Health and environmental crises have further amplified the need for transparency, respect for the health of the skin and the planet, and consequently the distrust of controversial ingredients. This explains the success of Clean Beauty , clean cosmetics, and its specialized apps, tools of choice for fans of this new beauty.
Yuka, Inci Beauty, Clean Beauty, QuelCosmetic, CosmEthics, Claire, these applications detect the presence of controversial ingredients and evaluate the "cleanliness" in formulas. In 4 years, a third of French people have downloaded at least one! Although they are not to be taken literally, they nevertheless have a huge merit, that of informing consumers and pushing brands to be greener.
What exactly are these Clean Beauty apps for? Which one to choose? What are their limits? And above all, how to use them properly?
Clean Beauty reflexes to follow
Faced with the resurgence of sensitive and allergic skin, the need for transparency of formulas is glaring and the information given by authorities is supposed to be more objective than that provided by the brands themselves. Consumers want to be guided in their choice. Because between endless lists of incomprehensible ingredients, components accused of causing serious skin problems, substances that are questionable for health and the environment, how can we form an opinion on the "cleanliness" of a cosmetic?
Good reflexes:
Deciphering a long and incomprehensible list of ingredients
The INCI list (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), displayed on each product in Latin names, indicates the ingredients in descending order of concentration. The first ones are therefore the most important to check to form an initial opinion. Clean Beauty recommends a short list of ingredients to avoid the multiplication of substances on the skin.
Identify controversial ingredients
Many of the ingredients incriminated have been the subject of a media buzz that has amplified the anxiety-provoking aspect. Indeed, cosmetics have sparked several controversies, the most well-known of which concerns parabens, preservatives suspected of being carcinogenic. It has also forced brands to remove parabens from their formulas, to the great displeasure of some scientists and various health authorities who defend them by assuring that they are effective and safer preservatives.
What happened? A TV show by Envoyé Spécial that quoted a book by a researcher linking parabens to breast cancer. According to some researchers, they have been replaced by less effective and no safer ingredients. Who to believe? This controversy has created a real climate of mistrust.
Know the blacklist of ingredients
They belong to the families of CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction), endocrine disruptors , nanomaterials, allergens, irritants or are suspected of various toxicities.
The most controversial ingredients are:
- Parabens and phenoxyethanol,
- Mineral oils, coming from petroleum, which would suffocate the skin,
- Silicones because they are very polluting,
- Some sulfates such as SLS, a surfactant (foaming agent) which is said to be irritating,
- Aluminum salts, potentially carcinogenic,
- Alcohols, because they dry out,
- Perfumes because they contain allergens
- EDTA, a toxic preservative,
- PEG polymers, obtained by polluting toxic gases
Spotting controversial packaging
Many cosmetic products are over-packaged and use a lot of plastic. Clean Beauty therefore favors glass and aluminum, which are cleaner.
Which Clean Beauty app to choose?
The incredible progress of Artificial Intelligence has made it possible to design Clean Beauty apps that can instantly check the presence or absence of so-called controversial ingredients. But be careful, these Clean Beauty apps do not have the same algorithms. Some do not analyze the formula as a whole, but the ingredients taken individually. Others only decipher the formula, others the environmental impact in addition, because a clean product is not only a clean formula. They are increasingly numerous and free, but each one is different. Some offer a paid version in addition.
Yuka, the cosmetic app that comes from food
As with food products, from a scan, the app indicates the impact of the product on health with a color code corresponding to the level of risk, on the finished product and on the ingredients. They appear from the most to the least dangerous, and the reasons for the risk are explained, giving the scientific sources. Yuka sets the product's score out of 100, with the presence of each controversial ingredient removing points. But it does not take into account the concentration of the ingredient, nor other parameters, such as that of the environmental impact.
There is also a difference in rating between French and foreign products. Our regulations are stricter, requiring our manufacturers to display all ingredients, unlike some foreign manufacturers. This explains why they can obtain a better rating, while for example, the fragrance of the formula is full of allergens. The Yuka database is collaborative, you can add non-referenced products if you are a member (price €14.99/year). And if a product is poorly rated, Yuka offers alternatives.
Clean Beauty, the cosmetic app for professionals
Created by a pharmacist, this Clean beauty app does not rate the product, but provides documented information based on a glossary of ingredients. Based on a photo of the list of ingredients, the app analyzes them and detects those that are at risk, as well as allergens, then explains why they are controversial. It allows you to have an opinion on the product by simply going to the brand's website to photograph the list of ingredients.
Inci Beauty, the cosmetic app for concentrations
This app lists ingredients based on their concentration in the product, rather than their potential harmfulness. Indeed, an ingredient can be completely harmless at very low concentrations, or harmful if present in large quantities. Each ingredient is rated out of 20, and the product's rating also takes into account the environmental impact: components that harm the environment are classified as "not great". A list of alternative products is displayed, and the app also indicates where the product can be found and at what price according to the different places of sale.
As a bonus, the app classifies products based on their rating. If you throw away the packaging, the search bar allows you to find the product. It is a community platform that also allows you to exchange opinions.
QuelCosmetic, the cosmetic app from Que Choisir
This app was created by UFC Que choisir, which, based on the barcode scan, estimates the risk level of the product according to the presence or absence of controversial components, based on a list that it established itself. Interestingly, the risk analysis is done by user family (babies, children/teens, pregnant women, adults, etc.). This clean beauty app also offers alternative products.
