Chemicals in beauty products are like those kids your mom wouldn’t let you hang out with after school — bad influences that will get you into trouble every time. The best way to deal, as with the girl from band who wanted to TP the principal’s house, is to avoid them altogether. With that goal in mind, we put together a collection of our favorite ultra-natural products to keep every member of your household clean and green.
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47
Loving nature is a lot easier when nature doesn’t leave you with painful, puffy, peeling skin. Solid protection doesn’t mean you have to slather yourself in chemicals, though. This moisturizer-SPF combo comes from argan oil by Josie Maran, so you know it will be plenty hydrating for those high-altitude hikes, but also sinks in quickly and gives plenty of UV protection for sunny beach days so you don’t even need to add a step to your morning routine. (Sephora, $32)
Grown Alchemist Lip Balm
It’s a cruel fact of life: Some of us were just born to have perpetually parched, flaky lips, wandering through life clutching a lip balm like the last canteen of water in the desert. For us, this organic balm, with its sweet vanilla-spiked-watermelon scent and ultra-chic black-and-white tube, hits the sweet spot. It’s a balm thick enough to satisfy even the most dehydrated of lips (its primary ingredients are castor oil and beeswax) and also pretty enough that you won’t be embarrassed to whip it out on a regular basis. (David Pirotta,$18)
Yes to Coconuts Spray Body Lotion
The sunflower and coconut oils in this light, spray-on lotion sink in fast, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not potent. The paraben-free formula can take on even the driest of skin — and as a bonus, you get to spray yourself down with a nifty little pump. (yestocarrots.com, $10)
Davines Prep Shampoo
If you’re the one in your friend group who gets (lovingly) teased for her recycling obsession, you’ll appreciate Davines’ commitment to zero-carbon-footprint products. If you’re also the friend who wants to have luscious, bouncy, shampoo commercial hair you’ll also appreciate that the sans-sulfate formula doesn’t skimp on rich foaming action. (birchbox.com, $36)
Farmaesthetics Nourishing Lavender Milk
Those of a certain generation may be familiar with “The Clean Up Song” from a beloved children’s show. We’re pretty sure that when that dinosaur said, “Clean up, everybody, everywhere” he wasn’t talking about skin care, but it doesn’t get much cleaner than this 100 percent natural, certified organic, hypoallergenic lotion that truly everybody everywhere can use. It’s gentle enough for kids and even babies, while guys will like the ‘un-girly’ matte finish. And while it’s designed for the face, this slick moisturizer will fix dry spots all over. Consider it tyrannosaurus approved. (farmaesthetics.com, $39)
Juice Beauty USDA Organic Facial Wash
This certified organic wash is free of parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances. If just reading that list exhausted you, don’t worry — the mixture of brightening fruit acids and nourishing fatty acids will perk your skin right up. (juicebeauty.com, $22)
Dr. Bronner 4 In 1 Sugar Organic Pump Soap
People go crazy for this cult-favorite brand’s castile soap, but this handy organic pump version is a winner too. Fair-trade organic sugar cane is the main ingredient, making it gentle enough for use on hands, face, body and even hair. It’s really the perfect multitasker for the family on the go. And yes, we do mean family: The soap comes in five scents, including an unscented version specially designed for delicate baby skin. (drbronner.com, $10)
Suntegrity 5 In 1 Tinted Sunscreen
Speaking of on the go, the four shades of this tinted sunscreen help cut a step out of your morning routine for those days when nothing seems to come together. Instead of chemical blockers, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do the heavy-lifting for UV protection here, while organic aloe, jojoba oil, and green tea keep your skin in top condition. (suntegrityskincare.com, $45)
Dr. Hauschka Moor Lavender Bath Essence
Whether you’re running a bath to settle down restless kidlets for the night or soothing yourself with a nice hot soak (and cool glass of wine), you want to know exactly what you’re steeping in. In this case, that’s a certified natural skin-calming mix of lavender, sweet almond and avocado oils, and horse chestnut extract. (drhauschka.com, $25)
EOS Organic Smooth Sphere
For people with wheat sensitivity, ensuring your lip balm is gluten-free can be a key part of feeling your best. This all-natural drugstore favorite is also chock-full of shea butter and vitamin E. (Ulta, $4)
Herbivore Botanicals Beard Tonic
Just like your coif, beard hair can become dry and dull, and the skin underneath it can get flaky and dehydrated when deprived of the moisturizing the rest of your guy’s face enjoys. This small-batch, all-natural oil takes care of both problems with a mixture of apricot, jojoba and argan oils, and leaves behind a fresh scent thanks to cedarwood and bergamot essential oils. (herbivorebotanicals.com, $20)
Klorane Dry Shampoo
