Clean Beauty Is Lying to You — Here’s What Actually Matters

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been a victim of clever marketing…. don't worry, you're not alone.

Statistics show that nearly half (45%) of shoppers are motivated by social media to try new beauty products, with this number rising to 52% for Millennials and 63% for Gen Z.

A 2015 study analyzing cosmetic advertisements in magazines like Vogue, Glamour, and Marie Claire also found that only 18% of the claims made were deemed acceptable. The remaining 82% were considered vague or outright untruthful, with 23% of performance-related claims identified as outright lies.

‘Clean Beauty’ is the most recent trending topic in the beauty industry, with brands promising clean, toxin free and natural products.

The truth is, "clean beauty" is an unregulated term with no standardized definition. Any brand can slap "clean," "natural," or "non-toxic" on a product without meeting any scientific or safety criteria.

It ends up being yet another label/ buzzword meant to grab your attention without giving you the entire picture.

Being a smart skincare consumer is important in this day and age. Here are some popular myths that can be misleading:

Myth 1: Natural Means Safe

Just because something is "natural" doesn’t mean it’s automatically better or safer for your skin.

Many natural ingredients can cause irritation, allergies, or sensitivity in some individuals. For example, essential oils can be irritating to the skin, and plant extracts might trigger allergic reactions.

Myth 2: Chemical-Free is Possible

Everything is a chemical. Even water is made up of chemicals. One of the most misleading claims in the clean beauty industry is that certain products are chemical-free.

Instead of focusing on whether a product is chemical-free, you should focus on whether the ingredients are safe, well-tested, and effective for your skin.

Myth 3: Price Equals Quality

It’s easy to assume that a luxurious, expensive product is more effective than an affordable one.

While some expensive products do contain high-quality ingredients, many luxury skincare items are overpriced due to brand reputation, packaging, and marketing, not necessarily superior ingredients.

Ingredient Concentration

The percentage and interaction of active ingredients plays a big role in determining how effective a product will be. 

It’s also not just about how much of an ingredient is present, but also how well it works with other ingredients in the formula. Pay attention to the active ingredients and choose a product that fits your skin’s specific needs for best results.

Individual Skin Needs

Your unique skin profile matters more than trend-driven purchases. Understanding your skin’s type, needs, and sensitivities will assist you in selecting the right products for each need.

You can book a consultation with an esthetician to help guide you

Molecular Structure

 In skincare, molecular structure determines how ingredients can penetrate the skin and provide effective results. Smaller molecules are able to penetrate the skin barrier more easily and deliver active ingredients where they’re needed (eg retinol), while larger molecules might stay on the surface or provide more temporary benefits.