Skincare
Our skin is our largest organ, and while it doesn’t absorb everything we put on it, many chemicals used in skin care formulations, including ones that have been found to be harmful, can make their way into our bloodstream. Finding safer skincare products used to be a real challenge, but natural and organic skincare is now the fastest-growing sector of the beauty industry.
Below are some of my favorite products, and product lines.
*affiliate disclosure* Many of the links included on these pages are affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, and produce affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only share affiliate links to products that I’ve personally vetted and personally believe in, so you can shop with confidence!
Skincare Retailers & Lines
The Detox Market
Ilia’s True Skin Serum Foundation is a serum-like buildable foundation. It’s an oil-based foundation that is super silky and actually looks like skin — nothing cakey or streaky. Low maintenance, clean, and easy to use!
Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty is a one-stop-shop for all things personal care and beauty; every product has been vetted and must live up to their high standards of clean and transparently formulated products. Credo Beauty is an online & retail store that also offers a monthly subscription service for those of you who like to mix up your routine but not sacrifice ingredients or quality.
Cocokind
Cocokind makes some really excellent skincare that are reasonably priced and readily available at the retail level at stores like Target, as well as most health-food stores. Their oil-to-milk cleanser (see below) has been a favorite of mine for years!
Crunchi
Crunchi is a transparent and safe skincare and cosmetics company that has made. aclear comitment to education, sustainability, and safety. They focus on ingredients and pride themselves on high-performance products! As I have mentioned before, I do not normally recommend direct sales companies but this one deserves a mention.
Annmarie Skincare
Annmarie Skincare is a personal favorite for a lot of reasons, not least of which is that the Gianni family who’s behind this line are dear friends and wonderful people. I share about their products a lot because I think they exemplify what it means to create clean, nourishing, non-toxic skincare. Come check out an interview with founder Kevin Gianni and learn more about them!
Cleansers
Naturopathica Aloe Cleanser
Naturopathica offers some of the best clean luxury skincare products. Everything I’ve tried from them has been swoon worthy — including this cleanser. Find Naturopathica’s products over at The Detox Market
Ursa Major Face Wash
Ursa Major’s face wash is very much like their other products: clean, simple, effective, and fairly priced. This cleanser is great if you have dull skin that needs a nice refresh!
True Botanicals Clear Hydrating Cleanser
Another skin care line of cleansers, toners, serums, oils and hair & body products from a company with a mission to create non-toxic products that are clinically proven to work. They are MadeSafe Certified, gluten free, and another line that packages mostly in glass.
Acure Simply Soothing Cleansing Cream
This cleansing cream is so gentle, hydrating, and affordable! If you have particularly dry skin, sensitive skin, or just skin that needs a cleanse without the stripping or squeaky clean feeling…this cleanser could be your perfect match.
Derma-e Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Another great for those with dehydrated and/or sensitive skin! This cleanser is affordable and very accessible in your local Whole Foods or Target.
Annmarie Skincare Aloe Herb Cleanser
This aloe and herb cleanser is so refreshing and gentle! As with all Annmarie products, all of the ingredients used are top notch botanicals. Gently removes makeup and impurities without drying or leaving any residue. Leaves your skin feeling nourished, balanced, and soft!
Serums & Moisturizers
Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator
Josh Rosebrook makes some of most luxe, non-toxic skincare products I’ve ever used. His Hydrating Accelerator is one of the products that I never let run out; it’s helps keep my skin hydrated and fresh and helps follow up products absorb better.
100% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serums are notoriously unstable and can be very irritating…not this one though! 100% Pure’s vitamin C serum is formulated with lightweight aloe and is great for dullness and hyperpigmentation.
Evolve Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This refillable hyaluronic acid serum is quickly becoming a rising star online. The rosewater in this formula gives a nice subtle scent of roses and glides on smoothly.
Osea Blemish Balm Moisturizer
The Osea Blemish Balm is a blessing to anyone with oily skin. This formula has all sorts of lovely enzymes, oils, and extracts to make for a light-weight and oil balancing moisturizer. Because this has some citrus ingredients, it’s extra important to wear SPF! See my recommendations below for that as well.
