The Truth About Parabens Part 2: Parabens Versus Alternatives, How Do They Compare?

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In recent years, due to outstanding concerns about the safety of parabens, many companies have turned to alternative preservatives for use in their personal care products. These alternatives have been chosen for their ability to achieve two primary goals – inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in care products, and maintain their safety for use by consumers. Some prevalent alternatives include the following;

Phenoxyethanol

This ingredient is one of the most popular alternatives to parabens. It is considered a safer alternative and has been approved by regulatory bodies in Europe and the United States for personal care products. Phenoxyethanol works by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to their death.

Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl alcohol is another prevalent alternative to parabens. It is a natural ingredient extracted from fruits and flowers, which makes it a more desirable option for those seeking natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives. Experts consider it a broad-spectrum preservative, meaning it can inhibit the growth of several bacteria and fungi. It is also considered a low-risk ingredient and has been approved by several regulatory bodies.

Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate

These ingredients feature similar characteristics, which makes them ideal alternatives for parabens. They inhibit microorganism growth by altering their cellular pH balance. They are commonly used in food preservation and are also effective preservatives in personal care products. That said, they may not be as effective as parabens against certain types of bacteria and fungi.

While these parabens alternatives are considered safe for personal care products, they may not be as effective as parabens against all types of microorganisms. Additionally, some of these alternatives may be more expensive or difficult to work with, impacting the cost and formulation of personal care products. Ultimately, the choice of preservative used in personal care products will depend on various factors, including price, efficacy, and customer demand for natural or synthetic ingredients.

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What We Use At Bee Naturals

At Bee Naturals, we provide pure, practical, high-performance skincare products by also including a blend of alternative preservatives. Aside from some mentioned earlier, we typically use a combination of Caprylyl glycol and Ethylhexylglycerin as preservatives.

Caprylyl Glycol is a multi-functional ingredient derived from coconut oil. It has been shown to have antimicrobial and moisturizing properties, making it a popular choice in skincare products. Furthermore, it enhances the effectiveness of other preservatives, which is why it is often used in combination with other preservatives.

Ethylhexylglycerin, on the other hand, is a synthetic compound often used as a preservative in skincare and cosmetic products. It disrupts the cellular membranes of microorganisms, preventing their growth and proliferation. Like Caprylyl Glycol, EHG also has moisturizing properties and can help improve a product’s overall texture and feel.

Together, these two preservatives work synergistically to effectively prevent bacteria and fungi growth in skincare products while providing moisturizing benefits synonymous with Bee Naturals products. Our decision to use these ingredients as paraben alternatives demonstrate our commitment to providing our customers with safe, and effective, skincare products.

Benefits of Using Caprylyl Glycol EHG Compared To Other Preservatives

Using this mixture as preservatives in skincare products offer several advantages over other options that are more commonly used on the market.

First, this mixture is considered a safer and more effective alternative capable of reducing the risks of endocrine disruption. By using a blend of alternative preservatives, like Caprylyl Glycol EHG, Bee Naturals can offer customers natural products free from potentially harmful chemicals.

Caprylyl Glycol EHG also acts as a moisturizing agent, which can help to hydrate and soothe the skin, compared to other popular alternatives in the market. This characteristic is especially beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin who may be prone to irritation from other preservatives.

In addition, these ingredients also work together to provide a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect, which helps to ensure that products remain safe for use over an extended period. They are also highly stable and compatible with several skincare ingredients. This means skincare companies can use them in formulations with minimal risk of destabilization or adverse reactions.

Caprylyl Glycol EHG vs. Parabens

Caprylyl glycol and Ethylhexylglycerin have emerged as popular alternatives to parabens in skincare products due to their effectiveness at preventing microbial growth. But how does the Caprylyl Glycol EHG mixture compare to parabens?

One of the key differences between Caprylyl Glycol EHG and parabens is their safety profile. Parabens have been linked to potential health risks, including endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity. In contrast, Caprylyl Glycol EHG has received Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been extensively tested for safety.

