Trying to find the best clean beauty products? I have just the list for you. I’m sharing all my favorite clean beauty products that are both safe and effective. Come see which products I’ve selected for my daily routine.
Over the past several years, I’ve become a freak about clean beauty. At first glance I assumed it was one of those over-hyped, super crunchy trends. But, it turns out there are a lot of fertility specialists, dermatologists, and other doctors and scientists who strongly recommend patients stick to only clean beauty products.
I wasn’t always so particular about products like this. However, I became vegan about five years ago and had to completely revamp my entire lifestyle. I not only paid careful attention to the food I consumed, but also the products I wore or used on a regular basis.
I wasn’t perfect, believe me. I’m still not. But that’s what ignited my interest in clean beauty products. Probably also because most of the vegan, cruelty-free products out there just so happen to be cleaner, too.
Although I am now a vegetarian, I still care very much about where my products come from, what’s in them, and how they’re produced.
Not all of these are 100% natural, but they are much cleaner than most products on the market these days.
What are clean beauty products?
Clean beauty products are products that are considered “nontoxic.” In other words, they’re products that are safe (with no known long-term side effects) that have honest labeling, including the ingredients used in the products.
Typically this means less ingredients, or at least less unsafe ingredients.
For example, some of the most common toxic beauty product ingredients include:
• Parabens
• Fragrances
• Phthalates
• Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS)
• Triclosan
• + A few others.
One important note: The FDA does not regulate what can and can’t be coined with the term “clean,” so be careful of companies that market their products like this.
I like to check ingredient lists on the back of the product and focus less on the front label. Instead focus on the ingredients you don’t want in your beauty products. As you check the ingredient list, be sure it is free from these specific chemicals.
Why is it important to use clean beauty products?
Many studies support the claim that whatever we put on our skin penetrates the bloodstream. This can have an effect on the body. (Yes, just as much as food and drink.) Some top fertility specialists even have their clients on strict clean beauty routines when they’re trying to conceive. For some women, any extra risk just isn’t worth it.
Some chemicals do disrupt hormones and can affect fertility. Some have the potential to impair immune function over time. And some are even associated with cancer.
This isn’t to scare everyone about every single man-made chemical in existence. But it’s important that people are more aware of their products. Especially if they’re using these products frequently. Specifically if you are pregnant/trying to become pregnant/breastfeeding or are using them on babies or children (think: lotions, soaps, shampoos).
Even if you can’t do a complete overhaul on all your beauty products, it’s a good idea to start switching out a few of them. Even eliminating the “dirty dozen” can have an impact–preventing skin irritations, disruptions in body systems, and serious long-term health problems.
Remember, not all synthetic chemicals are bad by any means. Some are even necessary for preserving products. But it’s safer to stay away from the ones listed in the dirty dozen.
The Best Clean Beauty Products
Derma-E Face Wash
This face wash doesn’t contain SLS, parabens, or a few other known toxic chemicals I want to avoid. Though they aren’t perfect, I do love that they’re cruelty-free and an eco-friendly brand, too. I use this face wash every morning and every night before bed if I’ve worn make-up. It’s an effective cleanser and a bottle lasts me about six months.
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm
Burt’s Bees lip balm is my absolute favorite. I actually can’t use lip balms like Carmex and Chapstick because some chemical in them irritates my lips, drying them out and making them itch… and, well, chapped. (Weird, considering that’s the symptom it’s supposed to alleviate.)
I’ve been loving this lately. It soothes my skin, moisturizes, and has a hint of pomegranate.
E.L.F. Nourishing Night Cream
A fragrance-free product, this night cream is nourishing for the skin and makes it feel as smooth as a baby’s bum. According to their website, “all e.l.f. products are formulated without parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, toluene, coal tar, lead, mercury, acrylamide and hydroquinone.”
This brand is also super affordable, which I appreciate. After seeing their commitment to clean beauty, I feel much better considering 75% of my make-up products are also e.l.f. It’s a brand I can get behind.
Raw Sugar Simply Bar Soap
Other than the fragrance, this bar soap appears to be nontoxic. Though I would love to find a fragrance-free bar in the near future, for right now I feel okay using this soap. It smells heavenly, and I absolutely love the textured side of the bar for gripping.
Native Deodorant
I’ve been exclusively using Native deodorant for almost two years now. I used natural deodorants for years and could never seem to find one that worked as well as standard deodorants.
Native completely changed everything, though. So many scents, and I love that their packaging is plastic free as well. I have a subscription and get excited every time I get a package. They also have excellent customer service and have been so helpful when I’ve reached out. They also have a fragrance-free option for those of us who prefer to skip that.
Burt’s Bees Body Lotion
Burt’s Bees does have some products that contain fragrances, but I prefer to buy the fragrance-free body lotion that’s formulated for sensitive skin. Other than that, I can’t seem to find any toxic ingredients in their products. Another cruelty-free brand, this lotion is also good for those with eczema. It keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day. Just slather it on after you dry off from the shower and you’ll be good to go.
Pacifica Coconut Milk Leave On Detangling and Repair Spray
Free of parabens, phthalates, and SLS, this spray is wonderful at detangling and conditioning hair right out of the shower. I love the coconut scent, too, though I wish it were naturally derived. I only use it 2-3 times a week when I wash my hair, so I don’t feel terribly bad about using this despite the fragrance it contains.
Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste
How could I forget the toothpaste? With all natural ingredients and the option to have fluoride or go fluoride free, this toothpaste is perfect for anyone wanting to err on the side of caution. I particularly love that it’s not like other natural toothpastes in taste and texture. It feels like normal toothpaste, not some weird clay with a funky taste.
Renpure Shampoo & Conditioner
Renpure is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and more. Their products are fairly affordable for the size and last me and my husband for months before I need to replace them.
MOOM Hair Removing Body Wax
This has been a favorite of mine for years! MOOM is organic, vegan, and all natural. In fact, the only ingredients are chamomile, lemon water, tea tree oil, and sugar. Since it’s a sugar wax, it comes off very easily. After waxing, I do a quick rinse on my skin using just water and any remaining residue glides right off. It makes waxing my eyebrows at home so quick, affordable, and safe. I’ll never go back to paying someone else to thread or wax my brows.
Pumie Scouring Stick
Okay, this is a weird one (only because this is made for cleaning ceramic tile and cement). But I swear by it. This pumice scouring stick was picked up at Lowe’s for just under four dollars.
Pumice has been used for years at spas for pedicures and such. I scrub my feet when I’m in the shower, and it gets them softer than anything else I’ve ever used. It completely gets all dead skin off better than any scrub or soak I’ve tried before.
Pumice is all natural, as it’s derived from volcanic rock. I checked out its safety data sheet here and it is completely nontoxic. Never thought I would get a beauty product from a hardware store. But it was just so convenient, and I have never found anything better.
