With the insurgence of ‘clean beauty’ into the skincare landscape, it can be hard to decipher what’s worth it and what’s not. Before taking a deep dive into the world of clean beauty, I’ll admit, I was skeptical of how effective a clean product could really be. However, I’ve always struggled with my skin. I’ve spent time, money and countless hours of research trying to figure out everything from problematic ingredients to how to formulate the perfect skincare routine. Over the years, I’ve learned that fewer and cleaner ingredients are essential for healthy and happy skin, from the inside-out.
The ingredients in our skincare products can wreak havoc on our endocrine system, which controls our hormone secretion. Even the most popular, skincare products that are staples in so many of our routines, can include toxins and pollutants that have the ability to negatively affect our hormones. Labeled, ‘endocrine disruptors’, the affects can range from irregular periods to hormonal breakouts and even cancer.
Fortunately, every day new clean skincare brands are created incorporating cutting edge technology and groundbreaking ingredients. Below, is a list of seven companies that create some of the best clean skincare in the world. I trust and love these brands and I know you will too.
Alchimie Forever
Alchimie Forever was started over 30 years ago in Geneva, Switzerland by Dr. Luigi L. Polla. Originally formulated to help heal skin post-procedure, the brand has evolved into the ‘clean-clinical’ brand it is today. Maintaining the integrity of the ingredients and customer care are incredibly important to Alchimie Forever, therefore, they are still family owned and operated out of Geneva, Switzerland.
Two of my favorite products are the Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask and the Tightening Eye Contour Gel. Before I delve into product details, I want to preface this by saying, both my mom and I love these products, which is a testament to how effective Alchimie Forever’s products are on any skin type.
Product Spotlight:
Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask– This mask is packed with natural botanicals, oats, and resveratrol- which is a derivative of grape extract & my favorite skincare ingredient. This miracle in a jar truly brightens and evens out your skin tone, while simultaneously providing deep hydration. I noticed a difference immediately after my first use, and have been hooked ever since.
Tightening Eye Contour Gel– Typically, I associate any skincare with the word ‘gel’ in the title with being slightly drying. However, this eye cream is nourishing, instantly brightening and feels like silk. It’s worth noting that I my under-eye area is extremely sensitive and I have yet to experience any issues with this eye gel!
Estelle & Thild
“We want everyone to look and feel beautiful in a healthy and sustainable way. What’s inside matters”, founder, Pernilla Rönnberg. Estelle & Thild was built upon the notion that high impact results and organic ingredients go hand in hand. Using pure bioactive ingredients and exclusive raw material Estelle & Thild products are free from Parabens, Mineral oils, SLS, Synthetic colorants, Synthetic Perfume, Nano particles, Micro plastics and PFAS. Pernilla Rönnberg set out to make the world a better, cleaner place for her daughters, and luckily, we can all benefit.
Product Spotlight:
BioCalm Comforting Rescue Oil– Estelle & Thild considers this oil to be a ‘hero product’, because of how beloved it is by so many. This is such a versatile oil you can use literally anywhere. Regardless of what face products I’m using, I use oil on my neck and décolletage every night. When I wake up, my skin feels and looks hydrated and radiant after I use the Comforting Rescue Oil- it’s quickly become one of my favorites.
Beneath Your Mask
Following a debilitating battle with Lupus, Dana Jackson was compelled to create products that were nourishing and safe, both internally and externally. Placing an emphasis on purpose, products, and packaging, Beneath Your Mask is committed to combining innovative, meticulously selected ingredients with eco-friendly Miron glass packaging which optimizes and protects the ‘ingredients, potency and naturalness’ of every product.
Product Spotlight:
Heal Whipped Skin Soufflé– If you struggle with chronically dry skin anywhere on your body, this will be your new holy grail product! Each ingredient plays a specific role in healing your skin, maintaining elasticity, reducing inflammation, protecting against harmful free-radicals and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It’s no wonder why it was given a 2019 Allure Best of Beauty Award!
