CLEAN BEAUTY • Definition

There are trends not only in the fashion world, but also in the beauty world. One beauty trend of the last few years is minimalism, true to the motto "less, but better". Cosmetic brands focus on using as few and natural ingredients as possible.

What is saved inside is revealed on the outside: Clean Beauty products are often stylishly packaged and thus decorate the bathroom.

Clean Beauty brands show: external and internal values are by no means mutually exclusive. On the contrary: Holistic beauty is the order of the day! In this Clean Beauty Guide we examine ingredients and show you which cosmetic ingredients you can do without.

What is Clean Beaut?

Clean Beauty stands for products that work without controversial ingredients. This means that the skin is supplied with natural oils and nutrients.

Conventional cosmetics on the other hand work according to the problem-solving principle. This means that if the problem is impure skin, for example, the solution is to remove the impurities by drying out the skin. However, this way the skin produces more sebum and new impurities are formed. This is even partly desired in conventional cosmetics because the customer has to buy the product again.

Clean Beauty, on the other hand, is mostly plant-based, always cruelty-free and uses high-quality ingredients. Brands consciously pay attention to the environment.

Certified natural cosmetics is the supreme discipline here. However, not every brand can afford certification.

Cosmetic Ingredients Check

A close examination of the ingredients is worthwhile, because not everywhere where clean is written on the label is clean in it. Our Clean Beauty Guide shows you which critical ingredients you should avoid in the future:

Microplastic

Microplastics can be found in products such as shower gels, peelings and decorative cosmetics. It gets into the environment via waste water, where the small plastic particles and animals and humans are absorbed.

Silicones

Silicones are frequently used in hair care and facial care products. They have a smoothing, fixing and padding effect. However, these synthetic substances can also cause endocrine system disorders and reproductive toxicity. Furthermore, silicones replace high-quality vegetable oils and are therefore only a cheap alternative for the industry. However, vegetable oils strengthen the skin, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Palm oil

The high demand and use of conventional palm oil leads to the destruction of rainforests and habitats of many animal species.

Parabens

Propyl and butyl parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetic products and are suspected of causing hormonal imbalances and increasing the risk of cancer.

PEG

Polyethylene glycol is produced from crude oil. Drilling to extract oil has negative consequences for our climate. Many species of animals are threatened by this, as for example about 100,000 tons of oil are released into the world's oceans every year, polluting coral reefs and beaches. In addition, PEGs-based emulsifiers weaken the skin barrier and can thus enter the body through the skin.

Mineral Oils

Mineral oil products also consist of filtered petroleum. They are used, for example, in creams, lotions, lip care sticks and nail varnish. Paraffin only has a short-term caring effect. Mainly, the pores clog up so that the skin can no longer breathe and dries out in the long term.

Sulfates

Sulphates are salts which are obtained from sulphuric acid and have both a cleansing and foaming effect. However, they are very aggressive and damage the protective lipid layer. This means that hair and skin can dry out considerably. Furthermore, the sulphates quickly irritate the skin and cause redness.

Formaldehydes

Formaldehyde is often contained in skin and hair care products. As it can be produced cheaply, it is used as a preservative. Formaldehyde causes the skin to age faster and even small amounts of the substance suspected of being cancerous can irritate the mucous membranes and trigger allergies.

The following names in the list of ingredients are considered as warning signals: Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl UreaBronopol, Quaternium-15, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Methenamine, 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, 2,4-imiazolidinedione and 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane.

oXybenzone

Oxybenzone are also irritating and are used as chemical sunscreens. They are very easily absorbed by the body through the skin and are suspected of causing hormonal disorders and allergies.

Phthalates

Phthalates are plasticizers and are also suspected of causing endocrine system disorders.

Synthetic fragrances 

Some synthetic fragrances are considered potential allergens and can therefore cause allergic reactions such as itching or eczema. Sensitive or neurodermitic skin is particularly at risk. A good alternative for synthetic fragrances are natural essential oils.

Last but not least: animal testing

Clean Beauty products should avoid animal testing for the final cosmetic product, its prototype or components thereof. Nor should manufacturers commission animal testing or use ingredients that have been tested on animals by third parties. To learn more about this, check out our cruelty-free article.

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