All natural. Green. Eco. These buzzwords all fall under the umbrella term of “clean beauty”, and are tossed around all over the industry, but what does it actually mean to be “clean”? Read on for a definitive explanation of what is actually considered “clean” in the beauty realm and how SALWA PETERSENⓇ is furthering the conversation through consciously crafted hair care. 

What is clean beauty?

Essentially, “clean” in the beauty world, is a concise way of describing a product that contains no harsh or potentially harmful chemical ingredients. It’s synonymous with non-toxic beauty. A list of ingredients that do NOT meet the standard of clean beauty include parabens, silicones, phthalates and formaldehyde, and can include irresponsibly sourced materials such as mineral oil, petroleum, paraffin, and GMO ingredients.

Clean beauty doesn’t have to be made with all natural ingredients - beauty science has come a long way and evolved to include many safe synthetics and man-made ingredients. So as long as a synthetic ingredient is non-toxic and proven to be safe, it can still be included in clean beauty products.

Why choose clean beauty?

Choosing clean beauty sets us up for better performance with less risk of potential problems such as skin allergies, damage to hair, or other known issues. Your purchase also furthers products and brands utilizing ingredients that are safe and sustainable for the planet.

Greenwashing:

Many companies use meaningless marketing jargon like “natural”, “green” and “eco” to capitalize on the clean beauty scene, but none of those terms has a clear definition. It’s a tactic to appeal to the conscious consumer without delivering on their promises.

The FDA has yet to establish clear regulations to definitively categorize “clean” products in the beauty industry, which has led to some bad science and misinformation. “Clean” and “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean a product is chemical-free and “synthetic” doesn’t mean the product is bad for you. 

What does “Clean” mean to SALWA PETERSENⓇ?

At SALWA PETERSENⓇ, we always formulate without: parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, silicones, mineral oil, petroleum, paraffin, sulfates, GMOs and thousands of other questionable ingredients. We are carbon neutral and our products are formulated with up-cycled, wild-harvested, organic & fair-trade ingredients.

Why SALWA PETERSENⓇ makes clean haircare:

Surprisingly, the scalp is one of the most absorbent parts of the body - the scalp and forehead are four times more absorbent than the skin on your forearms - so it’s imperative that you avoid using potentially harmful hair care ingredients. Chemical exposure through products applied to the scalp is concerning as is the possibility of inhaling VOCs like phthalates, which are often found in fragrances. 

But we also value the little luxurious indulgences that self care provides - we keep fragrances natural-yet-enticing, and use ethically and sustainably-sourced, organic Chébé to strengthen and fortify your hair. Every product is safe enough for the whole family

SALWA PETERSENⓇ is also mindful of environmental impact. When you rinse shampoo and conditioners out of your hair, they go down the drain and any chemicals found in those products will then make their way into municipal wastewater and eventually, rivers, oceans and lakes. SALWA PETERSENⓇ deeply values the health and environmental prosperity of the planet, so we avoid including any of those potentially dangerous chemicals in our products. Our ethos is that SALWA PETERSENⓇ is cleaner than clean.

Tips on Incorporating Clean Beauty into your Routine:

Start with products you use on your face and scalp: The skin on your face and scalp is exceptionally absorbent and most of us use A LOT of products on these areas of our body. You definitely do not want harsh chemicals and carcinogens seeping in through your pores. Swapping out potentially toxic shampoos and conditioners for SALWA PETERSENⓇ’s Chébé Hydrating Shampoo and Chébé + HA Nourishing Conditioner is an easy place to start.

Find a clean brand you love and stick with it: SALWA PETERSENⓇ’s entire line of wash day essentials, treatments and stylers are clean. Our formulas are always free of known toxins and carcinogens, so you can rest easy in the knowledge that we’ve got you safely covered.

Ready to take the first step toward transitioning to clean hair care? Shop our Wash Day Essentials here.