You’ve definitely been hearing about the new clean beauty trends and the importance of checking the ingredients in your skincare routine. What we put on our skin sinks in and can affect our health. However, good skincare isn’t always affordable, and an affordable price point varies greatly from person to person. Here are some clean beauty brands I’ve used and loved from the drugstore.
1. Honest Beauty
Honest Beauty is a brand started by Jessica Alba and available at stores like Target, Walmart, Walgreens and Ulta. It avoids over 2,500 harmful ingredients in products, uses environmentally friendly products, avoids using “fragrance” on labels to avoid listing ingredients, and performs rigorous safety products on tests. Honest is also cruelty free. Not only is this a clean brand, but it’s one that gives back to the community. Honest Beauty works with nonprofits to donate personal care products, helps provide pre and postnatal care to families, has volunteered thousands of hours to help disaster struck communities, and has donated tens of thousands of needed items to families affected by Covid-19. My personal favorite product is the Honest Beauty Vitamin C Radiance Serum ($27.99) which moisturizes and illuminates your skin. Just pat on after toner and follow with your favorite moisturizer for a beautiful glow.
2. Burt’s Bees
You’ve definitely tried their chapstick, and maybe even some of their more recently launched makeup, but have you tried Burt’s Bees Skincare? Over 95% of their ingredients are naturally derived without phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, sodium lauryl sulfate, or other harmful ingredients. The brand is responsibly sourced and cruelty free. Their packaging is recyclable and thoughtfully designed to include less waste. Burt’s Bees is also CarbonNeutral certified and has donated over $3.5 million in grants to support biodiversity and honeybee health. Look for their products in Target, Walmart, Ulta, and CVS. My favorite product is the Sensitive Toner with Aloe Vera ($9.99) which leaves my skin feeling clean and soothed. It never irritates a breakout or leaves dry patches. After cleansing, apply the toner and follow with a serum and moisturizer.
3. Bliss
Bliss has been a long time favorite of mine for skincare. I have never tried a product from the brand that I didn’t like. Not only is the packaging fun, but the ingredients inside are just as lovely. All products are made without 1,300 harmful ingredients and chemicals. They responsibly source their ingredients and are a cruelty free brand. Ninety percent of their products are vegan and the brand is striving to make their line 100% vegan within the next year. The brand started in NYC in 1996 with the intention of revolutionizing spa products in order to provide skincare as selfcare. Currently you can shop their products at Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Ulta. I have a lot of favorites from this brand but some stand out products include the Fab Foaming Exfoliating Cleanser ($12), Bright Idea Vitamin C & Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting Moisturizer ($24), and the Clear Genius Clarifying Liquid Peel ($22). The product you have to go out and try from this list is the Clarifying Liquid Peel. It has helped with my skin texture and acne scars in a way no other product has. Make sure to apply at night and wear your favorite SPF during the day when using.
Hopefully some of these brands help you in your skincare journey too! Clean and ethical beauty is an amazing trend here to stay as we become more conscious about what we put on our skin and what we do to the planet. And always remember to check skin care sections at stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls to save some money when treating yourself to an extra mask or other goodie.