'Yours. Mine. Ours.': Hey, Have You Heard of Clean Beauty Justice?

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Like any good journalist, I often find myself down rabbit holes. I’ve been known to relish deep dives into stuff like K-beauty trends, hair growth supplement studies, and LED light therapy. But the research spiral I’m currently stuck in is a little more confusing—and a lot more frustrating. Despite clean beauty being the buzziest thing in our industry, there’s no standard definition of or regulation around what “clean” even means (or “natural” or “green,” for that matter). And while I’m here for the promise of healthier personal care, it seems that promise is not here for me.

The truth is that, so far, the clean beauty movement seems to have largely left out Black and brown consumers. This is a big problem because certain products marketed to people of color—things like chemical relaxers for textured hair and lighteners for hyperpigmented skin—already contain more potentially harmful ingredients than those marketed to white people. That likely contributes to Black women having higher levels of certain phthalates and parabens in our bodies. These are the kinds of hormone-disrupting compounds that can lead to fibroids and fertility issues (both of which, perhaps unsurprisingly, disproportionately affect Black women).

Don’t we deserve to see more of our products get nontoxic makeovers? At the very least, we should have a larger selection of “clean” options. It shouldn’t be on us to have to DIY our own formulas or cross-check every product label against a list of hazardous chemicals. (Reminder: There are also plenty of “good” chemicals in beauty products that you don’t have to avoid!)

Luckily, I’m not the only one worried about this type of environmental racism. The Environmental Defense Fund (the powerhouse nonprofit known for fighting things like climate change) recently launched the Clean Beauty Justice initiative. It lays out a clear road map for beauty companies to follow so they can incorporate real equity into their product-safety efforts.

I sincerely hope more brands step up and embrace this process ASAP. In the meantime, I’ll remain down this rabbit hole—and keep y’all posted on the healthier picks I discover, starting with the ones down below.

AWAKE Under Eye Patch

I reach for a set of these stellar eye patches anytime I don't get enough sleep -- which is pretty much all the time. Thankfully, the killer combination of Niacinamide and Vitamin C depuffs and provides a much needed dose of radiance.

Total Package Replenishing Body Lotion Mineral SPF 30

Gotta love a lightweight moisturizer that's made with rich cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil. And since we should all be wearing sunscreen every single day (even in the Fall and Winter), this bb has got SPF 30 to make sure we check that box.

EGF Power Serum

I'm in awe that the active ingredients in this luxe serum --which make my skin feel like a baby's bottom -- are crafted from barley. No harsh chemicals or toxins in sight, yet still efficacious and excellent. It's also packed with ultra hyrdrating Hyaluronic Acid.

Lip Cream in Bubbly

These new-and-improved lippies from one of my favorite clean beauty brands don't skimp on hydration, color payoff, and top notch ingredients-- each bullet is made with 23 bioactive botanicals. I'm currently obsessed with the red berry-hued one called "Juicy!"

Cream Bronzer

I was a powder bronzer girl until I met this cream version and completely fell in love! It blends like a dream and gives a dewy finish, thanks to organic cold-pressed oils and vitamin E. Plus, the compact it snaps into is incredibly chic.

Gentle Matter Cleanser

A clean and non-foaming gel might sound like it won't get the job done, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The trifecta of antioxidants, oils, and botanicals is deep cleaning while also maintaining your skin barrier.

MahaMane Detangling Leave-In Conditioner

Sure, it's a superior frizz-fighting leave-in conditioner BUT it's also a gentle detangler and lightweight heat protectant. Multitasking at it's best! Basically you should have this aloe vera and Amla berry-powered spray on hand at all times.

Kaya Jungle Firming Oil

Oils might be my favorite bodycare product ever-- and this one tops the list! It boasts omegas 3, 6, 9, as well as Vitamin A and E. The name says the oil firms, but it also helps even tone. Definitely worth the splurge.

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