Clean cosmetics ·

How The Clean Cosmetics Revolution is Finally Changing Everything (And Why You Should Care)

 HEL-LO! Are you aware that the era of “clean beauty” is finally here?!

What does “clean beauty” mean, you ask?

Clean Beauty advocates products that are natural, toxin-free, and plant-based - plain and simple. This novel approach divides beauty products into what’s natural and clean vs. what’s toxic and laden with unhealthy ingredients. 

Plus there’s a lot of reason to embrace it, beyond just the fact it will feel great & look good on your skin. Fun fact: the global market value for natural cosmetics is expected to rise from ~$34 billion dollars in 2018 to $54.5 billion by 2027. That’s a lot of lipstick! 

And why does this matter?

Well, if you were to grab a magnifying glass and take a close look at all of your beauty products: color cosmetics, lotions, powders, lipsticks, cleansers, and whatever else you smear on that gorgeous face—how many do you think probably contain nasty surprises?  (It’s ok - don’t worry. That was us too. We’ve all got to start somewhere.)

But that does NOT mean we need to stay there. Because after all, aren’t we doing this to keep our skin healthy and clean? To nourish and love ourselves, and give ourselves what we deserve? 

Yes – we think so too. And that’s exactly what makes all these new developments so exciting! Because now, everything’s changed again. And clean cosmetics are finally here to stay. 

So in this guide, we’re going to show you how clean cosmetics can help with sensitive skin, what types of chemicals to avoid, the natural ingredients you should consider replacing them with, and of course the go-to brands that we recommend. 

Vegan-Friendly, Clean Cosmetics: Brands to Know, Love, and Trust

There’s new kids on the block, and you better believe they’re packing some heat. 

One of the hottest new clean cosmetics brands, XOTIQ Cosmetics is a standout amongst brands we love & trust. 

Stacking up the benefits of a healthy & natural approach to lipstick, XOTIQ delivers a unique new collection of luxury lipsticks that are designed to relax and rejuvenate by including the vitamins & minerals we know we need: Vitamins A, D, and E, plus essential fatty acids. 

But where they take it a step further is in their unique infusion of CBD (which is apparently pretty difficult to get right, but numerous other benefits. And while it’s important to note that while some are still debating the  legality of CBD and its sister plants (at least in the U.S.) – we’ve got to say, we’re quite happy with the results. 

Other brands rising up in the clean cosmetics market include Follain, Credo, The Detox Market, Vapour, and Beautycounter, just to name a few.

We are so proud of all of these brands for working hard to eliminate harmful ingredients from their products, and it’s so exciting to see the industry shifting in lockstep. Just last year, Sephora announced the launch of Clean, the company’s completely new category that only includes products formulated without toxic ingredients. Those that meet Sephora’s ingredients guidelines are deemed “clean” and receive the retailer’s Clean seal of approval in the form of a badge. 

Are you one of those people with sensitive skin? Don’t worry – you’re not alone.

In fact, the term “sensitive skin” has become a common phrase many people say to describe a variety of different skin concerns, ranging from general irritation and dryness to actual medical conditions, like eczema and rosacea. 

And while everyone’s skin is sensitive to a certain degree, having sensitive can mean different things depending on who you are. But in each case, it does mean is that your skin probably needs a little extra care, which is totally fine, and makes you are great candidate for experiencing the benefits of naturally clean cosmetics because of the extra difference it can make for your skin. 

Skincare is important, but what’s different about caring for sensitive skin?

Nurture Sensitive Skin with Clean Cosmetics

 Are you one of those people with sensitive skin? Don’t worry – you’re not alone.

In fact, the term “sensitive skin” has become a common phrase many people say to describe a variety of different skin concerns, ranging from general irritation and dryness to actual medical conditions, like eczema and rosacea. 

And while everyone’s skin is sensitive to a certain degree, having sensitive can mean different things depending on who you are. But in each case, it does mean is that your skin probably needs a little extra care, which is totally fine, and makes you are great candidate for experiencing the benefits of naturally clean cosmetics because of the extra difference it can make for your skin. 

 

Skincare is important, but what’s different about caring for sensitive skin? 

 

Well, sensitive skin has to be treated differently. Not every product suits people with sensitive skin, and those with it often have to try new and different things until they find something that works for them. 

It’s almost like you have to be a detective just to figure out what’s best for your body – but it’s worth it, because at the end of your hunt you feel way more soft, smooth, and empowered!


How do you know if you have sensitive skin? 

The most common signs of sensitive skin are dry skin and breakouts. Other signs include redness, skin itchiness, and red bumps or rashes from mild skin reactions. If your symptoms are more severe, it is best to see a dermatologist or a skin specialist to make sure it is not eczema, rosacea, allergies, or other medical conditions – just to be sure.


