What You Need to Know About Clean Skin Care
The ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products can make a big difference in how skin looks and feels. But not all chemicals are good for your health or the environment, especially ones like parabens, phthalates and sulfates.
A growing number of people are turning to clean skin care, looking for safer options that still deliver on results. But what does that mean exactly?
1. Look for the label “no parabens” or “no sulfates”
When shopping for clean beauty, look for the label “no parabens” or “no sulfates.” Both of these ingredients are known to be very toxic. They are used to create a thick lather in soap, shampoo, body wash and conditioners. They can be very drying on the skin and can cause a lot of irritation. They also disrupt the endocrine system and can be absorbed through your skin.
The EWG recommends avoiding all products that contain parabens and sulfates. You can look at the ingredient list on the back of the product to find out if it contains any of these chemicals. They are often disguised by names like methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben.
Having clean, healthy skin is an important goal for many people, but it can be hard to know which products are actually safe to use. There’s no official definition of “clean beauty” or “clean skin care,” so brands can use the term however they want. And with so many different products on the market, it’s easy to get lost in the confusion.
When choosing clean skincare, look for ingredients that are organic, natural or plant-derived. These ingredients are generally more gentle than their synthetic counterparts. You should also look for products that are free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and petrochemical byproducts. And make sure to consider the environmental impact of the product, including packaging and shipping.
2. Look for the label “natural” or “organic”
Natural skin care refers to products that use ingredients that are found in nature, such as plants or animals. These are usually safer for your body, the environment, and the farmers who grow them. However, it’s important to note that the word “natural” is unregulated, and can mean different things to different companies. For example, some companies may label their products as “natural” even if they contain synthetic preservatives and other chemicals.
In contrast, the term “organic” is regulated by federal law and is only allowed in the product name if the ingredient is actually organic. To be considered “organic,” the ingredient must have been grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and must be produced in an environmentally responsible way. This ensures that the product you’re buying is truly “natural” and safe for your skin.
Unfortunately, the word “natural” has become a buzzword in the beauty industry and is often misused and misinterpreted. This means that many companies are using it to make their products seem environmentally friendly when they’re not. For example, some companies may claim that their products are “natural” even though they contain ingredients such as palm oil, which is harvested from rainforests and contributes to deforestation.
Fortunately, there are some great clean beauty brands that offer products that are both natural and effective. You can find them by looking for the label “clean,” or by searching for products that are free of common toxins, like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. There are also some products that are both organic and nontoxic, such as WODA Skin Care’s line of skin care bundles. Whether you choose organic or nontoxic, it’s important to read the labels of your products and look for a period after opening (PAO) symbol or manufacturing date so that you can be sure that they’re fresh.
3. Look for the label “free of phthalates”
Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetic products. They are found in products such as nail polish, perfumes and hair sprays. They are also found in some plastics, including vinyl flooring and food packaging.
Phthalate-free beauty products are a great way to avoid these potentially harmful chemicals. They are usually safe for all skin types, but they may not be a good choice for sensitive skin. Avoiding phthalates will help keep your skin looking healthy and clear.
When choosing a product, it’s important to read the ingredients list. Look for the label “phthalate free” and check for a warning symbol on the product’s packaging. The phthalates warning symbol looks like a triangle with three arrows. Avoid products that contain phthalates and plasticizers such as DBP (dibutyl phenyl ketone) or DMP (dimethylpentyl phthalate).
You can find a wide selection of clean beauty products at Nordstrom. The company’s “natural beauty” category includes products that are free of phthalates, sulfates, parabens, fragrance, mineral oil, petroleum, petrochemicals, coal tar, triclosan, hydroquinone and gluten.
If you are interested in finding clean skincare products that meet your specific needs, talk to your dermatologist. They can recommend the best products for your skin type and condition.
It is also a good idea to avoid using plastic wrap and plastic food containers. Instead, use glass or stainless-steel containers to store and reheat your food. These plastics contain phthalates, which are released when they are heated. If you can’t stop using plastics, try to choose those with the recycling symbol #3, which are less likely to release phthalates. You should also avoid reusing any plastic containers that have been heated.
4. Look for the label “free of artificial fragrances”
The “clean beauty” movement has grown beyond products with all-natural ingredients and is now a broad category that can include clean makeup, hair and skincare. The term clean beauty has no official definition but is commonly associated with products that are free of toxic chemicals known to cause skin irritation and health problems, like parabens, sulfates, phthalates and synthetic fragrance. Some brands go further, with formulas made only from natural or organic ingredients and taking sustainability into consideration.
Synthetic perfumes are a common ingredient in most cosmetics, but they can be a major problem for your skin. Many companies will use them because they are cheaper than natural scents, but they’re often loaded with phthalates (which are hormone disruptors) and other chemicals that can lead to rashes or allergic reactions.
Fragrance-free products can still have a smell because they might contain natural perfumes or extracts, such as rose water or essential oils. The best way to avoid these is to look for a short ingredients list and check that the product is labeled as hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
Another important point to remember about avoiding perfumes is that even when they’re on your body, these chemicals are likely to end up in the environment. They can also run off into the water supply, so if you’re concerned about your environment and want to keep it safe for yourself and others, make sure your clean skin care routine includes only fragrance-free products. And if you do have an allergy or reaction, be sure to see a board-certified dermatologist or allergist who can perform a patch test for you. They’ll be able to help you find an appropriate formula for your unique needs.
5. Look for the label “free of animal testing”
What you put on your skin absorbs into your bloodstream and can have a profound impact on the health of your body. Whether it’s a facial cleanser, a youth-boosting super serum, or a skin-saving hydrating mask, clean beauty products are made without ingredients that have been shown to harm humans. These clean products are also more likely to be sustainable, supporting companies that are taking steps toward earth-friendly practices like recycling programs, using fewer plastics in their packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, or even simply planting trees.
At goop, we believe that clean skincare should be luxurious and high-performance—no sacrifices on either front. That’s why we’re committed to sourcing and selling only the best clean skincare products, from a natural face wash that delivers a gorgeous glow to a skin-saving eye cream that hydrates around the delicate area. Our team is a collection of experts who love testing and recommending products that work well, smell good, and have an impeccable ingredient list.
But how exactly do you know that your favorite products are “clean”? As the clean beauty movement continues to gain momentum, it’s important to understand what exactly this label means. In the end, clean beauty is a philosophy that allows brands to tailor their standards and define their own products in a way that aligns with their ethical values. While some people confuse this philosophy with natural or organic, these two terms are not the same. The “clean” philosophy is broader than just natural or organic and scrutinizes ingredient selections a bit more broadly to exclude ingredients deemed harmful by the founders of the brand. It’s a personal choice that allows you to shop consciously and choose the products that make you feel most confident in your beauty choices.