Caprylyl Glycol EHG also exhibits more versatility than parabens. They are compatible with a broader range of skincare ingredients and are less likely to cause adverse reactions, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. Their hydrating and soothing properties also make Caprylyl Glycol EHG an ideal option for improving skin texture and appearance.

At Bee Naturals, we are committed to using only the highest quality natural ingredients in our formulations, avoiding potentially harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. As such, we incorporate Caprylyl Glycol EHG in several of our formulations. Take advantage of our safe and effective formulations and explore healthier skin.

The Truth About Parabens Part 1: Understanding What They Are

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Have you ever heard of parabens? If you happen to be someone who pays attention to the ingredients in your personal care products, then the likelihood is that you’ve come across the term before. Parabens have become a popular subject of discussion in recent years, particularly with growing concerns about their safety and potential health risks.

While some people tend to avoid products containing parabens altogether, others maintain that they are entirely safe to use. So, what is the truth behind parabens? This article explores the science behind parabens and examines the latest research on their safety, effectiveness, and possible alternatives. Prepare to gain a comprehensive insight into parabens and make knowledgeable decisions regarding the products you use daily.

What are Parabens?

Parabens are synthetic preservatives commonly used in personal care products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, from shampoos to lotions, deodorants, makeup, and even food products. These preservatives aim to prolong the shelf life of these products and prevent bacteria and mold growth. Parabens are prevalent in the beauty industry due to their effectiveness, low cost, and ability to protect products from microbial growth.

Typically, parabens are listed on product labels with prefixes such as methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben. Yet, despite their widespread use, parabens have come under significant scrutiny in recent years due to concerns about their potential health risks, including breast cancer and reproductive issues.

The Study That Sparked Concerns about Parabens

In 2004, a study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology explicitly linked exposure to environmental chemicals with increased risks of developing breast cancer. Among these chemicals are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) – exogenous chemicals that tend to interfere with endogenous hormones.

The most common examples of EDCs are dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, bisphenol A, and parabens. In the case of parabens, the study found traces in breast tumors, resulting in concerns that they might contribute to breast cancer development. As a result of this study, there was a significant increase in consumer awareness and apprehension, resulting in a demand surge for paraben-free products.

Debunking the Study

While the 2004 study linking parabens to breast cancer sparked concerns and led to a surge in demand for paraben-free products, it was later debunked due to several limitations and flaws in the study design. Some of these limitations included small sample size, the fact that it didn’t explicitly prove causation, and the levels of parabens detected in breast tumors were similar to those found in non-cancerous breast tissues.

Furthermore, the study failed to explore other potential factors that could contribute to breast cancer development. Following the publication of the 2004 study, several subsequent studies have been conducted to investigate the possible link between parabens and breast cancer. However, these studies have yet to be able to replicate the original findings. A systematic review of multiple studies on parabens and breast cancer also concluded that the evidence supporting a causal relationship between the two is weak.

Despite the scientific consensus that parabens are safe to use in personal care products, the concerns surrounding this preservative have already taken root in the mind of consumers. As such, many people began avoiding products containing parabens, leading to a shift in consumer behavior.

Impact of the Study on Industry Standard

The fallout from the 2004 study on parabens significantly impacted the personal care product industry. As a result of customer concerns and shifting preferences, many companies began to offer paraben-free products or reformulate their existing products to exclude parabens. This new pattern in customer demand resulted in changes to industry standards and impacted the products and companies that dominated the market.

Following the study’s publication, several companies in the personal care industry faced significant challenges in meeting the evolving demand of customers. However, the shift towards paraben-free products also presented opportunities for smaller companies to gain market share, resulting in increased competition within the industry.

Furthermore, the effect on industry standards was also significant. Despite parabens being deemed safe by several regulatory bodies, the industry standards continued to shift to accommodate customers’ concerns and meet their demands, with many companies avoiding parabens altogether.

