Can Collagen Be Vegan? The Label Lawsuits Raising Questions

Collagen has long been celebrated as a foundational protein for skin firmness, elasticity, and healthy aging, but it’s inherently animal-derived, sourced from cows, fish, or pigs. That presents a dilemma for cruelty-free, vegetarian, and vegan consumers who are conscious of what goes into their skincare and supplements. Enter: “vegan collagen.” Where Marine Collagen Comes From …

Aloe Vera: The Plant of Immortality

The genus Aloe includes over 500 species of succulents, prized for both their healing properties and striking form. Among them, Aloe vera—also known as Aloe barbadensis—is the most widely recognized, believed to have originated on the Arabian Peninsula (in regions like Yemen and Oman) before spreading globally. Although Aloe vera was noted in ancient Egyptian …

Clean vs. Makeup-Forward: A Tale of Two SPF-Free Tinted Moisturizers

This post is a follow-up to Do You Really Need SPF at Night? A Look at Tinted Moisturizers Without Sunscreen, exploring two popular SPF-free tinted moisturizers—Jones Road and Glossier—and how their formulations reflect different approaches to clean beauty, ingredient transparency, and user experience. Jones Road: The Cleaner Classic Jones Road’s Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer is …

Pepsi vs. Coke… But for Drugstore Stick Concealers

CoverGirl vs. Maybelline: Which Stick Concealer Is the Cleanest? If you’ve ever struggled with undereye concealer that creases or disappears by noon, you’re not alone. While many concealers come in liquid or cream formulas, they often have too much slip. Great for blending, but not always great for staying put. That’s why concealer sticks are …

Why Was It Called Apricot Scrub, Anyway?

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub has remained a fixture in skincare aisles for decades. Long marketed as a natural, effective exfoliator, it holds nostalgic value for many, especially those who came of age in the ’80s and ’90s. But as ingredient transparency becomes more important to consumers, questions about the scrub’s formulation, safety, and …

Are there any quality Swiss skincare brands that are affordable?

When most people think of Swiss skincare, they imagine glacier water, cutting-edge science and eye-watering price tags. Brands like La Prairie offer creams priced well over $500, including the La Prairie Caviar Spectaculaire Set at $2,200 and Cellcosmet’s Ultimate Skincare Collection topping $3,000. These high-end products showcase Swiss precision and rare ingredients, some of which …

EWG Verified™: What It Means—and What It Doesn’t

Transparency in Clean Beauty Certification The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has long positioned itself as a consumer advocacy group dedicated to reducing toxic exposure from household and personal care products. Its EWG Verified™ mark appears on cosmetics, skin care, and even cleaning products, and is often interpreted by consumers as a gold standard of clean …