In 2021, as consumers, we are becoming more aware of what goes into the product that we use on our skin. In fact, more people have started reading the back labels of packages than ever before. More than ever, we have an understanding, that in order to get the best skin, we need to know what we treat our skin with or what product we lather-up our face with,

In fact, even state departments like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned around 30 chemicals for use in beauty and grooming products. This explains the ever-growing demand for 'clean' or ''natural' grooming products. But how can one be certain that the product that is claiming to be clean is actually clean?

Clean products, by definition, are nontoxic, often plant-based, and safe for humans, and not toxic for the environment. This directly means steering clear of certain ingredients when it comes to your grooming products, these include:

Parabens: Infamous for the reputation of being 'endocrine disruptors,' they mimic estrogen inside the body, which can cause hormonal and reproductive damage.

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Phthalates: A compound that helps preserve fragrances, but has been infamously linked to hormonal disruption and reproductive damage.  

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Fragrance: There's a reason most beauty bloggers like us to be wary of scented products. Many scented grooming products use synthetics to create these aromas. This is precisely the reason why one should steer clear of scented products.

Refined petroleum: The production of refined petroleum is inarguably harmful to the planet and the use has been linked to cancer as well. 

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Chemical sunscreens: Toxic ingredients you need to be on the lookout for include oxybenzone and avobenzone and steep percentages of octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate. 

They also have the reputation to disrupt both estrogen and testosterone production and besides that, they’re extremely harmful to marine life, also. 

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Sulfates: Most products that form a lather when emulsified with hands have sulfates. Usually labelled, SLS and SLES (sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl ether sulfate). 

Built over time, they can prove to be carcinogenic. Besides, a sulfate-free grooming routine is better for your hair and skin.)

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