The clean beauty movement promised a revolutionary approach to cosmetics and skincare, shifting focus from not only efficacy but also the well-being of our skin and the planet. Yet, the path of this admirable mission has been marred by certain brands capitalizing on fear and misinformation.
The deterioration of clean beauty messaging happened gradually as brands worked to one-up each other with their marketing efforts. Over time, messaging has become more about avoiding toxins and has been more forcibly suggesting that some ingredients are dangerously poisonous. Cosmetic scientists and formulators have been quick to jump on this messaging and there is growing adversary between the two sides.
This leaves consumers completely confused. So much of it is marketing hype. What’s safe? What’s harmful? Where should they turn for information?
We reached out to Dr. Heather Smith who has a unique perspective. As a clean beauty advocate and physician, Dr. Smith aptly said, “A true clean beauty movement should be about celebrating what’s in a product, not inducing fear about what isn’t.”
The Underbelly of Clean Beauty Marketing
While many brands genuinely commit to producing eco-friendly, skin-friendly, and effective products, others have ventured into a shadowy marketing territory. They peddle their wares using fear-based tactics, insinuating that anything ‘chemical’ is dangerous and that natural means it’s safe.
Dr. Smith warns, “One of the biggest misconceptions propagated by certain brands is that ‘chemical’ equates to harmful. Everything is a chemical, whether it’s water or a plant extract. Misusing that term fuels unnecessary panic.”
This problematic approach has muddied the waters, leaving consumers puzzled and sometimes misinformed about their choices. It’s a disservice not only to the genuine proponents of clean beauty but also to the consumers who rely on these brands for clarity and honesty.
Science vs. Fear: Striking a Balance
Science should be the guiding star for the clean beauty movement. Yet, certain brands shun it in favor of appealing to popular yet unverified beliefs. Anti-science stances, especially when endorsed by brands with significant influence, can jeopardize the clean beauty mission’s credibility.
Dr. Smith elaborates, “It’s heartbreaking to see clean beauty being driven into an ‘anti-science’ corner by some brands. We can and should embrace both nature and science, understanding how they can harmoniously work together.”
Where things can get confusing is when truth gets distorted. There are definitely potential harms associated with some ingredients. Often the harms are suggested by data, but not definitively proven. Some harms are true, but only if the dose of the ingredient is exponentially massive or if it’s eaten in large quantities. Dr. Smith adds, “brands can choose to use ingredients that are non-controversial and safer without perpetuating inaccurate messaging.”
Transparency Over Exclusion
One of the most salient points made by Dr. Smith is that clean beauty should be about transparency rather than exclusion. Brands should celebrate the ingredients they include because of their benefits and be clear about their sourcing, efficacy, and safety.
“A brand should be proud of its formulation, and that pride should come from the benefits of what’s included, not just a list of excluded, demonized ingredients,” Dr. Smith comments. She believes this approach is not only honest but also educative. Consumers become aware of the goodness of ingredients rather than just fearing certain buzzwords.
Educate, Don’t Intimidate
Brands have a responsibility to educate their consumers, providing them with the tools to make informed decisions. Yet, the current narrative propagated by some is one of intimidation.
Clean beauty’s essence isn’t to make consumers feel that everything they’ve used before is ‘toxic’. It’s about presenting a better, more conscious choice. Brands should guide consumers on this journey, empowering them with knowledge, not arming them with fear.
Dr. Smith aptly puts it, “Clean beauty should feel like a warm invitation to a healthier choice, not a scare tactic pushing you away from everything else.”
The Path Forward
Clean beauty still holds immense promise. But for it to reach its full potential, the industry needs to take a step back, reassess, and eliminate the fear factor. Brands should realign with the true essence of the movement: transparency, efficacy, and well-being.
Dr. Smith’s perspective offers a beacon of hope. “I envision a clean beauty landscape where consumers pick up a product and feel confident about its benefits, understanding its ingredients, and celebrating the harmony between nature and science.”
It’s time for brands to step up, dispel myths, and champion a transparent, science-backed, and truly ‘clean’ approach to beauty. As Dr. Smith puts it, “perhaps extending the word ‘clean’ to include clean marketing practices is the shift that’s needed”.