Pai Skincare Chamomile & Rosehip Calming Day Cream
Hands down, my favorite mascara. I’ve tried probably a dozen brands over the years, and I always come back to this one. No smearing, no flaking. I’ve not tried other products in this line, but I LOVE this one!
Alpyn Beauty Plant Melt Moisturizer
This rich and hydrating moisturizer is packed full of wildcrafted and hand-cultivated botanicals. It’s formulated with ceramides and vitamin c to brighten and fortify your skin barrier.
Ursa Major Fortifying Gel Moisturizer
This lightweight serum-like formula that is packed with potent natural actives (like aloe, carrot, kendi, myrtle and birch) and absorbs nicely into the skin. It’s good for all skin types!
Pai Skincare Rosehip BioRegenerate Universal Face Oil
This stuff really lives up to the hype! With regular use, Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil can deeply condition skin, boosting firmness and elasticity while promoting a clear, even skin tone.
Dr. Alkaitis Nourishing Treatment Oil
Dr. Alkaitis products are also in the “luxe” category, but worth every penny. This Nourishing Treatment Oil, along with the Herbal Toner he makes are part of my twice daily routine. The great thing is that even though they are a little on the expensive side, they last a really long time!
Annmarie Skincare Anti-Aging Serum
This serum is both lightweight and highly effective. The aloe vera-based formula provides active nutrients for all skin types, firming and tightening the appearance of aging skin.
Annmarie Herbal Facial Oil
Annmarie Skincare has some of the best face oils I have ever used. Grapeseed and temanu oil make for great skin-enriching and oil balancing properties. Besides, it absorbs really quick (unlike so many other face oils).
Exfoliators & Masks
MyChelle Fruit Enzyme Scrub
MyChelle products are ultra-clean and available at Whole Foods and other natural food stores around the country, making them an easily accessible option without having to order online. They make a full line of cleansers, exfoliators, serums, moisturizers, and sun protection.
Naturopathica Oat Cleansing Polish
Naturopathica products are such a treat! They vet every ingredient that goes into their formulas, all of which are free of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, Petroleum-derived ingredients, and many other toxic or known irritating compounds. This facial polish in particular is super gentle (no walnut scrub — they soft and uniform jojoba beads so as not to damage the dermis) and can be used as a mask as well!
Annmarie Skincare Kaolin Micro Exfoliant
This is perhaps my favorite physical exfoliant ever. This is no harsh walnut scrub. The ultra fine clay and powders create a rich exfoliant that replenishes minerals, stimulates and removes impurities. Your skin will thank you!
MyChelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel
Another MyChelle favorite! Their chemical exfoliants are super gentle and don’t break the bank. I love that they are so accessible and formulated to be both clean and effective.
Aztec Secret Bentonite Clay
I personally love the versatility of mixing my own clay masks based on what my skin needs. This clay is great for most skin types and does a great job of reviving your skin.
Josh Rosebrook Advanced Hydration Mask
Josh Rosebrook makes some of most luxe, non-toxic skincare products I’ve ever used. This hydration mask is a god-send for tired, dry skin. Pair it with his Hydrating Accelerator for the best results. This line is one of my new favorites! Find Josh’s products over at The Detox Market
Evolve Organic Beauty Radiant Glow 2-in-1 Mask Scrub
Evolve Organic Beauty Radiant Glow 2-in-1 Mask Scrub is a rich mask blended with raw cacao powder and clay that revitalizes and purifies, while coconut granules buff the skin to silky perfection. Natural sugar extracts turn the exfoliating mask into a creamy milk on contact with water that rinses off easily, leaving skin smooth, moisturized and calm. This non-toxic mask is fragranced with Organic Vanilla oil.
Sunscreen
Stream2Sea SPF 20
This is my go-to sunscreen in the summer. Stream2Sea is one of my all time favorite product lines that’s safe for people and the environment!
