Taking care of our skin is an important, yet often overlooked, factor in human health (especially as a college student). With our skin being the largest organ in our body, it’s important to make sure we’re treating our skin with the right products and care to keep it healthy, happy, and to prevent any future problems like skin damage or early signs on aging. With the rise in the popularity of skincare, it is easy to get lost in the sea of different brands, treatments, and (often false) claims of skin health. Listed below are 5 great skincare brands to shed some much-needed light on the skincare brands that are putting out products that serve your best interest and are full of effective and beneficial ingredients, rather than fillers and fragrances that may actually harm your skin.
- The Ordinary
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The Ordinary is much more than its name suggests as it is a great and affordable skincare brand that focuses on effective treatments and ingredient integrity in their products. They offer a variety of treatments for various skin concerns and consist of pure and necessary ingredients; no fillers. As a bonus, all their packaging comes in glass bottles that can be recycled when finished! The brand is extremely affordable and is sold at retailers like ASOS which offers a student discount as well! Some of my favorite products from The Ordinary are the EUK Antioxidant formula and the AHA +BHA Peeling Solution.
- First Aid Beauty
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First Aid Beauty (FAB) is a popular skincare brand sold at most beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta that focuses on providing everyday skin essentials to have you looking and feeling your best. FAB creates products for all skin types and are targeted specifically for those with sensitive skin. One of my favorite FAB products that helps to battle dry, winter skin is their Oatmeal Mask!
- Youth to the People
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Youth to the People is a vegan and sustainable skincare brand that focuses on giving back to the community through non-profits all while putting out clean, green, and effective products. Though their products are a little pricier than the previously mentioned brands, they are definitely worth the investment. My go-to cleanser is their Superfood Face Cleanser, it’s gentle on my skin but helps to remove any buildup in my pores.
- Paula’s Choice
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Paula’s Choice is a great brand that aims to provide full transparency and education on their products and ingredients. They have a range of products for all skin types as well as the full list of ingredients and their effects on the skin. This brand also prioritizes sustainability and allows customers to send their empty bottles back to earn rewards for schools, non-profits, and charities. I really love the Softening Cream Cleanser and their SPF Moisturizer
- The Inkey List
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The Inkey List is another great brand that creates simple yet specific products with no harsh chemicals, exfoliants or fragrances int heir products. Many of The Inkey List products can be bought at retailers like Sephora and is listed as one of their clean beauty brands. I recommend trying the Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum or the Oat Cleansing Balm!
Hopefully, these brands help you to expand your skincare routine with new products that are focused solely on the science behind the best ingredients for your skin, rather than the products that will create the most profit. Especially as college students, it’s important to prioritize fully transparent brands and no fuss to accommodate our busy and stressful lives.