Look, some days shampooing your hair just isn’t going to happen. You’ve got errands to run and you still need to catch up on the latest episodes of Marco Polo on Netflix (no judgments here). It’s OK, this beauty editor go-to will keep your secrets. Rice starch, oat kernel flower and kaolin clay sop up excess oil (no sulfates or parabens here either), and the non-aerosol can helps out Mother Earth. Sounds like a win-win to us. (birchbox.com, $20)
Olio E Osso No 1
Sure, you could use this celeb-obsession natural balm on your lips. But why stop there when the cocktail of olive oil, shea butter, beeswax and grapefruit essential oil is so perfect for taming flyaways, wrangling unruly brows, conditioning cuticles (and pretty much every other dry patch you’ve got), and creating a blister-beating buffer between you and those new sandals rubbing a hole in your foot? (olioeosso.com, $28)
Pacifica Coconut Water Wipes
Humid summer days are no match for these 100 percent vegan coconut water-based wipes. Forget about stowing a tube of cleanser that inevitably leaks in your bag on your next trip and get yourself a pack of these biodegradable wipes instead. Or stick a pack in your gym bag or glove compartment for those moments when you feel like you’re swimming in your own sweat and you just need a quick clean-up to feel like a person again. (Target, $6)
Kiehl’s Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo
Being cautious about chemicals doesn’t mean you have to give up beautiful hair color (even if you weren’t born a blonde). Free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones, this UV-protectant shampoo helps to keep your color bright with sunflower and apricot oils as well as a whole slew of B vitamins. Doesn’t get much more virtuous than that. (kiehls.com, $19)
Lush Queen Bee
OK, it’s true, this solid hair balm looks a lot like a wedge of cheese, but trust us. Break a hunk off and let it melt between your fingers, then work the combination of cocoa butter, antioxidant rooibos tea, African honey, argan and moringa oils through your hair for a major dose of hydration. Created specifically with naturally thick curly hair in mind, the balm is great for creating definition and maintaining curl structure. And since Lush is deeply committed to creating safe, clean products that are never tested on animals, you can do it all with a clear conscience. (Lush, $17)
Honest Deodorant
There are still a lot of question marks about the long-term safety of aluminum in traditional deodorants, so skip out on the whole quandary with an aluminum-free stench preventer instead. Witch hazel, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils work together in this spray to fight odor-causing bacteria as sweat hits your skin. And with three fresh, unisex fragrances to pick from (Bergamot Sage, Lavender Vanilla, and Vetiver) there’s something for everybody. (honest.com, $9)
S.W. Basics Lip Balm
The folks at S.W. Basics are big believers in the less-is-more philosophy — none of the brand’s products contain more than a handful of simple, unadulterated ingredients. In the case of their USDA-certified organic lip balms (of which there are four iterations) that means cocoa butter, coconut oil, beeswax, and in the case of the fragranced versions, essential oils. Sometimes it pays to be basic. (swbasicsofbk.com, $4)
Antonym Quattro Eyeshadow
As you might have guessed from the name, this silky, neutral-toned eyeshadow quad is certified natural by Ecocert (think of it as the European version of USDA organic certification). The pretty wood packaging is eco-friendly too, so you can feel good about looking good. (antonymcosmetics.com, $39)
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask
Natural products have a reputation as the Birkenstocks of the beauty world: functional, hippie-dippy and decidedly un-chic. Tata Harper’s products say, “screw that.” There’s nothing less than luxe about this multi-award-winning detoxifying peel. Sadly, that includes the price tag, but in this case, you really do get what you pay for. (tatharperskincare.com, $58)
Beautycounter Kids Shampoo
It’s never too early to cut sketchy synthetic ingredients. This fun shampoo and conditioner work together to keep little heads clean and healthy with their gluten- and nut-free formulas full of shine-enhancing plant extracts like broccoli, carrot and strawberry. As an added bonus, the cool minimalist design is perfect for the cool Instagram mom in all of us. (beautycounter.com, $18 each)
Little Barn Apothecary Eye Serum
Undereye bags look more like undereye steamer trunks? Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, the rose hip oil in this hydrating rollerball is also a good source of trans-retinoic acid, which helps battle the aging effects of sun exposure. (littlebarnapothecary.com, $32)
Kora Organics Foot Cream
Sandal season demands soft, hydrated feet. Take a page out of supermodel Miranda Kerr’s book with this non-greasy (meaning you won’t slip right out of those sandals) Ecocert foot cream. (koraorganics.com, $25)
Vermont Soap Shea Butter Bar
We don’t know why, but it is a truth universally acknowledged that dudes love bar soap. But the whole family can agree on these natural, organic, petrochemical- and artificial fragrance-free bar soaps. The shea butter bar in particular is incredibly gentle and hydrating, a major change for those of us who are used to bar soaps that leave your skin feeling tight and dry. In fact, it’s so coddling that the brand says some people even use it as shampoo — sounds like the start to a perfect camping trip. (vermontsoap.com, $7)
