Ingredient-led. Editorially driven.
What Is Centella Asiatica? Also known as gotu kola, tiger grass, or by its scientific name Centella asiatica, this perennial herb has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It’s native to Asia and thrives in tropical, moist environments — and yes, legend has it that wounded tigers would roll in the …
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 …
Curiosity Killed the Cochineal Insect? After posting about lip products favored by the British royal family, curiosity got the better of me. What is it about the Clarins Lip Perfector that would appeal to the future queen of England? Is it possible that her Wimbledon appearance with it was a subtle favor arranged by a …
The short answer: not necessarily. But if you’ve ever read the children’s book The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson, it’s likely out of the question. Snail mucin is often praised for its hydrating, soothing, and skin-repairing benefits. And yes, it has some real strengths. It’s rich in humectants and nutrients that help support …
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 …
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 …
In this editorial, we’re unpacking three complexion products that fall into the “clean-adjacent” category. They’re marketed as better-for-you options, but how do they stack up when it comes to actual ingredient transparency? We’re comparing: These are formulas many have used and even loved, but for anyone trying to steer clear of PEGs, phenoxyethanol, and silicone, …
$20 | Vegan | Clean Formula | Dermatologist-developedAvailable at Well People and Amazon (affiliate)Made in Germany Well People’s Expressionist Lengthening Mascara is everything a clean mascara should be—gentle, effective, and refreshingly transparent. The wand is sponge-like and easy to maneuver, coating lashes evenly without clumps. It noticeably lengthens lashes, creating a natural-but-defined look that wears …
Clean beauty has always been about more than just what’s in the jar. It’s about transparency. A belief that consumers have a right to know what they’re putting on their skin—and, increasingly, what they’re supporting with their wallet. But what if the money behind the clean beauty movement isn’t so clean? Consider Thirteen Lune, a …
If you’ve worn eye makeup for decades, you probably already know: what works at 25 might backfire at 45. The skin around the eyes is not only thinner and more delicate—it also remembers. Years of eyeliner, waterproof mascara, and daily remover routines can lead to long-term sensitivity, dryness, or even tiny clogged pores (aka milia). …
Rimmel Kind & Free Was a Rare Gem—Here’s Why That Matters Mascara: it’s the one product many of us wear even when we’re “not wearing makeup.” It’s also the first to smudge, flake, or migrate straight into our tear ducts—so you’d think that of all things, mascara would be among the first to go clean. …
Clean beauty didn’t invent transparency, but it helped popularize it. And now, more than ever, that expectation extends beyond ingredients to funding, ownership, and accountability across the beauty industry. Clean beauty has always promised more than just better ingredients, it has promised integrity. Transparency about what’s in the bottle, where it comes from, and how …