Skin Food, Before it Was a Trend: Weleda’s Clean Beauty

In recent years, beauty has borrowed liberally from the produce aisle. Cleansers with kale, serums with mushrooms, and “food-grade” personal care have become shorthand for products that feel both natural and nourishing. But long before “skin food” was trending, Weleda was already there. Headquartered in Switzerland, Weleda pioneered the idea of feeding the skin with …

California Court Ruling: Titanium Dioxide Warnings in Cosmetics Are Misleading

If you’ve ever read a Prop 65 warning on your sunscreen or makeup, you might have noticed a line about titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and cancer risk. For many clean beauty brands—especially those based in California—this warning has been a source of confusion and concern. On August 12, 2025, a federal court in California ruled that …

Tromethamine in Cosmetics: Balancing Safety and Nitrosamine Concerns

Tromethamine in Cosmetics: Safety, Nitrosamine Concerns, and Why Transparency Matters In a recent post we examined tromethamine in bronzer. The issue, however, isn’t limited to bronzers — tromethamine (also called tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or THAM) is a common buffer and pH adjuster used across skincare and makeup. While independent reviews consider it safe at typical use levels, …

Tromethamine in Bronzer: Navigating Clean Beauty Claims

In our last post, we featured e.l.f. Bronzing Drops, and it’s worth taking a closer look at one ingredient that often raises questions in the clean beauty community: tromethamine. Clean beauty enthusiasts are right to examine ingredients closely, and understanding the role of each one can help make informed choices. What Tromethamine Does Tromethamine is …

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol: A Clean Beauty Guide to Retinoid Alternatives

What are Retinoids? Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that are widely used in skincare for their ability to reduce fine lines, even skin tone, and boost collagen. Common forms include retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, and tretinoin. What is Bakuchiol? Bakuchiol is a plant-derived extract from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (aka “babchi”), a plant traditionally …

Copper Peptides in Clean Beauty: What You Need to Know

Copper peptides have become one of the most powerful tools in clean skincare, offering a minimalist approach to visible skin repair, firming, and hydration. Naturally occurring in the body, these short-chain amino acids bonded with copper (often listed as GHK-Cu or Copper Tripeptide-1) support tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis, making them an ingredient for both …

Can Weight Loss Drugs Really Improve Your Skin? What Clean Beauty Needs to Know About GLP-1s and Other Injectables

In the world of clean beauty, we’re used to seeing skincare transformations come from nutrient-rich serums, plant-powered oils, and rituals rooted in self-care. But a new wave of wellness is gaining attention — and it doesn’t come in a bottle. From GLP-1 medications like Zepbound (tirzepatide) to injectable vitamins, peptides, and antioxidants, these science-backed treatments …