What is "Clean Beauty"?

Natural MumDec 11, '23

The clean beauty movement is growing in Australia and around the world, with experts indicating that this is the future of cosmetics and makeup.

Natural Skincare and Makeup - What is Clean Beauty?

Despite the increasing popularity of clean beauty, the lack of unity in defining the term still leaves many people uncertain about the subject. With that in mind, this content will cover:

  • Clean Beauty: What Is It?
  • What Are the Benefits of Clean Beauty?
  • Which Ingredients Are Considered Clean Beauty?

Enjoy Clean Beauty with Natural Mum. Keep reading to understand more about the Clean Beauty Movement and how to select clean beauty products. Let's begin!

The clean beauty movement consists of brands and consumers attentive to health and environmental issues related to the choices of cosmetics and makeup used in daily life.

Clean beauty is a reflection of increased awareness regarding the products used and the importance of clean formulations that promote long-term health and well-being for consumers.

Although not synonymous, the clean beauty movement is reinforced by other trends in the cosmetics universe, such as organic, vegan, and cruelty-free products.

A study conducted in the UK by the Soil Association, for example, revealed that:

  • 79% of consumers are more inclined to purchase organic products.
  • 41% opt for organic beauty out of concern for sustainability.

Another study indicated that the term "vegan beauty" already represents 13% of beauty conversations, but only 4% of available products in the market.

Despite these strengthening movements, they do not directly signify clean beauty. Let’s discuss the nuances below and stay informed about the clean beauty universe!

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Clean Beauty: What Is It?

The term clean beauty does not have a single definition, but we can understand it as referring to cosmeceutical products with clean formulations, free of toxic agents in the formulation.

This means that a clean beauty product is free of several components that can cause harm to health and disruption, such as:

  • Parabens
  • Sulfates
  • Phthalates
  • Petrolatum
  • Lead
  • Fragrances
  • Preservatives
  • Chemical filters

These components are controversial, with studies proving their harm to consumers, such as allergies, hormonal changes, concentration of heavy minerals in the body, and more.

Thus, the clean beauty movement aligns with overcoming the use of these ingredients in cosmetic formulations, but it may involve the use of synthetic compounds or even those of animal origin.

Therefore, a cosmetic classified as clean beauty will not necessarily have organic, natural, vegan, or cruelty-free components.

If the consumer aligns with these principles, they should seek additional information in the product's formulation and the brand's values.

Being transparent, committed, and ethical with consumers, clearly naming and informing the components of formulations, is also part of the clean beauty movement.

For many clean beauty experts, some companies are investing in clean formulations aligned with clean beauty but not following other natural beauty movements.

Some call this practice greenwashing, meaning companies only coat their practices, developing clean formulations without a real alignment with the clean beauty movement.

Thus, it is important for the consumer to evaluate what is relevant to them, considering whether the brand meets their principles and ensures an efficient but safe formulation.

What Are the Benefits of Clean Beauty?

The growth of the Clean Beauty movement is not unfounded, as several benefits can be observed by consumers from the first use.

In addition, the advantages of clean beauty extend to the environment due to the proposal of conscious and transparent consumption involved in brand policies and among supporters of this transformative lifestyle.

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Esthetics

The esthetic benefits are the first and an important concern for those who adopt clean beauty cosmetics—they need to deliver the expected aesthetic results.

Esthetic benefits are due to the fact that clean beauty products, whether with synthetic or natural components, result from research and technological development.

This means that it is a misconception to think that clean beauty is synonymous with handmade products.

Many brands, such as Dr. Hauschka, invest heavily in research for cleaner, safer, and more efficient formulations.

In addition, esthetic advantages are also observed with the reduction of allergies, burns, or skin irritations resulting from formulations with toxic agents.

Health

Esthetic benefits are an initial advantage of clean beauty cosmetics, but not the only one. By removing toxic and controversial elements from formulations, the movement aims to maintain the health and well-being of consumers in the long run.

One of the most critical aspects of "dirty" formulations is their long-term health risks. According to doctors and dermatology experts, allergenic products can worsen the condition of sensitive skin.

"Mild and non-irritating ingredients are more suitable for sensitive or melasma-prone skin, for example," explains dermatologists.

For those with acne and blackheads on the face, Clean Beauty products are also excellent alternatives because they are free of toxic substances that can eventually worsen the condition.

To give an idea—and going beyond the skin—parabens, present in many cosmeceutical formulations, inhibit the action of estrogen, increasing the levels of this hormone in the body.

In the long run, this elevation of estrogen is related to cell division and increased chances of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer.

Another dangerous component is lead, which, despite not being included in the formulation, can contaminate other components and is present in more than 650 products, such as chemical sunscreens, foundations, nail polishes and lipsticks.
In the long run, the accumulation of lead in the body is associated with the development of neurological problems, increased risks of spontaneous abortion and fertility changes.

Therefore, the commitment of the clean beauty movement to eliminate these components from cosmetic formulations is a victory for the health of consumers, who now have clean and efficient options.

Awareness

As seen, although clean beauty is not synonymous with natural, organic, or vegan products, it is common for these attributes to go hand in hand.

Clean beauty is a movement committed not only to cosmetics with clean, safe, and transparent formulations but also to promoting greater awareness of consumption and environmental and social impact.

As a result, it is more common to find clean cosmetics that use biodegradable packaging, with programs for conscious disposal and with products that respect and value seasonality and local production.

Which Ingredients Are Considered Clean Beauty?

Clean beauty cosmetics can have various ingredients extracted from plants, synthetic or of animal origin.

In the case of Dr. Hauschka, in addition to being clean, the ingredients are organic and natural, suitable for all skin types: oily, dry, combination, acne-prone, and mature.

Dr. Hauschka’s line of clean beauty skincare and makeup takes care of the skin with all the gentleness of nature but with the power of technology for you to achieve the best results.

Here are some favorite products from Dr. Hauschka

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