Healthy Face, Peace of Mind: The Benefits of Clean Makeup
As we become more aware of the harmful chemicals found in traditional makeup products, the idea of "clean" beauty sounds better and better. Clean beauty/skincare/makeup refers to products that are formulated with non-toxic, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly ingredients. These products are good for our skin, animals, and the planet.
One of the main reasons why clean makeup is so important is because traditional makeup products often contain harmful chemicals. Parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances are just a few of the ingredients that have been linked to various health concerns, including cancer and hormone disruption. By choosing clean makeup products, we can protect our health and prioritize the well-being of our body's largest organ, our skin.
So, what are some of the best ingredients to look out for in clean makeup and skincare products? Plant-based ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe vera, and coconut oil are excellent moisturizers and help soothe the skin. You can also experiment with ingredients like lanolin and grass-fed tallow, if you are comfortable using animal products (Lanolin is a byproduct of creating wool, and tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry). These natural ingredients are free of harmful chemicals and provide a range of benefits for your skin.
Mineral-based makeup is another excellent option, as it's free of synthetic dyes, fragrances, and preservatives. This type of makeup is gentle on the skin and provides natural-looking coverage. Make sure to avoid any product that has talc in it (talc has been said to cause cancer). You may have heard that red dye 3 was recently banned in the US. This dye is not only used in food but in cosmetics as well. Try to be mindful of what kind of dyes makeup and skincare companies use in their products. There are many up-and-coming indie companies that are revolutionizing the game in terms of staying away from synthetic dyes and going back to basics when it comes to natural pigments and scents. Here are some natural pigments to look for:
Mica: A naturally occurring mineral, often used for its shimmer and iridescence in eyeshadows, highlighters, and blushes. Mica is commonly used as a base in mineral makeup.
Iron Oxides: These provide shades of red, brown, yellow, and orange. They are commonly used in products like foundation, blush, and eyeshadow for a more natural color payoff.
Titanium Dioxide: A natural mineral used primarily for its white pigment and as a sunscreen agent. It provides opacity and is commonly used in foundations and powders.
Zinc Oxide: Another naturally occurring mineral, commonly used as a white pigment and also for its soothing and sunscreen properties.
You can also look for plant-based pigments, such as spirulina, blueberry extract, carrot extract, and clay.
As far as scents go, look for products that use essential oils and extracts, such as:
Lavender: Known for its calming and relaxing properties, lavender is one of the most common essential oils in skincare and makeup products.
Rose: The delicate floral scent of rose is often used in high-end skincare and makeup. Rose oil is also known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Geranium: A floral, slightly fruity scent that's often used for its balancing and skin-soothing benefits.
Tea Tree: Known for its fresh, medicinal scent, tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties and is often found in acne-targeting skincare.
Jasmine: Known for its sweet, exotic fragrance, jasmine extract is used for its calming and mood-lifting properties.
Chamomile: While chamomile is more commonly used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, its gentle floral scent is also popular in natural products.
Ylang-Ylang: A sweet, slightly fruity floral scent, known for its mood-balancing properties.
Citrus Oils: Lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit oils provide bright, uplifting scents, as well as natural cleansing and antioxidant benefits.
Berry Extracts: Strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry extracts offer sweet, fruity fragrances and are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Coconut: Coconut oil or extract provides a tropical, creamy scent, often used in moisturizing products like lip balms, foundations, and body oils.
Rosemary: Known for its fresh, herbaceous scent, rosemary has natural astringent properties and is often used in skincare and hair care.
*Always check with your dermatologist before introducing new ingredients into your routine.
One of the best ways to adopt clean beauty is to let your skin breathe whenever you can. Prioritize taking off your makeup as soon as you get home, and having makeup-free days.
Additionally, it's always a good idea to look for brands that prioritize sustainable and recyclable packaging materials to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment.
Your clean makeup journey doesn't have to be all or nothing, nor do you have to go and throw out all of the makeup and skincare you currently own. Focus on building up your clean collection, product by product, and enjoy the process of finding the right products for you!
Krista is the Editorial Director of A Beautiful Life Magazine and books. @kristahannesen
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