Personal Care & Beauty
The Power of Clean Beauty: Making Informed Choices for Your Skin
February 27, 2023
Fatma Say
5 min
If you're someone who cares about what you put on your skin, then you've probably heard of the term "clean beauty". It's a movement that's all about using products made with safe, non-toxic, and natural ingredients. But with so many products out there, how do you know what's actually clean and what's just greenwashing? Don't worry, we've got you covered! We're going to spill the tea on the ingredients you should avoid and the ones you should look for when choosing skincare and beauty products. So get ready to become a savvy shopper and start your clean beauty journey with confidence!
Step 1: Check the ingredients
First, always read the ingredients list! Look for products that contain all-natural and organic ingredients.
Second, the rules behind how ingredients are listed on the label is important. There are two types of ingredient lists: a main and a full one.
The main ingredient list includes the most important ingredients in a product that are highlighted on the product packaging. Generally, the ingredients list is arranged in descending order of concentration, which means that the ingredients with the highest concentrations are listed first, and so forth.
A full ingredient list includes all the ingredients in a product, even those that are present in small amounts or not considered as important, and can be found on the product packaging or manufacturer's website.
Cosmetic manufacturers in the US have a bit of leeway when it comes to listing the ingredients in their products. The FDA says they can list any ingredient with a concentration of less than 1% in any order after the ingredients present at 1% or higher. The big ones go first, and then the little ones can be stacked however they fit! Just keep in mind that those tiny ingredients can still pack a punch, so always read the label carefully.
Third, know why some chemicals are harmful and why they are considered harmful. It's no secret that many beauty products on the market today contain harmful chemicals and toxic ingredients that pose a risk to our health. Among the culprits are parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
Parabens are a type of preservative that help prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in products. However, they have been linked to hormone disruption.
Sulfates are detergents that create lather and foam in products. While they effectively remove dirt and oil from the skin, they can also strip away natural oils and cause dryness and irritation.
Phthalates are chemicals that are often used to create fragrances in beauty products. Unfortunately, they can also interfere with the endocrine system and have been associated with a range of health issues.
As we as consumers become more informed and demand greater transparency from brands, the need for safe, non-toxic, and effective beauty products has become increasingly clear. By educating ourselves on the potential risks of certain ingredients and choosing products with cleaner formulations, we can take steps to protect our health while still enjoying the benefits of skincare and beauty routines.
Step 2: Check the certifications
Look for certifications from top organizations like ECOCERT, USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny Certified, EWG Verified, and COSMOS. They each assess different attributes about a product and ingredient according to the certifications' dimensions. Let's dive deeper into these certifications, shall we?
ECOCERT products use only organic and natural ingredients that meet their standards, making them a great choice for those who want to avoid synthetic chemicals and support eco-friendly production practices. If you're looking to steer clear of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, USDA Organic products are the way to go. Leaping Bunny Certification checks for animal testing, so you can rest assured that a product with this certification has been produced with cruelty-free practices. For those who want to avoid potentially harmful chemicals and support sustainable production practices, EWG Verified products are the way to go. With these certifications in mind, you can make informed decisions about the products you use and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
Step 3: Check the packaging
Packaging plays a crucial role in protecting the quality and safety of beauty and personal care products. First, it is essential that the packaging is carefully designed and tested to ensure that it does not interact with the product's ingredients and compromise its efficacy. Second, choose packaging that is environmentally friendly and recyclable that can help reduce the industry's impact on the planet.
Step 4: Familiarize yourself with the brand
Research the brand! Check their values to ensure they align with your own beliefs about clean beauty. To go deeply, you can check their sustainability statements on their websites.
Navigating the world of beauty and skincare products can be a challenge, but we hope that this overview has helped to shed some light on what to look for in your skincare and beauty products. At flora.co, we take the guesswork out of finding high-quality, effective, and sustainable products by testing everything ourselves.
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