The Wash

Why Clarity Matters More Than Claims The professional skincare industry is full of confident language — “clinical,” “medical-grade,” “FDA-approved,” “clean,” “non-toxic.” Yet many of these terms have no standardized definition, and some are used in ways that quietly mislead both practitioners and clients. At TOMA, we believe ethics and transparency are not optional values. They are foundational to professional practice — especially in an industry where regulation often lags behind innovation and marketing frequently outpaces truth. The Problem With Undefined Claims In skincare, language carries weight. Practitioners rely on it to make informed decisions, and clients trust it as a signal of safety and efficacy. But many commonly used terms are vague or inconsistently applied: “Medical-grade” has no legal definition in skincare “Clinical” often refers to marketing, not clinical trials “Clean” varies widely depending on who defines it “FDA-approved” is frequently misused in cosmetics Without clear standards, these terms can create a false sense of assurance — even when products differ significantly in formulation quality, ingredient safety, and manufacturing rigor. FDA Language: What It Really Means One of the most misunderstood areas in professional skincare is FDA terminology. FDA-registered facilities are manufacturing sites that meet FDA requirements for cleanliness, documentation, and quality control. FDA-cleared devices have gone through a formal review process demonstrating substantial equivalence to an existing cleared device. Cosmetic products, including skincare, do not require FDA approval before being sold. These distinctions matter. When brands blur them, it erodes trust — not only in individual products, but in the industry as a whole. At TOMA, we believe practitioners deserve clear, accurate information so they can make confident decisions without decoding marketing language. Transparency Builds Long-Term Trust Ethical skincare brands don’t rely on inflated claims. They rely on: Clear ingredient lists and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to back them up Honest explanations of what products can and cannot do Thoughtful formulation choices Education over exaggeration Transparency isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest — especially when honesty is less convenient than hype. For practitioners, this approach makes client education easier, builds credibility, and supports long-term relationships rooted in trust rather than trends. How TOMA Approaches Ethics in Formulation and Communication At TOMA, transparency guides both how we formulate and how we communicate. We commit to: Using precise language about ingredients and manufacturing Avoiding misleading or undefined claims Clearly explaining our choices — including what we exclude and why Educating practitioners so they can confidently educate clients We believe ethical clarity is not a limitation. It is a strength — one that supports better outcomes for practitioners, clients, and the industry as a whole. Why This Matters for Professional Practice When practitioners choose products aligned with ethics and transparency, they are choosing: Easier client conversations Reduced skepticism Greater confidence in recommendations A brand partnership built on trust In a crowded marketplace, clarity is rare. And rare things hold value. At TOMA, transparency is not a talking point — it’s a commitment we uphold in every formulation, every educational resource, and every partnership we build.

January was Thyroid Awareness Month! This month and every month we should stay vigilant about supporting our thyroid as it can affect almost every aspect of our health and wellness.  I started learning more about the thyroid on my own journey with hypothyroidism. During this 15 year journey I’ve made many lifestyle changes to support my overall thyroid function. This launched my passion for living a toxin-free life and has led me to share a few thoughts as we wrap up awareness month. Why is the Thyroid Important? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. It's responsible for producing tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are hormones that are necessary for how cells utilize energy.  The thyroid plays a significant role in metabolism, growth, and body development. It also supports and regulates many body functions by continually releasing thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.  Our bodies are so intelligent! The thyroid knows to do its job when the pituitary gland releases Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and then tells your thyroid gland to make thyroid hormone - T4. T4 must then be converted into T3, the active form, to be used as needed. What Affects Thyroid Health? Stress The more stress you have, the more the stress hormone cortisol is released. Your body is so focused on releasing cortisol that it cannot focus on the conversion of T4 to T3.  Gut Health Your gut is another place for T4 to be converted to T3, so IBS, leaky gut syndrome, and lack of good bacteria in your gut hinder this conversion. Diet Low-calorie diets will hinder T4 conversion and cause a drop in your metabolism. Ultimately weight loss is not achieved, and the thyroid cannot function as needed.  Chemicals in Skincare Many beauty products contain chemicals to reduce production costs and increase shelf-life. Unfortunately, these chemicals can have an effect on the thyroid, causing it to fail in producing enough hormones.  Be on the lookout for these common toxic ingredients: parabens, synthetic fragrance, oxybenzone (often used in SPF products), and phthalates. Did we mention these ingredients are banned in other countries!?  What You Can do to Support Thyroid Health Reducing stress is paramount. I know it's easier said than done but find time in your day for meditation, journaling, deep breathing, yoga, or anything that brings you back to a relaxed state. Also, make sure your gut is healthy, and you eat a healthy diet. This may mean making changes, such as taking digestive enzymes and/or probiotics, finding out your food sensitivities, and eating a diet rich in fiber and low in processed foods.  As for beauty products, read the labels. If you can't pronounce it, it's most likely not good for you. Let me say that one more time...If you can't pronounce it, it's most likely not good for you.  One of the main reasons Tori and I started TOMA was to offer results-driven skincare products that are completely toxin-free. Remember, the more you avoid toxins, the healthier you'll be overall!  In health and wellness, Marla - Co Founder, TOMA