By Hemangi Dhir
02-Aug-2023
The world of beauty is witnessing a transformative revolution with the rise of clean beauty. It has captured the hearts of beauty enthusiasts worldwide with its promise of safer, ethically-sourced, and environmentally-friendly products.
The term clean beauty describes cosmetics and personal care products that are made in an ethical and environmentally conscious manner using safer, non-toxic chemicals. Growing knowledge of the possible dangers posed by several synthetic chemicals frequently found in conventional beauty products as well as a desire for more ethical and sustainable alternatives, are the driving forces behind the movement.
At its core, clean beauty shuns harmful chemicals that once dominated the cosmetic kingdom, such as parabens, sulphates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Instead, these benevolent beauty concoctions are made from a treasure trove of naturally-derived ingredients that caress the skin like a gentle breeze on a summer day.
Hemangi Dhir, Founder, Botnal
In this realm, transparency reigns supreme. Clean beauty brands open their ingredient lists to their customers, leaving no room for secrets. The beauty spells they cast are clear and honest, empowering consumers to make informed choices about what they adorn their bodies with.
Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Clean cosmetics often omit dangerous substances including parabens, sulphates, phthalates, formaldehyde, and artificial perfumes. These substances may increase your chance of developing skin rashes, allergies, hormone disruption, and possibly some types of cancer. Instead, natural and organic products that are thought to be safer for customers are frequently used by clean beauty firms.
Transparency: Clean beauty brands prioritise transparency by clearly labelling their products with all the ingredients used. They are more willing to share information about sourcing, manufacturing processes, and the environmental impact of their products. This helps the consumers to make informed choices about the products they choose to buy.
Cruelty-free and Vegan: Many clean beauty brands are also committed to being cruelty-free, meaning they do not test their products on animals. Additionally, some of them are vegan, which means their products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Sustainable Packaging: Clean beauty companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly and sustainable packaging practices. This may include using recycled materials, reducing excessive packaging, and opting for biodegradable or recyclable options.
Focus on Natural and Organic Ingredients: Clean beauty products often emphasize the use of natural and organic ingredients, sourced from plants and minerals. These ingredients are believed to be safer for the skin and less harmful to the environment compared to synthetic counterparts.
Third-party Certifications: To back up their claims and reassure consumers, some clean beauty brands obtain third-party certifications from organizations like EWG (Environmental Working Group), Leaping Bunny, or COSMOS (Cosmetic Organic and Natural Standard). These certifications verify the safety and ethical practices of the products.
Personalised Beauty: Clean beauty also involves a more personalized approach to skincare and cosmetics. Brands may offer a range of products to cater to various skin types and concerns, promoting a more targeted and effective beauty routine.
Challenges and Controversies
While the clean beauty movement has gained popularity, it is not without challenges and controversies. One of the main challenges is the lack of a universally accepted definition of what constitutes "clean" in the beauty industry. This ambiguity can lead to greenwashing, where some brands may market their products as clean even if they contain potentially harmful ingredients.
Another concern is the belief that natural automatically equals safe. Natural ingredients can still cause allergies or other adverse reactions in some individuals. Moreover, some synthetic ingredients may be safe and have been thoroughly tested.
Clean beauty is a celebration of purity, transparency, and compassion, turning the ordinary beauty routine into a joyful and conscious journey. Clean beauty is not just a trend; it's a movement that harmonizes with nature's brilliance.
The rise of clean beauty reflects a growing consciousness among consumers about the products they use and their impact on personal health and the environment. As the movement continues to evolve, it's essential for consumers to remain informed and discerning about the claims made by brands. Checking for third-party certifications, reading ingredient lists, and doing research will help consumers make informed choices that align with their values and priorities.
By Malini Adapureddy
