It’s one of the biggest buzzwords these days, but is clean beauty really better? Whether you’ve heard this term on a lipstick commercial or spotted it on the label of your newest makeup remover, you’ve likely been wondering what the meaning of “clean beauty” actually is. With the help of board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger, we’ll break down the myths and facts about this buzzed-about beauty category and answer questions such as:

• What does clean beauty mean?

• Is clean beauty really better?

• Clean beauty vs. natural beauty: Are they the same?

• What should I be aware of when shopping for clean beauty products?

• What clean beauty products should I check out?

What is clean beauty?

Here’s the million-dollar question: What does clean beauty mean? As it turns out, there is no clear definition in the beauty industry for what the term “clean” means. Because the term is not defined or regulated, there is no standard meaning for clean beauty when it comes to products or packaging. “The truth is, the term ‘clean beauty’ is very subjective,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Many brands call themselves clean when, in truth, they have very little qualifications in that area to say so. I personally have become involved in determining which products live up to my standards as a ‘clean beauty’ product.”

For some manufacturers, calling their products “clean” means they avoid ingredients that could be potentially harmful for the environment. Others use the term “clean beauty” to emphasize their use of natural or plant-based ingredients or to indicate that their products are made without ingredients that some people may want to avoid because of possible allergies, such as fragrance, sulfates or parabens. “On the other hand, some manufacturers that market their products as ‘clean’ are guilty of vilifying ingredients that are perfectly safe to use, so it’s really important to look deeper than just the marketing speak on labels,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

Is clean beauty really better for you?

One of the reasons why clean beauty has become popular is that it appeals to people seeking out products that they perceive as healthier for their skin and bodies. However, is clean beauty really better for you? Not necessarily. Beauty products that are labeled “clean” or “natural” are not inherently better or worse for your skin or body than any other beauty products.

Skin care ingredients derived from natural sources such as plants or minerals are not guaranteed to be safer or better than ingredients made synthetically in a lab or factory. “Some naturally derived essential oils can be irritating to skin, causing contact dermatitis or other allergic reactions for some people,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “And poison ivy is natural, but clearly can make the person who contacts it miserable. This is a prime examples of the fact that ingredients from a natural source are not always better for everyone.”

Clean beauty vs. natural beauty

Before “clean beauty” became the latest buzzword, “natural beauty” and “green beauty” were also popular terms used by manufacturers wanting to market their products as being eco-friendly or derived from natural sources. Like the meaning of clean beauty, these two terms also don’t have legal definitions, so their meanings are also subjective and vary from company to company.

Clean beauty myths to watch out for

Be wary of companies that describe their products as “chemical-free.” Though the word “chemical” has taken on a negative connotation, it’s important to remember that everything in the world around us is technically made of chemicals, including the food we eat, the oxygen we breathe and the water we drink—yes, H2O is a chemical!

Beauty products marketed as containing “non-toxic” ingredients is yet another red flag to look out for. “There is really no such thing as a non-toxic ingredient. What makes an ingredient toxic isn’t the substance itself, but rather the quantity or dosage,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Anything—including water and oxygen—can be toxic in a large enough dose.”

9 clean beauty products to consider

Though you’ve learned by now that the meaning of clean beauty varies widely, LovelySkin stocks high-quality brands that Dr. Schlessinger trusts. Here are nine products from companies featured in our clean makeup shop that are known for effective formulas and excellent performance.

Glo Skin Beauty Glow Up Highlighter

For mineral makeup brand Glo Skin Beauty, clean means that its products are paraben-free, talc-free and formulated to be gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types. This highlighting balm gives a luminous, dewy touch of radiance without veering into glittery territory. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin, while shea butter works to soften and soothe skin, and the twist-up stick format is super-easy to apply.

jane iredale Beyond Lash Volumizing Mascara

Makeup brand jane iredale specializes in makeup that is free of fragrances, fillers and preservatives that can cause skin irritation. This mascara contains bamboo stem powder, a natural alternative to nylon fibers, to help add buildable length and volume to your lashes. It also contains jojoba and avocado oil to help condition lashes and safeguard them against breakage, as rice bran wax works to keep the formula on lashes for all-day wear without flaking and smudging. This mascara formula is also vegan (meaning it contains no animal products) and paraben-free.

