How to switch to a cleaner, kinder beauty routine

Get familiar with the terminology

"The word “clean” isn’t regulated in the beauty industry, so technically any brand could refer to itself like this. It’s up to you to do your homework and find out if they tick all the boxes as a brand that strives to be better," says van den Berg. “Generally, for a brand to be considered clean, they don’t have to be all-natural or organic, but they do have to be free of toxic ingredients. Then, to be regarded as ‘kind’, the brand shouldn’t be testing on animals and do business in a way that doesn’t hurt the environment.”  

Research before you buy  

"Unless a company specifically states that they’re free of toxic ingredients and has an ethical approach to business it can be tricky to tell who’s clean and kind," says van den Berg. “A brand could easily advertise that they’re using a complex made from 100% natural oils, but the rest of the product could be 99% man-made toxins. They also could be ripping up a rainforest to get those natural oils.” To ensure you’re buying what you think you are, van den Berg suggests you do your research. “Usually a quick Google search will reveal what you want to know from an independent resource, not the brand itself.”  

Don’t just throw away what you have  

If you decide to switch to cleaner beauty products, don’t throw your existing products in the trash. “It’s less wasteful to finish using them up and replace what you have as you run out or put everything in a box and donate them to someone, or an organsition, who’ll appreciate them.” Van den Berg suggests you check in with shelters in your area to see who is perhaps in need. “The foundation or shampoo you’re tossing because it’s tested on animals can at least become an act of kindness if it helps a job seeker or person in need look and feel more confident.”

Remember, clean doesn’t mean perfect  

Switching to clean beauty products is a good thing, but there’s a misconception that all of them will only ever be good for you, says van den Berg. “A lot of people with sensitive skin switch to clean, vegan or organic products then get a surprise if their skin reacts negatively. It's worth remembering that just because something is all-natural and doesn’t contain known toxins doesn’t mean it won’t contain something your skin might take issue with. Lavender oil, for example, can be a big irritant for some. “The trick is to make your big switch slowly so you can see what’s working for you and what’s not. As you would with any type of skincare, there’ll be trial and error in finding what works best for you.”   

Don’t forget about your tools  

It’s all good and well to make a point of buying “clean”, vegan highlighter, but if you’re applying it with an animal bristle brush with a handle made from unsustainably-sourced materials you’re kind of defeating the point. "Happily, ethical brands like EcoTools serve up every type of brush you could ever need as well as applicator sponges," says van den Berg. All their products and packaging are cruelty-free, made using recycled materials and 100% vegan. “Even their brush handles are made using one of the fastest-growing plants - renewable bamboo.”  

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com