- Carolina Malis
   @caromalis

Let’s face it, once we get into beauty a whole new world of words, ingredients and trends open up in front of us, (plus, shopping carts) because the beauty industry never sleeps. Nowadays labs and brands are constantly working on new formulas in order to be the first ones to come up with something innovative and fit the trends, but for a few months now, the biggest trend out there has been without a doubt - Clean (or Green) beauty.

You’ve heard that term already, I’m positive about that, but do you really know what's behind it? No, it doesn't mean that the packaging is green or that the products are meant to clean your skin, Clean Beauty focuses on all and every single feature of a product, from its development to the final formula, and how these affect both humans and the environment. At this point, with social media and easy access to information through the internet, it is easy to learn more about how the ingredients or practices behind a brand are sorted, and retailers are very, and I mean *VERY*, aware of this. They know and understand that people know what sulfates or parabens are, and that they definitely don't want those in their products. But these words: “natural”, “organic,'' “clean”, “non-toxic”, are not regulated by the FDA, so everyone and their mothers can use them on their packaging to promote a product that has nothing to do with being “Clean” IRL.

So, the big question remains: What is a clean or green product? Basically, clean products are more about what is not in them instead of what’s in them. Clean Beauty focuses on products that are ethically sourced and non-toxic for both our bodies and the environment, avoiding all proven or suspected toxic ingredients. But as I said before, anyone can use these words to promote their products, so here’s a few tips to keep in mind when trying to find the ones that really make the cut into that category.

SUSTAINABLE: A product that was manufactured and developed with minimal environmental impact. Look for certifications such as Cradle to Cradle or Green Good Housekeeping Seal.

ORGANIC: A product free from pesticides. Make sure to check if you see the USDA-Certified Organic stamp on the packaging to make sure this formula has been certified organic.

CHEMICAL FREE: Formulas free from ingredients that could harm human beings, such as toluene and formaldehyde. Look for specific words such as paraben-free or sulfate-free instead of just “chemical-free” or “non-toxic”.

NATURAL: The ingredients featured in the formula are sourced from nature and minimally modified. Look for the Ecocert Natural Cosmetic Stamp to make sure this product is actually formulated with, at least, half plant-based ingredients.

And because we all need a place to start, AKOCO just launched a whole category dedicated exclusively to clean products, because committing to clean practices can’t only be about pretty words but more about putting this statement into action. In the Klean Beauty Edit you’ll find brands and products formulated without ingredients that could be harmful for both your skin and the environment. So if you’re on the lookout for K-Beauty formulas free of Parabens, Phthalates, Silicone, Sulfates and Synthetic Fragrances, Klean Beauty is your dreamland. You’ll find brands such as:

RE:P:

Sustainable and down-to-earth, the goal behind RE:P is to deliver smart skin care practices that feel good on the skin but also the environment. From the ingredients to the packaging, everything is carefully developed using only responsible and gentle formulas and processes. From wash-off masks to toning pads and all-in-one moisturizers, this is the brand you need in your routine to start turning your life “green”.

BENTON:

Cruelty Free and Ecocert certified, Benton is *THE* brand you need to know about ASAP. The brand’s goal is to turn back the time of your skin with formulas that feel healthy on your skin. Benton’s cosmetics are designed to restore your skin back to its original, youthful condition with healthy recipes, rather than to give temporary effects with harmful ingredients that could hurt both your skin and the earth.

COSRX:

Without a doubt one of the most popular K-Beauty brands in the world, COSRX strives to provide your skin with real solutions while formulating products that focus on effective ingredients. To their developers, what we put on our skin is absolutely important, so since day one they’ve promised to never use toxic ingredients in their products and stay cruelty-free and skin-friendly.

Sounds like you're ready to jump into the Clean Beauty wagon? Check your ingredients-list, stick to fragrance and dye-free products and check out AKOCO’s Klean Beauty Edit HERE!