Streamlined formulas, easy-to-read INCI lists, and prominent labels: "clean" skincare is no longer a niche; it's becoming the new standard in beauty routines. Driven by a highly informed generation, this movement is shaking up the traditional cosmetics industry and forcing brands to rethink their strategies.
What exactly is a "clean" skincare product?
Unlike simply "natural," clean skincare is defined primarily by what it doesn't contain: no ingredients considered controversial or risky for health or the environment (PFAS, parabens, certain silicones, sulfates, PEGs, etc.). The formulas prioritize naturally derived, biodegradable active ingredients, with effective concentrations and complete transparency regarding the origin and function of each ingredient. Labels (Cosmos, Ecocert, Cosmébio, etc.) serve as benchmarks, but clean beauty goes beyond strict organic standards: it also encompasses traceability, the absence of animal testing, recyclable or refillable packaging, and, increasingly, local or low-impact production.
Why are these products so popular with consumers?
Studies show that more than half of consumers prioritize natural and "clean" ingredients as their top purchasing criteria, even ahead of packaging or geographical origin. This demand stems from two concerns: distrust of petrochemicals (silicones, acrylates, PFAS, suspected UV filters, etc.) and growing awareness of the environmental impact of conventional cosmetics. As a result, more than 70% of users say they prefer environmentally friendly skincare, pushing brands to gradually eliminate the most controversial substances and communicate more effectively about their formulas. Indie brands, very active in this segment, have served as a wake-up call, proving that effectiveness, transparency, and commitment can go hand in hand.
5 clean skincare products rated 100/100 on Yuka
Here is a diverse selection of clean products validated by Yuka, recognized for their impeccable composition and sensory effectiveness:
- InnisFree Apple Cleansing Oil: a gentle oil based on apple seed oil that perfectly removes makeup without drying out the skin.
- Uriage Roséliane Anti-Aging Day Cream: moisturizing and soothing, without parabens or silicones, for radiant and protected skin.
- The Ordinary's Pure Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum: concentrated in pure hyaluronic acid for lightweight, ultra-effective care, without controversial ingredients.
- Burt's Bees Repairing Lip Balm: 100% natural, enriched with beeswax and vegetable oils, guaranteeing nourished and soft lips.
- Anthelios face sunscreen from La Roche-Posay SPF 50: clean formula, without harmful chemical filters, specifically developed to protect sensitive skin in an environmentally friendly way.
An answer to cosmetic fatigue: less but better
By 2025, the clean beauty trend is also part of a broader minimalist movement: shorter routines, multi-functional products, and a focus on skin barrier health rather than sensational promises. Consumers are abandoning over-exfoliation and lengthy protocols in favor of gentle, restorative skincare, often centered on a few key active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. This "skin-minimalist" approach aligns with a quest for overall coherence: fewer items in the bathroom, less waste, but better-chosen, more sensorial products that are more aligned with values of sustainability and self-respect.
A lasting revolution for the beauty industry
For cosmetics companies, clean beauty is no longer just a marketing trend but a structural transformation: reformulation of best-sellers, investments in green biotechnology, new traceability tools, and the obligation to prove efficacy without hiding behind a "green" veneer. The French beauty market, valued at tens of billions of euros, is gradually shifting towards more ethical offerings, under the combined pressure of consumers, NGOs, and certification bodies. Ultimately, this movement could make "100% clean" an implicit standard: the truly differentiating products will no longer be those that claim to be clean, but those that go further in terms of inclusivity, sustainability, and science applied to skincare.
Ultimately, the reason clean skincare is so appealing is that it embodies a new pact between beauty and common sense: clearer formulas, more mindful routines, and an industry finally willing to reinvent itself. Far from being a passing fad, this demand for transparency and responsibility is permanently redefining our expectations of brands. And as consumers refine their knowledge and choices, clean skincare could well become not just an alternative, but the obvious choice – the epitome of beauty that cares for both skin and planet.
