Photographed by Angelo D’Agostino for Vogue Arabia
When it comes to the world of beauty it can often be a little misleading. Without international regulation trying to ensure you are investing in a ‘clean’ product requires some research of your own. From the raw materials used to the process in which it is made, to globally recognized certification and apps here are some tips and tricks to figure out if a product is really as clean as it claims to be.
Don’t always believe what you read. How many products have you come across that have ‘organic ingredients’ or ‘made with natural ingredients’ splashed across the packaging? Don’t be fooled. Check the full list of ingredients to weigh up the number of ‘natural or ‘clean’ ingredients in comparison to the rest. Just like food, the first ingredients are most dominant in the formula and so on. If in doubt always check the product on an app like Think Dirty or the Good Guide.
100% natural isn’t always the best. Clean beauty doesn’t always have to mean that the formula is made up of completely natural ingredients. A product can contain 70-80% natural ingredients blended with carefully selected chemical preservatives, that are completely safe to be used.
Look for international certifications. This is the easiest way to find the formulas you’re looking for. These certificates often take a lot of hard work and investment to get, meaning being ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ is a priority for that brand. BDIH, ECOCERT, NATRUE or COSMOS are some of the most prestigious certifications where products have to go through rigorous testing and evaluations. If you can find these logos, then you’ve found a clean formula.
Always do your research. It isn’t all about the product itself. If you’re wanting to invest in clean beauty make sure you look into everything from the brand’s supply chain to its corporate social responsibility practices. Make sure both you, its staff and the earth are at the top of its priority list.
