Clean beauty is a commonly used term in the beauty industry. Companies offering these products offer a compelling advantage beyond personal care — they also actively promote the wellness of the environment. Discover what lies behind this claim and what makes clean beauty products better for the planet.

What Clean Beauty Means

The term “clean beauty” has no universally agreed-upon definition, which is why it can mean many things. It usually refers to items and services that use safe, sustainable ingredients. It’s a growing industry, with the global market predicted to reach $15.3 billion by 2028.

Why Does It Matter?

There are only 11 cosmetic ingredients currently banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means harmful chemicals such as parabens, petroleum, fragrances, phthalates and heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic and zinc might still be in products you use.

Your skin deserves only the best. It’s your body's largest organ, protecting you against the external environment. However, the very product intended to help you achieve your beauty goals can harm your health and the planet. You might not notice it now, but the chemical effects add up.

Additionally, beauty waste is an alarming concern. Improperly recycled plastic, paper and glass packaging can end up in landfills, adding to the growing global waste problem.

Given the potential harmful effects, you can say that clean beauty is more than just a trend. It’s a proactive way of protecting the environment and your health.

Is Clean Beauty the Same as All-Natural?

Just because it’s a clean beauty product doesn’t mean it contains plant-based or organic ingredients. Remember, “natural” is not synonymous with “safe,” as some ingredients can harm the skin, including:

Citrus juices and oils
Bergamot oil
Peppermint
Alcohol
Cinnamon

Consequently, not all synthetic ingredients are unsafe. Dimethicone, sodium benzoate and boron nitride are some components that are OK for most skin types. The focus of clean beauty is on avoiding harmful substances.

What Makes a Beauty Product Clean?

While many companies may claim to be clean, it’s not a regulated term. As a consumer, pay attention to the details when choosing beauty products. These are a few clean beauty green flags to help determine if a product is actually good for the environment.

Environmentally Friendly Packaging

Packaging is often the most obvious indicator of whether a brand is clean and eco-friendly. Clean beauty brands such as ATTITUDE and Beekman 1802 use naturally derived, recyclable, biodegradable or compostable materials to lower their environmental footprints. Some brands also offer refillable packaging options to reduce landfill waste.

If a product comes in a plastic container, chances are it’s not clean or green.

Non-Toxic Ingredients

A beauty product’s substances can seep into the environment and damage the ecosystems, so it’s important to read the ingredients when picking out a product. Look for brands that employ sustainable farming methods and reduce water pollution, soil erosion and pesticide use. Additionally, clean enterprises should openly disclose their sourcing, manufacturing processes and ingredient list.

Ethical Practices

True clean beauty organizations focus on fair trade initiatives, supporting social equity alongside sustainability. Companies that follow fair trade practices will often disclose this on their website. These companies also do not test their products on animals to promote the humane treatment of all living beings. Look for brands carrying certifications like Leaping Bunny or a cruelty-free logo from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Support Clean Beauty

If you want to make the shift to clean beauty, keep these factors in mind when shopping. Not every company that claims to be clean truly upholds eco-friendly and ethical practices. With a bit of research, you can find companies that you’ll feel good about supporting.

Exploring Clean Beauty: What's Actually Good for the Planet?