We all want to take care of our skin with high-quality, clean ingredients. However, it’s no easy task. In a market that is oversaturated with products claiming to give you even, hydrated, poreless (i.e. perfect) skin, choosing one can feel overwhelming. No worries, The Cool Mom Co. has you covered with the good, the bad and the ugly so you feel better equipped to make the best choice!
What does “Clean Beauty” even mean?
Defining “clean beauty,” is harder than it sounds. There are no official regulations, so almost any product can claim to be “clean,” regardless of the ingredients.
In general, clean beauty refers to products that do not contain harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances that might irritate skin. This is not to be confused with skincare that claims to be organic or cruelty-free, two other words that are commonly tossed around in the clean beauty world.
Cruelty free products have not been tested on animals. However, there is stricter regulation around calling a product organic. In order to be considered organic, it must be certified by the USDA and contain 95% organic ingredients. In addition, it must also be free of GMOs.
But Aren’t Chemicals Bad?
We’ve come to associate the word “chemical,” with unnatural substances. The truth is that everything is made up of chemicals, including yourself.
And while many ingredients that you would find in your house are simply not in a state that your skin can absorb it, traditional skin care products are formulated in such a way that the ingredients, for the most part, are safe. But that doesn’t mean they are always good for your skin long term.
That sounds tricky! I’d rather make my own skincare!
If all of that sounds like too much to try and manage, you are not alone. It’s enough to make anyone turn to the kitchen to create their own beauty products. However, that too may not be as easy as it seems.
There are some DIY skincare products that work wonderfully, but it is important to do your research so you don’t wreak more havoc on your skin than necessary. Just remember to keep it simple with fresh and organic ingredients.
What can I use?
- Make your own body scrub! Save on plastic and synthetic fragrances by using materials you already have in your kitchen to make a homemade scrub. Simply mix together sugar with an oil of your choice and get scrubbing.
- Makeup Remover – You’ve probably used an oil-based makeup remover in the past, and found that it does wonders to get rid of any stubborn mascara or lip stains that a cleanser can’t touch. Now, you can make your own at home. You can use whatever oil you like to get the job done, but the most popular ones to include are castor oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil. If you choose to use coconut oil, make sure that it works well with your skin, as it is comedogenic and can clog pores. Simply rub the oil in and watch the makeup melt off of your face!
- Shea Butter Hair Mask – Much cheaper than the masks you buy at the store, making your own shea butter hair mask is easy as can be. Melt your shea butter in a double boiler. Once it is fully melted, add in some vitamin E oil. Massage into your hair and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour before washing out. This is a deeply moisturizing mask that is perfect for thick, curly or wavy hair, and will leave your scalp feeling nourished.
- After Sun Care – Got a sunburn? No need to buy a bottle of the green aloe gel from your local drugstore. Instead, buy your very own aloe vera plant! The gel inside of the leaves can be used to soothe all sorts of skin irritation, from rashes to insect bites, and even burns.
Do you make any of your own skincare products? What is your go-to recipe? Share with us in the comments below!