You’ve heard of clean eating, which at its heart embraces unrefined and minimally processed foods. A similar revolution is happening in the beauty industry – the Clean Beauty Movement. Once a niche trend, ‘clean beauty’ is gaining speed and reshaping the beauty industry.
While there’s no single definition, simply put, ‘clean beauty’ refers to products made from non-toxic and non-controversial ingredients that are deemed safe and effective for both people and the planet. Clean does not necessarily mean chemical-free, which is what sets it apart from brands that claim to be ‘natural’. It’s just free of certain hot-button ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates and synthetic fragrances while still delivering results.
The demand for clean
Conscious consumerism has pushed the demand for clean beauty products to an all-time high, with millennials and Gen Zs at the forefront. NPD Group (a marketing research company) reported 10 percent growth in the natural beauty market, versus 3.8 percent for mass and prestige products. And it’s not just niche brands in on the action – beauty retailers big and small are responding to the demand.
Our clean beauty picks
In honour of Clean Beauty Day (June 4), here are some of our favourite ‘clean’ products that are short on nasties and big on results.
BLONDI BEACH
Blondi Beach was founded by a former Bondi lifesaver Louise Bryant, inspired after long days at the beach resulting in dry and damaged hair from sun, salt and chlorine effects. The range was developed under the guidance of cosmetic hair experts and features six purely-derived products, made with cruelty-free, vegan-friendly ingredients that are either naturally scented, allergen or fragrance-free.
SYNERGIE SKIN
Utilising clean science, Synergie Skin products harness the best of what science and nature can offer, avoiding any potentially harmful ingredients.
Formulated by cosmetic chemist Terri Vinson, Synergie Skin is a highly active range of skincare products for the face and body, as well as an ‘intelligent’ makeup range – again, without the addition of any toxic or questionable ingredients.
HERMETICA
As pioneers in clean beauty and natural fragrances, Hermetica has created elixirs which combine patented technology with natural ingredients to deliver the ultimate in sustainable and eco-friendly perfumery (the brand creates vegan, green, cruelty-free, long-lasting and moisturising fragrances). In recognition of National Clean Beauty Day, Libertine Parfumerie is offering a complimentary Hermetica Discovery Kit (valued at $39) with every 100ml Hermetica Fragrance purchase.
DAVINES
Luxury Italian hair care brand Davines began its sustainability journey in 2006 when their headquarters in Parma, Italy began to power itself with electricity from renewable sources. Since then they have become a certified B Corporation, opened the Davines Village and Scientific Garden in Parma (which are both devoted to sustainability, waste reduction and optimisation of natural resources) and have become 100% carbon neutral, all of which demonstrate their ongoing commitment to reducing their impact on the planet and on people. Stockist: www.salonstyle.com.au