How to choose clean beauty products

Written By Colleen Wren

Recent beauty trends have made the push towards “clean” products. This is so important to decrease our daily exposure to unhealthy ingredients and excess chemicals. Increased exposure to harmful ingredients has the potential to impact our health in many ways. However, if you are like I was, it can be hard to know where to start! There are so many companies that claim their product is the best. So how do we know what to use?

 

In this article, I’ll cover…

What ingredients to avoid

Labels to look for

Websites and apps for additional information

How to watch out for greenwashing

Choosing fragrances

Two clean beauty brand that I currently use

 

What ingredients to avoid

Check the labels. Unfortunately, these days we need to vigilant about checking what we are putting into and onto our bodies. Products that we once thought were fine, are being found to have potential dangers.

  • When checking the labels, avoid products with these harmful chemicals: parabens, sulfates (SLS, SLES), phthalates, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances

  • Look for plant-based, organic, or naturally derived ingredients

 

Labels to look for

 While these labels may not mean that the product is 100% safe, they can be helpful when trying to narrow down your options:

  • EWG Verified (Environmental Working Group)

  • USDA Organic

  • Leaping Bunny (Cruelty-free)

  • Ecocert (Natural and organic certification)

  • EPA’s Safer Choice

  • Green Seal

  • Clean Label Project

Website and apps for additional information

·      EWG’s Skin Deep

·      EWG Healthy Living

·      Think Dirty

·      Good Face Project

·      Yuka

·      CosDNA

·      Made Safe

 

How to Watch Out for Greenwashing

Greenwashing occurs when a company falsely claims that a product is “green” or “eco-friendly”, without the ability to back up this claim. A product may be marketed as clean, but still contain harmful ingredients. To watch out for greenwashing, read the labels so the above ingredients are not missed.

Choosing Fragrances

While they can smell amazing, synthetic fragrances often contain undisclosed harmful chemicals. Instead, opt for the fragrance-free products, or those made with essential oils and natural fragrances

Two Clean Beauty Brands I Currently Use…

SVR - click the link to view the SVR store through Amazon

  • SVR is a French Company that has worked hard to develop products that are safe, contain the maximum amount of natural ingredients, while also minimally impacting the environment. These products are also tested for endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors can contribute to numerous health issues, including obesity, diabetes, immune system problems, cardiovascular and/or respiratory issues, some cancers, and fertility issues

  • I have switched my facial cleansers, serums, and lotions to SVR products and am loving them!

Well People - click the link to view the Well People store through Amazon

  • Well People is a cosmetic company that focuses on organic, toxin-free ingredients. Products are EWG verified, vegan, cruelty free, and powered by plants

  • I have switched my makeup products to Well People. I know it can be tough when you have already found the perfect shade for your foundation and mascara you love, but you will never regret putting your health first! There are so many great products to choose from and the makeup feels so light on my skin

 

Colleen Wren
Previous

6 ways to increase daily fruit and vegetable intake
Next

Blog Post Title Three