I’ve been an avid label reader for years now. It started with learning that tons of beauty products I used where tested on animals—no thank you! Once I eliminated those products, I learned more about the horrible chemicals in beauty products and the lack of regulations the US has. Another eye-opening bummer. We are talking about chemicals that have been linked to cancer, hormonal and reproductive issues and various other disturbing and harmful health issues.
The problem is many of us are using these products on a daily basis and these chemicals are continuously being absorbed into our bodies. Overtime, they can potentially have incredibly harmful effects. I now make sure to buy the cleanest products I can and to also be wary of products that are pretending to be “green” or “natural” when really they are just as harmful.
Another thing to remember is just because something is labeled natural or organic does not mean it is automatically good for you. A secret harmful ingredient hiding in a lot of beauty products, including “natural” ones, FRAGRANCE. A lot of products that have fragrance as an ingredient contain phthalates. According to EWG, The Environmental Working Group, research shows phthalates have been known to disrupt hormones, reduce sperm count, and have been linked to liver, breast cancer and diabetes. Scary, I know!
EWG Skin Deep is a great place to start researching clean beauty products. Clean beauty does not have to be expensive and also some products that are verified or listed as some of the cleanest don’t come strictly from “clean beauty” companies but from companies you may already use like Olay or Herbal Essence.
Below I have rounded up some of my favorite clean, eco-friendly beauty products and tools, all available on Amazon!
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
- C’est Moi Gentle Foaming Cleaning Gel – I have incredibly sensitive skin, slightly oily on my t-zone and redness. This cleansing gel is incredibly gentle on my sensitive skin, yet gets the job and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and clean. It’s the perfect everyday cleanser. Bonus points: Container is completely recyclable!
- Deep Hydration Sheet Mask – I can’t tell you how many sheet masks and masks in general I’ve tried and have been met with disappointment. Mainly because they irritated my skin and caused terrible discomfort. This mask is the HOLY GRAIL of masks for me. It provides great hydration but also has anti-inflammatory properties that help with redness and under eye puffiness. I used this mask the night before my wedding and woke up with glowing skin. Can’t recommend this mask enough! Bonus points: Made of antibacterial and sustainable bamboo cloth instead of gross plastic byproducts making them more environmentally conscious.
- Rose Water Toner – A lot of the rose water sprays out there have added fragrance and fillers. I love this Rose Water Toner because it is simply pure organic rose water! Spray on your face for a refresh throughout the day or use it to help set your make-up. You can also use on your hair to help with split ends and dry scalp.
- Coffee Bean Eye Cream – I am a HUGE fan of 100% Pure products. I am fortunate enough to live 40 minutes away from one of their stores. If you haven’t been,definitely try and visit if you are close enough. They do mini facials and are great with helping you choose the perfect product for your skin. This eye cream seriously is a product I now cannot live without. It helps remove puffiness under your eyes, reduces dark circles and brightens your skin. Its packed with tons of nutrients including vitamin C and collagen to help with wrinkles. Plus it smells amazing!
- Multi Vitamin + Antioxidant Night Cream – This night cream is great for a variety of skin types including sensitive skin! It is highly concentrated with anti-aging vitamins like vitamin C, E, A (retinol), and B3. My skin has become noticeably smoother and more moisturized when I wake up. It is also great to start an anti-aging product before you start seeing wrinkles etc. to help prevent them. Regardless of your age, this product works wonders and is definitely worth the slightly steep price tag. Plus, a little goes a long way!
- Reusable Cotton Pads – I am all for products that you can reuse. Typical cotton pads just seem so wasteful and can add up in cost over time. I absolutely love these reusable cotton pads! They are great for washing your face, removing make-up or even removing nail polish. They come with both soft and scrub pads (great for a little exfoliating). I set two aside just for removing nail polish and the rest I use on my face. It also comes with a handy cotton mesh bag that you can easily throw in the wash. You can also always hand wash in your sink and hang dry as well 🙂 .
- Turmeric Spot Treatment – I didn’t start getting acne until the end of college. I guess the stress of adulthood didn’t help, ha-ha. Now, I get the occasional blemish but nothing too intense. This spot treatment works wonders for the occasional outbreak! It could also work great as a weekly treatment if you suffer from more serious acne. I love that it helps brighten skin and reduces inflammation. It is super simple to use and remove but make sure to keep it away from clothing as it can stain.
- Minera Dead Sea Salt – This product is a LIFESAVER. It is one of the only products I will use if I take a bath. So many bath products are filled with fragrances and terrible chemicals that turn a relaxing experience to a harmful one. It cleanses, nourishes and heals your skin and is great if you have psoriasis. If you prefer a little fragrance add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Another great way to use the sea salt is to mix it with olive oil to make a scrub. Just be careful not to slip in the shower! You can also add some to your next foot bath for a soothing, relaxing and healing experience.
- Moroccan Argan Oil- I love a product that can be used in a variety of ways. Argan oil is great for dry skin, your face, hair and cuticles. It’s a lightweight, yet incredibly powerful oil that absorbs really well. You definitely will have a beautiful glow after using this product!
- ATTITUDE Hypoallergenic Nourishing & Strengthening Shampoo- I have very very thick wavy hair and also suffer from a dry sensitive scalp and psoriasis. A lot of shampoo’s are just full of junk that don’t actually cleanse and nourish the hair. I had a problem with many shampoos weighing my already heavy hair down and just not doing it any justice. This shampoo has to be one of my favorites I have used and I have tried A TON. This one thoroughly cleanses my hair and leaves it nourished, healthy and shiny. It also is great on my sensitive scalp and has helped with my dryness. Bonus points: It is EWG certified!
- Eco-Friendly Wooden Bristle Brush – As I previously mentioned, I have very thick hair. In the past I have gone through brushes so quickly because the bristles couldn’t withstand my thick hair. I also found that brushes were creating unnecessary static and frizz in my hair. This brush has worked wonders on my hair. I love that it’s not made of plastic and it has sturdy wooden bristles. The brush also does not create any static in my hair and leaves it silky smooth.
- Hypoallergenic Soothing Body Wash- Another great product from ATTITUDE. This body wash is gently enough for sensitive skin and has a soft, subtle natural aroma. It nourishes dry skin while using antioxidants to detoxify skin and remove impurities. This product is EWG certified, biodegradable and sustainable.
You don’t have to spend a fortune for products that are good for both you and the environment! I hope you enjoyed reading about the products I’ve shared and that I have inspired you to do a little research into clean beauty products 🙂 . All of the companies I’ve talked about above have tons of great other products that may be more suited to your skin type or preferences so be sure to check them out! Stay healthy and beautiful!
