Clean beauty has been trending all over social media lately, this is probably because the skincare market is changing, and people are doing more to research into what suits their skin best. This also means that consumers are much more conscious about what goes on with their skin. But what is this ‘clean beauty’ that everyone has been talking about. Clean beauty refers to skincare and cosmetic products made without harmful ingredients, focusing on safety, sustainability, transparency, and non-toxic formulas that are ethically and environmentally conscious. However, platforms such as TikTok have turned this into an aesthetic trend where ‘clean girl’ for example, is the epitome of perfection. But should the aim of skincare really be flawless perfection or wellbeing and health? This leads to a question of whether clean beauty is beneficial or if it’s just marketing fuel to add to the fire of the industry.
The core concept, from what we understand, of clean beauty is non-toxic, ethically sourced skincare with minimal synthetic ingredients. But clean beauty has become something of a grey area due to social media and definitions have started to vary. Massively misleading consumers. Natural Spa Factory believe in the core definition of clean beauty, for us, it’s about wellness, non-toxic products, natural ingredients and sustainable values. Clean beauty lacks standardized industry regulation and now more than ever brands often self-define "clean," creating consumer confusion and varying claims about safety, sustainability, and ingredient transparency.
You may see brands who promote their ‘clean’ product say they are ‘suitable for sensitive skin’ and have been formulated without known irritants (e.g., fragrances, alcohols, dyes). But in reality, products may still cause reactions "clean” doesn’t guarantee a product is hypoallergenic or dermatologist-tested, and sensitivity varies between individuals.
This is why, at Natural Spa Factory, ingredient transparency is something we hold very close to our values. Being open and honest about your ingredient lists builds trust with consumers, supports informed choices, and encourages accountability to those brands who just are not following key steps to become a well-established brand.
Fear-based marketing is playing a huge part in this, it is more common than ever for brands to use public fears of illness, hormone disruption, or “chemical buildup” without scientific consensus, putting consumers off products like retinols and hyaluronic acid. Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest concentration when put on a product label. And your active ingredients (or actives) will usually appear in the top five. Look for ingredients with proven benefits like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol and research their appropriate percentages.
If you are unsure, at Natural Spa Factory we have plenty of alternatives for actives that still hold the exact same benefits for your skin such as our Nourishing Bakuchiol Facial Oil which is a brilliant retinol replacement.
Our products are developed in the UK using plant-based, naturally derived ingredients, free from parabens, microbeads, SLS, and harsh chemicals. We focus on effective formulations, and not a quick fix, that nourish skin without unnecessary additives. On top of that every product lists its complete INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) so you know exactly what you’re applying to your skin with no secret add ons.
Clean beauty is capable of being beneficial to some individuals, but with no universal definition or regulation, it's essential for consumers to stay informed and look beyond marketing claims.
Ultimately, the best skincare is the one that aligns with your skin’s needs and your personal values. Whether that means prioritizing sustainability, ingredient simplicity, or performance, the choice should be yours, be guided by clarity, not confusion.
Explore our clean product line and be sure to read our full ingredient philosophy when looking at our website and purchasing our products. Be sure to keep an eye out for more blogs like this to help you make confident, conscious choices.