The Organic Pharmacy Volumising Balm Gloss

This beauty brand, The Organic Pharmacy, is formulated with organic ingredients and provides a sheer touch of color and benefits for your lips. Antioxidant-rich vitamin E helps protect the delicate skin on your lips from free radical damage while castor seed oil and jojoba oil help maintain moisture. If eco-friendly packaging is important to you, you’ll love to know that the box this lip balm comes in is made from tree-free paper.

Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone Evening CC Cream Foundation SPF 50+

This makeup brand was founded by a dermatologist and a makeup artist who put their heads together to create foundations and concealers that are safe for people with all different skin types and conditions. Dermablend’s formulas are free of phthalates, triclosan, SLS and fragrance, and they are also dermatologist-tested for safety, making them a great option for those with reactive or allergy-prone skin. We’re big fans of this CC cream foundation, which contains SPF 50 for broad-spectrum sun protection and a full-coverage makeup look with a weightless, breathable feel.

bareMinerals Mineralist Eyeshadow Palette

Mineral makeup line bareMinerals defines the meaning of clean beauty as free of phthalates, parabens, mineral oil, coal tar, microbeads, formaldehyde and propylene glycol. This eyeshadow set contains four matte colors and two with a velvety finish, all packaged in a recyclable, eco-friendly palette. All six of these eyeshadows are also made with mineral pigments and sustainably sourced cold-pressed oils, plus they're also free of gluten and synthetic fragrance too.

RMS Beauty Eyelights

The initials of this makeup brand stand for its founder, makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift, and to her, clean beauty is all about using natural, organic, food-grade ingredients to create high-performance products. This metallic eyeshadow cream is formulated with green tea extract and peptide quinoa extracts to help firm and nourish delicate eyelid skin. Each shadow has a radiant finish that’s buildable for a day-to-night look, with shades ranging from sunbeam (bright coral) to halo (a soft, rosy brown) to flare (a golden tan hue). As an eco-friendly bonus, they are packaged in recyclable tubes.

REN Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Clean Primer

For REN Clean Skincare, clean beauty's meaning refers to the prioritizing of ingredients from sustainable sources that benefit the skin without causing irritation. All products are formulated to be safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This facial primer will help control shine and give your makeup a long-lasting boost without silicones, thanks to mattifying agave and probiotics that help support your skin’s microbiome. It also contains lactic acid to help gently exfoliate your skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines with continued use.

Eminence Organic Skin Care Herbal Eye Makeup Remover

All-organic beauty brand Eminence was developed in Hungary with the goal of solving skin concerns using plant-based, nutrient-rich ingredients derived from herbs, fruits and vegetables. Additionally, all of their packaging is also made with recycled materials to reduce environmental impact. This eye makeup remover blends together a number of botanical extracts—calendula, chamomile, cucumber, comfrey and green tea—to help dissolve makeup and sweep away any traces of dirt left dwelling on your skin at the end of the day.

SUZANOBAGIMD Cleansing Wipes

For this brand developed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Suzan Obagi, “clean” means that products are formulated without synthetic fragrances, parabens and dyes and are also dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. These pre-moistened facial wipes are a convenient on-the-go option to help gently cleanse skin and remove makeup, excess oil and other impurities. They also contain aloe vera to help hydrate your skin and antioxidants to protect against damaging free radicals and other environmental stressors.

Are you curious about the impact your skin care and beauty packaging has on the environment? You can read more about beauty brands that are committed to eco-friendly products and sustainable packaging and more via the LovelySkin Blog