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Clean beauty. The most ambiguous term invented by consumers and companies alike, looking for a way out of the beauty industry’s weak regulation. In general, clean beauty products are those that are devoid of any ingredients that have been shown or are designed to hurt the skin.

Parabens, phthalates, sulphates, oxybenzone, triclosan, hydroquinone, and synthetic perfumes—these nasty ingredients are enough to send most of us running for the hills. And that includes the majority of beauty brands in Malaysia. Over the years, we saw the rise of homegrown brands dancing towards the movement of cleanliness and all-natural products. 

But what exactly does clean beauty imply? Where does it really stand in the beauty industry? Can you really trust all-natural labels? Does clean equal to recyclable? And how vital are naturally derived products?

However, as the awareness and access of clean beauty has expanded, it has become more difficult to determine what does and does not meet this safer criterion. Because truth be told, there is no standard or regulation on what clean truly means—I mean, anybody may use the phrase. Right? 

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Though we here at Beauty Insider choose to stand behind every brand that champions natural skincare, cosmetics, and hair care products, including Malaysian-made beauty brands. No matter what, we’ve pledged our vows to always advocate for clean and cruelty-free brands. Below, we’ll discuss more on the designation of clean beauty and beauty brands available in Malaysia that adhere to eco-friendly principles. 

What Exactly Is Clean Beauty? 

As previously said, clean beauty is highly deregulated, therefore making such a claim is entirely up to the brand. Clean beauty products, in general, have formulations that are devoid of substances that might pose negative dangers to human health. As a result, while many products use natural substances, they also use synthetic compounds that are harmful to the environment and individuals. Because there is no legal definition of clean beauty or any oversight over brands that make such claims, such concepts are frequently abused.

It has a hazy definition, but that doesn’t imply everything needs to be hard. Aside from using clean components that are safe and toxic-free, clean beauty brands must also be transparent about their product formulation. In order to attract the consumer’s attention, some brands included attention-grabbing keywords such as all-natural and eco-friendly on their packaging.

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Clean Beauty Brands In Malaysia 

1. Summerie 

Summerie, an amalgam of  ‘summer’ and ‘reverie,” evokes the dreamlike sensation of the perfect summery days. The brand has garnered a cult-like fervour reputation for its top of the range lines which harness the power of natural ingredients including organic sunflower seed oil which is high in essential nutrients. Plus, its extensive range of products is also free from harsh ingredients like silicone, alcohol, mineral oil, synthetic colourants, MEA, DEA, and TEA. 

Although we are blessed with sunshine all year round, the hot and humid weather makes us susceptible to excessive sweating and unpleasant  body odour. Fret not as the Summerie Grapefruit Purifying Body Wash is a top product that reigns supreme for its efficacy and long lasting divine scent. It features a cocktail of organic sunflower seed oil and grapefruit extract. These ingredients work collectively to deliver hydrating and purifying properties for cleaner, softer and smoother-looking skin. It also boasts antibacterial agents that remove 99.9% of germs. With its pleasant scent and luxurious lather, it will transport you to idyllic tropical holidays. 

Why we love it:

  • Features skin pH-balanced formulation
  • Increases the skin’s hydration level
  • Contains 97% of natural ingredients
  • Free from harsh ingredients 

Price: RM 17.90

Where to buy: Guardian

2. Garden of Eden

Garden of EDEN skincare is inspired by nature, where people have turned to Mother Nature’s goodness for natural herbs, plant extracts, and oils as remedies to different skin concerns. The brand has curated different products to help address different skin issues and cater to all skin types. Each ingredient used in their skincare has been responsibly sourced while following sustainable and ethical practices. They also use recyclable packaging for 90% of their products. In their commitment to being a sustainable brand that wants to make a difference for the earth, they’ve launched Earth Efforts wherein they invite their customers to send back six empty and clean serum bottles from Garden of Eden and exchange them for special perks. 

One of the most important skincare steps to never skip is applying moisturizer! Aside from providing the necessary moisture your skin needs, they’re also packed with other skin benefits. Much like Garden of EDEN’s Grape E Anti-Aging Hydra Cream, it is an intensive moisturizer that gets absorbed into the skin to hydrate, firm, and protect the skin barrier deeply. It’s boosted with anti-ageing properties to smooth, soften, and delay skin ageing for a supple, rejuvenated complexion. Similar to the other Garden of EDEN products, their Grape E Anti-Aging Hydra Cream is developed with natural herbs, plant extracts, and oils to deliver nourishing goodness to the skin without unnecessary harmful ingredients. 

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight moisturizer that lasts up to 72 hours
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Great for all skin types, including sensitive skin

Price: RM69.90

Where to buy: Garden of EDEN, Guardian, Watsons

3. Root Remedies

Chiew Yee Sian and Leland Lo created Root Remedies in 2015. They stick to their belief that less is absolutely more. This Malaysian-based company thinks that nature is our most valuable resource. As a result, they do not feel that chemicals, alcohol, or alkaline should be used with your skincare products. The only way to go is green, clean, sustainable, and natural.

