While memorizing scripted dialogue is an integral part of her profession, actress Kate Mansi was unlikely to commit to memory the staggering 1,328 ingredients prohibited in cosmetics by the European Union.
This was the ambitious goal the Daytime Emmy awardee believed she had undertaken when she aimed to detoxify her beauty regimen back in 2018. Upon discovering that U.S. cosmetics regulations (which only limit or ban 11 substances) haven’t been updated since 1938, Mansi made the decision to ensure her beauty products were entirely clean and non-toxic. This meant eliminating a multitude of ingredients from her collection.
“When I apply something to my skin, I want to be informed about its origins because, as consumers, our choices matter,” Mansi, who is recognized for her recurring role on Days of Our Lives, explains. “I wish for my external appearance to mirror my internal values—being conscious and making choices that are responsible, acknowledging the significant effects these decisions can have.”
Faced with the daunting presence of controversial components in various products, how did she navigate this transformation? Mansi spoke with Thewindowsclubs, sharing her journey and revealing some valuable clean beauty strategies she has discovered.
Transitioning to sustainable beauty
Although Mansi committed to a vegan lifestyle (and has been vegetarian since she was 11), she recognizes that her shift towards green beauty wasn’t straightforward initially.
Memorizing all the EU-banned ingredients felt not only overwhelming but impractical. Instead, she opted for a more manageable approach that would ultimately redefine what she kept in her makeup bag.
“Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself to achieve perfection by learning every single chemical and its toxicological impact,” Mansi recommends. Focus on the fundamentals first, and then gradually expand your knowledge.
For her, this entailed replacing her top five skincare essentials—eye cream, moisturizer, cleanser, hair products, and body wash—as well as five makeup essentials: foundation, tinted moisturizer with SPF, lip product, mascara, and blush.
Smart clean beauty tricks from Mansi
Throughout her year-long journey to a cleaner beauty routine, Mansi uncovered some clever tricks.
Notably, she swears by a technique reminiscent of the ’80s called icing. “I take an ice cube and position my face over the sink, rubbing the ice all over my skin. It revitalizes your complexion, and I’ve noticed results within a week!” says Mansi, pointing out that the frosty treatment assists in unclogging pores and reducing redness.
However, it’s essential to use caution with the ice: keep it moving continuously to prevent excessive exposure to any one area.
Mansi is also very passionate (to say the least) about sun protection. She consistently applies sunscreen and makes sure to reapply it every two hours. She covers not just her face but also her hands, arms, neck, and ears, opting for a natural lip balm that contains SPF. And on her numerous hikes, you can bet she’s equipped with protective sleeves for her arms.
“We have family from Italy and France who find it amusing that American women think sunscreen is only necessary on the face,” she chuckles.
Research supports this notion, showing that sunscreen not only helps prevent sun damage but may also reverse existing effects. A 2016 study published in Dermatologic Surgery found improvements in skin pigmentation, clarity, and overall texture from regular sunscreen use.
On top of that, Mansi regularly uses plum oil for a radiant complexion and keeps tea tree oil handy for its antibacterial qualities to tackle the occasional blemish.
Wellness and beauty intertwined
While Mansi meticulously tends to her skin with topical products, she credits her stunning complexion to her dedication to wellness as well.
A fitness enthusiast and former dancer, she embraced acupuncture and cupping after a foot injury during a half marathon. This introduction to Eastern medicine has reshaped her outlook. “I regard my physical and mental well-being almost as a separate entity that I’m accountable for,” she reflects.
This approach has made her more aware of how her body is interconnected. For example, after her injury, she recognized that decreased movement led to imbalances that expressed themselves as skin issues. She also linked jawline breakouts to stress factors in her life.
Nowadays, Mansi stays active through outdoor hiking and hot yoga sculpt classes. She indulges in deep tissue massages using CBD oil to relieve stress and prioritizes mental health. “When I’m not on set, I engage in weekly therapy sessions to maintain my mental health just as diligently as I care for my physical health,” she explains.
Her focus on self-care extends to the world, reflecting a broader cultural evolution.
“There’s been a shift from a mindset of doing what’s best for oneself—eating the healthiest food, working out for personal benefit—to considering larger implications: ‘What’s beneficial for my community? How can my choices positively impact the planet?’” she observes.