Understanding Parabens: Why They Are Needed and Work So Well

As we’ve seen, parabens represent a class of widely used preservatives used in personal care products for many years. They have proven effective at preventing bacteria and mold growth in care products, which is essential in maintaining their safety and quality. But how exactly do they work?

Parabens disrupt the growth and reproduction of microorganisms in personal care products. They achieve this by interfering with the activity of enzymes vital for bacteria and fungi growth. This process helps to prevent the proliferation of harmful microorganisms that can lead to product spoilage and compromise the safety of personal care products. By inhibiting microorganism growth, parabens help extend personal care products’ shelf life, ensuring that they remain safe and effective for use over an extended period.

Why Are They Needed?

The chemical composition of personal care products is such that they can become contaminated with harmful bacteria and fungi, which could pose a risk to the user’s health. Manufacturers avoid this by implementing parabens to maintain the safety and quality of these care products.

Following the 2004 study, parabens have been extensively studied and are considered safe for personal care products in concentrations up to 0.4%. This finding is according to regulatory bodies such as the European Union and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Despite some controversy surrounding their use, the scientific evidence supports their safety and efficacy in personal care products. Parabens have been used in personal care products for many years and remain an essential component in maintaining the safety and quality of many personal care products.

Click here to read the next in this series: The Truth About Parabens Part 2: Parabens Versus Alternatives, How Do They Compare?

How To Get A Perfectly Even Complexion: Part 1 of 2

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Did you know hormones, sun exposure, acne, heat, and more could be contributing to your uneven skin tone?

There is great diversity in the color of human skin around the world. But whatever each person’s unique shade may be, the general desire is for uniformity of skin color; no splotches of discoloration, spots, or other changes in pigmentation. 

But… is it possible to get a perfectly even complexion? The answer may surprise you.

Before exploring the causes behind hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration, it is important to first understand pigmentation.

Pigmentation refers to darkening or lightening of the skin. It is a part of how your skin works as it reacts to external factors.

Melanin is the pigment that produces skin color. While it provides pigmentation in humans, it also plays an important biological role by providing protection against damage from the sun and UV light. 

Melanin is produced in skin cells called melanocytes that live in the outermost layer of our skin. Think about these like pigment factories that can be triggered to produce melanin.

Fun fact: Scientists theorize that evolution over hundreds of thousands of years is responsible for the diverse palette of human skin tones we see around the world today. Our ancestors developed permanent pigmentation levels in their skin as a form of natural protection against the sun. Most skin pigmentation (coloration) disorders that break up your otherwise even skin tone are completely harmless, such as birthmarks and freckles. It is likewise normal to see new discolorations appear on our skin as we age. However, you may be interested to learn there are well-defined causes and treatments for some of these skin issues. Preventative measures may also be taken to improve your skin’s chances of achieving even coloring.

Back to Your Skin. What is Hyperpigmentation?

When excess melanin is produced, you have hyperpigmentation. 

Hyperpigmentation is a term that describes a common, usually harmless occurrence where the skin changes to flat, darkened patches due to the overproduction of melanin. 

This can make spots and patches of skin appear darker than surrounding areas. It can occur in small patches, cover large areas, and even affect the entire body. Common examples of hyperpigmentation include freckles, acne marks, age spots (also called liver spots), and melasma.

Most Common Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Some people (maybe you) have always noticed some areas of their skin are different shades. 

If this is a new development, it’s likely the hyperpigmentation can be linked to something your skin experienced.

Inflammatory Causes

Ultraviolet Radiation (Hello, Sun!) 

That nice tan you have? Your skin doesn’t love it. The majority of pigmentation occurrences are caused by sun damage. Age or liver spots are the most common form of skin hyperpigmentation, and they occur due to sun damage. These small, darkened patches are usually found on the hands, face, or other areas frequently exposed to the sun.

