How Safe Are Your Skincare Products? A Deep Dive into Yuka, EWG, and Greenwashing
In today’s world, we’re more conscious than ever about what we put on our skin. With countless skincare products marketed as “clean,” “natural,” and “non-toxic,” it’s easy to assume that we’re making safe choices. But the truth is, not all products live up to their marketing claims! That’s where apps like Yuka and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Healthy Living App come in—they help consumers see past misleading labels and make truly informed choices about their skincare.
At Simple Body, we’re all about transparency and making sure our products are as clean and effective as possible. Many of our products score 100/100 on Yuka, and we are SO proud of that! But we also know not all brands are upfront about their ingredients. That’s why today, we’re diving into how these apps work, why they’re so helpful, and what you need to know about greenwashing in the beauty industry.
Why Product Transparency Matters
Let’s be real—skincare brands know that consumers want clean products. That’s why so many brands slap words like “organic,” “plant-based,” and “non-toxic” on their labels. But did you know that in the U.S., there’s very little regulation around these terms? Unlike the food industry, where labels like “organic” are certified, the beauty industry is still largely self-regulated.
This means a product could have a tiny amount of a plant extract, but still market itself as “natural”—even if the rest of the ingredients list is filled with harsh chemicals.
That’s where ingredient-checking apps like Yuka and EWG come in. These tools analyze ingredients, break down their potential risks, and give you the real story on what you’re putting on your skin.
What is Yuka? How Does It Work?
Yuka is a FREE mobile app that helps consumers analyze food and cosmetics for safety. It’s one of the easiest ways to scan products and get an instant breakdown of their ingredients.
How to Use Yuka for Skincare:
- Download the App – Available for iOS and Android.
- Scan a Product Barcode – Open the app and scan the barcode on any skincare, makeup, or food item.
- View the Score – Yuka gives each product a score out of 100, with clear categories:
- Excellent (75-100) – The best-rated products with safe, high-quality ingredients.
- Good (50-74) – Mostly safe but may contain a few moderate-risk ingredients.
- Mediocre (25-49) – Contains questionable or controversial ingredients.
- Poor (0-24) – High presence of harmful ingredients or allergens.
- See Ingredient Explanations – Yuka explains why certain ingredients are flagged and suggests better alternatives.
Why We Love Yuka:
✅ Easy to use – Just scan and see your results instantly.
✅ Unbiased – Yuka is completely independent and doesn’t take money from brands.
✅ Recommends Safer Alternatives – If a product doesn’t score well, Yuka suggests a cleaner option!
The best part? Many of Simple Body’s products score 100/100 on Yuka!
What is the EWG Healthy Living App?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has been a trusted source for ingredient safety research for years. Their Healthy Living App helps consumers check the safety of cosmetics, cleaning products, and food by rating them on a scale from 1 to 10 (lower is better).
How to Use the EWG Healthy Living App:
- Download the App – Available for iOS and Android.
- Search or Scan – Either type in a product name or scan its barcode.
- Check the Rating – EWG uses a 1-10 scale, where:
- 1-2 = Low Hazard (Best)
- 3-6 = Moderate Hazard
- 7-10 = High Hazard (Worst)
- Look at Ingredient Details – EWG provides a full breakdown of ingredients, explaining which are harmful.
Why We Love EWG:
✅ Backed by Science – EWG’s ratings are based on scientific research.
✅ Great for Ingredient Deep Dives – If you love details, this app explains why certain ingredients are problematic.
✅ Covers More than Just Skincare – EWG rates food, sunscreen, baby products, and household cleaners, too!
Greenwashing: What You Need to Know
Now that you know how to check product safety, let’s talk about greenwashing—the misleading marketing tactics that make products seem cleaner than they really are.
Greenwashing happens when brands use buzzwords like:
🚩 “Natural” (but still contains synthetic chemicals)
🚩 “Organic” (with only one organic ingredient)
🚩 “Fragrance-Free” (but still contains hidden fragrance chemicals)
🚩 “Dermatologist-Tested” (but doesn’t mean approved or safe)
Want to learn how to spot greenwashing? Watch our video on How to Avoid Greenwashing in Skincare 👇
🎥 Watch Here: How to Spot Greenwashing
Take Control of Your Skincare Routine
With apps like Yuka and EWG, it’s easier than ever to cut through the noise and choose truly clean skincare. By scanning products and understanding ingredient safety, you can make decisions that are better for your skin and your health.
At Simple Body, we’re committed to full transparency, so you can shop with confidence knowing our products pass the test!
✨ Your challenge: Download Yuka or EWG, scan your favorite products, and see how they rate! You might be surprised at what you find.
📌 Shop Simple Body’s Clean Skincare → www.simplebodyproducts.com
