Identifying Green and Clean Skincare Products

Searching for clean makeup doesn’t have to be a daunting task. There are a few simple guidelines to help you find effective products that are formulated with harsh chemicals and won’t harm the earth when you rinse the products or discard the packaging.

Checking labels for natural or organic ingredients and avoiding synthetic chemicals is a good place to start.

Look for sustainable products from brands with eco-friendly practices. Clean makeup often includes a wide range of shades, catering to diverse needs. Opt for products with healing properties, like plant extracts, to keep skin hydrated and protected while supporting a more natural beauty routine.

In this guide, we’ll shed light on how you can find effective natural ingredients and environmentally friendly products. 

Sustainable products for makeup and skincare

Ingredient sourcing will help you determine if the ingredients were harvested without causing harm to our planet. Usually, if the packaging indicates that the product is organic or has a fair-trade mark, this means that the farmers and workers growing and packaging the product were treated fairly and met the environmental standards.

e.l.f. Cosmetics was one of the first brands to become Fair Trade Certified™.

What to look for in clean products

Consider your skin type before you choose a brand and product that boasts “clean” ingredients first—combination skin benefits from lightweight moisturizers that balance oil and dryness. Clean products tailored to skin needs can enhance your skincare routine and support healthy, beautiful skin. Using green skincare products that are formulated for all skin types can feel better on your skin and your conscience and make your complexion glow. 

Here are natural green ingredients to look for that make products clean: 

Aloe vera

Aloe vera has soothing and hydrating healing properties when used in skincare. 

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is a good moisturizer for most skin types, including oily skin or acne. 

Argan oil

Full of essential fatty acids, this is a lightweight oil containing Vitamin E, which is ideal for skin and hair.

Benefits of natural skincare

We derive some of the most healing and eco-friendly ingredients from nature with rejuvenating, cleansing, and anti-premature-aging benefits.

Often, cleansers and moisturizers lining the shelves contain edible ingredients and agricultural plants known for their complexion-enhancing properties.

Cucumber is nourishing for skin toning, strawberries for cleansing, and avocado and honey for moisturizing dry skin. These natural options are inherently environmentally friendly beauty products made from natural ingredients that are safe to use and typically free from harsh side effects, except in cases of specific allergies.

Natural cosmetic products avoid using harsh chemicals that can irritate, damage, or dry out the skin. Unlike many artificial ingredients, natural ingredients are less likely to cause adverse reactions, making them suitable for most skin types.

While preservatives are necessary for a long shelf life, they also prevent the growth of bacteria necessary for safe ingredients. Many beauty brands that claim to be formulating their line with natural ingredients also use fewer animal products and animal testing in their formulation process. 

If you’re looking for cruelty-free products, Sephora and many other brands will list a cruelty-free label. 

The esthetics program at Evergreen Beauty College

Evergreen Beauty College offers an esthetics program for those interested in learning extensively about skin care treatments, understanding the various factors that affect the skin, and the wide range of treatments available to address different skin concerns.

Our students are equipped with the practical skills to offer personalized recommendations based on skin type and issues, perform both basic and advanced facial treatments, and administer hair removal procedures such as waxing. At Evergreen, we prioritize teaching students how to identify effective ingredients in personal care products and how to consult with clients on customized skincare routines.

Consider touring any of our campuses to meet the instructors and talk with our current students to hear stories about their experience training at the Evergreen esthetics program.

You can schedule a tour or visit the campus anytime to learn more from admissions about enrollment. 

FAQ: Identifying green and clean skincare products

How do you know if a skin product is clean?

Look for labels such as EWG Verified or Clean at Sephora to identify clean products. If the product lists these, it’s free from ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

Reading reviews of the company practices will also help you make an informed decision.

What does green mean in skincare?

In skincare, green means the product is sustainably sourced or has biodegradable packaging and formulas made with organic or plant-based components. Because of this, the product has less of an impact on the environment and is considered green.  

How do you identify active ingredients in skin care?

They are usually at the top of the list and aim to target the skin issue. Some common active ingredients in skincare may include retinol, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C.