What Does “Clean Beauty” Mean in 2022?
Many brands have taken it upon themselves to define clean beauty in a way that benefits them the best.
To me, clean beauty products must meet these specific criteria: clean ingredients, transparent labels, and animal friendly.
Clean beauty is a movement that started in a response to growing concerns within the industry about the safety of beauty products.
This affects any and everyone who washes their hair, washes their face, and/or wears makeup. It’s important to be aware of the ingredients in said products and avoid exposing yourself to harmful chemicals, as these products end up being absorbed directly into your blood stream.
Clean beauty is about making ourselves more aware of what exactly is in our products, since the beauty industry lacks regulation.
Did you know there are only 11 ingredients banned in our beauty products in the US? Did you know that the UK bans over 1300 ingredients? So, those US “organic” and “vegan” products you may be buying are more often than not still full of toxic chemicals, silicones, parabens, etc. Unfortunately, store bought, and many “professional” grade products are not as safe as we’d like.
Below is a list of ingredients you should definitely stay away from.
Parabens
Risk of cancer. Parabens can activate the hormone estrogen. High levels of estrogen have been found in breast cancer tumors. Scientific studies suggest that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk on cancer. They can also cause skin irritation.
Sulfates
Irritating to both the scalp and the skin. Sulfates can be too effective at washing away oil, which can leave your hair or skin parched. If your skin or scalp are sensitive, sulfates can cause irritations like redness or itching.
DEA/MEA
Irritating to the skin and eyes and can be linked to chronic disorders. It contributes to organic system toxicity, increases risk for cancer, and possible hormone disruptor.
Phthalates
Long term exposure can be very toxic. Linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer.
PEG
Can be linked to chronic disorders. The process of making PEG creates toxic byproducts. The starting materials used to create PEG are highly toxic to humans and are known to have carcinogenic properties.
Harmful Fragrances
Irritating and linked to health effects including cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities.
Phenoxyethanol
Can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Exposure to this chemical has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. Infant oral exposure can acutely affect nervous system function.
Glutens
Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Sodium Chloride
Can cause dryness and dehydration.
Harmful Colors
Can be toxic to the skin and scalp and linked to chronic disorders.
Harsh Salt Systems
Can cause dryness and dehydration.
Want to make the switch to clean beauty but have no idea where to start?
Simply start with the products you have now. You may already be using clean products; you may not be. The best way to find out is to simply look at the ingredients. A resource that I personally love that makes it easier for me to determine what products are safe and what aren’t is the app ThinkDirty. You can type in the brand of products you’re using and learn all about how clean they truly are and what is in them.
There are some great clean beauty options out there on the market, you just have to find them! Personally, I use Monat products the most right now. I have been using them for four years now and I feel safe knowing that I can truly trust what is in them, especially given how incredible the scientific advisory board is and how transparent the labels are. AND they meet all the UK beauty industry regulations.
Go to my “Contact Me” tab at the top of the page to put in an inquiry for a free consultation to get the best recommendations curated for you!
