"Organic, clean, and natural. Over the last several years these descriptors have become more and more prevalent in our daily lives. From the restaurants we visit and the food we consume to the products used in our homes, the demand for non-toxic formulations has almost become standard.
Until very recently, you’d be hard pressed to walk into any major drugstore or retail chain and find a “clean beauty” section. While companies like Sephora have highlighted and promoted clean and environmentally friendly products in their stores for some time now, the products themselves typically have a pretty hefty price tag to go along with their non-toxic ingredient list. The beauty industry excels at ignoring class aesthetics, and the accessibility to affordable natural skin, hair, and body care has certainly been no exception.
Thankfully, this is slowly beginning to change, and more heavy-chemical alternatives are showing up on the shelves of your local pharmacy and are just as friendly to your wallet as they are to our water supply and environment. Here are 10 products we’ve had in our rotation lately.
This hyaluronic acid packed gel cream soaks immediately into skin for the perfect subtle, dewy glow. It's free of mineral oils, fragrance, and dyes that can easily irritate sensitive skin. Layer it under your SPF before makeup application or on top of your night serums before bed.
This super light daytime serum features Tamanu oil prominently in its ingredient list, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and bacteria killing properties. This ingredient is perfect for calming breakouts and reinforcing your skin’s protective barrier throughout the day.
CVS’s decision to bring K Beauty brands onto their shelves changed our lives forever, and we’ve never been without an essence ever since! This clean, lightweight lotion features the extract of the Australian Waratah flower, which goes to work strengthening your skin’s protective barrier and preventing acne and signs of stress.
If you occasionally suffer from redness or discomfort on your skin, incorporating antioxidant-rich green tea into your skin care routine could be very beneficial to calming irritation. Spritz it on after cleansing and let it dry completely before moving on to your serum. Keep it in the fridge for an extra refreshing boost.
The concept of sleeping masks are relatively new to the U.S. beauty market, but the skincare geniuses of Korea and Japan made them must-have staples in their routines years ago. Your skin goes through all of its regenerative process while you sleep, so if you want to wake up looking totally rejuvenated, layer this electrolyte packed mask on over the last step in your regular routine.
It can be easy to forget that the products that wash down our drain eventually end up back in our water supply, and we all know the impact that humans have had on our rivers and oceans. Switching to environmentally friendly products couldn’t be easier when they smell like a beach vacation and get you squeaky clean without any drying or irritating harsh chemicals.
For having a rather bare bones ingredients list, this lightweight moisturizer doesn’t hold back. Argan oil extract and hyaluronic acid team up to envelop skin in rich moisture without being too thick or pilling when combined with other skincare. It plays nicely with makeup and will also keep you properly hydrated overnight.
For those of us who lack the affinity for crafting, mixing up our own build-up busting concoctions is no fun. Aveeno helps us avoid a kitchen mess and dissolves caked-on products from our scalps with this easy in-shower rinse. Apple cider vinegar clears away the gunk while colloidal oatmeal keeps your scalp and follicles hydrated and strong.
Finding clean styling products is still one of the harder area of non-toxic product searching, but Love Beauty and Planet is working to make it a little easier. Coconut oil keeps strands shiny and moisturized and white jasmine keeps hair smelling fresh and clean. There are three strengths to choose from, depending on the level of hold you want in a hairspray!
The beauty product equivalent of an iced coffee in the morning is an eye serum with a built-in roller applicator. Pair the coolness of the metal ball with Botanics youth-preserving hibiscus extract and it won’t matter if you didn't get eight hours of beauty sleep the night before.