Cosmethics, the customizable cosmetic app
After analyzing the list of ingredients, the app warns if the product contains controversial ingredients. Practical for some, you can set a personalized alert on this or that ingredient, for example if you are allergic to a certain component, or if you are vegan, or if you refuse a certain ingredient.
Claire, the Federation's cosmetic app
This app, created in November 2020 by the FEBEA (Federation of Beauty Industries) and developed with the French Society of Cosmetology, scans the INCI list and provides information on more than 25,000 ingredients. It takes into account certain formula changes even if the brands do not indicate them in their barcode. Its objective is not to rate the finished products but to enlighten the consumer on the components of the products with a sheet on each of them. A scan on the list allows you to know the function of an ingredient and why it is, possibly, the subject of controversy.
The Benefits of Using a Clean Beauty App
More and more consumers are concerned about the quality and safety of the cosmetic products they use. Faced with the multitude of ingredients and complex terms on packaging, it can be difficult to make the right choices. The advantage of Clean Beauty applications:
Deciphering ingredients made easy
The app provides detailed explanations of each ingredient, indicating whether it is safe, potentially irritating or toxic. With this, users can make informed decisions and choose products that suit their needs and preferences.
Suggestions for safe and natural alternatives
Clean beauty apps don’t just decipher ingredients, they also suggest safer, more natural alternatives to conventional products. By analyzing a product’s ingredients, the app can recommend clean and green products that meet the same needs. For example, if you’re looking for a moisturizer without harmful synthetic ingredients, the app can suggest products made with organic plant oils or natural extracts known for their hydrating properties.
Tracking brands and trends
An ability to track brand developments and provide insights into new trends and discoveries in the cosmetics industry. They can inform users about brands that adopt environmentally friendly manufacturing practices, organic certifications, and quality labels. In addition, they keep them informed about scientific advances in the field of cosmetic ingredients.
Encouraging transparency and accountability
Their use encourages transparency and brand responsibility. Increasingly aware consumers can share their experiences, evaluate products and brands, which influences the practices of the cosmetic industry. This promotes healthy competition and encourages manufacturers to improve the quality of their products.
The Limits of Clean Beauty Apps
These apps are great information tools that encourage brands to “clean up” their products. They have taken on a lot of power in the cosmetics market. A role that deserves to be tempered, because not everything is black or white in cosmetics and the clear-cut verdicts of the apps deserve nuances.
Two tips for expert use:
Different results
We don't get the same results depending on the apps, so who to trust and how to find our way? A good reason not to follow their verdict blindly.
- They don't all take into account the concentration of ingredients, where the product is applied, whether or not it is rinsed off, and how often it is used.
- Many people ignore the environmental impact of products and the living conditions of workers: a component may be completely harmless, but if it is manufactured by workers who are subjected to intensive workloads, can we say that this product is really clean?
- Cosmetic formulas are very complex, but apps that are forced to simplify make shortcuts that change the game. On some ingredients, the scientific data is insufficient. The debate therefore remains open, but the app decides, even outside of any legislative framework.
- Applications can make errors, technological or human (poorly scanned product, detection of components said to be harmful when they are not or non-detection when they are). And then the databases quickly become obsolete... Febea (Federation of Beauty) estimates that there are 800,000 references for products sold in Europe, and a third of these products see their formulas change every year!
We forget our skin
By focusing on the products and the ingredients that are criticized, the atmosphere becomes anxiety-provoking and we forget the needs and nature of our skin. It is therefore necessary to personalize the choice of the app according to your personal criteria. Indeed, Clean Beauty apps do not classify so-called risky ingredients in the same way. For example, an ingredient rejected by the app because it is potentially allergenic is a priori safe for you if you do not have any allergic conditions.
Why are Clean Beauty apps shaking up brands?
Apps represent a very useful information tool for consumers, by lifting the veil on a certain opacity maintained by brands. They push manufacturers into their entrenchments and force them to accelerate and amplify their "cleanitude" approach. Today, all brands have started this process. These are colossal projects for the big brands that have a huge number of references to review, long processes, but the means to do it and also for the smaller, more agile brands, which have fewer references but few means.
This is the beginning of this new, more natural, more respectful and more transparent cosmetic, the development of which is clearly a way forward. Apps will have to follow this evolution to take into account all the parameters: formulas, packaging, environmental impact, and to comprehensively inform an increasingly demanding consumer who is attentive to virtuous consumption. One thing is certain, transparency is now non-negotiable. And with apps, the Clean Beauty movement is not about to stop.
What is Clean Beauty?
Clean Beauty, a trendy trend that is revolutionizing the beauty industry, offering products that combine effectiveness and respect for your health and the environment. Clean Beauty favors natural, safe and non-toxic ingredients, for skin that is radiant with beauty and well-being. By choosing these healthier alternatives, you are also contributing to the preservation of our planet. In addition, this ethical approach promotes the use of sustainable packaging materials and supports animal-friendly practices. Opt for conscious beauty and let yourself be seduced by the magic of Clean Beauty!
What is the best app for cosmetics?
Among the popular cosmetics apps, several stand out for their functionality and usefulness. Among them, “Yuka” is often considered one of the best. It allows you to scan the barcodes of cosmetic products to obtain information about their composition and impact on health. “Inci Beauty” is also highly regarded for its ingredient assessment and rating system. “Clean Beauty” offers a selection of non-toxic and environmentally friendly products. “QuelCosmetic” and “CosmEthics” provide detailed information about product components, while “Claire” offers personalized recommendations. Make your choice according to your specific needs and preferences!
