Confused about ‘clean’ beauty products? Here’s what to know about this trending term
“Clean” skincare and personal care products are trending right now, but what does it mean for a beauty product to be considered “clean”?
Unfortunately, there are many different definitions of “clean” in skincare, and it has largely become a marketing term rather than a scientific one. Beauty retailers like Target, Walgreens, Ulta and Sephora all have their own definitions of clean beauty, as does California’s Prop 65.
The problem is that “clean” often means many combined things, such as “environmentally friendly,” “reef safe,” “cruelty-free” and “non-toxic” and is not regulated or defined by the FDA. In addition, many “clean” products are also labeled as “vegan,” organic” or “gluten-free.” This makes it confusing for consumers to make the best beauty and skincare choices.
How to find the best clean skincare products
So what can you do to sort marketing terms from meaningful, scientific ones when choosing skincare products?
▪ Do not rely on marketing terms on the front of the bottle. Flip the package over and read the ingredient list. If you are unsure about a particular ingredient, you can use free online resources like the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic ingredients database to look them up, or ask your skincare professional. You can also use tools such as the “clean” filter at skintypesolutions.com when searching for products.
▪ Stay on top of the latest skincare news. Dermatologists and other skincare experts are working on a consensus of what “clean” means.
▪ Work with a board-certified dermatologist to get a customized skincare regimen and product recommendations so you know the ingredients are safe and right for your skin.
Bottom line
It is unfortunate that terms such as “clean,” “non-toxic” and “organic” are so confusing when it comes to skincare. We hope that the research that is being done now can help to create a clearer definition of terms like this one so that consumers have all the tools they need to make informed skincare decision.
To stay up-to-date on the latest in skincare news and science, follow Baumann Cosmetic on YouTube or @BaumannCosmetic on Instagram or Facebook.