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- “Clean Beauty” is Out, Botanical is In
“Clean Beauty” is Out, Botanical is In
An effective approach to plant-based skincare
Throughout the month of April, there’s always an increase in environmental awareness, because of Earth Day, influencing people to seek more sustainable choices, even in their skincare. But here's the thing: the "clean beauty" movement, while well-intentioned, can be misleading and even harmful. While the idea of avoiding harsh chemicals is great, "clean" doesn't always equal "better" or "more effective”.
Our latest newsletter, Debunking Pore-Clogging Ingredients (and why the Yuka app isn’t reliable), is a great resource for understanding how ingredients often deemed “unclean” are crucial for ensuring stability and effectiveness, in product formulation and delivery.
So what does "clean beauty" really mean, and how does medical-grade skincare, that harnesses botanicals, offer a balanced approach to both skin health and responsible practices for the planet?
Clean Beauty: A Marketing Ploy
The clean beauty movement started with a valid concern: to minimize exposure to potentially harmful synthetic chemicals. But here's where it gets tricky: "clean" doesn't have a solid, regulated definition - there is no universal standard. It's become more of a marketing term than a scientific one, which essentially just lets brands rely on their own interpretations.
While avoiding certain ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates is beneficial to limit and minimize endocrine disruptors, the blanket ban approach often oversimplifies the science and ignores the complexities of product formulation. Many of these ingredients are safe and actually essential when used correctly in well-formulated products; preservatives prevent bacterial growth and without them, your products could become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms! Overall, the focus of "clean beauty" is often on what's left out, rather than the overall efficacy of the formulation.
The Power of Botanicals
This is where botanicals come in - offering a scientifically sound alternative for those who might be seeking a more sustainable, but also safe and effective, skincare option.
Plants are an incredible source of diverse and potent compounds with proven benefits for the skin. From antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids that protect against oxidative stress, to essential fatty acids that support skin barrier health, and plant-derived enzymes for gentle exfoliation.
But, just like with synthetic ingredients, it's all about how they're used and formulated. "Natural" doesn't automatically equal "safe” - some of the most poisonous substances are plants! So, when opting for botanical-based brands, it's crucial to choose from medical-grade lines with trusted sourcing and formulation expertise.
Medical-Grade, Botanical Based, & Science-Backed
Medical-grade skincare lines that we carry and recommend time and time again; brands that are held to a high standard of safety and efficacy, are iS Clinical and DMK. These lines demonstrate that botanical ingredients, when formulated with scientific precision, can deliver truly transformative results.
iS Clinical is known for its advanced formulations that often incorporate potent botanicals to deliver results without systemic effects. This means their active ingredients, including retinol and various antioxidants, work on the skin itself and don't significantly enter the bloodstream, which minimizes systemic absorption and potential interactions, and even makes certain products safe for use during pregnancy that otherwise wouldn’t be.
DMK takes a different approach, working at a cellular level to "remodel" the skin and restore its natural function. This often involves using biochemical processes, stimulating cellular communication, and supporting the skin's inherent regenerative abilities. It's worth noting that DMK's parent company, ONCOR, literally translates to "Only Nature Can Offer Results," which reinforces their core philosophy of leveraging the power of botanicals.

One of our most popular in-clinic treatments at MNA: DMK Enzyme Therapy
iS Clinical Emulsion vs. DMK Revise A: A Botanical-Powered Comparison
To gain a better understanding of how botanical ingredients can be a great option for skin transformation, and also how two botanical-based companies can differ in their approach, let's compare two retinol products: iS Clinical Emulsion 0.3 and DMK Revise A:
iS Clinical Emulsion 0.3: This product delivers retinol in a way that minimizes irritation and maximizes efficacy. The formulation is key, often utilizing soothing and anti-inflammatory botanicals like aloe vera, green tea extract, and centella asiatica to counteract any potential side effects of retinol. This allows for consistent use, even on sensitive skin, to achieve long-term anti-aging benefits.
DMK Revise A: DMK's Revise A also also aims to stimulate cellular renewal and combat skin aging, but it takes a different approach. While it doesn't use traditional retinol, it employs a combination of Vitamin A derivatives and other ingredients to encourage cellular communication, re-educate the skin, and repair damaged tissue. The botanical ingredients in Revise A are carefully chosen to work synergistically with these actives, enhancing their effectiveness and supporting the skin's natural regeneration processes. This approach aims to address the underlying causes of skin aging and dysfunction, leading to more profound and lasting results.
Both iS Clinical and DMK utilize the power of botanicals, but their approach to formulation, ingredient selection, and delivery systems, along with their overall philosophy, differ.
MNAs Most Loved Botanicals
These are some of the MNA community’s most-loved, and my most-recommended, iS Clinical and DMK products. These companies beautifully illustrate how science and botanicals can work together to achieve incredible results. If you're curious about incorporating more botanical-based skincare into your routine, this is a great place to start!
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex: A lightweight gel cleanser that removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin, thanks to its blend of botanical antioxidants. White willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid) to gently exfoliate and soothe, and chamomile and centella asiatica to calm and protect. It's gentle enough for daily use and leaves your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and balanced.
iS Clinical Poly-Vitamin Serum: This serum is a potent cocktail of essential vitamins and age-defying botanicals, designed to nourish and revitalize the skin. It's packed with ingredients like B vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and powerful antioxidants from extracts like green tea and grape seed. These botanicals improve skin tone and texture, boost hydration, and provide protection against environmental damage.
iS Clinical Moisturizing Complex: This hydrating and protective cream combines aloe vera, sodium hyaluronate, and antioxidants to hydrate, protect, and repair the skin barrier. It's designed to provide deep moisture while calming and comforting the skin.
DMK Beta Gel*: This gel is a powerhouse for healing and hydration, and it's a great example of DMK's approach to skin "remodeling." Its star ingredient is beta-glucan, derived from oats, which is known for its incredible ability to hydrate and calm irritated skin. It also contains other plant-derived compounds that support the skin's immune function and promote cellular repair.
DMK Melanotech Drops*: These drops are a targeted treatment for brightening and balancing skin tone. They rely on potent botanical tyrosinase inhibitors, such as kojic acid, licorice root extract, and mulberry root extract, to help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. These ingredients work by gently inhibiting melanin production, promoting a clearer, more radiant complexion.
DMK Super Bright*: A cream that not only smells like the sun but brightens and exfoliates, combining the power of acids with botanical extracts to improve skin tone and texture. It utilizes a blend of AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate, while also incorporating ingredients like licorice root extract and kojic acid to inhibit melanin production. This approach aims to brighten the skin while minimizing irritation.
*Available to existing clients only

An botanical ingredient break down of a fan favorite DMK product, Herb & Mineral Spray
The Takeaway: Botanical > “Clean”
So, while the "clean beauty" movement might appeal to those seeking sustainable options, it's important to look beyond the marketing hype and remember that effective and safe skincare isn't limited to that “category”. Medical-grade, botanical-based skin care lines like iS Clinical and DMK offer a superior approach, combining the best of nature and science for truly transformative results. And at MNA, we see these transformations firsthand, both with our at-home product recommendations and in-clinic treatments. This April, choose the power of botanicals for your skin and the planet!
Best,
Maria