Skin: The Largest Organ…Your Face Tells a Story

Your skin is a living, functional layer of an organ that protects the body from its environment. Plus it’s huge: making up a total surface area of around two square meters, which is roughly the same amount of square feet as a queen size bed. 

While our skin provides an essential function—namely, protecting our insides from damage, it’s fairly easy to forget that our skin needs a little protection too. Keep in mind whenever you put anything on your skin, from lotion to makeup, that it will eventually be absorbed internally. 

So the skin acts as an intelligent barrier with its own “skin microbiome” that keep away toxins and infections. Whenever this ecosystem doesn’t function effectively, it causes two main problems:

  1. Moisture escapes causing sensitive or dry skin. 
  2. Toxins enter causing breakouts or reactive skin.

This dysfunctionality of our skin barrier is what causes people to experience sensitive skin.


What’s Inside Your Cosmetics: Knowing the Hidden Dangers

 

Have you ever wondered what you are really putting on your skin? Are you aware that chemicals absorbed by the skin sink easily into your bloodstream?

Yep, it’s true – and that means if you haven’t started already, now is the time to start reading the fine print on your product labels. 

With so many skincare products on the market today, you need to be wary about what’s inside. Some products contain dangerous chemicals, mainly in the form of synthetic ingredients, that honestly everyone should avoid. 

What ingredients are the most important to watch out for, you ask? 

Great news, we made you a list! 

Here’s the most dangerous chemicals to avoid in your skin-care products:

Parabens – synthetic preservatives that disrupt your endocrine system
Parabens are synthetic preservatives used in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products, such as deodorants, moisturizers, and shampoos. 

Some of the more common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. These molecules allow skin care products to survive for months or even years in your medicine cabinet; however, they also enter your body through your skin when you use these products.

Some interesting trivia: according to Mercola.com, our body can absorb as much as five pounds of cosmetic chemicals every year! 

Parabens are harmful because they mimic hormones in the body and disrupt the functions of the endocrine system. Doctors call parabens “endocrine disruptors,” meaning they can wreak havoc on the hormonal system. Parabens have been found in breast tumor biopsy samples, leading some scientists to speculate that parabens may cause breast cancer.

Dioxane – a human carcinogen
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calls 1,4-dioxane a human carcinogen. It may be found in as many as 22 percent of more than 25,000 cosmetic products, according to the Skin Deep database. 

You won’t find 1,4-dioxane listed as a skin care product ingredient, but you can look for the following ingredients in your makeup drawer that suggest its presence:

  • Polyethylene
  • Polyethylene glycol, also PEG
  • Polyoxyethylene
  • Any word ending with “oxynol”
  • Any word ending with “eth” like ceteareth

Phthalates – softening lubricants linked to breast cancer
Phthalates are used in cosmetics as lubricants (softeners). 

You can find these in products, such as nail polish, moisturizers, shampoos, hair sprays, toys, detergents, and other variety of products. They are known to be endocrine disruptors, linked to breast cancer and reproductive birth defects in males and females. Phthalates is also known to have some possible effects on hormones.

Formaldehyde – a preservative, and a carcinogen
Believe it or not, formaldehyde is actually a colorless, flammable gas.

 Widely used as preservatives in skincare and cosmetics, it is mainly used in nail polish, makeup, lotions, and deodorants among many other products. Short term exposure can cause skin irritation, difficulty in breathing, watery eyes, and burning in the nose when inhaled. Also, according to The International Agency for Research on Cancer, formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen.

Phenoxyethanol – an antibacterial, but not the good kind  

Used as an anti-bacterial in cosmetics and stabilizer in perfumes, phenoxyethanol is very harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin, especially to nursing mothers or infants. 

Phenoxyethanol can have an effect on the brain and the central nervous system, and it irritates the eyes and the skin, even causing blisters. Although many skin care products (even some organic products as well) use phenoxyethanol in small amounts that is “not harmful” to skin, if you use the product multiple times a day, every day, it can possibly affect you.

PEG – thickeners and softeners that age the skin
PEG (polyethylene glycols) compounds are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners and softeners. It also functions as absorption enhancer, which allows both good and bad ingredients to be absorbed faster into deeper parts of skin. If used on broken or damaged skin, it can cause irritation and system toxicity. In addition, PEGs can reduce the skin’s moisture levels and speed up skin aging.

Dimethicone – organic silicone that disrupts hormones
This organic silicone compound is responsible for upholding the claims of a supple and soft skin in most cosmetic products. The downside is that it is a hormone disruptor, which means it inhibits hormonal functions, and can increase the risk of infertility.

Heavy Metals – (yes, these are actually in your skin care products)
Some of the risks associated with the use of heavy metals are brain damage, lung cancer, and miscarriage. 

Nickel, chrome, and even lead have been detected in a variety of makeup products as a byproduct of color additives. You can avoid heavy metals by purchasing products that are colored with fruit or natural pigments.

