The beauty landscape is ever-changing as it introduces new innovations and shifts to meet customer needs. One form of beauty being called out of everyone’s lips is clean beauty. This is a term that has slowly gained popularity in the beauty world, and is used by many brands to describe their products. However, not many people actually know the proper definition of clean beauty, why it’s important, and what products are considered to be clean.

We’re here to spill all the tea on the concept of clean beauty and help you understand what it actually means. We dive deep into who clean beauty is for, as well as the Korean brands you need to know about that will fulfill all your clean beauty needs. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Clean beauty refers to products that are made without harmful ingredients, such as alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. As clean beauty gains more traction, the term is also used in relation to products that are cruelty-free, vegan, or use sustainable materials in their production (think recyclable materials). It is important to note that clean beauty is not a government-regulated term, and its definition is open to interpretation. Unlike cruelty-free and vegan certifications, there is no current certification for products deemed clean.

Clean beauty products are generally suitable for all skin types and concerns. Since these are products made without harmful ingredients, they are more likely to be tolerated by different skin types. Of course, it is always wise to consider what ingredients are right for your skin and consult a professional opinion if you are unsure.

Clean K-beauty brands to watch

Dear, Klairs

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dear, Klairs

Dear, Klairs creates products that are essential to the daily skincare routine. For the K-beauty label, it’s all about the skincare you instantly repurchase after finishing the first bottle or tube. They are committed to providing vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable products; their full collection is PETA certified and Dear, Klairs is aiming to further expand the Vegan Society certification throughout their range. Each high-functioning product is formulated with low-irritation ingredients, specially developed for sensitive skin in mind.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dear, Klairs

The Midnight Blue Calming Cream harnesses Azulene to rapidly soothe sensitivity and cool down skin temperature, ideal for healing damaged or sensitized skin.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dear, Klairs

The fragrance-free version of the Supple Preparation Toner, the Supple Preparation Unscented Toner balances skin pH and offers the skin of nourishment post-cleanse. Key ingredients calming Licorice Root extract, healing Centella Asiatica, and refreshing Aloe Vera Leaf extract.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dear, Klairs

For anyone starting their Vitamin C journey, the Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is a beginner favorite. 5% Vitamin C rejuvenates the complexion, nixing dark spots and balancing skin tone in the process.

Sioris

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Sioris

Fresh seasonal ingredients are at the forefront of Sioris' lineup. Their products are developed with clean and natural ingredients, using every part possible - like stems, roots, flowers and leaves - to cultivate a healthy complexion. Sioris is a self-proclaimed sustainable brand with vegan formulations and eco-friendly packaging, placing top priority on using the most effective ingredients and upholding product freshness.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Sioris

Green Plum Water is the base of the Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser, removing impurities and residue from the skin with a soft, milk-like foam texture.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Sioris

Refresh your complexion on the daily with the Time Is Running Out Mist, combining toner, mist and serum oil in one easy step. 3 types of seed oils transform rough and dry skin into a complexion of hydration and softness.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Sioris

Hand-ground oats make up the gentle My Soft Grain Scrub, a gentle powder exfoliator that can be mixed into other products or water to rid the skin of dead skin cells and waste.

aromatica

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - aromatica

aromatica is the aromatherapy-inspired K-beauty brand wowing their fans with effective skincare, haircare and body care products. Their product range is made with high-quality raw materials that are sustainably harvested, as well as fully vegan and made without harmful ingredients or synthetic fragrances. 33 products in their collection have obtained the EWG VERIFIED® certification, an organization overseeing health and safety standards of consumer products.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - aromatica

The Rosemary Root Enhancer is your all-in-one Rosemary Oil treatment for maintaining a healthy scalp: it’s responsible for relieving dryness and itchiness, removing buildup, promoting hair growth, and reducing hair loss.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - aromatica

Soothe irritation, sunburn or environmentally-damaged skin with the Soothing Aloe Vera Gel, made with 96% Aloe Vera and Rosemary Leaf Water for instant hydration and relief.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - aromatica

Perk up your complexion with the Reviving Rose Infusion Cream, a moisturizer that replenishes skin moisture levels and enhances elasticity with Damask Rose Oil and Panthenol.

Torriden

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Toridden

Torriden knows that complex skincare formulas are not always the best. With a sole focus on skin health, the K-beauty brand develops clean and cruelty-free products that actually work in favor of your complexion. Torriden is customer-driven and builds their range according to what customers desire, educating their fans on what makes skincare effective and guiding them towards healthy skin habits.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Torriden

5 types of Hyaluronic Acids in the DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum build 3D networks in the skin to refill hydration levels and encourage long-term moisture retention.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Torriden

The SOLID-IN Ceramide All-Day Essence touts 5 types of Ceramides to dramatically improve the skin barrier, supporting the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier for hydration and protection.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Torriden

Killing 2 birds with 1 stone is the Balanceful Cica Toner Pad that exfoliates and soothes the skin with each swipe. LHA takes charge of the former, while the latter comes courtesy of 5 types of Centella Asiatica.

iUNIK

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - iUNIK

iUNIK is centered around a minimalistic skin routine based upon natural ingredients. It’s these nutritious ingredients that are readily accepted by the skin and can boost the skin’s healing function to recover from damage. All ingredients used in their formulas are scientifically proven to be safe and effective, their products intended to be used every single day for all skin types and skin concerns.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - iUNIK

Banish breakouts and comfort sensitivity with the Tea Tree Relief Serum. A combination of Tea Tree Leaf and Centella Asiatica Leaf waters ease redness, inflammation and stress.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - iUNIK

Despite the simplicity of the Beta Glucan Daily Moisture Cream, don’t overlook this mighty formula: it uses Beta-Glucan, Centella Asiatica and a Red Fruit Complex to enhance moisture levels and protect the skin from further damage.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - iUNIK

Slick on the Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ every AM, as its Centella Asiatica and Niacinamide-laced formula soothes UV-damaged skin and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.

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