Date published
April 16, 2026
Ever wondered what’s really in your moisturizer, shampoo or deodorant? More people are flipping bottles to check labels, wanting products they understand and trust for daily use. Clean label skincare means simple, transparent ingredient lists with recognizable, pronounceable components. Think plant-based ingredients, essential oils, natural carrier oils and mineral actives – no confusing chemicals or mystery additives.
At Calgary Co-op, our Natural Choice department makes this easy with Canadian-made, eco-friendly clean beauty options you can count on.
Personal care touches everything – face creams, body washes, hair products, dental care, menstrual products, even home items like candles. Skin absorbs what you put on it daily, so knowing what’s inside helps you choose wisely.
Start small: Check your most-used products first. Ask: Can I pronounce these ingredients? Do I recognize them? Do they match my skin needs?
Clean beauty focuses on ingredients that are simple, recognizable, and commonly used in products designed for everyday care. To help make ingredient lists easier to navigate, tools like the Yuka app can also be used to scan products and better understand what’s inside.
For face & body:
Oils & carriers:
Hair care favorites:
Makeup musts:
Sunscreen:
Across Your Day
These same ingredient principles extend beyond skincare into the products you use every day.
These ingredients are widely used and considered safe within regulated limits, but are sometimes avoided due to sensitivity concerns, environmental impact or ongoing research.
Preservatives & antimicrobial agents
Help extend shelf life and prevent bacterial growth, but may cause irritation for some individuals.
Includes: Formaldehyde & formaldehyde-releasing agents, parabens, triclosan, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) & BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
Fragrance & solvent-related ingredients
Used for scent and product stability. May be listed under “fragrance,” which can make full ingredient disclosure less clear.
Includes: Phthalates, toluene, NMP (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone), NEP (N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone)
UV filters (sunscreens)
Used to help protect skin from UV exposure, though some are discussed in relation to environmental persistence.
Includes: Oxybenzone
Petroleum-derived ingredients
Used to help lock in moisture and support the skin barrier. Some people choose to avoid them based on sourcing preferences.
Includes: Petrolatum
Persistent environmental chemicals
Known for breaking down slowly in the environment and are increasingly studied for long-term impact.
Includes: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
Silicone-related compounds
Used to create a smooth, soft feel in products. Some are noted for environmental persistence.
Includes: Siloxanes
Marketing terms on products vary, so third-party verification helps:
| Certification | Logo |
|---|---|
| Leaping Bunny (Cruelty-free) |  |
| V-Label (Vegan/vegetarian) |  |
| Ecocert/COSMOS (Organic standards) |  |
| MADE SAFE (Ingredient safety) |  |
| CertClean (Evidence-based clean) |  |
| B Corp (Sustainability & ethics) |  |
Brands may also share clinical testing or research for extra credibility.
Clean beauty pairs with planet-friendly practices:
Our Natural Choice department curates these quality picks with Canadian brands prioritized. Eco-focused, transparent, and effective.
Our in-store Natural Choice Advisors (many that Registered Holistic Nutritional Consultants) offer personalized help for your skin type, lifestyle and needs (gut-skin connection included).
Ready to start?
Clean labels make skincare simple again. Check one on of your beauty products today – what’s your first swap?