Photomelanosis is increased pigmentation due to sun exposure, most commonly found on the face, neck and back. These areas may appear patchy or as diffused darkening.

Heat

Heat can be a trigger for melanocytes to start over-producing melanin! You’re more likely to wind up with heat-induced dark spots if you’re Asian, African-American, or Latinx, since susceptibility to hyperpigmentation is genetic.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (also called PIH)

This type of hyperpigmentation is linked to inflammatory causes that may have happened YEARS before you see the dark spots. When trauma occurs to your skin, melanocytes create melanin which then slowly rises to the surface.

Skin Experimentation 

Any harsh act that has occurred on your skin can cause hyperpigmentation in the future. Chemical peels, Microdermabrasion, Retin-A, and harsh facial scrubs are commonly linked to hyperpigmentation. 

Skin Injuries

Picking at blemishes causes injury to the skin. And skin remembers. If you picked at acne as a teenager, it’s likely as an adult you will see slightly darker spots of pigmentation emerging from beneath layers of skin. 

Hormonal Causes

Melasma, or Chloasma, affects 90% of pregnant women. It shows up as spots or patches which are similar in appearance to age spots, but cover larger areas of skin. These will often appear on the forehead, face, and stomach. This is a type of hyperpigmentation caused by abnormal hormone levels in the body. Its surprise appearance could be influenced by pregnancy, ovarian or thyroid dysfunction, or even the contraceptive pill.

 

Treatment for Hyperpigmentation

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Exfoliate regularly to break up the pigmented cells to allow them to fade. 

Look for a lightening moisturizer that contains one (or some) of the ingredients on the list below!

The top recommended product from Bee Naturals is MelaClear Pigment Lightening Creme. This product is suitable for any skin type and contains all-natural, collaborative ingredients–Daisy Blossom Extract, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Panthenol (Vitamin B5)–to lighten UV induced pigmentation without bleaching surrounding skin. 

Consider a series of corrective skin peels or cosmetic procedures to lighten areas of the skin. Options include the following: laser therapy, intense pulsed light, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Time. This is the hardest thing, we know! It can feel like an eternity to treat hyperpigmentation. You won’t see drastic results immediately, but that doesn’t mean the brightening ingredients you’re using are ineffective. Place your trust in the science of skincare, be patient and allow your skin to naturally fade while consistently using sunscreen and other topical remedies–like the ones mentioned below.

Our Favorite Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation & Uneven Skin Tone

Alpha Arbutin: A choice brightening ingredient that is a lower strength derivative of hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is one of the most effective skin-lightening and spot-fading ingredients on the market, however, it can be harsh on your skin. Alpha Arbutin is a safer option which works by slowly releasing hydroquinone over time.

Kojic Acid: This ingredient is known to disrupt the production of melanin. It is a mild skin exfoliator which works to remove freckles and brown spots and also gets rid of the skin’s roughness and dryness.

Licorice Extract: Licorice extracts inhibits the production of tyrosinase, which in turn inhibits the production of dark spots. It also removes excess melanin and acts as a skin brightener!

Pea Extract: This ingredient keeps specific enzymes known as proteases from degrading skin proteins such as collagen and elastic, which are responsible for giving skin its firmness and elasticity. It protects your skin against the damaging effects of proteases activated by different types of skin abuse and the aging process

Resveratrol: An antioxidant found naturally in red grape skins. Resveratrol restores skin health by attracting and neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals in the skin can cause premature signs of aging and are created by too much time in the sun or environmental pollutants. Resveratrol’s topical application aids in the regeneration of healthier, longer-living skin cells which push dead, dying cells to the surface to reveal young-looking, more vibrant skin.

Combination Ingredients to Look For

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Bearberry Extract with Vitamin C: This powerful skin lightening combination is found in skincare products, made from bearberry leaves extract and vitamin C. Contains a natural form of hydroquinone that inhibits production of melanin pigments in skin cells.

