Clean Beauty and Why You Should Care About It
You may see the words ‘Clean Beauty’ and wonder what it means. “What is Uviña Skin talking about? How can products be clean?”
Well, it’s actually quite easy to understand once you realize that beauty products have been really dirty for a looooooong time.
Let’s start from the beginning.
Quite surprising to most, beauty products are NOT regulated by the FDA and do not need to have approval before hitting the market. (Shocked yet? Oh wait, there’s more.)
As a result, many products are filled with cheap, dirty, toxic ingredients known to cause cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive/nervous/digestion issues, skin irritation, and so much more. (And yes, this is legal.)
Let’s get into some of the common offenders you may find in facial skin care:
Parabens: Parabens are a group of preservatives. Although preservatives are essential for preventing the growth of bacteria on your skin care products, this group is known to cause reproductive harm, endocrine disruption, cancer, and skin irritation.
Commonly labeled as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben.
BHA/BHT: These are synthetic antioxidants that are also used to preserve shelf life (preservatives). Unfortunately, they are also known to cause cancer, disrupt hormones, and cause liver damage.
Commonly labeled as BHA-butylated hydroxyanisole and BHT-butylated hydroxytoluene.
Petrolatum: Petrolatum, derived from petroleum, is a clear, odorless oil commonly found in cosmetics. Now, my biggest gripe with petrolatum is not that it’s dangerous. It’s that it’s a lazy “filler” ingredient. Although hydrating, it is occlusive, meaning that it creates a barrier over your skin, potentially clogging your pores. Add the fact that it has no anti-inflammatory, soothing, or antioxidant properties and you can’t help but wonder what purpose it’s serving in your face care products.
Commonly labeled as Mineral Oil, Petroleum jelly
Fragrances: Did you know that ‘fragrances’ are considered a trade secret and do not need to disclose what chemicals are used to create them? Sadly, the chemicals commonly used are known to be irritants, allergens, and hormone disruptors. I love a wonderful scent as much as the next person, but not if it has to be like this! My recommendation is to look for products that use fruit/floral extracts and/or essential oils.
Commonly labeled as Parfum(e), fragrance
Phthalates: This product is not allowed in Europe, but commonly found in the United States. These products help skin care products penetrate the skin and have been known to cause reproductive issues in both men and women, and are very dangerous for children.
Commonly labeled as BPA- Bisphenol, DBP- dibutyl phthalate, DEP- diethyl phthalate
Siloxanes: Commonly found in moisturizers, this product helps smooth the product to assist with application. It has been suspected of harming the reproductive system and causing infertility.
Commonly labeled as Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclomethicone, Cyclohexasiloxaneand, and Cyclopentasiloxane
PEGs: Commonly used to thicken moisturizers, this ingredient is commonly found in facial moisturizers and can cause irritation and system toxicity.
Commonly labeled as PEG, Ceteareth, Polyethylene, Polyethylene Glycol, and Polyoxyethylene
Phenoxyethanol: Another problematic preservative, phenoxyethanol is easily absorbed through the skin and is known to irritate the central nervous system (brain, nerves), skin, eyes, and lungs. Prolonged exposure has been linked to organ damage.
Commonly labeled by the same name
Looking and feeling your best shouldn’t cost you your health. Uviña Skin has been founded on the belief that beautiful, glowing skin can be achieved without using these common and harmful ingredients. All of our clean ingredients were intentionally chosen with your well-being in mind. We’re all in this together.