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Clean Beauty Review: Turning Confusion Into Understanding

  • 5 minute read
Clean Beauty Review: Turning Confusion Into Understanding

By Charlotte Hope-Shannon

Clean Beauty, a term that has overwhelmed the beauty industry in previous months and for good reason. As our desire for an environmentally conscious planet has increased, so too has our desire for ‘natural’ and sustainable beauty. 

By name, Clean Beauty, lacks any formal definitions. So, without any official standard, it has surfaced under an umbrella of varying and often confusing, ideas. 

With hope of aiding this confusion, we have reviewed what ‘clean beauty’ really means, for us and our products.

In the same way that the fashion industry faces the problem of greenwashing, the beauty industry is also facing a new era of misunderstanding. A product labelled ‘clean’ or ‘green’, may indeed be the opposite. And as a result, the credibility of sustainability in the beauty industry is also questioned.

The term ‘clean’ lacks clarity. But, in short, Clean Beauty means (or should mean) safe for human use and environmentally mindful.

And, this may be a surprise, but this also includes some synthetic ingredients too. For example, Hyaluronic Acid and Salicylic Acid. Safe synthetic ingredients are made using chemical copies of natural ingredients, are bioavailable and do wonders for the skin.

In other words, it’s important that we do our research.

Clean Beauty Review: Turning Confusion Into Understanding

Clean Beauty: Let’s Stop The Confusion

Here at KeiSei, whilst we promote ethical and natural products, we also recognise that some industry terms may be confusing. So, we want to help make it easy for you all to understand.

Firstly, to be ‘clean’ or ‘green’ doesn’t always mean better. Nor does it always mean sustainable. This is why research in the beauty industry is so important. As skincare industry expert and facialist, Caroline Hirons states:

“there is nothing green and sustainable about pillaging the earth relentlessly for ‘natural’ ingredients.”

Caroline Hirons, skincare (2020)

Likewise, the term ‘natural’ is somewhat loose, as is the term ‘chemical-free’. This is where the confusion lies. In short, ‘chemical-free’ doesn’t exist. And, not all chemicals are harmful. Whether naturally derived or synthetically made, all ingredients are chemicals. Even water is a chemical.

In other words, everything goes through a chemical process before it becomes a finished product. Each beauty/skincare formulation, naturally derived or not, has to go through a scientific, man-made preservation process to maintain formulation stability. This is essential and entirely beneficial for our skins needs.
Clean Beauty Review: Turning Confusion Into Understanding

Below is a list of some well-known ‘chemicals’ which are beneficial:

  • (BHA) Salicylic Acid – derived from willow bark, targets acne & blackheads, anti-inflammatory.
  • (AHA) Glycolic Acid – a chemical exfoliant, collagen booster, reduces fine lines, targets pigmentation.
  • (Vitamin A) Retinol – usually applied in the PM, targets fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture, promotes skin renewal.
  • Zinc Oxide – found in broad spectrum sun creams – creates a protective barrier, anti-aging, soothes, eases inflammation.
What is important, is that when shopping for safe synthetic or ‘natural’ products, we focus on finding official certification marks and verifications. This ensures that what we’re buying aligns with our own personal and environmental ethos.

Why Clean Beauty Needs Science

Science in the beauty industry ensures that safe and legal assessments have taken place prior to product distribution. Therefore, science plays a key part in ensuring that products are secure and therefore, ‘clean’. This is regardless of whether a brand claims to be ‘chemical-free’ or not.

Most importantly, what we need is education, transparency, regulation and a more mindful approach to marketing, packaging and the environment. And, within this education and regulation, we need a simple solution to product definitions. 

It’s important that as consumers we understand what exactly it is we are buying before we part with our money.

So, we have done the research for you. We have put together three of our favourite sustainably conscious brands, which actively promote honest and reliably sourced products. Each brand provides detailed information and promotes sustainable, ethical and natural products within the beauty industry.

Some Of Our Favourite Clean Beauty Brands

Haircare - Davines

A classic Italian brand founded with strong, sustainable and transparent initiatives. Original, sustainable, natural and a firm favourite for all haircare lovers. I particularly love the NOUNOU range – the nourishing repair mask works wonders after just one use! 

Clean Beauty
DAVINES | MELU SHAMPOO FOR FINE, DELICATE HAIR 250ML | £17.50
Clean Beauty
Davines | oi all in one milk 50ml | £15.50
Clean Beauty
Davines | nounou nourishing repair mask 250ml | £23.00

Skincare - Elemis

British skin wellness brand Elemis, hold a strong a commitment to results and the environment. They have “pioneered the use of natural and bio-engineered ingredients in highly transformative formulations for over 30 years.” A firm favourite in skin therapist kits!

Elemis Skincare
elemis | superfood facial oil 15ml | £45.00
Elemis Skincare
Elemis | pro collagen super serum elixir 15ml | £53.00
Elemis Skincare
elemis | pro collagen cleansing balm 100g | £44.00

Makeup - Chantecaille

One of France’s most prestigious brands, Chantecaille “sets a luxurious standard in the world of modern, botanical skincare and cosmetics.” They believe in the healing powers of flowers and plants, and build their formulas on pure ingredients and smart science. Chantecaille is free of: Phthalates, Sulphate Detergents, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Palm Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances and GMOs. They are also Cruelty-free and Vegan Friendly. 

Chantecaille
chantecaille | radiance gel bronzer 20ml | £36.00
Chantecaille
Chantecaille | cheek gelée 23ml | £39.00
Chantecaille
Chantecaille | mermaid eye colour 4g | £29.00

What Does Clean Mean To You?

Clean Beauty is entirely relative to each individual. And, something that may be right for one, may not be right for another. So, it’s important to define what clean beauty truly means for you personally. To help, why not think about the following four questions below:

  • What is your personal, environmental and ethical ethos?
  • What is your skin type and what are your skincare needs?
  • What ingredients/classifications do you want in your beauty/skincare products and which benefit your skin type the most?
  • And, how does this effect your relationship with the products you currently own?

Once you can answer these four questions, actively seek out products, brands and ingredients that align with your personal philosophy.

Clean Beauty Review: Turning Confusion Into Understanding

The beauty industry has a long way to go in its definitions and formulations. However, we are moving into a place where regulation and the need for transparency is on high demand.

Trends are fun, but what’s most important is our continued contributions to the wellbeing of the environment. As well as our focus on personal ethos. After all, skincare and beauty should be enjoyable, not harmful!

What are your thoughts on Clean Beauty? Do you have any favourite brand?

Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation over on our Instagram Page!

Charlotte Hope-Shannon

Charlotte Hope-Shannon

Charlotte is a freelance writer from the UK. With a strong interest in literature, she is passionate about offering an openminded, diverse and critically conscious perspective on fashion, culture & the arts.

Charlotte Hope-Shannon

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