I’ve slowly started to replace the products that I’m using with clean products; from tampons and body soap, to multivitamins. And as I’ve started to make this change, I’ve had to pay more attention to what ingredients are (or are not) in the products that I’m buying.
Mindful consumption.
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to shopping for clean and healthier products, the wording can be a little bit confusing. I see the words, “natural”, “organic”, “clean”, “eco-friendly”, “sulfate-free”, “ethical”, “non-toxic”, “green”, “non-GMO”, “cruelty-free”…and the list goes on.
On the surface, they all sound good to me to be perfectly honest with you! But turns out, they’re all different. I can’t be the only one confused by these terms.
The phrase, “clean skincare” specifically appeals to me now that I am in my eco-friendly era.
An era that I don’t expect to ever end.
The “clean” skincare label focuses on what is not in the product as well as the product’s environmental impact. I’m all for doing what I can to help the environment, so this category of skincare is right up my alley.
Natural vs Organic vs Clean Skincare
Natural Skincare Products
- Definition: Natural skincare products are made with ingredients derived from nature, such as plants or minerals. However, “natural” doesn’t always mean that the product is made exclusively with natural ingredients, or that it is completely safe.
- Key Points:
- The term “natural” is not regulated, meaning a product can be labeled as natural even if it contains potentially harmful or synthetic ingredients.
- Many brands use “natural” as a marketing tactic, but this doesn’t guarantee the product is free from harmful ingredients, or is environmentally friendly.
Organic Skincare Products
- Definition: Organic skincare products are made with natural ingredients that are grown without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- Key Points:
- Organic products must include ingredients from farms that avoid synthetic substances, such as chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and antibiotics.
- In the U.S., organic products must meet certain standards, and the percentage of organic ingredients may vary based on local laws.
- Common organic ingredients include plant oils, butters, essential oils, and resins.
Clean Skincare Products
- Definition: Clean skincare focuses on using safe, non-toxic ingredients, often minimizing environmental impact.
- Key Points:
- Clean products generally avoid potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
- Some brands emphasize environmentally friendly packaging, like biodegradable or minimal packaging.
- Clean skincare typically excludes ingredients that may harm the body or the planet, although there is no universal regulation on what qualifies as “clean.” (The term “clean” is subjective and varies from brand to brand.)
It’s important to mention that none of these terms are regulated by the FDA.
Which is a little odd in my opinion. But, what can you do.
While companies in the U.S. have to meet certain standards before they can use the word “organic” on their labels, any company can use the terms “natural” or “clean”, regardless of the ingredients they choose to use in their products. The terms are subjective, unregulated, and vary from brand to brand.
It’s a little scary to think about, but all we can do is try our best with the information that we have, and determine what feels good for us, individually.
