We love that green beauty is being talked about more than ever before, but just like any other chatter, you can’t believe everything you hear, no matter how juicy it is. Many of us still live by what we once heard via the green gossip chain, but sometimes it’s nothing more than a myth. And when our precious planet is at stake, you don’t want to leave anything up to chance.
Green beauty is about making conscious, informed choices, but it’s easy to get swept up in the buzzwords, misconceptions, and catchy claims that come with it. Sometimes, what sounds sustainable may be more hype than help. Knowing what’s truly eco-friendly and what’s just clever marketing is crucial, not only for your own health but for the future of the planet.
So, let’s set the record straight and debunk some of the most common myths, shall we?
Myth 1: Green Beauty Products Are Less Effective
Time to toss this one in the bin! The idea that green beauty doesn’t deliver results is seriously outdated. Today’s eco-friendly beauty brands are anything but basic; they’re using advanced formulations, backed by solid scientific research, to pack a real punch. Green beauty has come a long way from its humble roots, where it was all about DIY and simple ingredients. Now, we’re talking powerful plant-based actives, skin-loving botanicals, and cutting-edge technology that rival anything you’d find in conventional products.
Biossance’s Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum
We love: When it comes to eco-friendly beauty that actually works, Biossance’s Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum is a true gem. Packed with powerhouse ingredients like plant-based bakuchiol and sustainably sourced squalane, this serum proves you don’t need harsh chemicals to see real results. Bakuchiol is nature’s gentle retinol, smoothing fine lines and boosting cell renewal. And squalane? It hydrates by locking in moisture to keep skin soft and glowing. Basically, its botox in a bottle.
Myth 2: Natural ingredients are only for sensitive skin types
Fact: Many green beauty products are formulated with gentle, non-irritating ingredients that usually go down a treat with sensitive skin types, but that’s not all they’re good for. For example, if you’re part of the oily skin squad (hi! Welcome to the club), naturally sourced clays help absorb unwanted oil and impurities without stripping the skin, tightening the appearance of large pores.
Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask
We love: Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask is an excellent green beauty choice. The vegan beauty brand uses only natural ingredients like white and pink clay, blue tansy, and aloe vera to gently exfoliate, clarify, and soothe the skin. The brand is certified cruelty-free by PETA and they don’t sell in regions that require animal testing. They’re also committed to using recyclable and reusable glass packaging, along with clean, safe ingredients.
Myth 3: Cruelty-Free Means the Same as Vegan
Fact: Cruelty-free products are not tested on animals, but they can still contain animal-derived ingredients (like honey or beeswax). Vegan products, on the other hand, contain no animal ingredients but may or may not be cruelty-free. Ideally, you’re looking for brands that tick both.
Youth to the People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser
We love: All of Youth to the People’s products are formulated without any animal-derived ingredients, meaning they’re completely plant-based. They use goodies like kale, spinach, and green tea, which are nutrient-rich and sourced sustainably. They are also Leaping Bunny certified, which means none of their products or ingredients are tested on animals at any stage of production.
Myth 4: You don’t need to patch test natural ingredients
Fact: Although they’re less likely to irritate the skin, even naturally sourced ingredients can cause allergic reactions. And that goes for organic too. Organic products can still contain allergens, especially since many natural ingredients (like nut oils or flower extracts) are common triggers for allergies.
Always check the ingredient list, especially if you have sensitive skin and it’s always best to do a patch test first. To do one, apply a small amount of product to your skin and leave it on for 24-48 hours, monitoring any changes.
Myth 5: Bar shampoos don’t lather as much, so they don’t work as well
Fact: Traditional shampoos contain anywhere between 60-80 per cent water, which is what helps them get their lather on – that’s some expensive bubbles, huh? Bar shampoos are more eco-friendly as they aim to save water with around 10-20 per cent water, meaning they won’t lather as much. However, with much less water, they’re able to deliver a higher concentration of ingredients to the hair and scalp, so they’re actually work a lot better.
Ruh Natural Yellow Submarine Shampoo Bar – AED 46.00
Having a bad hair day every day? Ruh Natural Yellow Submarine Shampoo Bar to the rescue! Vitamin E strengthens damaged hair by increasing nutrient delivery and elasticity whilst protecting against free radical damage, making hair much easier to style. And when you’re sending out an SOS (save our scalp), you can bet it answers to itchy scalps too.
Myth 6: Natural products are safe to use beyond the expiry date
Fact: Since natural products often have fewer or no synthetic preservatives, they’re more prone to bacteria, mould, and yeast growth after the expiry date, increasing the risk of side effects, so you should pay even more attention to their expiry dates. Look for a PAO (Period After Opening) symbol, and discard any products that show signs of spoilage, such as a change in smell, colour, or texture.
We love: Lush’s potted and bottled products have a sticker on the side that gives you both the date it was made as well as the date they recommend you use it by. Their soaps and naked products – like bath bombs – are good for up to 14 months after the date they are made. We love their intergalactic bestseller.
Myth 7: Natural deodorant doesn’t cut it
Fact: Sweating is the body’s way of regulating its temperature and deodorants allow it to do so without smelling. When switching from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant you’ll sweat more at first, as without aluminium clogging your pores, your body will start to sweat again and begin to release any built-up sweat. This extra sweat may cause a slight odour until it adjusts, which is typically a week or two, but have yourself a perfume party and no one will notice.
Staying fresh just got a whole lot greener! This simple, hardworking deodorant delivers 72-hour odour protection with zero aluminum, parabens, or phthalates – just a lightweight, non-greasy formula that keeps you feeling clean. And the best part? It’s completely plastic-free, wrapped in eco-friendly paperboard sourced from responsibly managed forests. So, you get all the perks in planet-friendly packaging.
Myth 8: Green beauty comes in recyclable packaging
Fact: Unfortunately, just because it’s green, doesn’t mean you can feed your recycling bin. It’s a nice thought thought, isn’t it? A beautiful one if all beauty products came in recyclable packaging.
However, don’t forget that not all plastic is created equal. Some brands use recycled or recyclable plastic, which can be a sustainable choice depending on the product’s needs. Glass packaging, while aesthetically pleasing, can have a larger carbon footprint due to weight and shipping.
Myth 9: Green Beauty Is Always Expensive
Fact: While some eco-luxury brands are pricey, there are also plenty of affordable, eco-friendly brands that offer quality products without the high cost. Sustainable beauty doesn’t always equate to luxury prices.
Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
This reasonably priced and widely available cleanser is a go-to for those looking for both quality and sustainability on a budget. The face wash is formulated with natural, ocean-inspired ingredients like coconut water, sea algae complex, and white tea. It effectively removes makeup, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin, making it suitable for all skin types. Like all Pacifica products, the Sea Foam Complete Face Wash is vegan and certified cruelty-free and comes in recyclable packaging.
