Why is Clean Beauty Important?

Today I am sharing what I have learned about clean beauty products, and more specifically, answering the question, 'Why is clean beauty important?'

I have always loved beauty products. Lotions, serums, oils, body washes, lip balms - give me all the things! I used to want to try new products all the time. I could walk the aisles of Sephora forever. And while I still love beauty, I've changed my approach a bit over the last few years.

I’ve begun to streamline my purchases with the goal of a less is more approach, with products that I truly love. I’ve also made the switch to clean beauty products. As I’ve learned more about what’s in typical beauty products, and how they might affect my health, I’ve made it a priority to look for clean, effective products for myself and my family.

Here you will learn why clean beauty it important, how to get started, and I'll share some of my favorite products.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my link, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Is clean beauty important?

The short answer - yes.

In recent years, the clean beauty movement has gained significant momentum, driven by increasing awareness about the ingredients in our skincare and cosmetic products. Clean beauty focuses on products made without harmful chemicals and prioritizes ingredients that are safe for both the user and the environment. Understanding why clean beauty products are important for health can empower consumers to make better choices for their well-being.

Traditional beauty products often contain chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances. These substances can have adverse effects on health, including hormone disruption, allergies, and even links to cancer. Clean beauty products avoid these harmful chemicals, using safer, naturally-derived alternatives instead.

How do I get started with clean beauty?

Luckily there are more and more brands making clean, better-for-you products, and more retailers selling them. Even big stores like Sephora and Target have clean beauty aisles. It can take a little trial and error to find the products that work best for you, but it's a process that in my opinion is well worth the time and effort.

There are toxins all around us, and we can't control a lot of them. But we can control what we put on our body, and specifically our skin, which is our biggest organ.

If you want to make the switch from conventional to clean products, start small. Choose one item at a time as your current products run out. Maybe you grab a new body wash or body lotion, or maybe you need a new lip balm and you wander down the clean beauty aisle at your favorite drugstore. Take it slow and see what you like.

Here are some clean beauty brands and products to get you started.

Some of my favorite clean beauty brands and products:

Body Wash

This Jason body wash has been a long time favorite. I love the rose and the citrus scents. And I love the big bottle with a pump, it lasts forever.

This Naturium body wash is also a favorite. It’s unscented, moisturizing, and a good price point. This is perfect for colder months, and works well on sensitive skin.

Saltair makes a beautiful clean body wash, in a variety of amazing scents. There is always at least one bottle of Saltair in my shower.

Cleansers & Exfoliators

Acure is a great clean brand. My favorite products are the Brightening Cleansing Gel and the Brightening Facial Scrub. The cleanser is gentle and effective, and the scrub is amazing. Use it a few times a week for incredibly smooth skin.

Moisturizers

 For light but effective moisture, try Dime Beauty's Dewy Day Cream for daytime and their Restorative Night Cream before bed. They both feel really good on my skin.

If you have very dry skin, try Naturium's Plant Ceramide Moisture Cream, it's very thick and moisturizing. I also like and use the Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream, also from Naturium. This is especially nourishing during the winter months.

The Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream smells amazing and leaves your face so soft. 

The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is a cult-favorite for good reason. I love wearing a thick layer overnight. You can use it as a mask or moisturizer.

The Biossance Squalance and Omega Repair Cream is rich, nourishing and moisturizing.

Just Ingredients makes my all-time favorite face oil, the Organic Face Serum Oil. It feels so good on your skin, and can be used on all skin types. (You can shop through this link or use code 'NOTES' for 10% off!)

Serums

Biossance is always a winner for me. I alternate between the Squalane and Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum and Squalane and Retinol Serum each night. No irritation, and my skin always looks brighter within minutes after use. 

Shampoo & Conditioner

The DAE Signature Shampoo and DAE Signature Conditioner combo is my all-time favorite combo. The scent, the softness, it’s all so good.

Deodorant

I’ve tried a bunch of natural deodorants, and this Native deodorant is the first one that works great for me.

What are some clean products I can use on my kids?

Everyone for Everybody makes a great 3-in-1 formula for kids. They come in a big bottle with a pump, perfect for little hands. The Berry Blast scent is one of our favorites.

We also like the Unscented Nourishing Lotion from Everyone for Everybody - our whole family uses it.

The Honest Company's body wash and lotion in sweet orange vanilla smells divine.

By understanding the importance of clean beauty, you can make informed decisions that benefit your health, and that of your family. Do you have any clean beauty favorites? Please share them below!

For more beauty recommendations, you can also check out my drugstore beauty favorites and the products I use in my nighttime routine.

If you are enjoying the content here on The Lifestyle Notes, I'd love for you to subscribe to the free newsletter! You'll get links to new posts, favorite product recommendations, and more email-exclusive content!