While toxic friends might be really hard to get rid of - but toxic cosmetics are not. In fact, it’s pretty easy when you consider how harmful they really are, and how they’ll actually probably cost you more in the long run through drained energy, possible health issues and their financial consequences, plus everything that comes with the drop in confidence from ruining your skin.

In general, we recommend everyone examine product labels and only use products with ingredients that you know are good for your skin. Because everyone’s skin type and sensitivity varies, it’s important to try new products until you find something that works best for you. 

By making the best decisions for your skin and your health, you maximize your ability to be confident in your own skin, and shine with your unique radiance knowing you’re supported by quality ingredients combined for quality people. 

 

Putting Your Best Face Forward with Clean Cosmetics - How To Go Natural & Nourish Your Skin

When it comes to healthy bodies and skin, natural products support us all the way. If our goal is to appear natural, shouldn’t we favor putting natural ingredients on our skin?

Let’s talk about natural ingredients in clean cosmetics.

First, natural ingredients contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, and nutrients that our skin can safely absorb. They don’t disrupt our health systems or irritate your skin, but rather cause gentle and sustainable results, giving you healthy and radiant skin on the inside and outside.

Second, natural ingredients are often actually more affordable and can provide significant health benefits. They improve the function of the body and the skin, and can help increase collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and keep the skin moist. There are fewer occurrences of adverse reactions when using products with natural ingredients. Natural ingredients in clean cosmetics are a truly great way to help keep your skin looking fresh, radiant, and young. 

Reading Labels Carefully, Investigating Natural Products

While many brands will make large claims about what they include or don’t include – this is often just marketing. We encourage you to look past the buzzwords and hype, and focus on the products that work for you. 

It’s important to recognize the term “natural” can mean just about anything, because the term is largely unregulated. Because of how general the term is, companies aren’t held to strict standards about how they use the term on their product labels. There are some poisonous and dangerous substances that occur naturally in nature and could cause more harm than good – so use guides like this one to help you decide. 

To ensure, the products you are shopping for are clean cosmetics packed with natural ingredients, then you should look for brands and products that are:

Get out your magnifying glass, and do some detective work! You can research ingredients online at EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. This resource will give you details on ingredients and their effect on your skin and body.

Exploring Natural Alternatives And Their Positive Effects

Clean cosmetics can be made from all kinds of ingredients.

Natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and avocado oil moisturize and feed nutrients to your skin, thus nourishing the skin. Therefore, any natural products with infused natural oils is a recommended alternative.

Essential oils are completely non-toxic and break down relatively easily without causing harm to the skin. Many clean cosmetics use essential oils as a primary ingredient, and are often listed on the back label of the product.

Previously mentioned XOTIQ Cosmetics uses cannabis in their products, which can take the place of beeswax (save the bees!), and allows for smooth application minus the animal byproduct – as well as all of the health benefits associated with it. Brands like this which fit the criteria we listed above are what you should be looking at, if you want to focus on clean cosmetics for your beauty line-up. 

There’s also ingredients like mineral makeup, which consist of natural elements extracted from the earth. This makeup should not contain large amounts of synthetics or fillers, and it is usually in the form of gentle and lightweight face powder, eyeshadow, or blush. Mineral makeup is recommended by most dermatologists for its breathability as it does not block the pores.

Mineral-based cosmetics are also recommended for people suffering from skin conditions or sensitivities. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid unnecessary additives, such as fragrance, preservatives, and coloring. Additives like these can cause allergic reactions on your skin.

For a truly pure mineral makeup, it should not contain any talc or parabens (known carcinogens), bismuth oxychloride (an irritant), fragrance, genetically modified ingredients, or any preservatives. Mineral-based concoctions are often great because since loose minerals are inert, they cannot support harmful bacteria from growing. 

The Bottom Line

The clean cosmetics movement has forced us to look closely at what we put on our skin, and is awakening an entire generation of people to the benefits and joy of more natural healthy alternatives. 

Scientific and medical evidence appears to support avoiding at least a handful of ingredients that could be lurking in your personal care products, including MI/MCI, fragrance mix, and formaldehyde. Avoiding these ingredients is a good place to start, but you don’t need to toss out your whole makeup bag quite yet. Get excited for more research to come in order distinguish the effects of low dose exposure to certain elements.

It’s important to know what products you are buying and what you are putting on your skin. Discover the right clean cosmetics that don’t compromise your skin and health. From XOTIQ to Follain, these leading brands are proving themselves fully equipped to serve your skin’s unique needs. Because we believe everyone deserves to feel sexy, beautiful, and confident while maintaining their health, so go on and explore the world of clean cosmetics and try some on for yourself! 

What are some of your favorite ingredients and brands in the "clean cosmetics” category? Drop a comment and let us know below! We’ll even combine your answers into a Top 10 list, and if one of your notes is chosen we might even send you a special gift! 


 

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