Clean Up your Act
Elle India|May 2018

With equal parts science and nature, the oft-misunderstood world of green beauty makes a strong case for itself. Arjun Sudhir tells us where to start and what to avoid.

Arjun Sudhir
Clean Up your Act

My journey into green beauty was quite accidental. In my early- to mid-twenties, I used every product and procedure—from Accutane to laser—to treat my severe acne, but nothing worked. It hit my self-confidence and I was tired of trying to find a solution. Then around 2010, a big beauty chain in Australia (I live in Melbourne), began carrying a new ‘green’ oil-based cleanser that became an instant bestseller. Until then, I’d always believed that I needed to use foaming cleansers that gave that squeaky-clean feeling; it seemed counter-intuitive to use oil to control acne. Green beauty was also in its nascent stages at that point, but the oil cleanser turned out to be unlike anything else I’d ever tried. It didn’t foam or emulsify, and had to be wiped off with a washcloth—and it significantly cleared up my skin. This made me research its ingredients, and that led me down the green beauty rabbit hole.

So, what is green beauty? To understand this, we need to look at what goes into conventional skincare products. A lot of mainstream items only contain a small amount of active natural extracts; inexpensive fillers like water, mineral oil and silicones usually take up most of the formula. Celestyna Higgins, founder of American green beauty brands MOSS and Ambar, says preservatives are the primary differentiating factors between green beauty and the conventional variety. “Think about it—preservatives are supposed to kill bacteria that could cause the product to go bad. But they don’t discriminate, and go after the good bacteria on your skin too.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ELLE INDIAView all
THE MANE ATTRACTION
Elle India

THE MANE ATTRACTION

When it comes to hair care, compromise simply isn't an option. With iluvia's expertly curated systems, you can cleanse, revive, and protect your hair without missing a beat. Let your locks thrive, from root to tip, with science-backed, innovative haircare ranges crafted for lasting shine, strength, and elegance.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
ELLE Beauty Hall of Fame
Elle India

ELLE Beauty Hall of Fame

Celebrating standout beauty products in every category, all earning ELLE's seal of approval through expert, editorial and public votes

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
FULL THROTTLE
Elle India

FULL THROTTLE

F2 rising star Kush Maini on his racing journey & challenges in motorsport. Ekta Sinha hitches a ride

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT
Elle India

VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT

Amidst the barrage of releases, Vijay Varma's dignified reticence is enveloped in thoughtful consideration, reports Ipsita Kaul

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR
Elle India

ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR

The new generation heartthrob talks about his love for romcoms, music, and future endeavours with Ekta Sinha

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Roaring RAJASTHAN
Elle India

Roaring RAJASTHAN

From Jawai's dramatic landscape and Jaisalmer's rich heritage to Ranthambore's enthralling wilderness-Isha Mayer explores SUJÁN's luxurious, eco-conscious hospitality offerings in the beautiful state

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence
Elle India

Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence

Krishika Bhatia explores a revolutionary skincare breakthrough that merges nature and science, featuring insights from industry experts

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Nigella's WORLD
Elle India

Nigella's WORLD

The British celebrity chef shares the secret recipe to her effortless charm in the kitchen with Isha Mayer

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
ADRIATIC DRIFT
Elle India

ADRIATIC DRIFT

Stari Grad is Croatia's hidden gem waiting to be explored, finds Isha Mayer

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE
Elle India

Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE

The multi-hyphenate artist fills Maahi Shah in on the fun things she's working on, what meeting Michelle Obama was like, & how she stays grounded

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024