How Clean is “Clean Beauty”... Really? Let’s Talk.

Let’s be honest. “Clean beauty” is everywhere. I use the term too. It sounds good, doesn’t it? Fresh. Innocent. Like a skincare smoothie that whispers, “I’m good for you.”But here’s the tea: how clean is clean beauty, actually?

Spoiler alert: not as clean as you think.

Nothing Is 100% Pure—Let’s Start There

Once you pluck something from its natural source—say a lovely plant or botanical—it begins its chemical journey. It’s extracted, processed, stabilised, combined with other ingredients, maybe emulsified, preserved... you get the picture. It’s no longer “untouched nature.”And that’s not always a bad thing. But let’s not pretend it’s still skipping through fields singing “I woke up like this.”

So, What Is Clean Beauty Supposed to Mean?

Here’s the (slightly uncomfortable) truth: there’s no official definition of “clean beauty.”No regulations. No rulebook. No Clean Beauty Fairy Godmother checking ingredients with a wand. So, brands? They make it up. Interpretations vary wildly.

At its core, clean beauty generally refers to products that:

✔️ Avoid ingredients known to be harmful (think: hormone disruptors, carcinogens, irritants)✔️ Are safe for human health✔️ Often lean toward natural and organic sources✔️ May be cruelty-free, vegan, sustainably packaged, or transparent about sourcing

But “clean” can be used loosely—and frankly, sometimes misleadingly.

Red Flags to Watch For 👀

Yes, conventional beauty products can—and often do—contain ingredients that are legally allowed but not necessarily safe in the long run.Think: skin irritants, hormone disruptors, allergens, even antifreeze (shoutout to propylene glycol in your face cream—yikes).

Here’s a peek at some ingredients you might want to gently back away from:

🚫 Parabens🚫 Synthetic Fragrance/Parfum🚫 Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)🚫 Formaldehyde🚫 Petroleum Derivatives🚫 Hydroquinone🚫 Triclosan🚫 Oxybenzone🚫 BHA/BHT🚫 Talc🚫 Artificial Dyes & Colours

And remember—ingredient safety isn't black and white. The EU bans over 1,300 ingredients in cosmetics. The US? Around 30. Yep, you read that right. So depending on where you're shopping, your “clean” product might not be so squeaky.

What Should You Look For Instead?

Let’s flip the script. Before you get distracted by gorgeous packaging or eco-sounding buzzwords, ask yourself:

🧼 What makes this brand “clean” in the first place?🧴 Are the ingredients high-quality and actually effective?🌍 Are they sustainable or just using recycled paper for brownie points?👩‍🔬 Do they explain their formulations? Who's behind the brand?💬 Is there transparency—or just marketing fluff?

Pro tip: Flip that label. The first ingredient is what the product is mostly made of.If “aqua” is first, and your vitamin C (the star of the show!) is buried at the bottom? Might be more hype than help.

Bottom Line? Conscious Beauty is Evolving—So Should We

The clean beauty movement has sparked something amazing: more informed, label-reading, no-nonsense consumers. You’re asking questions. You’re challenging brands. You’re choosing better—for yourself and the planet.

But remember: “clean” is a vibe, not a guarantee. So do your homework, trust your gut, and support brands that walk the walk—not just talk the marketing talk.

And if you’re unsure? Ask the questions. Any brand worth your money will be happy to answer.