What is Clean Beauty and Why is it Important?

By now, we’ve all heard about the clean beauty trend.

The real question is, why’s everyone jumping on it? I mean, could it really be that much better?

Think about it this way. If you want to live a healthier lifestyle, you’re conscious of what you put into your body.

But what you put on your body is just as important. 

Why?

TBH, your beauty products are probably ending up in your bloodstream.

I mean, your acne cream wouldn't work very well if it didn't soak into your skin, right?

The thing is, most cosmetics are packed with harsh chemicals that could seriously hurt you in the long run.

Believe me. When I found out what kinds of chemicals I was smearing all over my face, I was horrified.

The good news? You’re not stuck with the toxic stuff forever. When you use clean beauty products, you don’t have to compromise your health to look and feel beautiful.

And if you have no idea what clean beauty means, don’t stress.

I’m here to break it down for you.

What is Clean Beauty?

Let’s start with the basics.

What does clean beauty even mean?

Since there isn’t a formal definition, it’s easy to assume the word “clean” is an umbrella term for “organic,” “natural,” “green,” or even “vegan.”

But “clean” really means “non-toxic.”

Clean cosmetics are free from harsh chemicals that may cause health issues. Brands with clean lines are also way more transparent with the ingredients they use — and the ones they stay away from.

Clean beauty doesn’t mean all-natural or preservative-free.

And contrary to popular belief, safe synthetic ingredients and preservatives do exist.

Safe synthetics can replace both animal and natural ingredients that aren’t ethically sourced. And preservatives can allow for product consistency and a longer shelf-life.

Basically, as long as nothing on the ingredients label causes negative health effects, you're good to go.

Simple enough, right?

Common Toxins in Makeup

You know those big, scary-looking words on the back of your makeup products?

The ones you couldn’t pronounce even if your life depended on it?

Those ingredients can be causing some serious long term effects in your body.

And the worst part is, some of the most dangerous toxins in makeup are super common.

Here are a few ingredients (and their effects) you should watch out for:

• Triclosan causes serious skin and eye irritation and is extremely toxic to aquatic life and ecosystems.

• Sodium laureth sulfate is harmful if swallowed and causes serious skin and eye irritation/damage.

• Dibutyl phthalate may damage fertility and/or an unborn child and is toxic to aquatic life.

• Diethanolamine causes skin and eye irritation and damage to the organs through repeated exposure.

• Triethanolamine causes skin irritation and serious eye damage.

Keep in mind, these are just five of the many toxins that could be lurking in your makeup bag.

Through dermal absorption, your skin soaks them up and sends them right into your bloodstream.

Still wondering if clean is important?

Clean Beauty Ingredients

Now that you know what to avoid, let’s talk about some safe alternatives.

Common clean ingredients include:

• Beeswax (non-vegan) — used for exfoliation and hydration

• Honey (non-vegan) — used as a natural fragrance and to make hair soft and shiny

• Carmine (non-vegan) — used to create red pigments

• Essential oils (vegan) — used as a natural fragrance, an anti-inflammatory, and has antibacterial properties

• Shea butter (vegan) — used to hydrate, heal, and soften skin

• Coconut Oil (vegan) — used to moisturize and soften skin and hair

• Aloe vera (vegan) — used for its soothing, healing, and moisturizing properties

These ingredients, while providing a ton of awesome benefits, are much safer for you than their toxic counterparts.

But before jumping to buy products labeled “clean,” you should know a little about greenwashing.

This is another trend in the beauty industry. One that’s pretty dirty.

Some brands are using clean buzzwords to make their products seem better than they really are. Basically, they’re less concerned about the health and safety of their customers, and more concerned about their profit.

So always be sure to double-check the ingredients list.

Even the best of us get duped.

So, Is Clean Beauty Better?

Now that we know a little more about clean beauty and what it really means, let’s dive into the benefits of making the switch:

1. You’re clearing your routine of common toxins that can cause long-term health issues.

1. Getting rid of those ingredients can save you from potential allergic reactions. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin.

1. Clean products are just as high-quality as the toxic stuff — and clean comes without the negative side effects.

1. Non-toxic makeup helps save the environment. When you wash your face at the end of the day, all of those toxic ingredients are getting washed down your drain. From there, they pollute our oceans and harm aquatic wildlife.

1. You can wear makeup whenever you want without compromising your health.

So, what do you think?

Is clean beauty worth it?

What Does Clean Beauty Mean to Us?

Whether you buy organic foods, use filters for your tap water, or clean your house with non-toxic products, I’m sure you try to avoid toxins as much as you can.

But obviously, there are some real threats hiding in your makeup, too.

You should be able to look gorgeous all day every day with no strings attached.

And that’s why we made CLEAN BEAUTY by Joy.

With our products, you can have it all. 

Our makeup is made with high-quality, organic, and gluten-free ingredients. And we're 100% vegan, Leaping Bunny certified, and affordable.

Not to mention all our packaging — except for our Long Wear Lipstick — is recyclable.

Yup. We’re a one-stop shop, baby.

So whether you’re new to beauty or a veteran who’s jumping on the clean beauty trend, we’ve got your back with the basics.

Ready to join the movement?