Taramar
The brand you’ve probably never heard of, but need to know about. Taramar is an Icelandic company grounded in science and backed by decades of research. If you have time, explore ‘The Science’ portion of their website, the ingredients, scientific breakthroughs and formulation used to create each product is fascinating. The team consists of nine scientists, professors, PhDs, MScs, post-docs, and PhD students. Ultimately, Taramar is committed to creating innovative, natural and extremely effective skin care solutions.
Product Spotlight:
The Serum– Using Icelandic seaweed, skin supporting peptide, viola tricolor extract and hyaluronic acid, this ultra-pure bioactive serum will naturally firm and hydrate your skin while leaving you with a smoother, more radiant complexion. This serum will integrate seamlessly into your current skincare routine, and will undoubtably leave you wanting to purchase again and again!
Maria Åkerberg
Since 1995 MARIA ÅKERBERG has been dedicated to creating non-toxic products by utilizing the power of nature. Every product contains organic, naturally derived ingredients void of synthetic fragrance, artificial coloring, preservatives, animal-based ingredients & GMOs. MARIA ÅKERBERG is committed to transparency regarding ingredients, providing an A-Z list on their website of every ingredient used and its purpose.
Product Spotlight:
Serum C– I firmly believe that everyone needs at least one Vitamin C serum in their skincare routine. It is one of the most effective ingredients for brightening the skin and slowing down the aging process. This particular serum includes Vitamin A, which aids in collagen production. It’s worth noting that the packaging used for this serum is exactly what you should be looking for when purchasing anything with Vitamin C, as the potency of Vitamin C is easily affected by exposure to light and outside elements. This particular packaging is airtight and completely opaque, so you never have to question the efficacy of your serum.
Salt Scrub Energy– I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge this delicious scrub. The smell, the texture, and the way your skin feels long after you use- perfection. I find salt scrubs provide the most effective body exfoliant without irritating my skin like a loofah or dry brush.
Anything you wash your face or body with ultimately goes back into our water supply. Making sure we are using natural soaps and scrubs is not only good for us on a micro level but also a macro level, by reducing the amount of harmful ingredients that are going back into our environment. This scrub is made from all-natural ingredients and will provide you with a spa-like moment every time you use it.
Björk and Berries
Made in Sweden, Björk and Berries is an ecoluxury brand rooted in centuries old, natural Swedish remedies. From the Eau de Parfums to the body, face & hair care, every ingredient is purposeful and extremely effective. Rarely found in skincare, Björk and Berries incorporates birch, one of the most effective and healing ingredients derived from nature. Meticulous research, traditional ingredients and new technology have pushed Björk and Berries to the forefront of ecoluxury and a force to be reckoned with.
Product Spotlight:
Re-Activating Body Serum– Everyone needs a great body oil. I am constantly using oils to hydrate and nourish my skin. This particular oil has serum properties that will not only moisturize your skin, but also stimulates cellular regeneration. The Re-Activating Body Serum also includes Organic Birch Leaf Extract, one of Björk and Berries’ star ingredients. This oil will give you healthy, glowy skin in the summer months, while providing much needed moisture during dry, cold winters.
Make sure to check out the ‘Home’ section; the candles, reed diffusers, and Eau du Parfum all smell divine, use natural, organic ingredients and are made in Sweden.
L:A Bruket
Last but not least, L:A Bruket. Combining age-old sea therapy practices and innovative contemporary treatments, L:A Bruket is dedicated to creating formulas that will “gradually train your skin to perform better in the long-term”, rather than providing a quick temporary fix. Sustainably sourced seaweed and algae are the key active ingredients at the heart of L:A Bruket products.
Product Spotlight:
159 Hand Cream– This is one of my favorite products at the moment. Rather than providing momentary relief to dry hands and cuticles, I actually notice a difference in the health of my skin. It solves the problem, rather than masking it.
