Best Basic Ingredients for Anti-Ageing Products
27 June 2022Stability Testing is Essential
23 May 2024One of the newest emerging trends in the cosmetic and beauty industry is the move towards clean beauty and products made with safer, more natural ingredients. This shift in consumer consciousness stems from a desire for healthier alternatives that prioritise both personal well-being and environmental sustainability. But what does “clean” mean?
THE CONCEPT OF CLEAN BEAUTY
Clean beauty requires products to be formulated without certain harmful or questionable ingredients. It promotes transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing while prioritising the exclusion of substances like parabens, phthalates, sulphates, and synthetic fragrances.
Understanding Clean Ingredients
There are several different types of clean ingredients. Let us take a look at the most common ones.
Plant-Derived Ingredients: These are natural components derived from plants, and include ingredients such as essential oils, botanical extracts like those supplied by Zuplex Botanicals, and fruit acids. They offer a wide array of benefits without the potentially harmful effects associated with some synthetic alternatives. It is, however, important to remember that just because an ingredient is naturally derived, does not mean it that it does not have side effects or that it does not damage the environment. For example, Zinc Oxide is natural and is often used because it is naturally derived, however, it has also been shown to be hazardous to transport and toxic to aquatic life
Minerals: Mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are commonly found in clean skincare and makeup products and are especially useful for providing sun protection without the use of chemical UV filters. Manufacturers such as Sunjin Beauty Science are leading the way when it comes to innovative applications of both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. However as mentioned earlier Zinc Oxide does still present challenges.
Organic Ingredients: Organic refers to ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. In cosmetics, organic components like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera are used for their nourishing properties. These ingredients can be purchased as conventional or organic.
Non-Toxic Preservatives: Preservatives are necessary to maintain a product’s shelf life, however synthetic preservatives do not fit the clean mould. Therefore, to maintain product shelf life without compromising safety, some clean beauty brands have turned to natural.
Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: Clean beauty also encompasses sourcing practices that prioritise sustainability, fair trade, and ethical treatment of workers and the environment. BASF’s Rambutan Programme, is an example of the development of cosmetic actives through upcycling of different parts of rambutan and the tree which produces it, while working towards positive social and environmental impacts along the value chain.
THE IMPACT OF CLEAN BEAUTY
- Health Benefits: The ingredients used in clean cosmetics are less likely to cause irritation, allergies, or disrupt hormone balance, promoting healthier skin in the long run.
- Environmental Impact: By avoiding certain harmful chemicals and supporting sustainable sourcing practices, clean beauty contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of the beauty industry.
- Consumer Awareness: The rise of clean beauty has led consumers to become more discerning, actively seeking information about product ingredients and holding brands accountable for their formulations.
NAVIGATING LABELS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Botanichem has always had natural and botanical ingredients at the heart of its business but with so many brands and products now making claims to be “100% natural” or “sustainably sourced”, it cautions both manufacturers and consumers against the over and irresponsible use of terms like “natural,” “organic,” and “clean” on. Look for certifications from trusted organisations like the Leaping Bunny, Ecovadis, SOIL, ISO Standard for Naturalness, Vegan, RSPO or Mass Balanced and COSMOS, as they set standards that brands must meet to earn their seals.