Clean beauty is becoming increasingly popular, but what does it really mean? Since there’s no legal definition of clean beauty, it’s a somewhat nebulous term that can be tricky to pin down. However, since the goals of the clean beauty movement centre around health, wellness and sustainability, I definitely feel that it’s worth investigating. Let’s take a closer look at what clean beauty really means and how it might benefit you.

What Does “Clean Beauty” Really Mean?

There’s no industry agreed upon definition of clean beauty, but the most popular explanation seems to be that clean beauty products do not contain any ingredients that may harm human health. Basically, it means no toxins or suspicious chemicals. It’s closely tied in with organic beauty and plant-based products but without a legal definition, this is not guaranteed. 

Surprisingly, the US cosmetics industry is not very well regulated. In fact, just 11 cosmetic ingredients are banned by the FDA whilst in Europe, there are around 1,300 banned ingredients. Now, it’s worth noting that the European Union includes a lot of pretty random ingredients on their list, but nonetheless, it’s clear that the USA has got work to do. 

Some people extend the definition of clean beauty to include ingredients that do not harm animals or the environment. Again, due to a lack of regulation, the term “clean beauty” does not guarantee that a product was sustainably produced. 

Many – but not all – clean beauty products are also cruelty-free and vegan; for more information on these terms, check out this guide. 

Where Did the Clean Beauty Movement Come From?

Clean beauty is a relatively new term; it’s only been floating around for a few years. It certainly coincides with the explosion of the wellness industry, which is expanding at twice the rate of global economic growth. This trend is very likely to continue post-pandemic. This link certainly doesn’t seem like a coincidence to me; as society, we’re becoming increasingly concerned about our health and wellbeing, so the emergence of the clean beauty movement is a natural consequence of this. 

Furthermore, the skin care industry saw a spike in sales thanks to the covid-19 pandemic. With much of the world stuck at home, many cosmetics companies took a hit as consumers shifted their attention towards skin care. In fact, skin care has been compared to the cosmetic equivalent of loungewear which I think is a very apt analogy. Long story short, we’re thinking more than ever about what we put on our skin. 

Meanwhile, creators like YouTube sensation Hyram Yarbo have enjoyed a huge surge in their popularity during the pandemic, and have then used this platform to encourage their followers away from skin sensitizing ingredients whilst raising awareness of the issue. More consumers than ever are learning about skin care ingredients and seeking cosmetics products with natural, non-irritating formulas that don’t strip their skin. 

Ingredients to Avoid 

Parabens 

Parabens have had a bad reputation for a while now, but are they really so terrible? 

Well, parabens are particularly dangerous for women and have been linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Many suspect that they also cause reproductive and immune issues. Whilst there’s no out-and-out proof that parabens are skincare’s biggest bad guy, they are definitely suspicious and best avoided. Better safe than sorry!

Phthalates

The EU has banned phthalates due to their damaging impact upon fertility in both men and women. Worryingly, however, they’re still present in many cosmetic and personal care products in the USA. 

Triclosan 

This ingredient causes environmental damage, as well as harming reproductive and thyroid functions in the body. 

Fragrance/Parfum 

The anti-fragrance movement really took off in 2020. Fragrance in skin care isn’t totally awful, but it’s certainly something to be aware of. Personally, I like some of my products to contain fragrance as it creates a luxurious experience. However, fragrance is not a necessary ingredient and it offers no benefits to the skin itself. In addition to this, it can be an irritant for some people and aggravate existing issues. Furthermore, since fragrances are “trade secrets”, brands do not have to disclose the ingredients in their fragrances, so you can’t be totally sure what you’re putting on your skin. 

The Best Clean Beauty Brands 

Since there is no legal definition of clean beauty, finding the best clean brands can take a lot of time and research. I’ve done all that work so that you don’t have to. Here are the best clean beauty brands to try: 

Burt’s Bees 

Burt’s Bees have long had a reputation for being a reliable lip balm brand, but did you know they’re also one of the best clean brands out there? Celebrities including Blake Lively and Selena Gomez have declared their undying love for this clean, affordable brand. 

RMS Beauty 

Prominent A-list makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift started to research toxic chemicals after she began to experience some serious health issues. When she discovered just how many harmful ingredients are present in beauty products, Swift launched RMS Beauty, her namesake clean cosmetics line. All RMS Beauty products use food grade, organic ingredients to heal and nourish the skin. Many celebrities, including Miranda Kerr, have proclaimed their obsession with the brand and the profound anti-aging effects that the products have had on their skin. The Un Cover Up concealer in particular is a cult favorite.

Vintner’s Daughter

Plant-based skin care brand Vintner’s Daughter uses pure, powerful botanicals to deliver transformative results in a safe and effective way. The brand’s goal is to naturally enhance the skin to promote balance and repair. It’s a splurge, but this luxury clean beauty brand is worth every penny. 

Youth to the People 

There’s something so wholesome about this California-based, family-owned clean beauty brand. Youth to the People is also vegan, cruelty-free and sustainably produced, meaning that it ticks just about every possible clean beauty box. As if this weren’t enough, the brand also offers free skin care consultations and advocates for a number of social justice causes. This brand really is clean beauty at its finest – or should that be cleanest? 

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to read this guide to the best cruelty-free makeup brands on the market.