Clean Beauty Vs Natural Beauty

In today’s world of cosmetics and skincare, two key terms have been floating around - 'clean beauty' and 'natural beauty'. They might seem like the same thing at first glance, but there are nuanced differences between them. Through the lens of science and wellness, let's unpack these differences and address which one offers the most benefit for both our health and the environment (hint: the answer lies in the plant kingdom!).

Clean beauty refers to products that are free from toxic and potentially harmful ingredients, bearing in mind that 'clean' doesn’t necessarily mean 'natural'. A clean product can still contain synthetic ingredients, as long they are not harmful. On the other side of the spectrum, natural beauty products are those that are derived purely from nature, without the interference of synthetic compounds. Keeping true to The Zook Lab’s ethos, we vouch for natural beauty products simply due to their plant-based origins and the absence of animal cruelty in the process.

Backing up our confidence in natural beauty products is a plethora of research led studies. One such study supports that natural oils, such as coconut and almond oil, contain fatty acids that balance the skin's lipid layer, thereby enhancing skin health. Additionally, plant-based ingredients are loaded with antioxidants. A PUFA (plant-based polyunsaturated fatty acids) based study shows that these natural antioxidants protect the skin from harsh environmental aggressors and slow down signs of ageing. Now, isn’t that starting to sound like true beauty?

Switching to natural beauty products is a step-by-step process and not an overnight one. Start by paying attention to the labels of your cosmetics and skincare products. Familiarise yourself with common synthetic components and try to avoid products that contain them. Instead, opt for products that list 'plant-based' or 'vegan' ingredients. Moreover, support brands that foster ethical manufacturing practices. The Zook Lab has a curated selection of all-natural, plant-based skincare and body care products that you might find helpful during this switch!

In conclusion, both clean beauty and natural beauty take a stance against harmful elements in our cosmetics, but natural beauty goes a step further by entirely relying on the potency of plants, ethics, and sustainability. As we continue to learn more about the potential harm synthetic ingredients can cause, it seems clear that if it comes from plants, it's going to be better for us! The choice ultimately lies in our hands - or should we say - on our faces. So, what's it going to be? Clean or natural beauty?

Resources:
- Lin, TK et al. (2017) Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070

- Pilkington, SM et al. (2011) Randomized controlled trial of oral omega-3 PUFA in solar-simulated radiation-induced suppression of human cutaneous immune responses. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 93(3), 622–629. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.110.005538