In this day and age, the beauty industry has seen such a great transformation to a more conscious approach towards skincare and cosmetics commonly referred to as "clean beauty". The movement emphasizes on safety in ingredients used, transparency in labeling as well as ethical methods of production. This piece gives an insight into what clean beauty is, its pros and cons alongside discussing some of the standout brands like Cosmetics 27, Brûmée, Milkier, Nuori, Plainly, The Grey and Wildcrafted Organics.
What does clean beauty mean?
It refers to products that are intentionally made without proven or suspected toxic substances. Synthetic chemicals and preservatives are often avoided by clean beauty products which instead prefer natural, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. Transparency is considered as the main foundation in clean beauty philosophy where consumers need to be aware of whatever they apply on their skin.
The term "clean beauty" does not have clearly documented origin. It is challenging to pinpoint a single individual or entity who first coined phrase. The concept has evolved over time and it is a part of a broader movement towards natural and non-toxic beauty products within the industry. The term gained more significance in early 2010s. Around this period consumers started to be more aware of potential health risks that can be associated with application of certain synthetic ingredients commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products.
Brands like Cosmetics 27 or RMS Beauty played pivotal roles in popularizing the term by emphasizing transparency and safety. They advocated for non-toxic ingredients. These companies along with others in the clean beauty movement, have helped to define and shape what clean beauty means today.
Benefits of clean beauty
- Non-Toxic and safe ingredients:
One key advantage of beauty products is their use of gentle non toxic ingredients. These items guarantee that users avoid exposure, to substances such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates and artificial fragrances all of which have been linked to health concerns.
- Environmentally friendly and conscious:
Natural beauty brands prioritize sustainability. They often employ cruelty testing methods utilize eco packaging and procure biodegradable and sustainable ingredients. This approach not reduces the footprint but also promotes ethical production practices.
- Transparency:
Transparency plays a role in beauty products. Brands offer ingredient lists. Steer clear of vague terms like "fragrance," which could hide numerous synthetic compounds. This transparency empowers customers to make choices about the products they use.
- Ideal for sensitive or allergy prone skins:
Clean beauty products are usually kinder to the skin. By excluding chemicals and artificial additives these products are suitable for individuals with skin or those prone, to allergies and irritations.
Disadvantages of clean beauty
- Cost:
One of the downsides of clean beauty products is they can be more expensive than the non clean alternatives. This is because of the cost of natural and organic ingredients and sustainable packaging.
- Shorter Shelf Life:
Without synthetic preservatives clean beauty products may have a shorter shelf life. They can expire faster and need to be stored more carefully.
- Efficacy:
While clean beauty products can work, some critics say certain synthetic ingredients in conventional products are hard to replicate with natural alternatives. So sometimes clean beauty products can be perceived as less effective for certain skin concerns.
Clinical test results
Clinical studies have supported efficacy and safety of clean beauty ingredients. For example research on plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile and green tea extract has shown their effectiveness. These ingredients help reduce inflammation. They provide antioxidant protection. They also improve skin hydration (Oxford Academic).
Another study published in the British Journal of Dermatology compared effects of bakuchiol. It is a plant-based alternative to retinol. Retinol itself was also compared. The study found bakuchiol was equally effective in reducing fine lines. It also reduced wrinkles and pigmentation. It improved skin elasticity and firmness. Additionally bakuchiol had fewer side effects, such as dryness and irritation. This makes it a viable and gentler alternative to retinol (Oxford Academic).
One notable example is study published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. It demonstrated formulations containing green tea and Ginkgo biloba extracts significantly improved skin hydration. They also improved elasticity and barrier function over a 30-day period (JDD Online).
Last but not least article published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology examined effects of serum combining vitamin C and vitamin E and green tea polyphenols. This study found significant improvements. It enhanced appearance of fine lines wrinkles, skin smoothness and radiance after 12 weeks of use It showcased potential of natural ingredients in anti-aging skincare (JDD Online)
These examples underscore potential benefits of clean beauty ingredients in providing effective skincare solutions. They come without associated risks of synthetic chemicals.
Exemplary clean beauty brands
Nuori is renowned for its commitment to freshness and purity. Their products are made in small batches every 12 weeks. This ensures maximum potency and efficacy. Nuori avoids synthetic preservatives stabilizers and other additives. This makes them standout in clean beauty realm.
Brûmée stands out with its innovative approach to fragrance. They offer alcohol-free perfumes made from natural organic ingredients. This commitment to clean. Non-toxic ingredients sets them apart in fragrance industry.
Cosmetics 27 combines natural ingredients with advanced biotechnology. Their products are designed to support skin's natural regeneration process. They avoid harmful chemicals. By focusing on biocompatible ingredients they ensure safety and efficacy.
Plainly focuses on simplicity and transparency. They offer minimalist formulations with short list of natural ingredients. Their commitment to avoiding synthetic chemicals and preservatives ensures their products are effective and gentle. They prioritize quality. Affordability is also a key aspect.
Milkier emphasizes use of dairy-derived ingredients in skincare products. These ingredients are combined with other natural and organic components. They provide nourishing and hydrating benefits. Milkier does this without use of synthetic additives.
The Grey is men's skincare brand that focuses on clean formulations. They use natural ingredients. They avoid harmful chemicals. This makes their products suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Wildcrafted Organics sources its ingredients from wild and organic farms. This ensures highest quality and potency. The brand's dedication to sustainable and ethical sourcing. Combined with its use of potent natural ingredients it makes it leader in clean beauty movement.
Conclusion
Clean beauty movement represents significant shift towards more conscientious skincare and cosmetics. It prioritizes safe non-toxic ingredients. Transparency and sustainability play a key role. Clean beauty brands offer products that are not only effective but also ethical and environmentally friendly. Brands like Nuori, Plainly, Brûmée, Cosmetics 27, Milkier, The Grey and Wildcrafted Organics exemplify principles of clean beauty. They offer high-quality products catering to wide range of skincare needs.
References
- British Journal of Dermatology, "Prospective, randomized, double‐blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing." Volume 180, Issue 2, February 2019.
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, "Synergistic Effects of Green Tea and Ginkgo Biloba Extracts on the Improvement of Skin Barrier Function and Elasticity." 2014.
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, "Benefits of Plant-Based Ingredients in Skincare." January 2021.
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, "Novel Vitamin C and E and Green Tea Polyphenols Combination Serum Improves Photoaged Facial Skin." 2021.
- Nuori official website: https://nuori.com
- Plainly official website: https://weareplainly.com
- Brûmée official website: https://www.brumee-parfum.com
- Cosmetics 27 official website: https://cosmetics27.com
- Milkier official website: https://milkier.com
- The Grey official website: https://thegreymensskincare.com
- Wildcrafted Organics official website: https://wildcraftedorganics.com.au
