Who hasn't come across the term 'clean' beauty? I know I have. And really, who wouldn’t want their beauty products to be clean? But have you ever stopped to think about what 'clean beauty' really means? You might be surprised to find out that it’s not as simple as it sounds. The concept of 'clean beauty' is actually quite nuanced, and there's no one-size-fits-all definition. What the marketing suggests and what it actually means can be two very different things. Let’s dive into what 'clean beauty' really is.

The Confusion Around 'Clean Beauty'

We all love the idea of 'clean beauty' and people will spend a lot on products that promise just that. But did you know that 'clean beauty' doesn’t really have a clear definition? This can make things pretty confusing for us as consumers. For some people, it may mean products without synthetic chemicals, while for others, it’s all about using natural or plant-based ingredients, or animal free testing. But because there’s no set standard, what one brand calls 'clean' may not match your definition of 'clean.' It really depends on the brand you choose, and there's no universal standard. Unfortunately, it's mostly a marketing term by brands today.

'Clean' is just the start...what about other marketing terms?

You’ve probably seen terms like 'dermatologist approved' or 'medical grade' on beauty products and thought, 'This must be great, it must be stronger and more powerful!' But just like with 'clean,' these buzzwords are meant to make us feel more confident about the product. But here’s the catch—they don’t really mean anything! A true 'medical grade' product is a prescription, otherwise it's just an over-the-counter product like every other! And while I love to see that things are 'dermatologist-approved,' this doesn't have a set or defined standard. Was it 100 dermatologists? Perhaps just one? Even the term 'dermatologist approved' can be nebulous and undefined. So just like with the term 'clean,' these terms don't have a standard definition and aren't regulated. Often times it's more about marketing than the actual quality or safety of the product. So next time you see these claims, it’s smart to stay skeptical and do your own research. As always, buyer beware!

How to really find 'clean' products? 

When it comes to choosing 'clean' beauty products, I have a simple rule: they should be free from common skin irritants like fragrances, certain preservatives, and essential oils. These ingredients can often times trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities, even though they’re marketed as 'natural.' Just because something is labeled as natural doesn’t mean it’s gentle on your skin, especially if you’re prone to sensitivity. For those with sensitive skin, avoiding these potential irritants is really important. So, always keep an eye on the ingredient list and remember: natural doesn’t always mean better when it comes to your skin! Instead, enjoy your botanicals in their natural state!

Keeping Your Skin Barrier Healthy

When I think about 'clean' beauty, the health of your skin barrier is really important. A strong skin barrier helps protect your skin from harmful things and reduces irritation. To keep your skin barrier in good shape, use gentle products that don’t irritate. Look for ingredients like phospholipids, ceramides, and glycerin in your skincare routine. These help your skin stay moist and healthy. For the best results, choose products that support and strengthen your skin barrier and won't strip it of it's moisture or damage it.

Use powerful actives that are well-studied

If you're looking for anti-aging and skin-brightening effects, stick with known actives that pack a punch!  Vitamin C and vitamin A (aka retinoids) do just that. Vitamin C helps brighten your skin and even out your skin tone thanks to its antioxidant powers. Retinoids on the other hand boost cell turnover, build up collagen and help reduce fine lines. And yes, these products are natural! Just don't go rubbing an actual lemon or carrot on your skin!

What You Need to Know About Essential Oils and Plant-Based Ingredients

Plant-based ingredients are often praised as being safer and more natural, but there’s a catch. Not all of them are as gentle as they might seem. For example, essential oils can be very strong and are a potent cause of allergic reactions and can irritate your skin. Even though they come from plants, and yes, smell very nice, they can be too much for our delicate skin! The more we're exposed to these products, the higher the chance of having an allergic reaction as we've sensitized our skin to them. So for beautiful, healthy skin, stick to less irritating ingredients.

Sustainability and Simplicity

For me, a big component of 'clean' beauty simply means using less! When we buy less and consume less, we create less waste. And a simple but effective skin routine is all our skin really needs! So it's a win-win for skin and the environment. Despite what skincare companies may want you to believe, buying more 'clean beauty' products isn't really clean after all!

Want to learn more about clean beauty and go behind the scenes with a dermatologist turned skincare creator, then be sure to check out this week's podcast with Dr. Lindy Fox to get the real scoop on clean beauty. Is it genuine or just a buzzword? Learn what clean beauty really means, the top products to use, and the biggest myths about clean beauty.

Find Dr. Lindy Fox here:

https://www.instagram.com/drlindyfox/

https://www.instagram.com/vetteddermlab/

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-lindy-p-fox

A new podcast episode drops every Monday!

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