood. The few moments that you take to research clean beauty will benefit your body and mind for years to come. Soon, your clean items will have you feeling wonderful — inside and out.
Published on Holr Magazine