Consumers have started to become much more aware of the products that they are using. This new generation of conscious consumers are much more health oriented and environmentally aware. This means that they aren’t interested in harsh chemicals, instead preferring organic products which are vegan and cruelty free. This clean beauty movement was fueled by the desire to be kinder to the earth. As consumers become more conscious, they have become more aware of effects that manufacturing has on the planet. The Covid-19 pandemic has also fueled the desire for supporting companies that reflect their own beliefs that the skincare industry should offer “clean” products.

Reading the label on your skincare products

Is your skincare really clean? Take a look at the ingredients. Is it really something you want on your face? Based on past experiences and the history of cosmetics will show that there are more harmful ingredients in skincare and beauty products than we are led to believe. The best things are right around us – unprocessed and whole. Of course, DIY life isn’t for everyone. Furthermore, some people highly doubt the efficiency of organic products and whether it’s truly worth the hype.

The truth behind the word ‘organic’

When it comes to food, there is research proving that there are significantly higher levels of antioxidants in organic food, but what of skincare? Is organic skincare better than skincare that isn’t marketed as organic, or is it just another marketing tactic? Understandably, there are plenty of “natural” products which are toxic and generally unhealthy for human consumption, such as tobacco. However, in skincare, what you really want to see is FDA approved seals and labels such as “free of parabens” or “free of synthetic fragrance and dyes”. This will ensure that there aren’t any nasty fillers in your skincare that might cause anything from allergic reactions or even skin cancer.

Skincare products that bear the USDA Organic seal are made to a higher standard. For a product to bear the USDA Organic seal on its label, every ingredient must be verified to be free of contaminants and all labeled must be approved to assure accuracy. That’s why the USDA Organic seal is more than a mere marketing tactic. On the other hand, any product that claims to be “organic” without using the USDA Organic seal is likely trying to mislead consumers.

Making your own skincare at home

Going back to basics sometimes it’s as simple as making your own. The rise of beauty bloggers in the last decade has seen an increase in DIY recipes which are both simple and effective. You can make use of the items in your pantry. For instance, granulated sugar is a wonder scrub which is also gentle on your skin. Egg whites have long been used as a face mask. While these homemade skincare recipes can be messy, there are also plenty of equipment that can help you make your concoctions easier to store and use. It is much more affordable than splurging on premium cosmetics products.

Focus on personalizing your skincare routine

There’s no one size fits all. Some people love lavishing themselves with all kinds of products and wouldn’t feel comfortable without their 10-step program. On the other hand, other people prefer a simple 3-step routine. Since there are no hard and fast rules, it’s entirely up to you to figure out what’s the best choice for yourself.

The rise of CBD

Cannabidiol is everywhere nowadays. It’s in your coffee shop, your health food store, and has now invaded the organic beauty and wellness industry. Recent studies suggest that CBD might have positive effects for those that use them. The substance is also thought to be able to deliver therapeutic benefits which could also be absorbed through the use of skincare. Although these theories are not scientifically proven, it hasn’t stopped people from infusing their skincare with CBD substances.

Choosing a CBD brand

Instead of buying the first CBD cream you find online, it’s definitely worth researching the company.* American-based products are generally safer, but only if they source their hemp from American farms. That’s because hemp grown in countries like China have a higher risk of contamination from heavy metals and pesticides.

That’s why proof of third-party lab testing is so critical. It’s important that the company and their products have been cleared by a laboratory that does not benefit from misrepresenting any information regarding the tested products. The product in question should not contain more than 0.3 percent THC, nor can it have trace amounts of pesticides, heavy metals, or biological contaminants like bacteria, mold, and fungus.

From that lab report, you will be able to determine if the company is using CBD isolate or some other form of THC-free formulation, or if it’s full spectrum, which means it includes a legal amount of THC. Many proponents of CBD skincare believe that full spectrum hemp extract is more effective when CBD and THC are working together.

Is it for you?

Some people are content with using whatever products they get from the drugstore. While that’s fine, it’s worth knowing what other options are out there. There are also still people who are against CBD products because of out-dated politics. Cannabis was once considered a cultural taboo, but those days are largely behind us. Federal law still lags public opinion when it comes to cannabis, but even under federal law, full spectrum hemp-derived CBD products are legal.


*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.