Where to buy: Root Remedies

4. The Mineraw

The Mineraw was inspired by a connection to the soil, a love of nature, and a fascination with the human body. They are dedicated to offering skin-safe beauty products that are simple, mild, and clean. All items are tested on friends and family members, never on animals. Their conscious products are vegan, cruelty-free, and are appropriate for all skin types. 

Where to buy: The Mineraw

5. COMMONLABS

COMMONLABS believe that true beauty comes from ‘well-being’. They’re committed to provide the best skin kinetics trainers to stimulate healthy and balanced movement of the skin cells that make up each and every individual. Like their Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream that contains a moist gel type of cream consisting of pure Vitamin C and 30% Sea Buckthorn Wate.

Where to buy: Shopee

6. Skinned.Co 

Skinned is a beauty and skincare wellness company that curates products that are ingredient-focused. They focus on individuals who feel that skincare elements are important when putting items on their skin. Skinned takes significant actions to be more conscientious about naming its ingredients and beliefs that go beyond the phrases “clean” and “non-toxic.” They want to provide mild and conscientious skincare that works on the skin of those fleeing Southeast Asia’s heat and humidity.

Where to buy: Skinned.co

7. Khlean Beauty 

You don’t need to stray far away from our local brand to find natural skincare that suits the needs of your skin. Just like Khléan Beauty, the newest member in town that goes beyond just recyclable and reusable packaging. As the name suggests, the brand covers each step in the product life cycle; from sourcing ingredients, to logistics, all set for more dynamic outcomes. 

Where to buy: Khlean Beauty

8. Melvita 

Melvita is a pioneer in organic cosmetics, according to the brand’s founder, Bernard Chevilliat, and has developed to become one of France’s top brands of natural and organic cosmetics. Definitely organic. Because they are certain that organic dedication is one of the keys to the planet’s future.

Where to buy: Melvita

9. Meizlab

Meizlab was founded in 2015 after the creator prepared her first homemade face cream and was pleasantly surprised by the results. She then attended several classes and conducted a lot of study on how to make natural cosmetics. Each formula has gone through trials and mistakes to guarantee that the products are safe for everyone. It is made with only natural and clean components.

Where to buy: Meizlab

10. POP Neutral

Nadia Nasimuddin, an entrepreneur, is most known for heading the Naza Group’s F&B sector, namely Dotty’s. Her innate perseverance and tenacity drove her to expand her portfolio into health and beauty, and so POP was created. She created her own line of natural oils for her skin and discovered that they performed well throughout her several pregnancies, both during and after. 

Where to buy: POP Neutral

11. Kiehl’s 

If you’re a true beauty lover, you probably already heard, know and familiarise yourself with the superior-brand that is Kiehl’s. Though this brand is considered to be the life changer in the skincare industry, not everyone is aware of how much of a power each one of their little tools could contribute to your skin. 

Where to buy: Kiehl’s

12. Pixi Beauty 

Pixi has certified that it is free of animal cruelty. They, as well as their suppliers and any third parties, do not test finished goods or ingredients on animals. They also do not sell their products in jurisdictions where animal testing is required by law. Their retinol will totally help to restore skin plumpness and improve the appearance of your complexion. Literally your skin will thank you for this.

Where to buy: Sephora

13. The Body Shop

The Body Shop is all about being authentic. As a result, its cruelty-free cosmetics are made entirely of vegetarian materials. Rest assure that all of their products are free from parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, gluten, and carmine. It contains Community Trade products such as honey and marula oil, and it is never, ever tested on animals. 

Where to buy: The Body Shop

14. Love Beauty and Planet

Aside from employing sustainably produced components in formulations, Love Beauty and Planet’s eco-friendly vision is carried out in a variety of methods, including waste reduction and carbon footprint reduction. Its 2022 targets range from generating at least three new product innovations to improve the skin and hair while saving the environment to promising to make 100 percent of its shampoos at high speed.

Where to buy: Love Beauty and Planet

15. One Ocean Beauty

Marine-inspired with breakthrough biotechnology and sustainably produced products that truly work on the hair, skin, and body, One Ocean Beauty is redefining what a “clean beauty brand” involves. All products are manufactured using important marine microorganisms and single cells that have been shown to have anti-aging properties and are derived from marine ecosystems without harvesting or extraction. Its cruelty-free products contain no GMOs, parabens, sulphates, phthalates, nanoparticles, mineral oil, or synthetic scent.

Where to buy: One Ocean Beauty

16. Origins

Origins is one of those beauty firms that uses natural components in all of its products (including 100 percent natural essential oils). All formulas contain no parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, PABA, petroleum, paraffin, DEA, or animal ingredients—if you have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to heat or cold, their formulations are ideal.

Where to buy: Origins

17. Aveda

Aveda’s environmental methods are noteworthy, since it is said to be the first cosmetics firm to employ 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate). All containers are composed of post-consumer recycled content, such as milk bottles and recycled water bottles.

Where to buy: Aveda

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