Is Clean Beauty A Hoax?

The straight answer is yes. The 'must have' clean beauty is a trend that has blown up and out of proportion. Although, challenging the status quo proves quite challenging when we're all hypnotised by what social media tells us.

But, with the massive rise in interest comes lots of doubtful questions asking:

"What does clean beauty mean?"

Now we all know skincare can be a very confusing topic (creating the perfect foundation for conspiracies that make us go into panic mode - understandably, especially when it's our health we're talking about), so we want to keep things as straightforward as possible…

Simply put, clean beauty is skincare that is free from any harmful and toxic ingredients. However, because there is no official definition, it is easy for any brand to call themselves 'clean.' No two retailers can agree on which ingredients are damaging. This means that what is considered 'clean' to one beauty brand is subjective, and with no one to check the facts, the beloved title gets misused, and the topic becomes more complex with widespread misinformation. So why are consumers devoted to keeping their skincare 'clean' when dermatologists still disregard the concept?

When Did Clean Beauty Start?

When the skincare brands launched 'clean' product ranges, the trend was further amplified with the rise of the wellness trend, specifically 'clean eating.' Many believe that clean beauty is just a marketing ploy that unnecessarily demonises a host of safe and effective chemicals. Is clean beauty just an excuse to raise prices and cause the dismissal of other (potentially more honest and transparent) brands?

Are Clean Beauty Products Worth It?

Often, no. There is a complete disjoint between beauty retailers' idea of 'good' and 'bad' ingredients and scientific facts. Also, there are many additional factors to consider that complicate the concept further…

It's Time For Clean Beauty To Come Clean!

• The dose size matters; high concentrations of one ingredient may be problematic, but a low concentration can benefit the skin.

• One big myth we need to set straight is the boycott of Parabens. According to EU and FDA regulations, Parabens in their current form are officially considered safe to use, and there is no scientific evidence that suggests they are harmful when used appropriately and carefully. Some brands use other alternatives, which are often not screened or safety assessed extensively, undermining the reliability of clean beauty.

• Also, genetics play a massive role in how different ingredients impact the skin, making it so important to further understand your skin by using a Skin Diagnostic that considers this so you can identify your true skin needs.

• Ever remember being told to never eat berries off a bush? Lots of the most poisonous ingredients come from nature, but more myths arise because many believe 'natural' products are less harmful. However, due to their reliance on plant growth conditions (which are constantly changing and are hard to guarantee), the effectiveness and safety of these products can fluctuate considerably.

This all makes you wonder if paying the steep price for 'clean' products is actually the most efficient and budget-friendly route to great skin.

Still Don't Know Where To Start?

Your best bet is to rely on brands that clearly state that they carry out clinical testing and their claims are backed up by experts and scientific facts. Sounds familiar? Head over to our insights to find out more about us!

Author - Lily Scales