The clean beauty movement has evolved beyond a trend into a conscious lifestyle choice. Understanding ingredients is the first step to making informed decisions about what you apply to your skin.

Key ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for brightening and pore refinement, and bakuchiol as a gentle plant-based alternative to retinol. Natural oils like rosehip, jojoba, and squalane offer deep nourishment without clogging pores.

When reading labels, ingredients are listed in order of concentration. Be cautious of greenwashing -- just because a product says "natural" does not mean it is free from irritants. Look for certifications from trusted organizations and patch-test new products before full application.