The Clean Beauty Shift: What Ingredients You Should Avoid and Embrace in 2025

As we move toward 2025, the beauty industry continues to evolve, with the clean beauty movement gaining even more momentum. Clean beauty is no longer a passing trend—it’s become a core part of how consumers approach skincare and cosmetics. With an increasing focus on sustainability, health, and transparency, consumers are more informed and discerning than ever before. As a result, the demand for clean beauty products, made with non-toxic, eco-friendly ingredients, has skyrocketed.

In this blog, we’ll explore the clean beauty shift and focus on what ingredients you should avoid and embrace in 2025 to ensure your skincare routine is both effective and safe. By understanding the ingredients that can benefit your skin, as well as those that can harm it, you’ll be equipped to make the right choices for your skin’s health and the planet.

What Is Clean Beauty?

Before diving into the specific ingredients, let’s first define what clean beauty means. At its core, clean beauty refers to products made without ingredients that are considered harmful or potentially toxic to the skin and the environment. It also emphasizes transparency, meaning brands disclose the ingredients they use, their sourcing practices, and their commitment to sustainability.

Clean beauty is not just about the exclusion of harmful chemicals but also about promoting the use of ingredients that are nourishing, natural, and beneficial for both the skin and overall well-being. The clean beauty movement also encompasses ethical considerations, such as cruelty-free testing, eco-friendly packaging, and a commitment to fair trade practices.

As consumers continue to demand more from beauty brands, clean beauty will only become more prevalent in 2025. However, understanding the specific ingredients that are good and bad for your skin can help you navigate the expanding world of clean beauty with confidence.

Ingredients to Avoid in Clean Beauty

While the clean beauty movement is generally focused on removing harmful ingredients from beauty products, it’s important to understand which substances to avoid. Here are some common ingredients to look out for, many of which are still prevalent in skincare and cosmetics, even in 2025:

1. Parabens

Parabens are synthetic preservatives commonly used in beauty products to extend shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi. While effective, parabens have raised significant concerns due to their potential to disrupt hormonal systems. Studies have shown that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances and an increased risk of breast cancer and fertility issues.

In 2025, consumers will likely see an even stronger push toward parabens-free formulas. Brands that continue to use parabens risk losing consumer trust, as shoppers will gravitate toward products that avoid these potentially harmful chemicals.

What to look for: Methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben.

2. Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible, but they’re also found in many beauty products, including perfumes, lotions, and shampoos. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to a variety of health concerns, including developmental and reproductive toxicity, and even liver and kidney damage.

In 2025, we can expect a significant reduction in phthalates used in beauty products, as consumers become more aware of their potential risks. Phthalates are especially problematic in fragrance, so opting for fragrance-free or naturally scented products will be a safer choice.

What to look for: Diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP).

3. Sulfates

Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are harsh detergents commonly used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to create foam and remove dirt and oil. While they are effective cleansers, sulfates can strip the skin and hair of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even exacerbating conditions like eczema.

As people increasingly look for gentler options for their skin and hair, sulfates are being phased out in favor of milder, plant-based surfactants. By 2025, many brands will offer sulfate-free alternatives, recognizing the shift towards gentler, more nourishing ingredients.

What to look for: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ammonium lauryl sulfate.

4. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and it is often used as a preservative in beauty products, especially those that require long shelf lives. Even more concerning are formaldehyde-releasing agents, which are chemicals that release formaldehyde over time. These chemicals can cause skin irritation, allergies, and long-term health issues if absorbed in large amounts.

By 2025, clean beauty brands will likely prioritize formulas free from formaldehyde and its derivatives. In fact, formaldehyde-free formulas are already gaining popularity among consumers seeking safe and non-toxic options.

What to look for: DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea.

5. Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances are one of the most common allergens in skincare and cosmetics. These fragrances are made from petrochemicals and often contain undisclosed ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions or cause skin irritation. Long-term exposure to synthetic fragrances has also been linked to respiratory problems and endocrine disruption.

In 2025, consumers will demand more transparency around fragrance ingredients, and many will opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented products. The rise of essential oils and plant-based fragrances is expected to continue, offering safer, more skin-friendly alternatives.

What to look for: Parfum (fragrance), phthalates, benzophenone.

Ingredients to Embrace in Clean Beauty

While there are many harmful ingredients to avoid, the clean beauty movement also highlights a growing list of ingredients that are beneficial for the skin, body, and the environment. Here are some of the key ingredients to look for in 2025:

1. Plant-Based Oils and Butters

Plant-based oils and butters have been staples in clean beauty for years, and they’re only going to become more popular in 2025. These natural oils are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the skin. They can help improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy glow.

Popular oils like jojoba oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, and marula oil are known for their soothing and moisturizing properties. Shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter are also beloved for their ability to provide deep hydration and skin protection.

Why embrace them: They provide essential nutrients and hydration without clogging pores or causing irritation.

2. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are crucial for protecting the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution. As we approach 2025, antioxidants will continue to be key ingredients in clean beauty formulas due to their anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties.

Vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea extract, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) are among the most popular antioxidants used in skincare. These ingredients help brighten the skin, reduce fine lines, and protect against oxidative damage, making them essential in any skincare routine.

Why embrace them: They fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall health of the skin.

3. Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics are ingredients that support the skin’s natural microbiome, promoting balance and a healthy skin barrier. Probiotics are live bacteria that help restore beneficial bacteria on the skin, while prebiotics are food for the beneficial bacteria, helping them thrive. Together, these ingredients work to combat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions caused by imbalances in the skin’s microbiome.

By 2025, we can expect to see even more skincare products incorporating probiotics and prebiotics, especially as research continues to demonstrate their positive impact on skin health.

Why embrace them: They balance the skin’s microbiome, improve hydration, and reduce irritation.

4. Adaptogens

Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help the body adapt to stress, both physical and mental. These ingredients have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and they’re now gaining popularity in skincare for their ability to calm inflammation, balance hormones, and support skin repair.

Adaptogens like ashwagandha, reishi mushroom, and ginseng are believed to help reduce the negative effects of stress on the skin, such as premature aging, breakouts, and redness. As clean beauty continues to evolve, adaptogens are expected to be more widely used in products designed to promote overall skin health.

Why embrace them: They support skin repair and resilience, especially during stressful times.

5. Sustainable Botanicals

In 2025, sustainability will be a major factor in the clean beauty movement. Consumers will not only seek products that are free of harmful chemicals but also those that are sourced responsibly and produced with minimal environmental impact. Sustainable botanicals—such as aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, and turmeric—are known for their skin-calming and healing properties. These ingredients are also renewable, making them a more eco-friendly choice for brands and consumers alike.

Why embrace them: They promote both skin health and environmental sustainability, making them ideal for conscious beauty consumers.

Conclusion

The clean beauty shift is not just about avoiding harmful ingredients but also embracing those that promote health, wellness, and sustainability. As we move into 2025, consumers will increasingly demand transparency, sustainability, and safety in their beauty products. By choosing skincare and cosmetics with non-toxic, eco-friendly ingredients, you can feel confident that you’re making choices that are not only good for your skin but also good for the planet.

Whether you’re new to the clean beauty movement or a seasoned advocate, being aware of which ingredients to avoid and embrace will help you create a beauty routine that aligns with your values and promotes long-term skin health. As clean beauty continues to evolve, we can expect more exciting innovations and formulations that focus on the skin’s natural health, sustainability, and overall well-being.