Imagine this: You are on vacation, swimming in the ocean, and soaking up the sun. Your skin is clearer than ever before. You are glowing. It must be the feeling of serenity, or the lack of stress…right? While that may be part of it, scientific research has stated the benefits that spending time in nature has on your skin. Specifically, the positive impact of swimming in the ocean. Ocean water can enhance your skin's PH levels while killing off bacteria. This, in turn, results in that glow you often experience following a vacation. Who would have thought that such a natural resource could be so beneficial for the skin?

In saying that, natural beauty products are becoming increasingly popular among younger generations. Natural products are those considered free of harmful/toxic chemicals that may disrupt the skin barrier. Instead, these products are produced using organic, natural, and plant-based resources and ingredients and are often free of parabens, sulfates, and fragrances. Additionally, they are said to have many benefits including safer ingredients, being less harsh on the skin, and fewer allergic reactions, while also being eco-friendly.

A large factor behind the rise of natural products is TikTok. This media platform is home to many of the natural beauty product trends. Particularly, skin-care lines such as Drunk Elephant, Corsx, Youth to the People, Native, Weleda, Versed, Shea Moisture, and even routines involving gua sha and natural remedies. The Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops attracted the attention of many young beauty gurus seeking a clean makeup product to achieve a “glowy look”. The product is said to be vegan and cruelty-free and contains clean ingredients. The packaging of this product is sustainable, which has become an attractive feature of many natural and clean beauty products. Another trend that arose from TikTok was Think Dirty. This app produces an ingredient list that dictates the toxicity of products by scanning its barcode. Many other trending clean products and applications have become increasingly popular as a result of TikTok. Let’s just say, if you are a clean beauty brand, your prime audience is the Gen-Z TikTokers.

A rise in the purchasing of natural beauty products has led many stores to create what is known as a “clean” section. A specific example of this is Target and its separation of brands based on their ingredients by their "clean" label. Target showcases a range of products under a sign titled “Natural Skin Care” with the motto “Products you’ll love without ingredients you don’t.” This section has only recently taken off with new brands introduced regularly. Target’s clean label is used on hair products, skincare, and makeup to emphasize the lack of harmful chemicals and ingredients found within these products. This new section depicts the shift in consumer attitudes towards natural beauty products as compared to those with harsh chemicals and ingredients.

While natural beauty products are only recently taking off, there has been significant change and shift towards the removal of toxic chemicals. Various brands are forming “clean” lines to meet the demand of the younger generation; requesting natural ingredients and resources to be used in the production of these products. Ultimately, consumers today are becoming more aware and concerned with the toxic chemicals they are putting on their skin and in their hair, and of course; the long-term effects these may have!

Remember, if all else fails, try having a quick dip in the ocean… Maybe you will achieve that vacation glow!

Written by Lianna Davidson, Photographer: Lindsey Lopez, Social Media: Emma McMinn

All Natural