What does 'B-Corp' beauty mean?
Brands that attain a B Corp certification are required to uphold rigorous criteria for verified performance, accountability and transparency across a range of aspects – from their supply- chain practices and material sourcing to ensuring fair wages for their workforce. So what does the B stand for? Well, that means “benefit for all”, which for the consumer is one way to know you’re investing in a business that cares for its workers, consumers, and community.
What does 'vegan' beauty mean?
To make the decision to be vegan in life means to avoid animal-derived ingredients, and with cosmetics, it is exactly the same. Only trouble is, it’s sometimes harder to ascertain which products do and don’t use these. While ingredients such as beeswax and honey are easier to look out for, there are so many others you’ll need to do your research on. Take carmine, a red pigment found in blusher, that comes from crushed cochineal insects. Even shellac is not considered vegan. Although it doesn’t harm any animals, it’s still derived from the natural secretions of the lac beetle.
What does 'gluten free' beauty mean?
It may not be a concern for those who live a gluten-free lifestyle by choice, but for anyone with coeliac disease, using beauty products with gluten can be harmful. Some lip balms are known to use gluten- containing ingredients such as wheat germ oil or oat oil. While it’s unlikely topical products will trigger symptoms of coeliac disease – as the gluten molecule is too large to penetrate the skin – going gluten-free with your make-up will ensure that even if you have a mild sensitivity, you’re not exposed.
What does 'conscious' beauty mean?
Much like “clean” and “sustainable” beauty, “conscious” beauty is hard to define. More than anything, it’s about a brand’s actions and core beliefs. Brands that are “conscious” about the effect of beauty products on the planet may offer an alternative, such as plastic-free (Dust & Glow) or refillable packaging (Emma Lewisham), or a donation of profits, as with Chantecaille, which gives five percent of sales to its partner charity.
What does 'natural' beauty mean?
When brands say they’re “natural”, it often means more than the fact that they use plant-based ingredients. Often, they’re also trying to communicate that they’re free from what has been termed “the nasties”, meaning sulphates, parabens and synthetic fragrances. The idea behind this is that the products are less toxic, and therefore less likely to cause irritation.
Words: Sarah Murray
Images: Supplied
