Taking care of your skin starts with clean beauty. Clean beauty products are non-toxic and good for the skin. It is crucial to be aware of the ingredients that the products in our everyday make-up routine and personal care consist of. 

Many of our favorite beauty products tend to include ingredients made up of toxic chemicals that can damage not only our skin but our overall health and well-being. Because of this, it is important to check the labels before purchasing a product. 

Ingredients to look out for when searching for a new product include 1,4-dioxane, parabens, coal tar, carbon black, and petrolatum. Each of these ingredients can be harmful to the body and cause health effects such as cancer, organ system toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption. 

Dioxane is a toxic chemical commonly found in shampoo and liquid soaps. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, exposure to low levels of dioxane could lead to irritation in the eyes and nose, and exposure to high levels of dioxane could lead to severe kidney and liver effects in addition to cancer, which could potentially be fatal.

Parabens are endocrine disruptors commonly found in shampoo, conditioner, lotion, facial scrubs, and shower cleansers. The Environmental Working Group states parabens can negatively affect the hormonal system and female and male reproduction, in addition to increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers.

Coal Tar is a thick liquid that is developed from coal. This liquid contains harmful chemicals that can be damaging to the body. Coal tar is commonly found in shampoo, scalp treatment, soap, hair dye, and lotion. According to The National Cancer Institute, occupational exposure to coal tar increases the risk of skin cancer, lung cancer, bladder, kidney, and digestive tract cancer. 

Carbon Black is powder often found in cosmetic products such as eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, blush, and lipstick, providing pigmentation to these products. However, this ingredient might not be the safest option. According to Special Chem, if more than ten percent of carbon black is used in a product, the product becomes toxic and can negatively affect the lungs. Inhalation and heavy exposure to this chemical may irritate the lungs, and a cough could develop. 

Petrolatum is a mineral oil mixture with a jelly-like substance that is used to provide moisture to the skin. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, petrolatum is often found in lotions and cosmetics, and can be harmful if contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s). PAHs can cause skin irritation and may cause cancer.

Now you know what ingredients to look out for, you might want to check the labels on your favorite cosmetic products, and if you need clean beauty recommendations, we’ve got you covered!

HAIRCARE 

Wellnesse shampoo and conditioner provides users with an all-natural formula using ingredients such as avocado oil, quinoa, and tomato fruit extract. Wellnesses goal for their consumers is to offer a healthier hair experience while also using a formula that will add volume, bounce and shine to the hair. Wellnesse shampoo and conditioner has passed the Environmental Working Groups hazard score test, so it is safe to say these products are clean beauty products. 

BODY CARE

Athena Club’s Creamy Body Wash

Athena Club’s Creamy Body Wash softens and protects the skins with its nutritious formula, and can also be used when shaving.

ALL THINGS SKINCARE

Biossance is a clean beauty skincare brand specializing in sustainability, vegan skincare, and overall healthy and non-toxic products. This brand has passed the Environmental Groups hazard test and is EWG verified, meaning the product is raised to a high standard and is healthy and safe to use on the skin. Some recommended products for each step of your skincare routine would be:

Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser

Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser can be used on all skin types and will soothe and remove any dirt that may be clogging the pores on your skin. 

Biossance Squalane Oil 

Source: Biossance

Biossance Squalane Oil will hydrate the skin and lock in its moisture for a healthier look. 

Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm

Biossance Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm is fragrance free, vegan and non-toxic. The formula for this product is made with renewable sugarcane. After using this product, your lips will feel hydrated and softer than ever. 

Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer

Source: Biossance

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer relieves any redness appearing in the skin, reduces excess oil, and soothes any irritation you might have. This moisturizer is lightweight and can be used on oily skin, inflamed skin, acne-prone skin, and sensitive skin.

Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream will moisturize the skin and smooth any texture or lines, leaving you looking hydrated and better than ever.

Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream 

Source: Biossance 

Bioscience Squalene + Marine Algae Eye Cream hydrates the skin while also limiting the amount of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum

Source: Biossance

Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum smooths, brightens and exfoliates the skin, while also decreasing the amount of fine lines present in the face. 

ALL THINGS BEAUTY

Revlon Photoready Prime Plus Perfecting + Smoothing Primer

Source: Revlon 

Starting off with primer, the base of all make-up looks, we have Revlon's Photoready Prime Plus Perfecting + Smoothing Primer. This product is a brightening and smoothing primer that works as a great base for make-up application. This primer is EWG certified and is free of toxic ingredients that are harmful to the skin. 

Attitude is a clean beauty brand founded in 2006, specializing in clean beauty. The entire beauty line is EWG certified, vegan, and cruelty free. The line consists of foundation, concealer blush, bronzer, highlighter, and lip gloss. 

Attitude Oceanly Foundation

Source: Attitude

Attitudes Light Coverage Foundation is easy to blend and useful for all skin types. 

Attitude Oceanly Concealer

Source: Attitude

Attitude Oceanly Concealers crafted a formula that brightens and refreshes the under-eye while also maintaining a blendable consistency. 

Attitude Oceanly Blush

Source: Attitude

Attitude Oceanly Blushes are made of clean ingredients that work well together in forming, and providing the skin with a smooth and natural colored complexion.

Attitude Oceanly Highlight

Attitude Oceanly Highlighters are natural and glowy on the skin.

Attitude Oceanly Lip Gloss

Source: Attitude

Attitude Oceanly Lip Glosses are hydrating and balm-like when applied to the lips. 

Rejuva Minerals Eyeshadow Multipurpose Powder

Source: Rejuva Minerals

Rejuva Minerals Multi Functional Powder can act as an eyeshadow, a blush, and even a highlighter. This powder is cruelty free, and non-toxic, as it is EWG certified. Depending on the shade you choose, this powder is buildable and has a semi-matte finish. 

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer

Source: Honest Beauty 

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer is an award- winning, non-toxic, and free from animal testing. This mascara is said to lift your lashes making them look lengthy and beautiful.

As the recommendations are coming to an end, this is your friendly reminder to be mindful of the products you use on your skin, as it will allow you to live a healthier lifestyle — and remember to check your products before buying to ensure you conclude your everyday routine with clean beauty.