Cosmetology has been around since 4000 BCE when Egyptians used galena (lead sulfide) and animal fat to make an eyeliner called kohl. Similarly, in Mesopotamia, makeup was used to signify status and beauty, with people using various substances, like crushed minerals, to create vibrant colors. Over the centuries, makeup has transformed from being a tool for only the elite to a widespread practice embraced by people across the world, continually reflecting changing beauty standards and advancements in the industry.
The beauty industry has come a long way in recent years, with more people realizing what ingredients are being put in their skincare and makeup products. Traditional beauty products typically contain a mix of chemicals and synthetic ingredients that may not be as good for your skin, but are used to make them long lasting and help prevent contamination and growth of harmful bacteria. Here is a list of 10 chemicals to avoid in your beauty care regimen. Then, in the late 1900’s the idea of clean beauty began and big companies like Aveda started coming out with toxin-free products. Clean beauty products focus on using natural, non-toxic ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals and prioritize transparency and sustainability.
In 2010, Tata Harper who is known as the founder of “clean beauty” started a luxury brand that was high quality as well as sustainable. She acquired products straight from a farm with little to no chemicals. The goal of the company was to make products “For women who refuse to risk their health for beauty.” This was a very successful marketing campaign because thousands of women began buying her products and began looking for other companies that would do the same. It was initially meant for people who had sensitive and acne prone skin but it rapidly became something everyone wanted their hands on.
If you still need some convincing on why you should make the switch here are five excellent and compelling reasons why.
1. Lack of Harmful Chemicals
One of the primary benefits of clean beauty is the focus on non-toxic ingredients. Clean beauty products are made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, or other chemicals that can potentially harm your skin or disrupt your body’s natural processes. Here is a list of list of common chemicals found in makeup and why they are harmful. Many of these substances have been linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and long-term health risks.
2. Better for Your Health
Clean beauty products are designed to be free from toxins, heavy metals, and preservatives that could potentially harm your health. Many conventional beauty products contain ingredients like phthalates, formaldehyde, or triclosan, which have been associated with various health issues over time. Phthalates are known to cause skin irritations and hormonal disruptions, and formaldehyde is linked and known to cause cancer. Switching to clean beauty means you are choosing products that are free from such potentially dangerous substances, allowing you to feel better about what you’re putting on your skin every day.
3. Better for the Environment
The benefits of clean beauty extend beyond just your skin. Many conventional beauty products contain ingredients that aren’t just harmful to your body but also to the environment. Chemical infused products can contribute to pollution, especially when they are washed off and end up in our water systems. Also clean beauty products are also often made in sustainable labs and put into recyclable containers. They are also paired with biodegradable applicators such as bamboo make up brushes.
Clean beauty brands, on the other hand, are often committed to sustainability and eco-conscious practices. This includes using recyclable or biodegradable packaging, choosing cruelty-free ingredients, and supporting ethical sourcing. Many clean beauty companies also work to reduce their carbon footprint and formulate products with minimal impact on the planet. Switching to clean beauty means you’re not only taking better care of yourself but also contributing to a cleaner, greener world.
4. Supports Long-Term Skin Health
While conventional beauty products often promise instant results (but at the cost of skin health), clean beauty takes a more holistic, long-term approach. Rather than masking skin issues or providing temporary fixes, clean beauty products nourish your skin over time, improving its natural function and resilience. They also have a lot of anti-aging boosters that will keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.
For example, plant-based ingredients like aloe vera and rose hip oil are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that protect and repair your skin barrier, promoting a healthier, more radiant complexion. Your skin barrier plays a huge role in your skin health and chemical products overtime strip this barrier so going “clean” will help you restore it. The use of tea tree oil which is known for its healing qualities is also seen used in a lot of clean beauty products. The gentle yet effective nature of clean beauty products can lead to clearer, more balanced skin without the risk of over-drying or irritating the skin. The ingredients are so natural that you can even sometimes find them in your backyard or kitchen. Here is a list of 10 Items Found in your Kitchen to use for Beauty Care.
5. Promotes Beauty Without Compromise
Many people think due to the lack of chemicals and additives that make makeup long lasting and germ free aren’t attainable through clean brands. In no way does switching to clean means sacrificing quality or performance. It is a common misconception due to the lack of research and testing that was available when clean beauty began. Clean beauty products have come a long way in terms of innovation, delivering high-performing results without harmful chemicals. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing moisturizer, a bold lipstick, or a long-lasting foundation, the clean beauty market has options that cater to every need, skin type, and preference.
Clean beauty doesn’t mean you have to choose between luxury and ethics. Many clean beauty brands now offer premium formulations that easily surpass conventional beauty products in many ways. You can have both a high-performance skincare routine and peace of mind knowing your products are both safe and effective.
Product Recommendations
Here are some popular, and recommended clean make up products to get you started.
Foundation
Powder
Blush and Lip Color
Mascara
By choosing clean beauty, you’re embracing products that are not only safer for your skin but are also formulated with care for the planet. With so many options available today, there’s never been a better time to make the change and experience the long-term benefits of clean, conscious beauty.
So, why wait? Give your skin the love it deserves by switching to clean beauty today!
