Clean Beauty Starts With Simple Changes
A look at a few products that can help make the transition easier and less intimidating.
While the health and beauty space still has a long way to go in terms of transparency and regulation, there are a number of brands “walking the walk” when it comes to offering products that have fewer additives and more of the goodness our face, hair, teeth, hands, and skin need.
Even making a partial swap from traditional skin care to a product with fewer chemicals can make a difference. More research is coming to light about what synthetic ingredients in skin-care products do to our bodies. The Environmental Working Group has a good primer on this, citing correlation of these synthetics to a host of chronic health issues.
To get started, there are a few quality certifications to look for as you begin shopping for verifiably cleaner products, such as Leaping Bunny (a certification from the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics in which brands commit to no animal testing of any kind), Climate Neutral (mainly a certification around cutting emissions, brands that are CN-certified also adhere to strict social and environmental standards that lead to cleaner, safer products), B Corp (one of the most recognized certifications associated with companies conducting business with the greater good in mind along with transparent practices), Fair Trade USA (highlights commitments to fair working conditions, pricing and product traceability among other standards), and USDA Organic (perhaps the most popular and known certification denoting various levels at which a brand can claim “organic” on its packaging)—The Canada Organic Trade Association has a similar certification, and consumers in both countries might see both labels on a product sold on either side of the border.
With all of that in mind, here are four products to get you on your way to a cleaner skin-care regimen:
A solid shampoo works just like the liquid, except the user creates a lather to wash with rather than squeezing a bottle. This bar is pH-balanced, and the brand claims it’s safe for all hair types. Beyond saving the plastic or glass used for containers of traditional shampoo, each bar lasts for 50 to 75 uses, according to Community Goods. The brand is a member of 1% for the Planet, which isn’t linked to a particular product certification but shows a commitment to donate 1 per cent of profits to change-making organizations around the world.
___
Osea calls the scent in its flagship body wash “iconic” for good reason. It turns showering into a pleasant, citrus-infused, minispa moment rooted in the power of ocean algae. Although the product doesn’t have traditional foaming agents, it still creates a great lather and is a very sensible swap for a standard body wash.
___
Davids Sensitive + Whitening Toothpaste
Davids uses the power of peppermint oil to leave a fresh, sparkling aftertaste while putting a host of other natural ingredients to work to clean your teeth. Its formulation is actually softer on teeth while strengthening enamel as well, plus each bottle comes with a metal tube stopper to help get every last bit out of its containers (and you can use it for other tubes after you’re done).
___
Oars + Alps SPF Shine-Free Lip Balm
We often forget about our lips when putting on sun protection, but they deserve the same love. This option from Oars + Alps is light and doesn’t go on greasy, staying in place even during an outdoor workout. The subtle mint scent is a nice touch, although there is a lime option for those who prefer something else. Best of all, a solid blend of vitamin E, shea butter, and beeswax helps keep lips nice and hydrated.
