What is the meaning of clean beauty?
The beauty world is awash with hundreds of new products all vying for your attention, but how do we differentiate between the good and the bad; the clean and the dirty? At its core, clean beauty includes products that avoid using known harmful chemicals in their formulation.
But Zoe and Charlie stress that not all products are created equal. “All ingredients are chemicals, whether they are natural or not,” they explain. “Clean beauty is about safety and transparency,” explains Zoe. “It’s not about being purely natural or synthetic – it’s about choosing ingredients that don’t have the potential to cause harm to your health.”
How did Found Clean Beauty begin?
For co-founder Charlie, the clean beauty journey began with a life-changing moment. Diagnosed with stage 3 cancer at 45, she took a hard look at the products she was using and everything she was putting on her skin.
More and more of us tend to think about what goes into our bodies through food; avoiding harmful chemicals and ultra-processed foods as much as possible is great for a healthy diet, but our beauty products all contribute to our toxic load as well. Once Charlie started researching the ingredients that went into the products she used, she was horrified at what she discovered and set about researching to find toxin-free alternatives.
Together with her friend Zoe, they created a one-stop shop for truly clean beauty products. From gentle baby washes to high-performing anti-ageing creams and everything in between, every product is rigorously researched and screened for over 150 potential toxins.
“Our aim is to take the guesswork out of clean beauty,” says Charlie. “We’ve done the hard work so that you don’t have to.”
Why clean beauty matters
Our skin is our body’s largest organ. Toxins in the products we use on the skin can, over time, accumulate in our bodies and can cause serious health problems. The good news is everyone can take simple steps to help greatly reduce their exposure to these toxins to help reduce their body’s toxic load.
Clean beauty myths – debunked!
You might think clean beauty means giving up on effective skincare, but that’s simply not true. The industry has evolved, and today’s clean beauty products deliver incredible results without the nasty chemicals.
“Clean beauty is very much here to stay,” says Zoe, “it is encouraging to see so many amazing brands seeking out clean alternatives for their formulations.”
Where to begin
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Here’s Zoe’s advice on where to start: “Begin with the products you use most often, like your moisturiser or foundation”.
According to Charlie, it’s important to be realistic about what you can change straight away. “Have fun with it,” she says. “Skincare is about feeling confident in your own skin.”
Start with just a few products at a time, and when you run out of a certain product, look to replace it with a clean alternative. Quite often, products are available in smaller sizes if you want to try them out first.
Ready to make the switch? Check out Found Clean Beauty’s handpicked selection of their autumnal favourites to help you on your journey.
Cleanser
Madara Cleansing Milk, £18.95
A complete cleansing dream. This beautiful blush-pink lightweight facial cleansing oil effectively cleanses the skin without leaving an oily residue. It removes make-up in a flash while gently nourishing the skin.
Moisturiser
Kora Organics Turmeric Glow moisturiser, £56
This nourishing, ultra-hydrating, and refillable moisturiser visibly smooths, plumps and firms your skin, leaving behind a radiant glow. Using a powerful blend of Turmeric, Noni Fruit and nutrient-rich oils like Desert Date and Rosehip.
Lipstick
MG Naturals Organic Lip Glow Lipstick – Wild Rose , £18
Candle
Balmy Dusky Skies Scented Candle, £29
The Inspired by Nature fragrance collection is all about moments of stillness and calm made with 100% soy wax and essential oils.
Body scrub
Bramley Cranberry Seed Glow Body Scrub, £38
Gently buff away rough, dead skin with key exfoliating botanicals suspended in a beautiful blend of essential vitamins, minerals and oils to reveal a peach-like softness and smoothness to your skin.
Shampoo
Formulated with rare, sustainably sourced ingredients, this rich, restorative shampoo leaves hair soft, silky, and luminous, and the scalp soothed.
