It's been touted by the likes of Emma Watson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Shailene Woodley, and now clean beauty has arrived in the UAE.
The beauty and lifestyle movement has been gaining traction in other parts of the world, as consumers look to make more ethical choices in other aspects of their life.
So what is exactly is "clean" beauty, and does that make the rest of the industry "dirty"? Not exactly.
In a nutshell, the idea is ensuring your skin is free of nasty chemicals via your beauty products. This means choosing skincare, perfumes and make-up free of ingredients such as parabens, sulfates and artificial fragrances, as well as choosing those that are sustainable, made with 100 per cent clean ingredients.
If it sounds like a concept you'd expect to read about on Paltrow's wellness tips and lifestyle brand Goop, that's because it is; the American actress was an early adopter of the movement and it's become a central part of Goop's ethos. But there are also several pretty solid arguments in the "for" category for clean beauty.
Healthcare professionals have long railed against several ingredients routinely used in the beauty industry; usually those used in beauty products to make them smell appealing, prolong their shelf life, or help them develop a foamy lather.
Firstly, there are those known as "endocrine disruptors", which are chemicals that can mimic the body's hormones. These include parabens (a commonly used cheap preservative) and phthalates (synthetic fragrances). These ingredients can mess with your metabolism, mood, and reproductive system, and have been linked to fertility issues, birth defects and cancer.
Carcinogens are also still used in beauty products. These additives, which cause cancer, include ingredients such formaldehyde (commonly used in make-up and other skincare products as a preservative). Other harmful ingredients to be wary of include sulfates, oxybenzone, triclosan and hydroquinone.
While these are transmitted in small doses, healthcare professionals argue that the build up over time, by routinely using products that include these ingredients, means there is enough cause for concern.
Where to buy clean beauty products in the UAE
Homegrown e-commerce website Hoiisa launched recently to address the growing demand for clean beauty products in the GCC.
The platform, founded by Dubai resident Mouna Azirar, offers a range of products that have been carefully researched and screened to ensure they are completely clean. This means sustainable ingredients, production and packaging.
Azirar says she began the website due to a "clear gap in the Middle Eastern sustainable and clean beauty market", and hopes to "reshape the industry by connecting sustainable brands and consumers".
Brands to look out for include: Grown Alchemist, Maisey, Salt & Stone, Rahua, Tabitha James Kraan, Solaris Laboratories NY and Mad Hippie.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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'Top Gun: Maverick'
Rating: 4/5
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
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Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo
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Director: Stephen Gaghan
Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Michael Sheen
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If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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