Cocokind SPF
This is my go-to sunscreen all year round! The first time I tried Cocokind’s SPF, I knew it was going to be a game changer for me and so many others. It’s not greasy and it blends in well with all skin tones.
Annmarie Sun Love SPF 20
This very light-weight (and barely tinted) sunscreen works wonders! Although everyone’s skin behaves differently, it’s formulated to work with every skin type and has a subtle tint to it which offsets some of the white cast that you get with mineral sunscreens.
Suntegrity SPF 30
A very popular sunscreen on EWG, Suntegrity has a smooth formula with a relatively light texture compared to most mineral sunscreens. That said, this does leave a very heavy white cast upon application but it usually goes away once it settles into the skin.
Juice Beauty Oil-Free SPF Moisturizer
This is one of the best sunscreens for everyday use. It’s ideal for all skin types but is especially great for those with sensitive skin! It’s very hydrating but doesn’t feel like an oil slick on your face.
Babo Sunscreen
This sunscreen is MadeSafe Certified, and uses uses the right amount of zinc oxide to offer the best sun protection.
EleVen Unrivaled Sun Serum
This lightweight serum sunscreen combines skincare and mineral sun protection. Designed by Venus Williams for people with darker skin tones and doesn’t leave a white cast!
Beautycounter Countersun
Beautycounter’s SPF is super popular for a reason: it works well on many different skin types and skin tones! It’s very hydrating and has a skin-like dewy finish.
MyChelle Sun Shield
MyChelle makes some really reliable and accessible products — this SPF is just one of them! This SPF is especially great for sensitive skin and will work for most skin types. Can also be found at your local natural foods store.
Goddess Garden Everyday Sunscreen
Goddess Garden has several sunscreens in their line but this one is probably the most versatile. It works as an everyday sunscreen or for more active days outside.
Deodorant
Pure Pitz
I’ve been using this deodorant pretty exclusively for the past 6 years and am never without it. It’s a little spendy, but it last for ages, and works really well. Like all deodorants, you have to find the one the works with your body chemistry.
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant is an award-winning, natural deodorant that eliminates underarm odor while absorbing excess moisture and soothing sensitive skin. Its reliable performance, healthy ingredients and invigorating aroma will keep you fresh all day long.
Soapwalla
*baking soda free*
If you have sensitive skin, natural deodorants without baking soda are a great option. I’ve used soapwalla’s deodorants for years and they work great! They also come in small travel sizes that are super convenient.
Primal Pit Paste
Cream deodorants used to suck. Now there are so many of these pit pastes that come in a variety of scents (via essential oils) and are free of toxic ingredients that you find in conventional antiperspirants. Even more good news: it actually works!
Schmidt’s Fragrance Free Deodorant
Schmidt’s is a great deodorant that’s readily available from retailers, including Costco! No nasty chemicals, effective, and even good for sensitive skin. They have a super fun line of plant based fragrances like rose & vanilla, cedar & juniper, and even jasmine tea! Schmidt’s also makes toothpaste soaps. They are a Portland, OR based company that I love supporting.
Green Tidings Natural Unscented
Another great natural, non-toxic deodorant made with simple but effective ingredients. The texture is very soft and comes in a convenient twist up bottle. They offer unscented natural deodorant at a very fair price. Great unisex option!
Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream
*baking soda free*
Aside from their UH-MAZING packaging and branding, this company demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability. Their packaging is all re-useable and recyclable (which is always great). The product itself is clean, effective, and easy to use.
Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant
Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant is unscented and baking soda-free! It eliminates odor-causing bacteria and offers long-lasting, unscented protection with a silky-smooth texture and glide. Will not stain clothing.
Meow Meow Tweet Stick Deodorant
*baking soda free*
Okay, okay — I know. I already shared one of their deodorants BUT it’s too good! This natural (and baking soda free) stick deodorant is easy to apply on-the-go and an easy transition for those who aren’t used to using cream deodorants yet. No messy application or plastic!
