What Does Clean Beauty Mean? A Guide to Transparent, Plant Based Skin Care

In short: Clean beauty has no legal definition, but most people use it to mean transparency: knowing what is in a product, where it comes from and how it is made. Holy Lama Naturals makes plant based Ayurvedic body care in Kerala, all of it vegan except Holy Balm and Lip Balm, and lists every ingredient on each product page. Five products to explore are our Red Sandalwood Face Mask, Cleansing Lotion, Aloe Vera Gel, Hand Cream and Lip Balm.

"Clean beauty" is everywhere, yet it is rarely explained. Here is what it usually means, how to judge a product for yourself, and where our range fits.

What does clean beauty mean?

There is no legal definition of clean beauty in the UK. In practice it usually means a product with a clear ingredient list, plant based ingredients and an honest story about how it is made. The best test is simple: read the full ingredient list, which every UK cosmetic must show, and buy from a maker who tells you where and how the product is made.

How does Holy Lama approach formulation?

We follow Ayurvedic tradition: plant oils, botanical extracts and essential oils, kept simple. Our body care is vegan, except Holy Balm and Lip Balm, which contain beeswax, and the full ingredient list for each product is on its product page.

Which Holy Lama skin care products should you try?

Red Sandalwood Face Mask

A clay based mask with red sandalwood, vetivert and calamus, all familiar in Ayurvedic tradition. Use it two or three times a week and rinse off with warm water. Shop the Red Sandalwood Face Mask.

Cleansing Lotion

A non foaming cleanser with lavender oil and aloe vera. Massage onto the skin and remove with a damp cloth. Shop the Cleansing Lotion.

Aloe Vera Gel with Jasmine

A light gel with aloe vera, jasmine oil and vitamin E, for after shaving, after a day in the sun or as a light daily moisturiser. The jasmine scent is delicate. Shop the Aloe Vera Gel.

Hand Cream with Neem and Neroli

A rich cream in a wide tub, with a light neroli scent. Shop the Hand Cream.

Lip Balm with Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter and vitamin E for a smooth feel and a natural finish. It contains beeswax, so it is not vegan. Shop the Lip Balm.

Who makes Holy Lama body care?

Our soaps are made by hand and our creams, lotions and oils are hand filled and hand labelled, all at our own factory in Kerala, India, by a family business that dates back to 1946. The factory is a government recognised women's enterprise following the 10 principles of Fair Trade, and more than 80% of the workforce is women, many from disadvantaged backgrounds. Raw materials come from small farmers and local cooperatives, and production waste is used as fuel or as cattle feed rather than sent to landfill.

See also a simple Ayurvedic beauty routine and our full skin care range.