Clean beauty generally connotes “safer beauty.” But what exactly does this mean for you and your health? It is important to be informed in order to make a smart decision on the topic. On a daily basis, we are exposed to toxic chemicals. Toxic chemicals are around when we commute to work, clean our houses, and even when we are taking a shower. There are many things we cannot control when it comes to toxins, but we can control what we put onto our skin and into our bodies.

Many chemicals can be found in personal care products, both natural and synthetic. However, some of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, reproductive harm, hormone disruption, asthma, organ toxicity, and other serious health issues. Currently, the E.U. bans over 1,400 of these harmful ingredients. This shows that high-performing products can be made without harmful chemicals. Sometimes companies continue to use these harmful ingredients because these harmful ingredients cost less.

There is an abundance of toxic ingredients included in skin and hair care product formulations. A lot of these ingredients provide unnecessary attributes like sulphates- which provide a foaming action. These ingredients that cause foaming action are actually quite unhealthy for the skin and hair.

There are many companies who also try and pass off their toxic ingredients as green and organic, which is quite dangerous for the consumer. It is important to read the labels of the products that are being used. Some chemicals that clean beauty brands tend to avoid include:

• Parabens

Why are they harmful?

Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of bacteria and mould. However, they are known to disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen and there is a potential link between overexposure to parabens and reproductive issues.

What should you look out for instead?

Natural preservatives used in clean beauty products such as grapefruit seed extract, rosemary extract and vitamin E are effective alternatives that don’t pose the same health risks.

• Phthalates

Why are they harmful?

Phthalates are used to increase the flexibility and durability of plastics and are found in many beauty products to help fragrances last longer. They are endocrine disruptors possibly linked to reproductive toxicity, developmental issues, and increased risk of asthma.

What should you look out for instead?

Natural clean beauty fragrances derived from essential oils, as well as phthalate-free alternatives like beeswax and shea butter, can be used to achieve similar effects without the associated health risks.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Why are they harmful?

These surfactants are used for their foaming properties in products like shampoos and cleansers. They can cause skin irritation, dryness, and trigger allergies. SLES is also often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen.

What should you look out for instead?

Mild, plant-based surfactants such as coco-glucoside and decyl glucoside are less irritating and more skin-friendly.

• Synthetic fragrances

Why are they harmful?

Often listed simplyas “fragrance” or “parfum,” synthetic fragrances can contain a myriad of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates. They are known to cause allergies, and skin irritation, and can disrupt the endocrine system.

What should you look out for instead?

Essential oils and natural extracts not only provide a pleasant scent but also offer therapeutic benefits without harmful side effects, which is why many clean beauty brands tend to use these in small amounts.

Using harmful ingredients every once in a while will not make a huge difference in your health. Using these ingredients with repeated application and exposure multiple times a day, every day adds up. These toxins become harmful as we continue to use them over a long period of time.

There are products on the market that are considered clean including beauty and cleaning products. Small changes can go a long way. Be cautious of what you put into your body and what you expose yourself to. It can be worth researching brands that are certified ‘clean’ for your health and wellbeing.

A few clean beauty brands we have worked on are Odylique and SAKRID.