As someone deeply invested in skincare and beauty, I’ve made it my mission to delve into the realm of clean makeup. Clean beauty isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good and prioritizing our health. I know that it may seem like a step too far, but you have to understand that clean makeup presents a fascinating intersection of science and self-care. It’s not just about slapping random products onto your face. It’s about being selective about what you’re buying, what brands you’re supporting, and just how much you’re invested in your health.
However, I also know that this topic can be a confusing one. Particularly for those who don’t have any knowledge into cosmetic chemistry, and the impact that certain ingredients can have on our health. And that is exactly why I have decided to share some of my insights into the industry. First of all, I want to give a major disclaimer — I’m not claiming that “non-clean” makeup is dangerous or toxic. All I am saying here is that it’s always good to be informed, and have a realistic understanding of what is actually going into our beloved makeup products.
Why Use Clean Products?
Okay, let’s start with a question that many of you will ask — Why should I be using clean makeup products in the first place when my regular routine has been working so well for me? Trust me, I get it. I have been using conventional makeup for years myself, and I know how good some of these formulas are working. However, it’s not just about performance. It’s also about safeguarding our health and well-being.
Traditional makeup products often contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals that can have adverse effects on our skin, overall health, and the environment. I know that this sounds like something that was made up by the “clean beauty” industry. But the more research you do, the more you’ll realize how true it is.
So, by opting for clean, non-toxic makeup, we minimize our exposure to these potentially harmful ingredients, reducing the risk of irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health issues. Which could be particularly beneficial for those of you with sensitive skin types, or chronic autoimmune diseases.
Common Harmful Ingredients to Avoid
To give you a better idea of what I am talking about, let’s go over some of the most common harmful ingredients that you can find in conventional makeup products. Once again, I want to remind you that I am not claiming that any of these ingredients are evil. However, it is proven that they can have adverse effects, especially in sensitive individuals.
Parabens
Let’s start with one that I don’t completely hate — parabens. These synthetic preservatives are commonly used in cosmetics to prevent microbial growth. However, not all of them are completely safe. Studies have linked certain parabens to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and even breast cancer. I would strongly encourage you to do more research on this topic yourself and decide if you want to go the “paraben-free” route.
Synthetic Fragrances
Next on the list, we have synthetic fragrances. I’ll talk a bit more about this topic later on, because I really believe that it has no place in makeup or skincare, whatsoever. Synthetic fragrances are composed of numerous undisclosed chemicals, many of which can be irritating or allergenic. They can trigger respiratory issues, headaches, and skin irritation in sensitive individuals. That’s why I would encourage you to choose products scented with natural essential oils or labeled “fragrance-free”.
Lead
Lead is a heavy metal that can contaminate certain colorants used in cosmetics, especially lip products. Chronic exposure to lead has been linked to neurological damage, developmental delays, and reproductive issues. It’s not talked about enough, but lead poisoning is actually a fairly common thing, particularly in low-income countries. Even though lead shouldn’t be found even in “non-clean” makeup products, some smaller brands that have manufacturing facilities in lower-income countries still experience occasional lead contaminations.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics to prevent bacterial growth. However, it is a known carcinogen and respiratory irritant. Formaldehyde-releasing compounds, such as DMDM hydantoin and diazolidinyl urea, can also release formaldehyde over time. Therefore, I would strongly encourage you to opt for formaldehyde-free products to reduce your exposure to this hazardous chemical.
The Talc Controversy
Next on the list, we have talc. However, I kind of separated this ingredient into a different section because I truly believe that a lot of people still haven’t gotten the memo of how bad talc actually is.
Looking at it from the outside, talc is one of the most common ingredients in makeup. It’s mostly found in powder products, such as blushes, eyeshadow, powder foundation, or bronzers. However, even though it’s so commonly used, talc is absolutely not safe.
The issue with talc is that it’s often found alongside asbestos, a known carcinogen, raising worries about contamination. Studies have explored potential links between talc use and health issues like ovarian cancer and respiratory problems. Johnson & Johnson actually faced lawsuits alleging talc products caused cancer. Some resulted in significant settlements, but others were dismissed. This has led to calls for stricter regulation and transparency in the industry.
Maybe you’ve noticed that a lot of makeup brands are starting to reformulate their products and go the talk-free route. For example — Nars recently decided to reformulate all of their blushes and create a talc-free formula. Way to go, Nars! And even though a lot of people claim that you simply need talc to create a good powder product, newer makeup launches like these prove that you absolutely don’t.
Fragrance in Makeup
Next, I want to talk a bit more about fragrance. Obviously, this is a common ingredient in makeup products, and I totally get the appeal of it. Remember those Too Faced pallets that smelled like peaches? How fun was it to use those? However, the inclusion of fragrances in makeup raises several concerns, particularly regarding its potential to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues.
One of the primary issues with fragrance in makeup is its complex composition, often comprising numerous chemicals, many of which can be irritating or sensitizing to the skin. Even natural fragrances derived from essential oils can trigger adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
Moreover, the term “fragrance” on ingredient labels can be vague, serving as a catch-all for undisclosed chemicals. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to trust labels. Especially if you have a fragrance sensitivity. Another concern is the potential for fragrance to exacerbate existing skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea. Fragrance compounds can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function, leading to increased sensitivity, inflammation, and redness, particularly in individuals with sensitive or reactive skin.
Possible Issues of Clean Beauty
Of course, I want to be completely transparent with you. Even though I am a huge fan of clean makeup, I’m not saying that everything is sunshine and rainbows over here. There are also some potential drawbacks. So, let’s go over them as well.
Greenwashing
One major concern is the lack of standardized definitions and regulations surrounding the term “clean.” Unlike terms like “organic” or “vegan,” which have clear guidelines, “clean” beauty is often subjective and open to interpretation. And it can be a bit difficult to navigate your way through that. As a result, some brands may engage in “greenwashing“—marketing products as clean or natural without substantiating these claims. This can mislead consumers and undermine the integrity of the clean beauty movement.
Limited Availability
Another issue is the limited availability of clean beauty products, particularly in certain regions or niche categories. If you’re living in a smaller country, and you have a smaller budget, it could be hard for you to get your hands on some solid clean beauty formulations. Sure, awareness and demand for clean beauty are growing. But it will still take a while until all consumers have equal access to clean alternatives.
Possible Sensitivity
Additionally, some clean beauty ingredients, while natural, may still cause skin sensitivities or allergic reactions in certain individuals. Just because a product is labeled as “clean” doesn’t guarantee it’s suitable for everyone, underscoring the importance of patch testing and ingredient awareness.
Why Clean Beauty is Still Better
Despite the potential issues, clean beauty remains a superior choice for many consumers for several compelling reasons. Firstly, clean beauty prioritizes safety and transparency by excluding harmful chemicals and toxins commonly found in conventional cosmetics. By opting for clean products, consumers can minimize their exposure to potentially hazardous ingredients, reducing the risk of skin irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health issues.
Additionally, clean beauty formulations often harness the power of natural ingredients like botanical extracts, vitamins, and minerals, providing added skincare benefits while enhancing our natural beauty. These ingredients are carefully selected for their efficacy and safety, ensuring products deliver results without compromising on health or environmental integrity.
Furthermore, the clean beauty movement promotes sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmental stewardship, aligning with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly and socially responsible products. By choosing clean beauty, consumers can support brands that prioritize sustainable practices, cruelty-free ingredients, and minimal environmental impact.
