Target, a favorite mega-retailer for Shopping readers, launched Target Clean in 2019, focusing on essential household and baby items, and months later expanded to beauty items. Two years later, Target now sells more than 4,000 products with the green and white Target Clean hexagonal seal, helping customers distinguish products that meet Target’s definition of cleanliness.
SKIP AHEAD Target’s best clean beauty products
Clean target: Ingredients you will avoid
So, what does Target Clean mean? The retailer’s definition varies according to product categories, such as cleaning products and pet food. However, what matters is the ingredients listed and whether they exclude components that Target wants to avoid. Here is a quick look at the various category-specific ingredients that Target Clean items should avoid:
Target Clean in beauty products
Beauty products, ranging from skin and hair care to makeup, in addition to personal care items for babies, such as creams and baby wipes for diaper rash, should be free of 14 ingredients.
- Propyl-paraben and Butylparaben they are parabens (preservatives) and endocrine disruptors (hormones), according to the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) ingredient database. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reports that, in general, endocrine disruptors are linked to immunological, reproductive and developmental health problems.
- Phthalates they are usually found in synthetic fragrances and can disrupt your hormones, according to the EWG.
- In beauty, formaldehyde it can usually be found in keratin and Brazilian Blowouts, two hair treatments that use heat to straighten hair. According to the National Cancer Institute, it can cause tearing, coughing, skin irritation, wheezing and a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat.
- Formaldehyde donors are preservatives that help to extend the shelf life of a product, according to Unilever, manufacturer of Dove and Ax.
- Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) they are substances similar to detergents that can negatively impact marine life, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Oxybenzone is a chemical sun blocking agent that can be harmful to corals and can enter your bloodstream, although the after effects are not fully known, NBC News previously reported in 2019.
- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are cleaning agents that can cause skin irritation.
- Retinyl palmitate is a skin conditioner made of vitamin A and palmitic acid that can cause skin irritation.
- Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent that helps to reduce dark spots. However, it can cause dryness and irritation. Prolonged use can make your skin black and blue, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
- Triclosan (TCS) it is normally found in antibacterial products, although the FDA ordered the removal of triclosan from antibacterial soaps in 2017. It is still found in mouthwashes and toothpaste, according to the EPA. There is no significant evidence of long-term negative effects on humans, according to the FDA.
- Triclocarban is another antibacterial agent that can be found in soaps, by the EPA. Science Direct, an online medical research database, noted that triclocarban can interfere with testosterone levels and cause PCOS, a hormonal imbalance in women, whose side effects include irregular menstrual cycles, hair loss, breakouts, weight gain and fertility problems.
- Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant commonly found in skin products and colorful cosmetics, according to a study by the National Library of Medicine. This can cause skin reactions and potentially affect your hormones.
- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is an antioxidant and preservative found in skin products and foods, according to the EWG. The organization added that BHT can cause moderate irritation and disrupt hormones.
Target Clean in other products
Cleaning products such as soap, laundry detergent and dish soap, they need to be free of almost all of the same ingredients listed above for beauty products, with the exception of retinyl palmitate and propyl-paraben. Deodorants must be free of aluminum while oral care products as toothpaste and mouthwash, they should not contain artificial sweeteners. Diapers must be free of chlorine and fragrance, as well as the approved Target Clean female care products. The first ingredient found in cleaning dog and cat food it must be meat, seafood or poultry, and must not contain artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
Best Clean Beauty Products at Target 2021
Shopping readers have turned to beauty and wellness items, such as eye masks, pimple patches, sunblock for children and essential hair care products like scalp shampoos. To help you rate Clean Target’s plethora of beauty items, we’ve put together a quick list of seven bestsellers, ranging from skin care products and hairstyles to a 10-piece eyeshadow palette that works every day. night.
1. Milani Make It Last Prime + Correct + Set makeup setting spray
“It’s all about thin and careful layers of skin care and makeup, so there’s less maintenance throughout the day,” Lisa Aharon, a celebrity makeup artist, previously advised us about long-lasting makeup using a face mask. Aharon recommended spraying a fixing spray after the powder to help prolong the use of makeup, smudge imperfections and matify the skin. Milani says that this spray lasts up to 16 hours. The brand noted that the setting spray works like a facial primer.

