Why Beautycounter? Why not other clean beauty companies?
As consumers have become increasingly aware of the health implications of harmful chemicals and toxicants, companies are listening and creating more “clean” options. In fact, in 2020 clean beauty sales increased while the conventional beauty market took a hit. People are voting with their dollars, which is disrupting the industry! This is certainly a step in the right direction, and a better option than most, but it’s important for consumers (you + me) to understand how loosely regulated the personal care industry is. Just because a company says their products are clean, doesn’t actually mean they are the safest option.
What does “clean beauty” really mean?
“Clean Beauty” is not a regulated term. In fact, “natural beauty,” “clean,” “organic,” “hypoallergenic,” “pharmaceutical-grade,” “clinically tested,” “dermatologist tested,” and “safe” are loosely defined, nor regulated.
That’s not okay to me. I want the best for our families and don’t want to “save money” short-term only to spend more long-term because we used something that didn’t do what it was supposed to or even harmed us.
Eight years ago I committed to researching ingredients and spent tons of money on safer options, only to be disappointed by their performance. I discovered (through an FDA report) that the lipstick and makeup powder I was using contained lead and heavy metals, even though it was “natural.” Here I thought I was making the safest choices for my health and I was being duped! That’s when I started seriously looking into third-party testing. It’s the only way a company can ensure their products are free from harmful contaminants.
Enter: Beautycounter.
Beautycounter defines clean by 12 components, outlined in the Blueprint for Clean (more on this below).
Since Beautycounter launched in 2013, they’ve been using their power to lobby Congress to get legally defined terms. Something that will benefit EVERYONE.
It’s part of the reason Beautycounter endorsed the Natural Cosmetics Act, which is the first bill that would create a legal definition of what natural claims can be used on beauty products.
Why I Recommend Beautycounter
Beautycounter is the only beauty company to third-party test for safety. They ban over 1,800+ harmful + questionable ingredients, ethically source ingredients, are committed to environmental sustainability, and have the strictest safety screening program to date.
From a performance standpoint, the products really freakin’ work. They work so well that they’ve been worn on the red carpet by celebrities like Mandy Moore, Connie Britton, Reese Witherspoon, Gabrielle Union, Tina Fey, and so many more. Even Tom Brady and Jennifer Garner rock Beautycounter products.
On top of that, Beautycounter is advocating for real change in the industry that would benefit everyone! Our CEO + founder, Gregg Renfrew even testified before Congress.
Their values of education, transparency, and advocacy align with mine, which is why I use, trust, and recommend Beautycounter.
“Safety, performance, integrity, sustainability, human rights,
transparency. Beautycounter prioritizes all of the values that are
important to me as a consumer.”
Why it’s so important to third-party test
Only 1.5 pages of legislation govern an $80 billion industry. A major cosmetic + product safety law has not been passed since 1938. It’s an incredibly unregulated industry.
HEAVY METALS
Heavy metals are frequently found in makeup because they contaminate the colorants that companies use, whether those colorants are intentionally mined from the earth or synthetic. It’s also important to note that “natural” brands often use clay or mineral based ingredients of the earth and they often test the highest in heavy metals. The only way to know if makeup and personal care products contain heavy metals is to test them. Not just one time at sourcing, but regularly at every stage of sourcing and production to ensure that levels do not change as the supply chain is modified over time. Beautycounter TRIPLE TESTS at sourcing, production, and post-production. I don’t know of any other company that takes safety this seriously.
There is no safe level of exposure to lead, and because it’s a neurotoxin, it’s particularly dangerous to children’s brains.
The effects of heavy metal exposure can include lowered IQ, neurological effects, cancer, irritability, and kidney, lung, and heart damage. Few metals, such as aluminum, can be removed through elimination activities and get accumulated in the body and food chain, exhibiting a chronic nature. [source]
A study by University of California researchers found nine toxic heavy metals in over 400 lipsticks and lip glosses. Even Burt’s Bees contained heavy metals! [source]
Despite this research and many articles on the topic, we have not seen a widespread testing of every batch of color cosmetics for heavy metals before they go to market.
TALC
Most “clean” powdered makeup is made from minerals, which sounds safe, right? Minerals are from the earth. The danger lies in how these minerals are extracted.
Talc, a mineral commonly found in powdered makeup, is most commonly laced with asbestos. Asbestos is a known carcinogen. Carcinogen = causes cancer. Beautycounter tests to ensure their products are free from Asbestos, heavy metals, phthalates, among many other harmful contaminants.
Do you know of any other beauty company testing for these things?
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to Beautycounter’s Blueprint for Clean, they are legally required to share transparently through these three certifications. This provides another level of security for me.
