Sephora created a classification system, (I believe starting in 2018) called ‘Clean at Sephora.’ According to Sephora’s website, the products which receive their clean seal of approval will be free from: “sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban.” Sephora also mentions this list will update as further research into ingredients continues.

I appreciate this because my lack of knowledge within the field from this aspect, mixed with the fact that there are no strong regulations on what ingredients are put into our makeup products, could definitely lead me to purchasing something that inevitably is harmful to my skin. Sephora is trying to do the heavy lifting of the research process (but we should still try to do our best to know a product before buys).

Not until recently, as a consumer, have I noticed this green check mark. I think, unfortunately, this could be due to the minimal amount of products which fall under the “Clean at Sephora” guidelines At this time; however, it appears this might not be a huge issue in the future because Sephora is constantly updating their product list, and make up manufacturers are creating products with less harmful ingredients.

I believe, just like creating products which are cruelty free, creating makeup and skincare free of harmful ingredients will establish a loyal consumer market. Not to mention, the product’s price point can be set a little higher, for the better quality ingredients. For myself, I have no idea what to watch out for when I read the ingredient list, on the back of my makeup (it legit sounds like gibberish); so the green leaf check mark is almost like a beacon now, when I’m shopping. (Actually I have a shipment on the way with a couple of products under the clean stamp of approval, why is makeup so fun??)

Here is the Clean at Sephora beauty section of their website.