In recent years, the clean beauty movement has taken the beauty industry by storm. As consumers become more informed and conscientious about what they put on their skin, the demand for clean, non-toxic beauty products has surged. This is more than just a trend; it's a commitment to avoid harmful chemicals by using beauty products that are better for both our health and the environment.
This blog post will delve into the numerous benefits of clean beauty, with a particular focus on skincare, and highlight how Skin Nomad is dedicated to providing high-quality, effective clean skincare options for consumers.
Understanding Clean Beauty
Clean beauty refers to products that are made without harmful ingredients and are transparently labelled, allowing consumers to make informed choices. Unlike conventional beauty products, clean products avoid ingredients that are known or suspected to cause harm to human health and the environment.
One of the major challenge the beauty industry faces is the lack of global regulatory alignment. While European regulations are known to be stricter, in many countries there is a lack of stringent regulation where cosmetic products may not undergo rigorous safety testing, and companies are not required to disclose all ingredients. This lack of regulation means that potentially harmful cosmetic chemicals, completely banned from cosmetic products in Europe (such as phthalates, dibutyl phthalate, and diethylhexyl phthalate), can easily find their way into the products you use daily depending on where you live. This situation leaves consumers at risk of exposure to substances linked to reproductive harm and cancer.
The Dangers Of Harmful Chemicals
It's important to be mindful of the ingredients in cosmetic products, as our skin can absorb up to 60% of what we put on it. While most substances don't directly enter the bloodstream through the skin, they can still penetrate the deeper layers. Many cosmetic products contain toxic chemicals that can have serious short-term and long-term effects on our health. Additionally, the presence of chemicals like ethanol (alcohol) can increase the absorption rate, and this is a common additive in skincare products.
Here, we’ll delve into some of the most concerning ingredient list commonly found in skincare products and their potential impacts on your health, If you want to learn more details and see the full list you can read Skin Nomad’s ingredient watch list.
Some Common Harmful ingredients in Skincare
- Triclosan: Often found in antibacterial products, triclosan is linked to hormone disruption and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Toluene: Used in nail polish , nail products and hair dyes, toluene can cause dizziness, headaches, and has been linked to developmental issues in fetuses, including the risk of birth defects. It is a chemical that should be avoided during pregnancy due to its potential to harm the developing fetus.
- Parabens (Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben): These parabens are preservatives used to extend shelf life, their safety has been questioned due to their potential to mimic estrogen. Although parabens are suspected of interfering with hormone function and have been found in breast tumor tissue, it's important to note that currently no scientific evidence has linked them to breast cancer, and that more research is needed to fully understand their impact on our health.
- Polysorbate-80, Polysorbate-60: Emulsifiers that can be contaminated with harmful chemicals , ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both are known carcinogens.
- Petrolatum: A byproduct of petroleum, petrolatum can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer.
- PEG ( Polyethylene Glycols ): Used in creams as thickeners, PEGs compounds can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are carcinogens.
- Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone: Preservatives that can cause severe allergic reactions and skin irritation.
- Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea: These preservatives release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and can cause skin sensitivities.
- Homosalate: Homosalate is an ingredient commonly found in sunscreen. This ingredient is highly absorbed through the skin and the concern is primarily due to its hormone disruption effect, but it can also be broken down into harmful byproducts over time.The European Commission decided to limiting Homosalate concentration from 10% down to 0.5% due to safety concerns, while the US allows up to 15%.
- Benzophenone-3,Benzophenone-1 (Oxybenzone): Commonly found in sunscreens, this chemical disrupts endocrine function in humans and in a mammalian study it has been linked to liver cancer and lymphoma. Additionally this sunscreen ingredient is known to disrupt coral reproduction, causes coral bleaching, and damages coral DNA.
- DMDM Hydantoin: This is used as a preservative and is a known formaldehyde releaser, contributing to allergic reactions and potential cancer risk.
- Cocamide DEA: Used as a foaming agent, Cocamide DEA is linked to cancer and can cause skin irritation.In the US California has listed cocamide DEA as a chemical known to cause cancer.
The Impact of Toxic Ingredients
The presence of these dangerous chemicals in cosmetic ingredients is not just a minor concern, and they can do more harm than irritate your skin. Studies have shown that chronic exposure to such substances can lead to a myriad of health issues. For example, research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) indicates that 80% of beauty products contain at least one ingredient linked to health risks, including cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental toxicity. Understanding the potential for skin absorption of harmful ingredients is crucial for long-term health that's more than skin deep.
