The "clean beauty" trend is all about saying goodbye to harmful chemicals in products like makeup, skincare and even your shampoo. Yes, it’s about taking care of your skin and body, inside and out.

We’re talking about products that ditch the stuff that’s not great for us or the environment — things like sulphates, parabens and mineral oil. But more on these later.

Clean beauty is also about embracing natural, nourishing formulas using ingredients like plant extracts, natural oils and vitamins. These are found in everything from moisturisers and lipsticks to shampoos, body washes, and even multitasking serums and sunscreens.

The clean beauty concept isn’t a new fad. It started back in the 1990s in the United States, and has grown ever since. The COVID-19 pandemic has made us rethink our skincare ingredients even more. According to Euromonitor International, our obsession with personal hygiene has led to a deeper concern about what's in our beauty stash.

About 31 per cent of online beauty shoppers in the Asia Pacific region now opt for all-natural ingredients, while 25 per cent value transparency in ingredient listings. Because we simply want to know what’s in that bottle or jar.

Know what to look for

Starting a clean beauty routine? Check the product labels and avoid these ingredients:

• Sulphates: Watch for terms like “SLS” and “SLES”.
• Parabens: Look for ingredients starting with methyl-, propyl-, butyl- or ethyl-.
• Mineral oils: These might appear as “paraffinum liquidum” or “petroleum”.

Try clean eating, too

Now that we've got your eye on clean beauty, complement it with a clean diet. These tips will help nourish your body from the inside out.

Always opt for whole grains

We're talking about brown rice, quinoa and oats. These are nutrient-rich and are believed to make your skin look more youthful and radiant over the long term.

Choose lean proteins

If you want to eat meat, go for fish or chicken breast. Also, include legumes in your meal planning. These support muscle health and will give you more resilient skin.

Eat fewer processed foods

Just as you avoid harmful chemicals in clean beauty products, reduce processed foods like potato chips, cookies and ice cream in your diet, too.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water supports digestion and helps keep your skin hydrated and glowing, so your clean skincare routine doesn’t go to waste.