What Is Clean Beauty? Things to Know Before You Switch

What Is Clean Beauty? Things to Know Before You Switch

The beauty industry evolves fast. One year it's about 10-step routines, the next it's "skinimalism." But one term that has stuck around—and grown stronger—is clean beauty.

You’ve probably seen it stamped across product labels, social feeds, and skincare blogs. But what does it actually mean? Is clean beauty just another marketing trend, or is it a genuine movement toward healthier, more sustainable skincare?

If you’re interested in Korean skincare, especially brands like Incellderm by Riman, clean beauty might be more familiar than you think. Here's what you really need to know.

1. Clean Beauty Isn’t Just a Buzzword—It’s a Philosophy

Clean beauty isn't about being 100% natural or organic. It’s about using products that are safe for your body and the environment, without compromising on results.

It’s a philosophy that values:

  • Transparency

  • Non-toxic ingredients

  • Sustainability

  • Ethical sourcing

  • Skin compatibility

That’s what brands like Riman have built their success on. The Incellderm ICD line reflects a commitment to creating skincare that is both effective and mindful—aligning closely with the principles of K-Beauty.

2. Ingredients Matter—A Lot

At the core of clean beauty is a focus on what's in (and what’s out) of your skincare.

Here are some common ingredients clean beauty avoids:

  • Parabens: Linked to hormonal disruption

  • Sulfates: Can strip and irritate skin

  • Phthalates and formaldehyde-releasing agents: Known for long-term health risks

  • Plastic Microbeads

Instead, clean beauty champions plant-based, biocompatible, and low-allergen alternatives.

For example, Incellderm ICD products often use patented botanical ingredients like Giant BYoungPool extract, designed to work in harmony with your skin—not against it. In fact, we are very proud to say that RIMAN promises to never use over 3000+ ingredients including prohibited cosmetic ingredients by global regulatory guidelines (published in US, Canada, EU, ASEAN, Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hongkong). We also avoid any ingredients or candidate ingredients on the EU Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) List include substances including CMR 1a and 1b, PBT, vPvB and Endocrine Disruptors. If you would like a full ingredient list of Riman and Incellderm ICD Skincare products, please email us and we would be happy to provide it.

3. Transparency Is the New Luxury

In clean beauty, it's not just about avoiding harmful ingredients. It's about knowing exactly what you're using and why it's there.

Clean beauty brands often offer:

  • Full ingredient lists (no vague “fragrance” or “proprietary blend” labels)

  • Sourcing info on key ingredients

  • Third-party certifications (like cruelty-free or EWG Verified)

Transparency builds trust—and Riman understands that. Our skincare lines, especially Incellderm, provide in-depth product breakdowns so users know what they’re putting on their face.

4. Korean Skincare Has Always Been Clean at Its Core

If you’ve been following Korean skincare, clean beauty might feel familiar already. That's because K-Beauty has always emphasized:

  • Gentle, skin-loving formulas

  • Layering hydration instead of stripping skin

  • Botanical-based ingredients like Centella Asiatica and Green Tea

  • Preventive care, not just quick fixes

Brands like Riman, with their Incellderm ICD line, embody the clean beauty-K-Beauty synergy—combining advanced technology with natural actives to build long-term skin health.

5. Sustainability Is Non-Negotiable

Clean beauty goes beyond the product—it considers the entire lifecycle of what you buy.

What to look for:

  • Cruelty-free testing: Clean beauty doesn’t harm animals.

  • Eco-friendly packaging: Think glass bottles, recycled plastic, or biodegradable wraps.

  • Ethical sourcing: Ingredients should be harvested without harming ecosystems or exploiting communities.

This matters. When you choose brands like Incellderm, you’re not only caring for your skin—you’re supporting a more responsible skincare industry. In fact, it is our commitment as we have partnered with CJ Biomaterials to bring eco-friendly packaging without compromising on aesthetics.

6. It’s About Supporting Your Skin, Not Fighting It

Traditional skincare often uses aggressive ingredients promising quick results—chemical peels, drying acne treatments, or stripping cleansers.

Clean beauty takes a different approach:

  • Strengthen the skin barrier

  • Hydrate deeply

  • Use actives that work in synergy with your skin’s biology

This aligns with how Korean skincare views skin health: treat the skin gently and consistently for long-term results.

Incellderm ICD skincare is built around this principle. Instead of attacking issues like wrinkles or dullness, ICD products nourish and fortify the skin so it can heal itself.

7. The Wellness Connection Is Real

Clean beauty is about more than skin—it’s about how you feel.

When you use products made with care and intention, it can become a ritual of self-care and mindfulness. Knowing that what you're applying is safe, effective, and ethically made adds a sense of well-being to your routine.

This holistic approach is core to Incellderm. Our routines are designed not just for visible results, but for improving your relationship with your skin.

8. Prevention Over Perfection

Clean beauty doesn’t aim for perfect skin—it supports healthy skin.

Instead of reactive treatments that only kick in when something goes wrong, clean beauty—and by extension, K-Beauty—focuses on prevention.

Using products that maintain hydration, balance oil production, and reinforce your barrier function helps prevent breakouts, dryness, and signs of aging before they start.

This is why starting with a simple, barrier-supporting line like Incellderm ICD can make a big difference.

9. Clean Beauty Makes It Easy to Start Small

If you're thinking of switching to clean beauty, the process doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

Here’s a smart way to start:

  • Swap one product at a time—begin with a cleanser or moisturizer

  • Read labels and research unfamiliar ingredients

  • Test patch new products to avoid reactions

  • Track how your skin feels, not just how it looks

Incellderm makes this transition seamless by offering starter kits and simple routines focused on hydration and repair. It’s a great introduction to clean K-Beauty without needing a full 10-step routine that you have to find and curate on your own.

10. Why Incellderm and Riman Are Leading the Way in Clean K-Beauty

If you’re looking for a clean beauty brand that truly delivers on performance and philosophy, Incellderm by Riman stands out.

Here’s what sets them apart:

  • ICD formulas are dermatologist-tested, low-allergen, and biocompatible.

  • We use patented botanical ingredients not found in typical drugstore skincare.

  • Our approach follows Korean skincare principles—layering hydration, repairing the barrier, and promoting long-term skin health.

  • Transparent ingredient sourcing, no animal testing, and a push for sustainable packaging.

Riman’s mission is simple: effective skincare that respects your health and the planet.

Final Thoughts: Clean Beauty Is a Mindset, Not a Marketing Label

Clean beauty isn’t about perfection. It’s about making informed, conscious choices that align with your values—and give your skin what it truly needs.

By embracing clean beauty through brands like Incellderm, you're doing more than switching products. You're supporting an industry shift toward:

  • Ingredient transparency

  • Sustainable production

  • Ethical practices

  • Real skin health

And when those values meet the innovation and holistic approach of Korean skincare, you get the best of both worlds.