The Science Behind Clean Beauty

  • October 21, 2023
  • 3 Minutes

Last updated on 06/24/2024 by Souhela Ferrah

In our search for radiant, healthy skin, the modern beauty industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Customers no longer accept whatever companies throw at them, and we are becoming much more demanding. We want to know what is inside our products because they will end up inside our bodies. This article looks into the fascinating world of clean beauty and Fields of Yarrow’s unwavering commitment to clean, science-backed skincare. We will answer your questions about clean beauty, its benefits, and how to transition to a clean beauty routine.

Growing industry, growing problems.

Every time I go shopping, I check out the self-care section. As the founder of my organic skincare company, I get curious to see what is available. Is it me, or is the beauty aisle of the grocery store getting bigger and bigger? How can big companies create and sustain many different (yet remarkably similar) product lines? How do they make the formula efficient, stable, and have a long shelf life? My assumption: they cut corners. And who suffers from their actions? You do. Today, we will be analyzing the beauty industry’s clean practices. What does it mean? How does it affect you?

decorative image of a closeup of a skincare oil made of clean natural ingredients<br />
close up image of green wet pabbles
closeup image of wood, used in clean beauty as a skincare ingredient

What is Clean Beauty?

Clean beauty is more than a buzzword; it’s a commitment to purity and transparency. At its core, clean beauty prioritizes products free from harmful chemicals and embraces natural, ethically sourced ingredients. Modern consumers demand transparency and are increasingly conscious of what they put on their skin. This shift has sent us back in time, in a good way. We are returning to the old ways: natural, plant-based, non-toxic beauty products that respect both you and the environment.

Clean beauty means never compromising health for results.

How Do I Know Where The Ingredients Come From?

How can you know where the ingredient of your skincare comes from? How can we know if it’s natural or synthetic? Ingredients in skincare products mainly have three sources:

  • Naturally occurring: Ingredients in these products are used in their natural, unprocessed state. For example, raw honey and crushed flowers.
  • Nature-identical: Ingredients in nature-identical products are produced in a lab and are chemically identical to those in nature. An example is sorbic acid.
  • Synthetic: This term sits on the far end of the spectrum and includes ingredients created and processed in a lab. An example of this is parabens, which are common preservatives found in skin care products.

picture showing the c complex drops for skincare routines aimed at nourishing and restoring the skin

Super C Range

8% Vitamin C, and mroe

Discover our range of Vitamin C Based natural products.

At Fields of Yarrow, we are committed to using only ingredients that nature has given us. To preserve the environment and avoid over-farming, some of our ingredients are carefully crafted in our lab and, when possible, improved. That is the case of the Vitamin C molecule we use in our SUPER C Range. All of our products have a molecule derived from Ascorbic Acid that is more stable and has a longer-term antioxidant efficacy in your skin.

clear foam obtained from a clean beauty skincare cleansing product
closeup image of botanical elements
Decorative image of green powder on white background

Understanding Ingredient Lists (INCIs)

I know that when it comes to reading an ingredient list, distinguishing between synthetic and natural components can be difficult. Understanding what goes into your skincare products empowers you to make informed choices, but big companies do not make it easy. Thankfully, our friends at INCI Decoder have done the work for you. You simply need to write the product name or copy/paste the ingredients list, and they’ll give you all the info you need.

Harmful Ingredients to Avoid

The Federal and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States of America has a list of 11 Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetics. If you think about it and taking into consideration that most skincare products have around 20-25 ingredients, having only 11 banned is suspicious. Parabens, for example, are not included in this list, and it’s well-known that these synthetic preservatives disrupt the normal function of your hormone system. This might be the result of big pharma companies lobbying for their interest, making it evident that they’re looking out for themselves and not for you. As a comparison, in Europe, over 1,300 ingredients are banned.

Between this or that, and while governments research and agree between them, I took action over the products I put on my skin. The Benefits of Using Natural Ingredients are the same or, sometimes, even better than their synthetic counterpart.

picture showing the c complex drops for skincare routines aimed at nourishing and restoring the skin

Super C Range

8% Vitamin C, and mroe

Discover our range of Vitamin C Based natural products.

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Ever since I was young, I learned the power of nature. Now, years later, with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, I can understand how and why nature has given us everything we need. With this knowledge, I’ve created The Ultimate Guide to Clean Beauty and Organic Skincare.

Narrated by Keke Palmer, HBO Max’s Not So Pretty is the first-ever comprehensive large-scale investigative expose of the trillion-dollar cosmetics, beauty, and personal care industry. Celebrated and groundbreaking filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering take this unregulated industry to task via rigorous investigations, incisive wit, and emotional storytelling to inform audiences of the hidden hazards of cosmetics and safe alternatives for their daily products.

FAQs

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What is clean beauty?
Clean beauty refers to beauty products formulated with non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and skin-friendly ingredients. It aims to reduce harmful chemicals and promote safer alternatives.

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Are clean beauty products more expensive?
Clean beauty products can be more expensive due to high-quality, sustainable ingredients, but there are affordable options available.
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Can the Rose Mandarin Radiating Eye Contour Serum be used daily?
Yes, the Rose Mandarin | Radiating Eye Contour Serum is designed for daily use. It's a lightweight serum that can be used in your daily skincare routine to address wrinkles and lines in the under-eye area.

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Can clean beauty products effectively address skin concerns?

Yes, many clean beauty products are formulated to address various skin concerns, from acne to aging, using natural and safe ingredients. Fields of Yarrow is a 100% Clean Skincare Brand and the potency of the products is certified by the verified reviews you can read on the brand's Trustpilot page.

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Do clean beauty products have a shorter shelf life?
Clean beauty products can have shorter shelf lives, especially if they contain fewer preservatives. It's essential to check product labels for expiration dates. Fields of Yarrow's products have a 12 months shelf life.
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Are all Fields of Yarrow products organic and plant-based?
Yes, all Fields of Yarrow products are 100% organic and plant-based. They are made with natural botanical extracts and are free of synthetic dyes, fragrances, and preservatives.

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What are the environmental benefits of clean beauty?
Clean beauty focuses on sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and reducing the use of harmful chemicals, which can have a positive impact on the environment.

About the Author

Souhela Ferrah
Souhela Ferrah

Researcher, mom and founder of Fields of Yarrow

Growing up in the south of France, Souhela Ferrah was surrounded by flower fields. As the daughter of a pharmacist, and with her educational background as chemist, she grew up with a strong affinity with nature and understood its power very well. Thanks to her family, her hometown and her travels around the world, she found inspiration in natural healers, herbalists and nature itself. And this was enough to motivate her to start the awarded honest skincare brand, Fields of Yarrow.
Tags: clean beauty / natural skincare / organic skincare

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