Lightening Herbal Blend: A blend of alpine plants, including Malva Sylvestris, Mentha

 Piperita, Primula Veris, Alchemilla Vulgaris, Veronica Officinalis, Melissa Officinalis, and Achillea Millefolium. This blend inhibits the production of melanin pigments, reduces the appearance of age spots and evens out skin tone.

Amino Acid (phenylalanine) and lipids: Unique skin lightening agent made from natural amino acids. Inhibits the production of melanin, lightens age spots and dark skin areas.

Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) Roots: A natural plant extract obtained from the roots of punarnava. Can reduce the number of different types of hyperpigmentation spots. 

Starflower: The active ingredient (hypoxoside) is derived from Rooperi Rhizome extract. It has been shown to reduce the production of melanin in hyperactive melanocytes. It has effective properties helping to fade age spots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation.

How Can I Prevent Hyperpigmentation?

If you found our page, it may be too late to prevent what you already see on your skin. 

But, great news! There are steps you can start taking today to prevent and manage future hyperpigmentation events!

sunscreen-redhead-womanAvoid exposure to the sun. Consider using a daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This serves to prevent the hyperpigmentation from becoming more prominent.

Avoid picking at the skin. Avoid picking at acne and scabs to prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring via skin damage. 

The formation of dark spots and freckles are common amongst people living in tropical climates. Always, always put on sunscreen before going out.

Using the right products and ingredients to treat dark spots and pigmentation will help in the long run. Prevention should always be your focus! 

To answer our earlier question, “Is it possible to get a perfectly even complexion?” The answer is YES (with some exceptions such as freckles and birthmarks). It takes time and commitment to the process. Hang in there! It will get better.

Additional Bee Naturals products to support your journey to a perfect complexion:

Bee Naturals is here for you! Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about the skin you’re in. 

You can call (573) – 242 – 3475 or contact us for a personalized skincare consultation- we want to help!

 

References

Skincare Ingredients You Should Not Mix

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Discovering the right skincare products for your specific skin type can often be an overwhelming process. Whether you’ve got sensitive, oily, dry, or combination skin, you should be using products that help improve your skin’s health and appearance and not hinder it. From moisturizers to toners and serums, the process of developing the correct routine is something that you often want a professional to help with. Certain ingredients like vitamin c, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol sound pretty harmless by themselves, but what can happen when they are mixed together? Some combinations of ingredients can be damaging to your skin.

Mixing Skincare Products 

Imagine you’ve come up with the perfect skincare routine to battle fine lines and wrinkles. You’ve got the best makeup remover, face wash, toner, and moisturizer. Faithfully you use these products for many months yet see no improvement in your skin’s appearance. What’s the problem? According to professionals, mixing the wrong ingredients can render them inactive or ineffective. 

It’s tough to nail down a good skincare routine if you’re using products from many different brands. Many cosmetic brands develop skincare products that are designed to work harmoniously together to help improve your skin’s health and appearance. When you use mix and match products from different brands, it’s like playing roulette with the results. Skincare companies like ours formulate products to work synergistically, and we make sure that they don’t contain ingredients that don’t work well together. 

Retinol and AHA/BHA 

Retinols are praised in the beauty industry for being the best in anti-aging, but pairing retinols with different products can sometimes be dangerous. Retinols work by increasing collagen production, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving cell turnover. They are particularly sensitive in which products work well in conjunction with them because of their potential for irritation. When mixed improperly with other ingredients, they can cause redness and irritation. AHA/BHA products that contain salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid are great at exfoliating and producing a more even skin tone. Still, when they are paired with a product like retinol, they can irritate a sensitive person’s skin and cause painful peeling. Using a retinol product with a moisturizing product can help minimize potential side effects. 

