Few things are more satisfying than finding your new go-to beauty or skincare product. It can take a lot of trial and error (AKA wasted dollars) to find the right fit for your needs and coveted look. Choosing clean beauty adds a layer of complexity because 1) products are usually made with less conventional ingredients, so you aren’t quite sure about effectiveness, impact, etc., and 2) if you are searching for clean beauty, chances are you simply want to ensure your products aren’t made from potential toxins. But what are those toxins, anyway? And do we trust the people saying they are toxic? What do we know?! Acccck. Lastly, there’s the added concern that the term green beauty attempts to address, which is whether the making of your beauty products are harmful to animals or the environment.
And unfortunately, yes, the criticisms that green beauty faces are correct–it’s still part of a largely unregulated industry that allows any company to label their product in any way they’d like, which means of course that they can claim something is or isn’t toxic or environmentally friendly or whatever, as long as it’s in accordance with their own self-made standards. I’ve taken this into account when choosing products to link to on our site, but I certainly don’t know all the answers! I just know the companies I’m personally comfortable buying from.
All that to say, take the term ‘clean beauty’ with a gain of salt. There isn’t currently a perfect umbrella term for beauty that respects nature, animals, people, and stays clear of harmful chemicals, and has a proper certification system. The list below is a compilation of the top rated clean beauty products in 2021 across many sources, but uh huh, being green as well is a big deal to us too, so that’s definitely a factor in what we’ve chosen here too.
Tower 28 Shine On Lip Jelly is high shine and super moisturizing. It’s non-comedogenic, non-irritating, gluten and fragrance-free, since it’s designed for sensitive skin. See their no-no list right here. It’s also vegan and made in USA.
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser is top rated because it’s super effective on many skin types and smells great. Another Credo Beauty (who has the most extensive clean beauty standards) approved product, Indie Lee is pretty focused on empowering the consumer… Check out their blog and podcast for more education on specific ingredients and industry knowledge. They’re always made with ethically sourced ingredients and eco friendly packaging. They also have a recycling program.
Glow Elixir CBD Beauty Oil from Undefined Beauty is hydrating, lightweight, and CBD infused. Their “free-from” list is pretty extensive and includes artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances. It’s vegan and made in USA.
Eu’Genia Shea Butter only contains one ingredient, 100% pure shea butter harvested with a cooperative in Northern Ghana. Loved because it’s super moisturizing, dermatological strength, and good for sensitive skin and skin issues.
Saie Dew Balm is touted as a effective, dewy buildable highlighter that includes a unique ingredient: marshmallow root extract. They are committed to nontoxic, ethically sourced ingredients.
Clean beauty coveted ILIA’s Limitless Lash Mascara has some of the best ratings of any mascara for its non-clumping, non-smudge formula. It was named best in green beauty by Allure, Glamour, and The Detox Market. It is made from 99% naturally derived ingredients. Ilia is also part of Terracycle.
Exa High Fidelity Foundation comes in 45 shades, no wonder it’s top rated! It’s also plant based, cruelty free, vegan, dermatologist tested, and safe for sensitive skin. When it comes to packaging, they have yet to ditch plastic completely (because of the pump and cap, like most beauty brands), but they say they’re looking for solutions.
Kari Gran Lip Whip is loved by those who prefer a natural looking lip color that doesn’t dry you out. Kari Gran uses organic ingredients and sustainable practices such as their ‘plastic neutral’ promise, which is kind of an interesting way to approach the plastic in beauty issue.
Kosas The Sun Show Moisturizing Baked Bronzer is a top rated fragrance-free, talc-free bronzer made with shea butter. They’re also leaping bunny certified. See more here.
More of a skincare product, Kinships’s Self Reflect Sunscreen is making waves as an effective mineral sunscreen with plant-based probiotics. It’s super lightweight and easy to use as a base below your makeup.
Mischo Beauty Worthy Nail Polish is known for their luxe vegan nail polishes and this is rated best of the best. Everyone loves that they’re glossy, durable, and chip-resistant.
Axiology Vegan Lipstick is top rated as a non-drying formula with many gorgeous hues! They’re PETA certified, and between their natural ingredients and amazing packaging (including their zero waste balmies that you know we are obsessed with), I think they’re one of the greenest beauty brands out there.
Another Ilia product made the list of top rated clean beauty. ILIA Multi Stick is an award-winning multi-use product. Personally I love multi-sticks like this. It’s definitely sustainable not to have to buy multiple products!
54 Thrones Beauty Butter is having a moment due to its nourishing shea butter formula (not to mention, beautiful branding and feature in Oprah’s favorite things!) that’s also Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, GMO-free, and Sulfate-Free.
When it comes to eye makeup, Aether Beauty Amethyst Crystal Gemstone Palette mixes pretty hues with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil to keep things smooth and glowy. The only fragrance included comes from essential oils. Also Credo Beauty approved.
Have you tried any of these top rated clean beauty products? Any of your favorite brands on the list? Stay tuned because we’ll be sharing reviews for a few of these trendy options!
your two cents