What is clean skincare?
You may have heard the term "clean skincare" and wondered what it is. The short answer is, it’s not one single thing!
Clean skincare may include products which are cruelty free, vegan, plant-based or which focus on botanicals from a certain region.
Some are free from plastic packaging, microbeads or ingredients such as parabens, synthetics, dyes, phthalates, mineral oils, petrolatum, triclosans or silicones.
Others may be soap, fragrance or colour free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested or ophthalmologically tested.
What do these terms mean?
Ingredients must be listed on labels, though regulations and guidelines around terminology can vary between countries and even regions. Here are some rules of thumb.
Paraben free – Parabens are a type of chemical preservative increase a product’s shelf life.1 Methylparaben and propylparaben and ethylparaben are examples.1 Parabens can be absorbed through the skin with repeated application.
Sulphate free – Sulphates are derived from petroleum and some plant sources such as palm oil (SLS and SLES lie in this broad category).2 While their main purpose is to help products lather, because we need petroleum and palm oil to produce sulphates, some people are concerned by their connection to climate and environmental issues.
Non-comedogenic – Interesting fact. Comedones are blocked pores, so non-comedogenic products are designed not to clog pores.3 While it doesn’t mean you won’t ever break out, this is great to keep in mind if you have combination or oily skin.
Mineral oil free – Mineral oils are a highly refined petroleum product contained in a range of skincare products (you may see the terms base oil, mineral base oil, baby oil, petrolatum, synthetic wax, parraffin4,5 and others). Its main purpose is to act as a moisturiser.
Recyclable packaging – Indicates the packaging is made up of recyclable materials such as glass, metal, paper, cardboard and some types of plastics, which are considered better for the environment.
Dermatologically tested – Products may have undergone testing on humans (such as patch testing) to assess its chances of causing adverse reactions.6 While it doesn’t completely eliminate the potential for irritation, it does give some people reassurance.
Fragrance-free – This means product has no perceptible odour. It does differ from unscented products, which may contain small amounts of fragrance to mask the smell of other ingredients.3
Ask your Pharmacist
If you have sensitive skin or an underlying skin condition, ask for advice on which clean products suit your needs.