The Truth About Clean Beauty: What It Really Means to Label a Product ‘Clean’

You've probably noticed how in recent years more and more beauty brands have started to label themselves as "clean". But what does being a clean beauty brand actually mean? Is it just a trendy buzzword that we started using, a marketing ploy, or is there something much more substantial behind it? Today, we're going to teach you everything you need to know about clean beauty, including the so-called "toxic twenty," how it impacts sensitive skin, and the various regulations that guide this growing trend.

What Does "Clean Beauty" Really Mean?

So, at its core, clean beauty refers to products that are made without certain harmful ingredients that have been linked to health concerns. This often includes things like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. However, unlike terms like "organic" or "cruelty-free," the term "clean" lacks a standardized definition. That's why we would strongly encourage you to still do your research on brands to get the full idea of their interpretation of "clean". 

For us at LoloVega, clean cosmetics is much more than just an advertising term. We make sure that our products are formulated without the EWG "Toxic Twenty" (more on that later on) but also that we're only using necessary products that won't further irritate your skin, they are also free from allergens and contain only essential active ingredients to minimize skin irritation.

But what you have to understand is that clean beauty should encompass a broader philosophy of transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices. Many consumers are increasingly concerned about where their products come from, how they’re made, and the impact they have on the environment. This isn't just a trend, it's a shift toward more conscious consumerism.

The Toxic Twenty

Next, I want to introduce you a little bit better to the "Toxic Twenty" which refers to a list of ingredients flagged for their potential health and environmental risks. The list was popularized by organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and it includes a variety of chemicals often found in various beauty and hygiene products. 
The key factor here is that all of these ingredients are associated with health risks, such as hormone disruption, allergic reactions, or even carcinogenic effects. Here’s a quick overview of the full Toxic Twenty list:

• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Formaldehyde
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
• Synthetic fragrances
• Polyethylene glycols (PEGs)
• Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, TEA)
• Triclosan
• Retinyl Palmitate
• Oxybenzone
• Hydroquinone
• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Phenoxyethanol
• Artificial dyes
• Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
• Talc
• Mineral oils
• Siloxanes
• Benzophenone
  

While these ingredients might show up in various personal care products, the following are particularly relevant to your skincare routine:

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of skincare products by preventing the growth of mold and bacteria. However, their ability to mimic estrogen in the body has led to concerns about potential hormonal disruptions, which could contribute to conditions like breast cancer. They are often found in moisturizers, cleansers, and even sunscreens. Look out for ingredients like methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.

Phthalates

Phthalates are primarily used to enhance the texture or fragrance of skincare products, though you won’t always see them on ingredient labels because they’re often hidden under "fragrance." Phthalates are linked to reproductive issues and hormone imbalances. For sensitive skin, they may trigger allergic reactions or skin irritation. It’s particularly important to avoid them in products like lotions, toners, and serums.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

These sulfates are common in cleansers and foaming face washes. While they help produce that satisfying lather, they can also strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. For people with sensitive or dry skin, avoiding sulfates can help prevent redness and discomfort. Look for sulfate-free options in your cleansers to maintain a balanced skin barrier.

Synthetic Fragrances

Fragrance in skincare can be a big trigger for irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin. Many synthetic fragrances contain a cocktail of chemicals, some of which are linked to allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory issues. Since companies are not required to disclose the specific chemicals used in their fragrance blends, it’s better to opt for fragrance-free skincare products, especially for everyday use like moisturizers and serums.

Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)

PEGs are used in creams and lotions as thickeners, solvents, and softeners. While they can make a product feel luxurious, they often come with impurities like ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen. PEGs can also strip the skin’s natural moisture, which can be problematic for anyone with eczema or dry skin conditions. They often appear on ingredient lists as PEG followed by a number (e.g., PEG-100).

Triclosan

Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that was commonly used in acne treatments and anti-bacterial skincare products. However, its potential to disrupt thyroid function and contribute to antibiotic resistance has led to its removal from many products. Despite this, it can still occasionally be found in some face washes or spot treatments.

Retinyl Palmitate

Retinyl Palmitate is a form of Vitamin A often found in anti-aging creams and serums. While Vitamin A derivatives can be beneficial for the skin, Retinyl Palmitate has been flagged for its potential to become toxic when exposed to sunlight, potentially leading to cellular damage. It’s especially important to be cautious if using this ingredient during the day, and to always pair it with sunscreen.

Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is commonly found in chemical sunscreens. While it helps protect against UV rays, it’s also linked to hormone disruption and can cause allergic skin reactions. For those with sensitive skin, it’s better to opt for physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients instead of chemical filters like oxybenzone.

Why Avoiding the Toxic Twenty Matters

Now that you know what the “Toxic Twenty” is, and how it can affect, not just your skin, but your health in general, you probably understand why clean beauty is much more than just a trend - it’s a lifestyle. The idea is to reduce the potential exposure to chemicals that can affect your health in the long term.

This is particularly important for the ones of you who have sensitive skin or suffer from chronic health issues. One thing that the clean beauty movement has changed in the cosmetic industry is the amount of transparency behind product formulations. This is encouraging consumers not only to truly educate themselves about what they are actually putting on their skin, and how it could affect them in the long term. 

With that said, we have to remind you of one thing - even “clean” products can cause irritation or reactions in sensitive individuals, therefore a patch test is still very much needed.