"Clean" cannot simply be defined as being pure, natural, or free from impurities. Nor does it refer exclusively to products made only from organic plant-based ingredients. Although the term generally implies ingredients derived from plants, minerals, or a combination of natural substances rather than synthetic compounds, this is not always the case. More importantly, clean beauty emphasizes where specific ingredients come from, how they are processed, and whether they have been sourced ethically and fairly. It is much like the way we carefully examine fruits and vegetables at the grocery store, checking their origin and inspecting them one by one for any imperfections. Therefore, when choosing cosmetics, consumers should no longer rely solely on ratings assigned by particular organizations or beauty applications. Instead, they should carefully examine the ingredients used in the products, as well as the entire production process—from the place of origin to the methods of processing. Just as fresh ingredients provide exceptional flavor and nutritional value even when consumed in their natural state, cosmetics made from high-quality ingredients can also deliver outstanding benefits on their own. This is an important principle to remember (Hyangjang, p. 620).  |
