“Clean” Skincare: What Does It Really Mean?
“Clean” has become one of the most powerful words in skincare marketing.
It sounds reassuring—safe, natural, better for you.
But here’s the reality: “clean” has no standardized definition.
There are no federal guidelines or regulatory criteria that determine what makes a product “clean.”
So what are you actually buying?
Let's make this perfectly clear: The notion of a “chemical-free” product is nonsensical because everything is made of chemicals. So often we see fear-mongering ads, skincare products marketed as "chemical-free" to pull at the heartstrings of those who truly want safe products, which is all of us! Truth is, everything is a chemical and every chemical has dose at which exposure is not only harmless, but might even be beneficial (see DOSE VS TOXICITY).
On a regular basis I hear “experts” touting the benefits of drinking water, and lots of it. Although staying hydrated is good for your health and your appearance, too much water can be dangerous. Let’s dispel the myth right now; you do NOT need to drink 8 glasses of water a day. Why this myth persists despite the lack of scientific evidence proving it is remarkable.