Retinol and Vitamin C 

Vitamin C sounds like a pretty natural and mild ingredient, but retinoids can be pretty tricky to try to pair with it. Less stable forms of vitamin C can be particularly problematic. Vitamin C is an excellent environmental protector used during the daytime, whereas retinoids are better used at night since they become inactivated by sunlight. To maximize the benefits from both products, it’s better to use them separately. Use the vitamin C products during the day and the retinol at night for optimal effects. 

Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide 

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, and most forms of vitamin A don’t work well with some of the most effective forms of acne fighters on the market, like benzoyl peroxide. They can compete and work against each other, with some studies showing that benzoyl peroxide can actually make retinol ineffective by deactivating it. More stable forms of vitamin A like tretinoin may be more stable when combined with benzoyl peroxide. 

Water-Based Products and Oil-Based Products  

It’s common knowledge that water and oil don’t mix, and for the same reason, it’s a good idea not to combine water-based skincare products with oil-based skincare products. Oils are hydrophobic, which means instead of attracting water, they repel it. For oil and water-based products to work together, they need to be specifically formulated using an emulsifier to ensure that the product does not separate. People with acne-prone or oily skin have often been afraid to use oil-based products. They’ve been told that oil clogs the skin’s pores, causing even more problems. If your skin is more oily prone, sometimes a water-based product can be a better choice, although all oils are not created equal. Some oils that are smaller and lightweight can actually be beneficial to all skin. 

Some of our Favorite Skin Care Products

We produce and formulate skin and body care products with specific therapeutic purposes with high-quality ingredients. Our products are made to promote healthy skin and body for overall well-being. We use more natural ingredients by combining the best that science and nature to create luxurious products for the face and body. In order to pick the products best for your unique skin type, we would love to assist you in making the best choices. Just give us a call or email, and we’ll help you find products perfect for your skincare goals! 

Clarifying Facial Wash 

Our clarifying facial wash is a gentle yet effective exfoliating and clarifying facial wash. With ingredients containing AHA/BHA, this product can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reduce pore size. It also reduces inflammation, deeply cleanses pores to reduce excess sebum and oil, and allows for better serum and product penetration. 

Clear Skin Toner 

Our clear skin toner is free of drying and irritating alcohol. The formula contains natural glycolic acid for improved cell turnover and a brighter, clearer complexion. It’s pH balanced and preps the skin for treatments and serums. 

Queen Bee Facial Nectar

Made with a natural ingredient base including grapeseed, sunflower, and coconut oils, the Queen Bee Facial Nectar is our go-to moisturizer for a wide range of skin types. With the addition of unbleached beeswax, evening primrose, vitamin E, and carrot seed oil, these nursing ingredients help to provide soft, well-nourished skin year-round. It defends the skin from irritants while working to fight visible signs of aging.  

Let Us Help You 

We are 100% committed to producing and formulating skin and body care products that are made with the highest quality ingredients. Our products have a specific therapeutic purpose, and we develop our products based on our customers’ needs. We would love to assist you in our skincare journey, so please reach out to us for a personalized recommendation for your specific skin type. We look forward to making you a customer for life!

Clean Beauty: What It Is and Why It Matters (A BeeNaturals Guide)

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It’s about more than cosmetics

In 2004, a British researcher named Philippa Darbre found traces of parabens in breast cancer tumors. At the time, cosmetics manufacturers used parabens extensively as a preservative. Though the data behind that particular study was not very strong, it was a wake-up call.

Suddenly, more consumers than ever started to engage in a broader conversation about cosmetics. They wanted to know what effect these products have on individuals throughout the world.

At first, the dialogue seemed little more than a fear-based grasping at straws. News outlets would report on scary scientific studies and offer little context. They would leave those without firsthand knowledge with little choice but to either overreact or ignore the studies altogether.

But something positive came out of Darbre’s research. Through it, she sounded an alarm that enabled many of us to ask more insightful questions about our beauty products. 

This new conversation is called Clean Beauty.

The term Clean Beauty represents a positive discussion around cosmetics. It’s about the ingredients themselves, as well as how they are obtained, packaged, and produced. It’s about how cosmetics affect us as individuals and as citizens of the world.