2. Honest Beauty Get It Together eye shadow palette
Jessica Alba’s Honest Beauty line manufactures clean cosmetics and skin care products, while her Honest Company brand produces baby and cleansing products, all available from Target. Your top-of-the-line eye shadow palette contains a mix of ten matte and shiny shades that are easy to apply with your fingers and mix with your makeup brushes. This palette is also versatile – you can create soft makeup ready to zoom in or get a dramatic smoky eye. Shadows range from Strobed Champagne, a copper; Golden mauve, deep brown; Sunlit Copper, a reddish brown with gold stains and magnetic paint, a rich black.

3. Native deodorant of coconut and vanilla
This deodorant has a genuine vanilla and coconut scent and glides and dries transparent – no irritating white marks transferring to your clothes here. It is made with natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter and tapioca starch, which absorb sweat. It is available in several scents, including Eucalyptus & Mint, Lavender & Rose Desodorant and Sea Salt & Cedar.

4. Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer
Before picking up your hair dryer, curling iron or curling iron, make sure to use this high quality heat protector for easier styling and to prevent damage. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins A and E, which help nourish the hair, while sunflower seed oil softens, brightens and tames curly hair. It is also gentle enough for those with color treated hair and chemicals, such as Brazilian Blowouts and keratin treatments, to sprinkle this spray onto their strands.

5. Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
This high-grade facial serum – pigmentation is derived from chlorophyll – was developed for novice users of retinol and people with sensitive skin. Contains bakuchiol, a natural plant-based alternative to retinol that can improve signs of aging, skin texture and alleviate dark spots. Unlike traditional retinol, this creamy serum is herbal and does not cause dryness. Versed claims that its serum is certified by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which means that the company’s harvest of bakuchiol does not prevent its natural survival in the wild.

6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Ultra Light Mineral Fluid
Patricia Wexler, MD, certified dermatologist and founder of Wexler Dermatology, previously recommended this paraben-free sunscreen and fragrances for acne-prone skin. The mineral sunscreen is not comedogenic, which means that it contains no oil and does not clog pores – an added benefit for people with oily skin. It is a non-greasy, water-resistant formula for up to 80 minutes, according to La Roche-Posay. In addition, it contains Cell-Ox Shield, the patented blend of sun blocking agents, which help to combat environmental damage to the skin.

7. Pure Peace Body Wash Method
The method does not just make natural cleaning products. The brand offers bath and body products, including this highly regarded shower gel, the second best-selling clean liquid soap. Herbal liquid soap – with cleaning agents derived from coconut and palm oils – is safe for sensitive skin and smells of peony, rose and sea salt. According to Method, the 18-ounce bottle is made of 65% recycled plastic.

Popular brands approved by Target Clean
You can buy on the Target Clean page by categories or by brand. Here is an overview of 16 popular brands in various categories that have earned the Target Clean label. In addition, just because a product has won the Clean Target label, it does not mean that other products of the brand can bear the same. For example, Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Naturals features the Clean Target logo, but other Purell products like this hand sanitizer and these wipes are not Target Clean. Your safest bet is to look at the product description pages and look for the green and white logo.
That said, you may have some favorite brands in mind (I love to shop by brand, for example), especially when it comes to skin care, wellness and other intimate genres. For that, here are some of the Shopping’s favorite brands with products that won the coveted Clean Target seal.
- Aveeno
- Blue Buffalo
- Burt’s Bees
- CeraVe
- Dove
- Dr. Bronner’s
- Honest beauty and honest company
- Mega Babe
- Mrs. Meyer
- Pampers
- Purina
- Rachel Ray Nutrish
- Seventh generation
- Vaseline
- Tide
- Touchland
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