Clean products don’t clog pores, aren’t harmful to the skin, don’t interact with other products you may use, can balance your skin tone, and give off a nice radiance to perfect a youthful glow.
Clean beauty products aren’t to be confused with natural products. The term “clean” means that the product follows cruelty-free and sustainable practices, banishes potentially toxic ingredients, and is full of botanicals, vitamins, and minerals that nourish your complexion.
When buying beauty products, here are some key things you need to add to your repertoire:
For your lips:
Botanical oil-based lipstick or gloss is superior to anything else on the market. The slip, fragrance, and taste are phenomenal. They’re so much better than a purely synthetic blend. The oil-based formulas, like that of Kosas Cosmetics, work with oils such as castor, coconut, grapeseed, and sunflower. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that hydrate and protect your lips. Organic formulas turn to natural colorants like beets and blueberries. Stay away from anything with FD&C on the label. Oftentimes, to get the vibrant hues, they use food and drug colorants like those found in children’s candy gummy bears.
For your eyes:
Only used sustainably sourced products that have safety data to support their claims. Surprisingly, many of the synthetic products for your eyes are clean and safe to use. Physicians Formula is one brand you can trust to use clean ingredients.
For your face:
The good news with blushes, setting powders, and bronzers is they come from the earth. Titanium dioxide, silica, zinc stearate, rice powder, cornstarch, and vegetable dyes all create formulas in many different shades that blend well with many different skin tones.
Many beauty products are clay-based, which makes them fit nicely into the clean product category. Anything that is derived from sand or natural substances can be considered clean, provided there aren’t any added ingredients.
Always read the labels carefully to ensure you’re choosing the right products that don’t contain harmful chemicals and don’t harm the planet. Even if some products claim to be clean, read the fine print. Minute amounts of plastic, like those in some powders and ointments, can be harmful to your skin and to the environment.
The United States doesn’t currently have clear policies or standards when it comes to clean beauty products. It’s easy to mistakenly believe the personal care industry in the United States is highly regulated, but it’s not. The terms “natural,” “organic,” and “pure” can fool consumers into believing they’re choosing the right products. Vet your products like you would anything or anyone you may potentially invite into your life. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Look for safer options. Read the labels. Know which ingredients to avoid. Don’t be afraid to say no or go without until you can find the perfect clean option. Your skin will thank you if you for doing your due diligence first.
By: Luna Agassi