In this guide, we’ll talk about what Clean Beauty is and what it is not. Throughout, we’ll provide you with information on how you can make more positive choices concerning your skincare.

What “Clean Beauty” Is Not

As we enter this discussion, I’d like to make a few things clear.

First, Clean Beauty is not about what brand you choose.

Clean Beauty does not set out to put down other serious cosmetics professionals who are endeavoring to do good work. It’s not a conversation in which we denigrate the brands found in expensive mall shops or the corner drug store.

Many of them do excellent work within specific parameters. Their choices, while not always “clean” in this particular sense, aren’t necessarily dangerous.

Second, Clean Beauty is not merely about what is “toxic” or “non-toxic.”

The reason is simple: toxicity is about dose and exposure.

For example, those who drink eight glasses of water a day tend to have clearer, more supple skin. Their kidneys function more freely, and they often find it easier to lose weight. People who have the correct dose of water even tend to think more clearly.

But people who drink too much water can go into a coma, have seizures, or even die. The dose is what makes the difference.

Here’s another example that’s a little more relevant to cosmetics. 

Though we at BeeNaturals don’t use SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) for a variety of reasons, many do. In large doses, the stuff is hazardous. But assuming normal use, nearly everyone who applies it to skin or hair is safe from its adverse effects.

Third, Clean Beauty is not about being “superior.”

Though I like to point out the benefits of Clean Beauty to people, everyone makes cosmetics purchases based on a variety of factors. These factors include access and affordability. I wouldn’t want these factors to get in the way of a BeeNaturals purchase. However, I would hate it if someone felt embarrassed that their favorite products aren’t technically “clean.”

When it comes to this topic, I also think about the pressures parents face. It’s tough being a mom or dad. I prefer not to make anyone feel guilty about what skincare products they use — or do not use — on their child. 

Parents have a hard enough time as it is. Let’s leave the personal judgment out of this particular topic.

Finally, Clean Beauty is not about what’s missing from a product.

Clean formulation isn’t just saying, “We don’t use X product. Therefore, it’s clean!” There’s a lot more to it than that.

Here is what I believe the conversation should be about.

What Is Clean Beauty?

Clean Beauty is mindfully choosing cosmetics based on four main factors:

  1. Ingredients that positively impact a person’s skin, hair, and well-being
  2. Hygienic manufacturing practices
  3. Ethical and transparent production
  4. Sustainability

That’s a lot to digest, so let’s take them one at a time.

1. Clean Beauty is about positive personal impact

When I was working forty hours a week as a nurse, I washed my hands dozens of times a day. The soap I used was “effective” in the technical sense. I was disinfecting my hands, but they became painfully dry and cracked as a result.

Eventually, I began to mindfully choose (and then make) soaps with ingredients that would not only clean my skin but also nourish it. When I did that, I was embarking on the path we now call Clean Beauty. 

As I make soaps, I want to use the best nature has to offer, like avocado oil, coconut oil, and glycerin. But ingredients that are the product of science — if they have a positive effect on a person’s wellbeing — can also be “clean.” 

As mentioned in a previous article, “soap” in any form cannot be natural. It’s the result of a chemical process called “saponification.” When someone says they want “natural soap,” they’re contradicting themselves!

However, the chemical decyl glucoside (an ingredient in our most gentle soaps) is widely regarded as safe, non-toxic, and non-inflammatory. By any measure, it’s a candidate for “Clean Beauty,” even if scientists formulated it in a laboratory.

Remember, it’s not where the ingredient comes from that makes it “clean.” It’s the effect it has on you as a whole person.

2. Clean Beauty products are produced hygienically 

In food production, workers must follow strict guidelines as they handle, store, and wash food. They are required to meet specific standards to protect those of us who eventually eat the food. When manufacturers don’t follow these practices carefully, the results can be disastrous.

