from the Inside Out

When shopping for beauty and skincare products, Sade wants to know every detail: How was it made? Where does the product come from? What are the ingredients? Were product wastes disposed of in a way that harms the environment? Sade’s decision comes down to whether her purchase contributes to behaviors or practices that align with her values. “Shopping consciously is about being aware of what you’re purchasing, consuming, and supporting,” she says. “Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty^™ is a great destination to start your journey.” With their five categories (Clean Ingredients, Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Sustainable Packaging, and Positive Impact), the platform makes it easier to find the brands that share your values and make a difference.

If beauty brands want to be both ethical and sustainable in their practices, they need to be transparent about their processes as well as their ingredients. Labeling a product as “natural” doesn’t go far enough in the eyes of today’s consumers, especially with so many new brands hitting the market. The same goes for products referred to as “clean”—a term that Sade considers too vague. Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty^™ also knows that “clean” can mean many things, which is why every brand that’s certified within the Clean Ingredients category complies with their ever-growing Made Without List.

“Unfortunately, there is no standard that brands have to adhere to in order to label their products as ‘clean,’ so it’s really up to us as consumers to hold them accountable,” Sade explains. “Clean can mean something entirely different for different consumers and brands.” When it comes to terms like “vegan” and “cruelty-free,” Sade loves that Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty™ clears up any confusion. “Vegan beauty products are created without animal products, by-products or derivatives. Specifically, that includes ingredients like honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, albumen, carmine, cholesterol and gelatin,” she says. “Cruelty-free means brands did not test their products on animals during the manufacturing process.” The three main organizations that Ulta Beauty works with to verify certification within their program include: Leaping Bunny, PETA, or Choose Cruelty-Free.

Anytime her skin needs a pick-me-up, Sade turns to Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, a widely popular serum that originally piqued Sade’s interest in responsible beauty brands. “Sunday Riley was one of the first true players in ‘clean beauty,’” Sade explains, “and it works wonders! There’s a reason this is a cult favorite. Hyperpigmentation? Gone. Softer skin? Done. Fights acne? Yup. Glowing complexion? You betcha!”

Sade also likes to smooth out fine lines and stretch marks with Truly Acai Your Boobies Boob Polish, a gentle polishing body butter packed with sea salt and potent antioxidants like vitamin A and retinol, which help to firm up the appearance of skin. When Sade focuses on beauty and keeping her skin healthy, she looks for products that provide coverage head to toe, like Bondi Boost Intensive Growth Spray— a scalp spray loaded with vitamin B5, peppermint, and tea tree oil which encourages fuller, thicker hair from root to tip.

When choosing the right products for you, Sade recommends taking the time to research and explore. “Identify your priorities, like Clean Ingredients or Cruelty-Free, and look to resources like your dermatologist and your friends for great recommendations,” she says. “Remember, it takes time to find beauty products that align with your values—but learning what’s in your skincare and how it’s made is well worth the effort.”