Clean beauty has become a buzzword in the cosmetic industry, with many consumers prioritizing products that are deemed “clean.” In response, Sephora introduced its “Clean at Sephora” seal, which is meant to identify products that are free of certain harmful ingredients. While this seal may seem like a trustworthy indicator of safe products, there are several reasons why it might not be the most reliable.
Is the “Clean at Sephora” seal trustworthy?
Sephora’s definition of “clean” is limited. The Clean at Sephora seal identifies products that are free of certain ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. However, there are many other harmful ingredients that are not included in this definition. For example, certain fragrances, preservatives, and synthetic dyes can also be harmful to the skin and body but are not necessarily excluded by the Clean at Sephora criteria. This means that a product with the seal may not necessarily be completely safe.
Secondly, Sephora’s seal is self-regulated. This means that the brands themselves are responsible for determining whether or not their products meet the criteria for the Clean at Sephora seal. While Sephora does review the ingredient lists and product information, ultimately it is up to the brand to accurately represent their product. This creates a potential conflict of interest, as brands may be incentivized to stretch the truth in order to receive the seal and attract more customers.
Thirdly, the Clean at Sephora seal is not independently verified. Unlike third-party certifications such as the USDA Organic label or the Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certification, there is no outside organization that verifies whether a product meets the Clean at Sephora criteria. This means that there is no way for consumers to be sure that a product with the seal is actually as safe and clean as it claims to be.
Finally, the Clean at Sephora seal is not a guarantee of efficacy. Just because a product is free of certain harmful ingredients does not necessarily mean that it will be effective in achieving its intended results. Consumers may be better served by prioritizing products that have been proven to be both safe and effective through independent testing and research.
Are any of the products with the “Clean at Sephora” seal actually clean?
Yes! Sephora offers a selection of products from clean and cruelty-free brands such as Athr Beauty, Kosas, RMS, Saie, Skylar, and more. You can find a comprehensive list of our approved clean and cruelty-free brands on our website.
The Moral of the Story
In conclusion, while the Clean at Sephora seal may be a step in the right direction toward cleaner and safer beauty products, it is not a foolproof indicator of product safety. Consumers should take the time to read ingredient lists and do their own research to ensure that the products they are using are truly safe and effective.
Clean beauty suppliers such as Credo Beauty (now merged with Follain), NakedPoppy, Safe & Chic, and Detox Market have much stricter guidelines and may be a better option if you’re serious about switching to clean beauty.
This post is not sponsored but may contain affiliate links from which we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Nothing stated in this article should be used in place of professional medical advice. All opinions are our own.