Benefits Of Using Clean Beauty Products
Switching to cosmetic products that avoid harmful ingredients in their formulation provides numerous benefits for your skin, health, and the environment. Here are some key advantages:
Reduced Inflammation and Irritation for Sensitive Skin
Clean personal care products utilize non-toxic ingredients, excluding harsh chemicals that may lead to skin inflammation, redness, and irritation. Therefore, clean products are often more suitable for sensitive skin types.
Long-Term Skin Health
Clean skincare and make-up products are formulated with safe and effective ingredients, while some products will still have synthetic ingredients to ensure formula stability, the majority of brands will use natural alternatives that support the skin's health over time. Natural ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol, and green tea extract are popular in clean skincare for their soothing and healing properties.
Environmental Impact
Brands that label themselves as "clean" generally prioritize using sustainably sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging for their products. The clean beauty movement emphasizes ethical practices, such as cruelty-free testing and fair trade sourcing, further enhancing their positive impact on the environment and society.
By choosing clean beauty products, you are also contributing to the reduction of pollution and waste, making a positive impact on the planet.
The Science Behind Clean Beauty
The efficacy of clean beauty products is supported by scientific research. Studies have demonstrated that natural and plant-based ingredients can be just as, if not more, effective than their synthetic counterparts. For instance, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can offer significant anti-aging benefits by neutralizing free radicals and stimulating collagen production.
The skincare industry is increasingly backed by research that emphasizes the effectiveness of botanical extracts and natural oils. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, sourced from natural origins, have been proven to provide intense hydration. Similarly, ingredients such as niacinamide (vitamin B3) are renowned for their ability to improve skin texture and tone. These natural ingredients are essential for any clean anti-aging skincare routine.
Clean skincare products are developed based on thorough research and testing to ensure that they provide visible results without compromising safety. This scientific approach guarantees that the products are not only safe but also effective.
Making The Switch
Switching to clean beauty doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make the transition:
Start Small
Start by replacing one or two products in your routine with clean alternatives. You could consider replacing your body wash with a cleaner alternative, as it's another product that may contain harmful ingredients like triclosan, and parabens. But we recommend starting with swapping your sunscreen, as you should use it daily and some of the most concerning ingredients are commonly found in sun care products.
Try using a sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene. Alternatively, you can opt for a mineral sunscreen, as they do not use these chemical UV filters causing concern.
For mineral sunscreen options, we love our Avocado Zinc Natural Sunscreen range, with the SPF 50 Natural Physical Sunscreen being our best seller. This range uses non-nano zinc oxide to protect your skin from UVA and UVB. Gradually, you can swap out more items as you find products you love.
Read Labels
Learn about harmful ingredients and always check product labels to choose safe options. You can use online resources or apps to check cosmetic ingredients before making a purchase. We understand that this can be overwhelming and time-consuming. When you shop with Skin-Nomad, we've already checked the product composition for you to ensure its safety.
Seek Recommendations
Look for brands and products that are well-reviewed and recommended by trusted sources.
It is important to note that every small step counts. Even small changes can make a big difference for your health and the environment.
Why Skin Nomad?
Skin Nomad is committed to providing high-quality, clean skincare products that consumers can trust. We are offering a variety of brands including a wide selection of clean Korean skincare. We also ensure that we hold affordable clean skincare brands as we believe the quality of ingredients and safety should be accessible to all.
Our mission is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their skincare by curating products that meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy. Here are a few reasons why Skin Nomad stands out:
Rigorous Ingredient Selection
We meticulously select products free from toxic chemicals by reviewing them against our banned ingredient list, which is regularly updated by our team expert, Dr. Bob, based on the latest medical research, regulations, and consumer preferences.
Transparency
Skin Nomad is committed to full transparency. We offer comprehensive information about the ingredients of each product on our product pages. Additionally, we use a list of pictograms to help consumers easily identify the values that the product adheres to and its suitability for different needs such as pregnancy safety, sensitive skin, non-comedogenic properties, and more.
Convenience
We take care of the hard work by researching and curating the best clean beauty brands. This makes it easy for you to switch to a clean skincare routine. When you choose Skin Nomad, you can trust that you are getting safe and effective skincare products.
Conclusion
The advantages of using clean beauty products are plentiful. They include reducing exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals, promoting long-term skin health, and protecting the environment. Making the switch to clean products can have a positive impact on your well-being and the planet. Join the clean beauty movement today and let Skin Nomad guide you towards a healthier, more conscious skincare routine.
At Skin Nomad, we are dedicated to providing you with the best clean skincare options, ensuring that you can feel confident in the products you use. Make the switch to clean beauty and experience the power of products that are good for your skin and the world around you.
