A Beginner’s Guide to Clean Beauty

By: Bahynah Hughes

“Clean” products have recently risen to the forefront of the beauty industry. More people are becoming conscious of what they put on their bodies and the long-term effects beauty products have on the environment.

You may have noticed Sephora’s new label for beauty products that don’t contain about 50 ingredients that have been labeled as harsh or toxic while browsing online. For a beginner trying to make more informed choices, the clean beauty world can seem overwhelming. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re interested in shopping for clean beauty products.

Check the ingredients

For starters, I recommend at least recognizing the ingredients that made the FDA’s Prohibited and Restricted List. Also, consulting resources like the Made Safe Hazard List is helpful as you navigate the clean beauty world. Regularly checking these lists will keep you up to date with the status of ingredients that are being researched and tested.

Choose fragrance and dye-free

Fragrances and dyes are sometimes irritating to sensitive skin but even if you do not react to them at all, you should try to avoid them whenever possible. The truth is, a lot of dyes and fragrances are a mystery to consumers because companies are not required to list their ingredients on a bottle. The word “fragrance” can mean anything so for a beginner it might be hard to discern which dyes and perfumes are clean. 

Opt for minimal packaging

The more minimal the packaging, the better for the environment. Try to seek out products with less packaging and unnecessary elements like outer boxes when you can. Also, check to see if the packaging was recycled or if it is biodegradable—this helps reduce waste. Even if the product is not made from recycled material, opt for reusable containers glass, or plastic jars that you can reuse again yourself.  

Shop at retailers dedicated to clean beauty

If cross-referencing ingredients isn’t your forte, visit retailers that screen clean beauty products themselves to keep you at ease. Aside from Sephora, Follain is a great makeup and skincare store that rigorously tests and approves products. You can shop at Follain online or visit one of their stores for a consultation. 

And there you have it—four quick tips to help you enjoy shopping while being conscious of the impact of the purchases you make.