Our Favorite Clean Beauty Products.

We’re so excited that clean beauty has become such a trend across the industry lately, so we set out to take a deeper dive into the concept to figure out what ‘clean’ really means and how and why it’s worth making a switch.

I stumbled upon the idea of clean beauty in college when I learned that the U.S. beauty industry is highly unregulated. There’s no standardized definition for terms like ‘eco-friendly,’ ‘natural’ and even ‘organic’ when it comes to product creation, and companies aren’t required to list the ingredients they use in their products. I started looking up some of my favorite products in the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database — everything from mascara to shampoo to acne cleanser — and found that some products included less than ideal ingredients.

Clean beauty products are those that avoid the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen,” especially phthalates, along with other suspected or known toxins like everything on Beauty Counter’s “Never List.” They’re also produced ethically with the consumer’s health and wellness at the forefront of development. Goop’s beauty director breaks down the concept and its benefits in much more detail in this Glamour interview – essentially, it all comes down to the idea that when it comes to maintaining your health, what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it, so being knowledgable about the ingredients in your beauty products is key!

Making the switch to a full arsenal of entirely clean products can be costly and time consuming, so we’re all about a gradual transition after checking in on which products within your everyday routine are the most toxic and doing your research to find the best possible alternative. We’ve switched out a few of the products in our medicine cabinet already with some of our new favorites below.

One Love Organics Skin-Savior Wonder Balm: I have found a lifelong beauty favorite in this product. I’ve always hated putting heavy products on my clean skin, so I don’t moisturize as often as I should. Wonder Balm seriously changes everything. Not only does it have a heavenly citrus scent, it’s also incredibly lightweight, but buildable enough to combat anything from oily to normal to super dry skin.
Supergoop Defense Refresh Setting Mist: This lightweight spray brought just the right amount of power to combat my super oily skin. It kept my makeup fresh all day, plus it’s water and sweat resistant, so I wear it just about every day no matter where I’m going.
Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist: This facial mist has earned praise across the Internet for its ultra-lightweight and refreshing feel. I love using it in the beginning of the day to give my pores a burst of energy.
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Ultra-Natural Mascara: Mascara is easily my favorite beauty product and finding a clean alternative to some of my usual faves has been a huge hurdle. I love that Juice Beauty’s mascara is super buildable and never clumps. It leaves my lashes extra long for a great pop.
Oxalis Apothecary Sanctuary Body Oil: I’ve tried a couple body oils, but found many too heavy or sticky. I finally found a favorite in this unique option from Oxalis Apothecary. The formula is heavy enough to use all over my body, but light enough that I don’t mind layering it with moisturizer for some extra glow on my face. I use it even on days when my skin feels more oily than usual because I love the natural look it gives.
Oxalis Apothecary Sanctuary Body Oil: I’ve tried a couple body oils, but found many too heavy or sticky. I finally found a favorite in this unique option from Oxalis Apothecary. The formula is heavy enough to use all over my body, but light enough that I don’t mind layering it with moisturizer for some extra glow on my face. I use it even on days when my skin feels more oily than usual because I love the natural look it gives.
Bright Eyes Mask: This gel mask is one of my favorite tricks for brightening my dark under eye circles. I like to put the gels in the fridge for an extra rejuvenating burst of energy with noticeable effects.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen: Supergoop’s Unseen is changing the sunscreen game. This colorless, odorless product will make you want to make sunscreen apart of your everyday routine. The formula is so weightless that you won’t even notice you’re wearing it, and it lasts for all day protection.
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream: This cream was stickier than expected, but blended really nicely onto my skin with a smooth, even finish. The coverage is comparable to my normal L’Oreal foundation, so this switch is a no-brainer, especially since it help up all day without getting shiny.
One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser: I’m always on the hunt for a gentle but powerful cleanser, and this one certainly brings both. It’s been effective in helping me keep my acne and shine under control. Plus, my skin feels so smooth and open after just a few uses.
Oui Fresh Lipstick in ‘As If’: This super bright shade is the most hydrating lipstick I own. Its super-pigmented color fades a bit throughout the day and definitely doesn’t stand up to eating and drinking as well as some stains I’ve tried, but the reapplication is well worth the smooth, natural feel of this lipstick.
One Love Organics Love + Charcoal Masque: Nothing beats a great charcoal mask in my book, and this option from One Love Organics doesn’t disappoint. I love the cooling sensation it brings, plus it left my skin feeling super soft and looking extra glowy.