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If you’ve been paying attention for even a minute, you’ve probably noticed that the beauty world has been buzzing with all things “clean” more than ever with many brands claiming to be the best clean skincare brand.
There is certainly a good reason for this buzz! Who wants to slather a bunch of chemicals on their face when there are better, safer options out there? Not me, and not you either especially if you’re over 30 and giving serious thought to what you’re putting on your skin.
Women, particularly women over 30 are now more mindful about the ingredients they apply to their skin. Yay, go us! What’s that saying about “with age comes wisdom”?
Anyway, clean beauty is here to stay and the best clean skincare brands are often just a click away! I’ve spent pretty much my entire summer trying different brands and I love that there are more options available making safer skincare and clean beauty more accessible to everyone!
I finally feel like I can share some favorites and so in this post, we’ll explore the best clean skincare brands that stand out for their commitment to transparency, safety, and effectiveness.
If you’re looking for products that are kind to both your skin and the environment, keep reading to discover the top 3 clean skincare brands you should try!
What Does Clean Skincare Even Mean?
Before I spill the tea on the best clean skincare brands I have found this summer, let’s chat about what “clean” actually means. Just a few years ago I found myself asking what does clean beauty mean or what is clean skincare. Perhaps you’ve found yourself asking the same question? No, it’s not just you, it is definitely not always totally clear. Let’s talk about it!
For starters, it’s not just a marketing buzzword (well, okay, sometimes it is, but not around here!). A clean skincare brand says “no thanks” to harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates and synthetic fragrances.
Instead, they load up their products with safe, non-toxic ingredients. Many clean beauty brands also focus on ethical practices, such as cruelty-free testing and sustainable sourcing.
The best way to know if a brand is legit is to look for third-party certifications like EWG Verified or Leaping Bunny which confirm a brand’s dedication to clean beauty standards. These certifications help us trust that the products we are using are safe and environmentally responsible.
Okay, now for the good stuff, let’s talk about 3 of the best clean skincare brands that are making waves in the industry!
The Best Clean Skincare Brands
Brand #1: Counter
Formerly known as Beautycounter
Counter beauty is one of the original clean beauty brands which was founded as Beautycounter and recently launched as Counter with the same focus on health, safety, people, planet, and advocacy.
Counter products are high quality, perform well, and are simply gorgeous! This brand is truly committed to transparency and putting your health first.
I fell in love with the mission of Counter and this brand is how I initially started my clean beauty journey.
The newly launched Counterglow skincare line will easily become your go-to for your skincare routine. This glow-boosting skincare collection is designed to simplify your routine and give you real results.
I have been using it for about a month now and I have never been more excited to wash my face in the morning.
The Counter Vitamin C Serum and the Counter Overnight Resurfacing Peel are also great additions to your routine!
Brand #2: Crunchi
If you’re looking for a brand that is truly committed to clean beauty, Crunchi should be on your list. This company’s mission is to “impact and empower lives by providing sustainable clean beauty and personal care products that perform”. This is literally music to my ears and why I decided to check out this new to me brand!
I have been loving learning more about this fun and empowering company!
Crunchi is guided by their “banished ingredients” list and offers a full range of skincare and makeup products that are free from toxins, gluten, and synthetic fragrances, making it one of the best clean skincare brands especially for those with sensitive skin or specific ingredient concerns. Each of their products goes through a 30-step screening criteria for safety!
Crunchi Products You Need to Try:
- Crunchi Daylight Facial Cream: This lightweight moisturizer hydrates and nourishes the skin without leaving it greasy, thanks to its blend of organic aloe, green tea, and jojoba oil.
- I AM The Balm Makeup Cleansing Balm: The name alone had me at hello but what I really love about this cleansing balm is that it gets my stubborn eye makeup off effectively without me having to really scrub and irritate this already sensitive area!
- Goldenlight Multi-Peptide Facial Serum: Who doesn’t love a good facial serum? I just tried this one from Crunchi recently and my skin felt smoother, brighter, and more hydrated right away. I can see this coming in handy as the dry, winter months are approaching.
Crunchi’s dedication to clean beauty extends to their packaging as well, which is made from recyclable materials. They do not use any plastic as their primary packaging either. The brand’s transparency about their ingredient sourcing and product formulations makes them a trustworthy choice for anyone serious about clean skincare.
What are you excited to try? Give Crunchi a go and see what you think. You’ll have 30 days and if you’re not completely satisfied within 30 days then Crunchi will refund your money minus shipping and handling!
Brand #3: ILIA Beauty
This is a brand you may have seen out and about in stores like Ulta. ILIA Beauty is best known for its clean makeup (which is how I first found them), but its skincare line is equally impressive, making it one of the best clean skincare brands for those who want to combine beauty with skincare benefits. ILIA focuses on high-performance formulas that deliver visible results without compromising on clean ingredients.
ILIA doesn’t have a large amount of skincare products yet but the ones they do have are pretty impressive! My guess is that they will continue to expand their offerings.
ILIA Beauty Products You Need to Try:
- Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40: This multitasking product combines skincare, makeup, and sun protection in one, offering lightweight coverage with the added benefits of hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide.
- True Skin Radiant Priming Serum: This serum doubles as a makeup primer, providing hydration and a smooth base while blurring imperfections.
ILIA Beauty’s skincare products are designed to enhance your natural beauty while nourishing your skin with potent, plant-based ingredients. Their focus on sustainability and ethical practices, such as using recyclable packaging and supporting clean energy initiatives, makes ILIA a brand that aligns with the values of clean beauty enthusiasts making them one of the best clean skincare brands!
How to Choose the Right Clean Skincare Brand for You
Okay, so now that you’re up to speed on the best clean skincare brands, how do you pick the one that’s right for you? Here are a few tips to guide you:
- Skin Type: Consider your skin type—whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive, or combination—and choose a brand that caters to your specific needs.
- Budget: While some clean skincare brands come with a luxury price tag, there are options like Crunchi that provide effective solutions at a more accessible price point.
- Values: Beyond the ingredients, think about your values. Do you prioritize cruelty-free, vegan, gluten free or sustainable practices? Each of the brands mentioned excels in at least one of these areas.
By reflecting on these factors, you’ll be able to find a brand that aligns with both your skincare needs and your personal beliefs. Sometimes you also just have to try a few different things to find what works best for you.
If you want some help choosing I am happy to send you your own personalized recommendations. Fill out this quick questionnaire and I’ll send them over to you. 🙂
Embrace the Best Clean Skincare Brands for Healthier Skin
Switching to clean skincare is more than just a trend, it’s a commitment to your health and the planet.
The best clean skincare brands offer more than just safe ingredients; they provide high-performance products that deliver real results.
These brands are rooted in transparency which is something that the beauty industry as a whole is severely lacking.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these top picks and with the great return policies they each offer there’s no reason why you can’t have some fun trying a few products to find what you really like!
