Eco Chic: Clean Beauty
Image Courtesy: Instagram
In the past few years, the beauty industry has seen a seismic shift. What was once about glitz, glamor, and the perfect red lip has become a demand for transparency, safety, and ethical choices. Today's consumers are asking bigger questions: What's in my makeup? How is it made? And more importantly, Is it safe? This shift has brought us to the heart of one of the industry's biggest trends: clean beauty.
Within the past decade clean beauty has been gaining attention as one of the most influential movements in the cosmetics industry. The rise in consumer awareness around health, ethical sourcing, and environmental impact has sparked a surge in demand for non-toxic and sustainable products. We're no longer just searching for the perfect shade of blush– we're looking for safety, transparency, and a little peace of mind in every product we apply.
Clean beauty is transforming the way we think about skincare and makeup, reshaping our priorities when it comes to the products we use in our everyday routines. But what exactly is fueling this shift, and why are so many of us suddenly fixated on the ingredients in our favorite beauty items? This shift is not just about the products we use, but also about their impact on our health.
According to a recent report by The NPD Group, “68% of consumers now actively seek out skincare products made with clean ingredients” before making a purchase. But why is this important?
For starters, do we know what really is going into our makeup and skincare products? A study conducted by researchers at the University of Notre Dame suggests that “over half of the cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada are likely to contain significant amounts of toxic industrial compounds. These substances have been associated with serious health risks, such as cancer and even a lower birth weight”.—a finding that's further fueling the clean beauty craze.The next time you go to the store, be sure to keep an eye out for these harmful chemicals: parabens, phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde, and PFAS. These are only some of the harmful chemicals to watch out for in your cosmetic products.
Beyond personal health, there's also a growing awareness of the environmental impact of beauty products. From non-recyclable packaging to animal testing, Clean Beauty works towards creating sustainable products that are not just good for you, but also for the environment.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
When it comes to clean beauty, it's not just about what you're applying to your face—it's part of a bigger movement. Consider the cruelty-free practices and whether the packaging is recyclable or biodegradable. Brands like RMS Beauty and ILIA are setting those new standards, offering eco-friendly and ethically sourced products that appeal to consumers who care about the planet as much as they do their skincare.
Clean beauty is no longer niche– it's mainstream, and it's here to stay. Whether it's driven by health concerns, environmental impact, or simply the desire for transparency, the demand for cleaner, safer products is reshaping the beauty industry in a big way. Thanks to platforms like TikTok and Instagram, we're all becoming smarter consumers, making choices that reflect our values and, ultimately, our well-being.
Strike Out,
Carolyn Smith
St. Augustine
Editor: Maya Kayyal
Carolyn Smith is the External Affairs Director for Strike Magazine STA. She loves iced vanilla lattes and all things sweet. You can find her at carolynsmith2202@gmail.com or on Instagram @carolynsmith._