Safety
- Beautycounter tests every batch of raw colorants during sourcing, production, and post-production striving for undetectable levels of heavy metals. They set the limit of 2ppm which is lower than allowed in drinking water.
- Changed the tubing of manufacturing lines to reduce possible contaminants
- Screens packaging materials to make sure they won’t leach into our clean products
- A company unapologetically built on credible scientific research, continually responding to the latest peer reviewed science
- Has eight scientists on staff: We have a Green Chemist, 5 Cosmetic Chemists, Analytical Chemist and a Senior Toxicologist!
- Third-party tests for human + environmental safety
- Bans over 1,800+ harmful and questionable ingredients from formulations
Environmental Impact
- Eliminated 800k plastic parts in 2019
- Dedicated to sustainable packaging with a goal of 100% recycled/recycable, compostable, or refillable packaging by 2025
- Taking action to be carbon neutral by 2030
Advocacy
Beautycounter’s mission is to get safer products in the hands of everyone. Not just Beautycounter products, but safer products in general! Their advocacy team has helped pass nine safer beauty + cosmetic laws at both a state and federal level, with hopes for even greater change in the next few years!
The company has also been a big proponent of the Personal Care Products Safety Act, which would fortify cosmetics regulation in the United States that’s been calcified since 1938 by requiring beauty companies to share ingredient information with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, give the FDA authority to recall harmful beauty products, and increase funding for the oversight of cosmetics.
Every year, Beautycounter consultants can also earn a trip to lobby in Washington, DC & with Parliament in Canada for stricter regulations.
Why does Beautycounter have consultants?
First and foremost, to educate + advocate for safer products. When Beautycounter launched in 2013, clean beauty was not nearly as popular as it is now. A sales clerk at a department store surely wouldn’t take the time to educate the consumer on the importance of ingredient safety, testing, or explain how unregulated the beauty industry is. Rather, Gregg Renfrew (CEO + Founder) knew this mission was best told person to person, through relationships, authenticity, and trust.
She believed in a movement of people – equipped, empowered, and educated – to make safer choices for themselves and their families. A movement that had to be powered by people.
So, in addition to regular brick-and-mortar stores and an e-commerce platform, Beautycounter also has consultants who share, educate, and make the process switching to safer products a whole lot easier and fun.
Turns out, Gregg was on to something genius because now, most companies use affiliates to market their products. Instead of paying advertisers and making commercials, companies use “influencers” on social media to market their products. In return, affiliates earn a small commission of the sale.
Similarly, Beautycounter consultants share about the products and earn a small commission of the sales. There are no sneaky requirements, no auto-ships, no pyramid schemes, no minimums, nada. Just consultants sharing authentically – how and when they want – to help others make more intentional purchases. When you make a purchase through a consultant, rather than without, you help people you know, love, and trust financially support their family. It’s a beautiful thing.
How to Shop Beautycounter
You can shop in store (Denver, LA, Boston, Nantucket) or online, with or without a consultant. The price is the same for you, but you’ll receive extra support, customer service, and sometimes perks when you shop with a consultant.
Beautycounter offers an incredible 60 day return policy so you can try out the products without any stress.
Ways to Save More
1. Band of Beauty Rewards
This is a no-strings-attached rewards program, similar to Sephora Rewards and Amazon Prime. You can join for $29 and enjoy perks + savings all year long. There are no requirements, no auto-renewals, and no minimums. Simply add it to your cart to start saving.
· Free shipping on all orders over $100 (USA)/$125 (CAN)
· Earn 10% product credit to use on future purchases
· Receive a free welcome gift (two of my very favorite products: Overnight Resurfacing Peel & Charcoal Face Mask)
· Extra perks + savings throughout the year
2. Refer Friends
Invite your family and friends to learn more about the importance of safer products through an online or in-person event, led by me. If they choose to shop, you can earn up to 5 free products and 5 products half price. It’s the ultimate refer-a-friend program.
3. Become a Consultant / #betterbeautyaffiliate
Admittedly, I originally joined for the discount (25-44% off!), but quickly realized I couldn’t help but share. The products are that good! Turns out, it was one of the best decisions I ever, ever made.
Since buyers buy directly from Beautycounter, consultants simply share links, host parties, or embrace the mission in the way that moves them and feels most authentic. It only costs $21 to become a consultant as a Band of Beauty member or $50 if you’re not a rewards member. Email me if you’d like to learn more!
I hope by now it’s obvious why this company is so special to me. Being able to teach other families (like my own) to be empowered by their own wellness journey has been incredibly rewarding. And to share a company that is so committed to safety, service, performance, and integrity feels like a no-brainer! Of course I’d want the best products for my family - and yours, too! 😘
