What Does Clean Beauty Really Mean?

In today’s world, clean beauty is often defined as products that prioritize non-toxic, safe, and environmentally responsible ingredients. However, many brands, including some of the biggest names worth billions of dollars, fail to meet these standards.

Clean beauty is generally understood to include products that are free from harmful chemicals and manufactured with a focus on sustainability, transparency, and ethical practices.

In the U.S., the regulation of cosmetics primarily falls under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although other federal and state laws also apply. However, because there is limited oversight in the cosmetics industry, brands like Revlon, Maybelline, and L’Oréal operate with greater autonomy than pharmaceutical companies, facing fewer regulatory restrictions.

Are Black Women More At Risk Than Others?

If you’re a Black woman, it’s especially important to be mindful of the products you use, particularly if you wear false eyelashes.

In the U.S., about 87% of all eyelash products are purchased by Black women. This is particularly concerning, as several ingredients used in eyelash adhesives have been linked to cancer and are classified as carcinogens by the FDA. These include parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, toluene, cyanoacrylate, acrylic compounds, benzene, PFOA, and sodium lauryl sulfate, among others.

While many women may not notice immediate signs of harm, the effects of prolonged exposure to these chemicals can take years to manifest.

There’s often a belief that Black women are used as “guinea pigs” in product testing. While there is no direct evidence to suggest that Black women are specifically targeted for harmful or unethical cosmetic testing, the beauty industry has a history of exploitation and marginalization of communities of color, including Black people.

Historically, Black women have been subjected to unethical medical and scientific experimentation, and the beauty and cosmetic sectors have not been immune to these practices.

The Tide Is Turning, But Slowly

Change in the beauty industry doesn’t happen overnight, but it also shouldn’t take thousands of sick or dying women for us to recognize a problem.

If you’re a Black woman living in Europe, your risk of exposure to harmful chemicals is much lower due to stricter regulations. For example, the UK has banned around 1,500 chemicals in cosmetics, including substances linked to various health risks such as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity.

These chemicals are prohibited or severely restricted in cosmetic formulations, ensuring a higher standard of safety.

But there is hope. The tide is shifting as more Black-owned beauty brands are focusing on producing safe, chemical-free products than ever before. Organizations are raising awareness so consumers can make informed decisions about what they’re putting on their skin.

Clean Beauty organizations

One such organization is Clean Beauty for Black Girls, which is leading the conversation on how beauty standards and harmful chemicals in personal care products affect Black women’s health and wellness.

Another is the California Black Health Network, a trusted advocate for Black health equity in California, and the only Black-led statewide organization dedicated to advancing health equity for African Americans and Black immigrants.

There are also several Black-owned clean beauty brands making waves with toxin-free products, such as Black Girl Sunscreen, Goodbye Glue, JacQ’s Organics, and Sasha Sorella.

While the regulations governing cosmetic safety, labeling, and ingredients in the U.S. remain limited, these Black-owned beauty brands are stepping up to fill the gap.

Gap in regulations

Notably, the FDA does not require pre-market approval for cosmetics, leaving manufacturers largely responsible for ensuring the safety of their products—essentially a “fox guarding the henhouse” situation.

There’s ongoing debate about whether more comprehensive regulations are needed to protect consumers more effectively. In the meantime, Black-owned beauty brands are stepping in to do the work that the government should be overseeing.

The key to change is ensuring that cosmetic testing is ethical, inclusive, and committed to transparency, safety, and consumer protection. Black-owned beauty brands are leading the way and raising awareness in a space that needs more accountability.