What is clean beauty?

What is clean beauty?

            For the past couple of years, a trend in skincare has been growing. The demand for cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, vegan, organically and ethically sourced products has been on the rise. Companies are now making it a selling point to point out that their clean beauty products are not only effect but good for the environment too.

Clean beauty products are products made without ingredients known to be harmful to humans. Some examples of clean beauty products are:

If you’re considering moving towards a “cleaner” beauty routine but don’t necessarily want to do a vanity overhaul here are some “unclean” ingredients to lookout for.

Unclean ingredients

Parabens are any of a group of compounds used as preservatives in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, these compounds are typically added to cosmetics and skincare to slow down the decaying of the product since they are usually made with biodegradable ingredients. This is an unclean ingredient because scientific studies suggest that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body, harm fertility and reproductive organs, increase the risk of cancer and cause skin irritation.

Formaldehyde is a colorless pungent gas in solution made by oxidizing methanol. When used in cosmetics formaldehyde is used as a preservative much like parabens and what makes it unclean is its ability to cause skin irritation and allergy with prolonged use.

Oxybenzone is a chemical compound typically found in sunscreen and has recently come under fire for being linked to hormonal disruption in men and women. It is also proven to cause skin allergies and considered a hazardous eye irritant.

Silica is a mineral found in sandstone, granite, and clay, as well as in parts of plants and animals. In cosmetics it is used a thickening agent and when synthetically produced is used as an absorbent powder. What makes this ingredient unsafe is if inhaled it is known to potentially cause severe lung inflammation, can be fibro genic, and cause cancer. There are safe types of silica to use that are specifically designed for beauty products.

These are just a few examples of ingredients deemed unclean and unsafe.

Will this clean beauty movement press on and become a standard?

I hope so. It is comforting to know that as technology advances, we are finding cleaner and safer ways to produce and use products.

BOXYCHARM: SPELLBOUND

BOXYCHARM: SPELLBOUND

New month, new box from BOXYCHARM! This month’s theme was Spellbound, I assume in respect to it being October and Halloween which is quickly approaching. All in all I like what I got this month. Since the move I have been meaning to rebuild my collection and these goodies came right on time.

What I got this month:

Glow Recipe | Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

MSRP: $34.00

This highlighting skincare and makeup hybrid visibly brightens skin and delivers an effortless glow, while helping reduce hyperpigmentation. The niacinamide-infused serum is formulated without mica, glitter, or pearls. It creates a lightweight, buildable texture that quickly absorbs, making it suitable for all skin types. Use as a hydrating highlighting serum before moisturizer or as the last step of your routine.

Ace Beaute | Falling for You Palette

MSRP: $34.99

The Falling for You palette represents some of your most favorite things about the fall season. Each color has been carefully milled and pressed to provide the easiest application and the most excellent color pay off.

Tynt Beauty | Lash + Brow Duo

MSRP: $29.00

This duo solves the endless search for Mascara and Brow Gel in the abyss of your makeup bag. It combines two products in one! The mascara is created with a smooth oil rich formula with strong color payoff, leaving lashes longer, naturally fuller looking, and thicker without clump. The brow gel is fine and creamy with enough color to achieve natural hair like strokes of color for fuller and well-defined brows.

Jelliez Beauty | Wing Stamp Eyeliner

MSRP: $22.00

Now wings are easier than ever! This stamp liner comes with dual sides, one wing shaped and one traditional pen shape. Super easy to use even for beginners. Just press the stamp onto the outer eye area and then use the pen side to connect and perfect.

Julep | Makeup Remover Towelettes

MSRP: $20.00

Simplify your routine with these 2-in-1 wipes that gently remove makeup and impurities while refining pores and toning skin with witch hazel, glycerin, and olive oil. Swipe cloth across skin to gently remove all makeup, even waterproof mascara, without tugging or pulling. No need to rinse. Suitable for all skin types, especially oily and acne- prone. 100% biodegradable.