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Natural, Organic and Clean: What Do These Buzzwords Mean?

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Q: What is a “clean” product?
A: Clean products can contain both natural and man-made ingredients that are free of harmful chemicals that can have adverse effects internally as well as on the skin. Not all “natural” ingredients are safe, such as lead, poison ivy and mercury, and not all synthetic ingredients are harmful. 

The focus of clean products is always safety. Skin is our largest organ, and what is applied topically is absorbed directly into our bodies. Truly clean products avoid using harmful ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates and silicones. The ingredients are also not treated with any pesticides or fertilizers (genetically engineered), and are often certified organic. 

Clean product manufacturers choose ingredients for their purity, effectiveness and safety. These are ingredients that won’t compromise the “dirty dozen” list, which are clean beauty’s banned ingredients. You want to feed your skin, not poison it. The ingredients on the list have been linked to cancer, infertility, neurological disorders, respiratory issues, and can interfere with hormone functions.

Q: Why is it important to use clean products?
A: It’s important to understand how harmful ingredients can impact our bodies externally, but more importantly, internally. Presently, there is no governing body in the United States that inspects the chemicals and ingredients that go into our personal care or cosmetics to make sure they’re safe for use. Shocking, right? Many people I talk with assume that the Food and Drug Administration would play some sort of role in monitoring our products. 

The fact is, the FDA, which plays a role in prescription drug approval, does not have the authority to approve cosmetic ingredients or beauty products before they go to the consumer market with the exception of color additives. The only condition the FDA provides cosmetic companies is that they cannot make medical claims or misbrand their products. 

Q: What does this mean for the consumer?
A: Unfortunately, this means that companies can add tons of fillers to their products, which makes them cheaper to produce and decreases the potency. This also means that a company can market a moisturizer as a vitamin C moisturizer when it only contains one drop of vitamin C, essentially making the product ineffective.

Q: Are “natural” or “organic” products the same as clean products?
A: “Natural” has become one of the most over-used words in the skincare and beauty industry, and the term doesn’t necessarily mean much. A product can be described as natural even if it has just 1 percent naturally sourced, plant-based or mineral ingredients. The same thing goes for “organic” products.

The clearest way to know what’s in your product is to examine the ingredient list. A good tip is to know that brands are required to disclose their ingredients in the order of highest to lowest concentration.

Q: Are clean products effective?
A: Yes! When people see the word clean on a product, they tend to assume it’s not as potent or effective. But the most important thing to realize is that being consistent with your daily routine–twice a day, every day–is the key to seeing results. Potent ingredients mean nothing if you’re not diligently using your products. Every skincare regimen should include four steps: exfoliation, protective antioxidants, stimulation (peptides, retinols and other nutrients) and finally sunscreen with daily hydration.

Written by: Denise Dubois

Denise Dubois, owner of Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness, firmly believes in pampering with a purpose; she goes to great lengths to ensure that every client who steps through Complexions’ doors, leaves feeling refreshed and ready to take on tomorrow. She started her career as an esthetician in 1985 after graduating from the Catherine E. Hinds School of Esthetics, where she received the Merretta Gotham Hinds Award for highest achievement. She has continued her training and holds advanced certificates in dermatologic skin care, medical esthetics, medical lasers and lymphatic drainage. Denise supports several community charity committees, and enjoys equestrian sports and thoroughbreds, skiing, golf and sharing time with her husband and two children, good friends and family. Denise is launching her own clean, results-driven skincare line, Dubois Skincare, this spring.