The cosmetics industry has similar requirements. However, beauty products are made all over the world. Cosmetics companies may or may not consistently check to make sure their manufacturers are meeting hygiene standards.

For those who care about Clean Beauty, we want our products to be clean literally.

One of the reasons I feel so proud of our BeeNaturals products is that I know how they’re made! As a Missouri company, we produce all of our products in my home state under my supervision. We are very conscious about hygiene.

That’s not to say products produced in other parts of the world are not made hygienically. I just believe cosmetics producers must continually check that their manufacturers are meeting standards.

3. Clean Beauty products are created ethically and transparently

We who are concerned with Clean Beauty aren’t just thinking about the product itself and how it’s made. We want to know that the ingredients are obtained ethically. And we want our cosmetics manufacturers to be able to offer proof when asked. 

For example, Squalane oil, an ingredient found in nearly every moisturizer, came from shark liver for many years. 

Now, since the same oil can be found in many botanicals (including olives), there’s no reason to continue the unethical practice of over-fishing these endangered species. Yet, despite the positive strides we’ve made all over the world, it continues to occur.

There are other similar practices throughout cosmetics. For those of us concerned about Clean Beauty, we only want to do business with companies who are transparent about where they source their ingredients and how they’re tested. 

That’s why BeeNaturals is Leaping Bunny Certified — our products are never tested on animals or come from ingredients that harm animals in any way.

4. Clean Beauty products are good for the environment

Though we can tie this point to #3, this addresses a much broader topic. It asks if the company making the product is doing so in a sustainable way. Clean Beauty products must make the lowest possible environmental impact, reducing pollution at every stage in the product’s lifecycle.

Increasingly, customers want proof their cosmetics are made using sustainable practices. That’s why savvy manufacturers — as well as those with a conscience — are working harder to “go green.” 

At BeeNaturals, we value the Green Chemistry philosophy. 

For example, our product packages are fully recyclable, and the paper products are 100% compostable. In our stores and manufacturing facility, we produce next to no trash — most of what passes through our doors can be recycled or reused in some way.

Additionally, we don’t use any hazardous chemicals, so our products themselves are safe for the environment.

BeeNaturals: The difference Clean Beauty can make

I founded BeeNaturals because I wanted to combine the very best of science and nature to create products that promote healthy skin for our customer’s overall well-being. That last word, “wellbeing,” is what it’s all about — and that means more than just feeling better when you look in the mirror.

To “be well,” we must consider more factors than whether or not our product works. We want to use products that do not harm our bodies or the environment. We want to use products that promote a better world. 

For those of you who have chosen BeeNaturals for your skin, thank you for buying products that are kind to our world. 

For those of you who would like to be a part of the Clean Beauty movement, check out our products or schedule a spa treatment.

And my wish for you, in whatever you do, is to be well.  

Answers to Questions About Hand Sanitizer

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In Response to Questions About Hand Sanitizer

Our hand sanitizer is made with a minimum of 65% alcohol, as required for effectiveness.

Hand sanitizer does not expire. Yes, really.

To those of you who have recently ordered hand sanitizer from us or those who plan to, please be advised that due to the unavailability of our usual gelling ingredient, carbomer, we were forced to convert to xanthan gum as a thicker. Xanthan gum does not create a thick, crystal clear sanitizer that you may be accustomed to using, but the upside is that you can put it into a spray container, as well, which in some circumstances may be more convenient to use.

Though perhaps not as aesthetically pleasing, it is made to specifications required for sanitizing hands with an alcohol content of at least 65%, hydrating glycerin, and soothing essential oils of sweet orange and lavender, which now, considering the shortage, is a good thing. We wanted to be able to continue to do our part to help those at risk to have this product available at a cost after free shipping, which leaves us little or no profit.

As soon as carbomer becomes available again, we will resume using it in our hand sanitizer.

As stated in our return policy, we are not able to accept returns on hand sanitizer.