From common drug-store brands to high-end boutique product lines, the concept of “Clean Skincare” is an ongoing trend which has inundated the beauty industry across the globe. But what exactly is “Clean Skincare”? Isn’t the entire point of a good skincare regime all about keeping your skin clean and healthy? What exactly makes a product clean, while countless others are evidentially dirty and toxic?
The truth is, there is no one, across-the-board, industry standard answer to this question. There is no one certifying body, like the FDA, which tests and verifies that a product is indeed “Clean”. Organic, yes.. Plastic-Free certified, yes… Made Safe, yes… EWG Verified, yes… USDA Certified Biobased Product, yes… But all-around “Clean”? Unfortunately, not.
In 2019, Sephora launched its “CLEAN at SEPHORA” campaign, including brands they carry which are Sephora certified CLEAN, prohibiting a slew of product additives including Aluminum Salts, Acrylates, Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing agents, Mineral Oil, Parabens, Sulfates, Animal Musk’s/Fats/Oils excluding Beeswax, Honey, Lanolin and Carmine, etc. The list goes on and on. Otherwise, it’s is left up to the individual company’s definition of what makes their products “Clean”.
In lieu of this ongoing debate, we scoured the web and compiled a list of 7 must use skincare products which will ensure that you “clean up” your daily skincare regime.
YOUNGBLOOD MINERAL COSMETICS hydra luxe water crème
Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Calendula, and Allantoin, this lightweight gel-like face moisturizer soothes irritated skin, boosts collagen production, reduces redness and oiliness, and diminishes discoloration. It is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and acne prone. MSRP: $64
FARMACY HONEYMOON GLOW AHA Resurfacing Night Serum with Hydrating Honey + Gentle Flower Acids
A Sephora Clean + Planet Positive Beauty Certified product, this three-in-one night serum resurfaces, hydrates, and clarifies dull skin while you sleep. It is formulated with a 14 percent AHA/BHA/gentle flower acid blend, Hyaluronic Acid and a proprietary honey blend which resurfaces dull skin to reveal a healthy-looking complexion while reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. MSRP: $60
REN CLEAN SKINCARE Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen
A silicone-free, mattifying mineral SPF 30 made with 22% zinc oxide and without oxybenzone for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin, oily skin, and more. Vegan. Cruelty-free. MSRP: $40
DRUNK ELEPHANT Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
With a unique blend of mild surfactants and makeup-dissolving emollients, this jelly cleanser removes all traces of makeup, excess oil, pollution, and other grime from the day while rinsing away without an ounce of residue, leaving skin clean and soft. MSRP: $32
Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Another Sephora Clean + Planet Positive Beauty Certified product, this fast-absorbing, multi-vitamin moisturizer for skin health is fragrance-free, pH-balanced, non-irritating, non-sensitizing and perfect for all skin types. MSRP: $25
ONE OCEAN BEAUTY Blue Algae Exfoliating + Detox Mask
An exfoliating and detoxifying mask containing coconut shell powder, blue spirulina algae and sea silt which gently removes surface skin cells, and helps skin to retain moisture, leaving the complexion clean, refreshed, revitalized and glowing. MSRP: $78
YOUNGBLOOD MINERAL COSMETICS Micellar Water with Colloidal Silver
This multi-tasking, no-rinse Micellar Water acts like a magnet to remove makeup and tone skin for a clean and soft complexion. Aloe Vera and Hyaluronic Acid soothes, calms, and hydrates skin. Colloidal Silver, known for its anti-bacterial with anti-inflammatory properties, helps reduce redness and is beneficial for acne-prone skin. MSRP: $30