By Biljana Markova, Founder & CEO of Clean Rebel
Before starting Clean Rebel, I spent years working at the United Nations, focused on sustainable development, climate change and environmental protection. I've had the privilege of contributing to climate-focused conversations and projects at a global scale. That background has shaped how I view business, too. I’ve always believed that environmental responsibility shouldn't be an afterthought—it should be built into the very DNA of what we create. Clean Rebel is my way of doing that in the beauty space.
The Hidden Impact of the Beauty Industry
While the beauty industry often sells images of health, radiance, and self-care, the environmental impact behind the scenes is rarely part of the conversation. And yet, the numbers are staggering.
- The industry generates over 120 billion units of packaging waste annually, much of it made from plastic that ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the ocean.
- 70% of this packaging isn’t recyclable, and even when it is, many consumers don’t have access to the right facilities.
- Many conventional products are also made with petrochemical-derived ingredients and synthetic compounds that persist in nature, leaching into water systems and harming aquatic life.
- The production and global distribution of beauty products also contribute significantly to carbon emissions, driving climate change.
This environmental degradation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It directly impacts human health—through air and water pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and exposure to toxic ingredients that build up in our bodies over time.
Clean Beauty With a Purpose
At Clean Rebel, we are committed to offering skincare that is clean in every sense of the word—safe for people, kind to animals, and mindful of the planet.
Here’s how we do that:
- In-House Bottle Recycling Program: We’ve built a closed-loop, incentivized program that encourages our customers to return their empty glass bottles. It’s a small but powerful step toward reducing waste and shifting behavior.
- Violet Glass Packaging: Our bottles are made from recyclable glass, labeled with food-grade, non-toxic inks. We avoid plastic wherever possible, both in product packaging and shipping materials.
- Small-Batch, Local Production: Our products are made locally in Dubai in limited batches, reducing the carbon footprint associated with large-scale manufacturing and long-distance shipping.
- Pure, Organic Ingredients: We source botanicals from small, family-run organic farms, ensuring clean, ethical supply chains and supporting independent growers.
- 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free: No animals are harmed in the making of our products. And we go further—by dedicating at least 10% of our profits to animal welfare.
- Transparency and Safety: Every ingredient we use is listed clearly, backed by science, and tested for safety. We score highly on apps like OnSkin, which track the health risks of cosmetic ingredients.
Clean Rebel isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good about what you're supporting.
This Earth Day, Let’s Redefine Beauty
The link between environmental degradation and human health is clearer than ever. From rising asthma rates caused by air pollution to hormone disorders linked to chemical exposure, the health of our environment affects every aspect of our lives.
I created Clean Rebel because I believe the industry needs a shift—from superficial promises to deeper values. From toxic ingredients to transparency. From waste to accountability.
And I’m grateful to everyone who’s joined us on this journey—our customers, our partners, and our growing community of rebels who care.
This Earth Day, I invite you to continue making mindful choices—whether in your skincare routine, your shopping habits, or your business goals. Thank you for believing that beauty can—and should—do better.
Happy Earth Day.
