The Truth About “Clean Beauty”: What Labels Don’t Tell You

The term “clean beauty” is everywhere—from drugstore shelves to luxury boutiques. But what does it really mean? If you’ve ever felt confused by the endless marketing buzzwords like “natural,” “green,” and “eco-friendly,” you’re not alone. The beauty industry isn’t as transparent as it appears, and understanding what truly makes a product safer is key to making informed choices.

In this post, we’ll break down what “clean beauty” is (and isn’t), what labels often leave out, and how you can become a more confident, empowered shopper.

What Does “Clean Beauty” Actually Mean?

Unfortunately, there’s no regulated definition for “clean” in the beauty industry. Brands can use the term however they like—even if the product still contains harmful ingredients.

Clean beauty should ideally mean products that are:

• Prioritizing ingredients that are not known to cause harm to the body or the environment.

• Formulated without endocrine disruptors, synthetic fragrance, or harsh preservatives

• Created with ingredient transparency in mind

But the lack of regulation means you have to dig deeper than the front label (the companies marketing lingo). Take time to read the ingredient labels!

The Labeling Loopholes to Watch For

Here are a few red flags and greenwashing tactics to watch out for:

1. “Fragrance” on the Label

This term can legally hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Look for products that list essential oils or say “fragrance-free” or “naturally scented with essential oils.”

2. “Natural” Doesn’t Mean Nontoxic

Arsenic is natural—but that doesn’t mean you want it in your skincare. Look for brands that are transparent about how ingredients are sourced and processed.

3. “Dermatologist Recommended” Isn’t a Safety Guarantee

This phrase doesn’t mean the product is free of harmful ingredients—it just means a dermatologist endorsed it. Always check the ingredient list.

Reading Ingredient Labels: What to Look For

Look out for these common ingredients to avoid:

• Fragrance / Parfum - why avoid? Noted above in #1 :) hundreds of chemicals could be hiding under this label

• Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben) - used as preservatives in various products. They have been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and have been found in breast cancer tissue.

• Phthalates (e.g., diethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate) - often used to enhance fragrance in many personal care items. They are endocrine disruptors and may negatively affect the hormonal system. Some studies suggest a connection with fertility problems and developmental issues.

• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives – used to extend shelf life

• PEGs (polyethylene glycols) – may be contaminated with carcinogens

Instead, choose products from brands that are transparent with ingredients, formulation and sourcing.

A few of my favorite Beauty Brands I trust:

Crunchi - goes beyond typical clean beauty standards with clinically proven, safe and effective non GMO and organic ingredients - paired with sustainable packaging to reduce plastic use and waste. They offer prestige skincare, makeup and sun protection products.

Shop this link: www.crunchi.com/dinalano

Save 10% on your first order by using this code at checkout: ADVOCATE10

Primally Pure - is mindfully skin and body care sourced from animals and plants. From farms, forests and fields, Primally Pure thoughtfully sources ingredients grown with integrity that are regenerative, organic and wildcrafted whenever possible. Nature knows best and has given us everything we need – no chemicals, fragrances or fillers needed.

Favorite products I use regularly:

Charcoal Deodorant, Geranium Deodorant, Everything Spray, Coffee Mask, Mask Trio (obsessed with their masks!)

Shop this link: https://creatoriq.cc/4lxklL6

Save 10% by using this code at checkout: DINA10

Alpyn Beauty - is the first skincare brand focused on sustainably hand-harvesting mountain plants at their peak potency and enhance their power with proven clinical actives. It is a wild-meets-clinical combination that amplifies results while solving skin concerns at the deepest level.

Favorite product I use daily: Plumping Lip MAsk

Shop this link: Shop Alpyn Beauty

Save 15% by using this code at checkout: DINALANO15

Why This Matters for Your Skin & Health

Your skin is your largest organ, and it absorbs much of what you put on it. Over time, exposure to low doses of toxic ingredients can add up—contributing to inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and skin sensitivity.

Clean beauty isn’t just about what’s trendy—it’s about protecting your body long-term.

How to Shop Smarter

When choosing new products:

• Always read the full ingredient list

• Use resources like the EWG Skin Deep database as a starting point

• Follow trusted nontoxic living experts (like me!) for curated product recommendations

Want a shortcut to safer beauty?

👉 Shop my favorite safer swaps in my ShopMy digital store to browse trusted, clean brands that I personally use and love.

Thank you for shopping my links and supporting my business! I do the research and try products then share with you, saving your time and money. My shopping links allow me to earn a small commission and a some with discount codes.