Tracie Martyn Firming Serum
Anti-aging beauty can be tough when you’re dedicated to using only natural ingredients, but this serum gets it right. It lifts, it firms and it’s graced the faces of approximately every A-lister you can think of, including Diane Von Furstenberg, Liv Tyler, and Kate Winslet. (Nordstrom, $195)
Soapwalla Deodorant Cream
In the world of natural deodorant, this tiny tub is tops. A blend of corn starch, baking soda and kaolin clay help keep underarms fresh and dry, and food-grade essential oils mean you’ll never have to do the midday stealth stretch-your-arms-and-sniff routine. (soapwallakitchen.com, $14)
Pour Le Monde Eau de Parfum
Pour Le Monde bills itself as the only certified 100 percent natural fine fragrance brand around. Currently, they carry three scents (we’re partial to Empower, a unisex fragrance with notes of lime, bergamot, cassis and cedar). A portion of the sales of each scent of this perfume each go to different charities like Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which provides guide dogs for the blind, visually impaired and children with autism. (pourlemondeparfums.com, $82)
Devacurl One Condition Original
Fine curls are forever on the razor’s edge between going frizzy and going limp. Get this classic sulfate-, paraben- and silicone-free conditioner and you won’t be living dangerously anymore. (Ulta, $22)
May Lindstrom The Clean Dirt
It doesn’t get more natural than dirt! OK, sure, this is really nice dirt made of natural clays and fair trade-certified raw cacao as well buzzy organic spices like ginger and this year’s must-have ingredient, turmeric. Just shake a little of the fine brown powder into your hand, add just enough water to form a paste and enjoy a moment of time travel back to your childhood mudpies — and glowing, youthful-looking skin. (maylindstrom.com, $60)
J.R. Watkins Sugar & Shea Body Scrub
Tough enough to soften up the roughest elbows, this 100 percent natural sugar-based scrub might disappear from your shower faster than you’d think possible, but we’re sure the suspiciously soft-skinned man in your life has absolutely nothing to do with that. *Side-eye* (drugstore.com, $10)
Herban Cowboy Dusk Shave Cream
Speaking of that soft-faced fellow, here’s one product you can happily steal some of yourself. The shave cream is made from aloe, lavender and peppermint for a cool, smooth shave. And the black and silver recyclable packaging is macho enough for even the most particular guys. (Jet.com, $6)
Yoshimomo Supernatural Serum
Super-minimalist, super-effective, and yes, supernatural, this serum uses vitamin C to fight off dark spots and even skin tone; hyaluronic acid to plump and moisturize; and AHAs to gently exfoliate so your skin’s always the brightest, most “how does she do it?” dewy it can be. (yoshimomo.com, $56)
100% Pure Coconut Body Cream
Aloe, cocoa butter, avocado butter, coconut oil — this body cream’s ingredients list is basically a rundown of everything you ever wanted to keep you feeling moisturized. And it just doesn’t stop: Dozens of skin-softening organic plant extracts team up until this best-selling tube is practically overflowing with goodness. (100percentpure.com, $19)
Good4You Beet Root Blush Powder
Sometimes the old solutions are the best ones. People have been using bright-pink beetroot in makeup for centuries, and Good4You has refined it for a new generation. The brand’s all-natural plant-based makeups (this blush contains just three ingredients: beets, arrowroot and French pink clay) all focus on botanical solutions to your beauty woes. Brushing on the pink powder leaves skin with a light stain that can be layered for a brighter effect. (plantmakeup.com, $20)
California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen
The “baby” in the name aside, this sensitivity-minded sunscreen is just what allergy-prone skin types of any age need. Unscented and mineral-based, the non-greasy cream layers well under makeup and onto the faces of squirmy kids. (californiababy.com, $20)
Juara Candlenut Body Crème
Candlenut oil has long been an Indonesian skin care secret, and combined with the illipe butter, avocado oil, and rice bran oil in this mega-rich body butter, you’ve got a natural moisturizer that will see you through the driest seasons. (birchbox.com, $38)
Ursa Major 4 In 1 Essential Face Tonic
If a 20-step Korean skin care regimen sounds like your version of hell, this multipurpose natural wash will get you (or anyone else in your life who can barely be bothered with face washing) through your nightly cleanup in no time flat. It cleanses, it exfoliates, it fights inflammation and hydrates. In fact, julienning fries is just about the only thing it doesn’t do, but that’s probably best left to the kitchen knife anyway. (ursamajorvt.com, $26)
Pacific Shaving Company Daily Moisturizer
For some inexplicable reason, while most women have been trained to follow up shaving with a layer of moisturizer, men have traditionally been taught to finish the scraping of a sharp blade down the delicate skin of their faces with a big splash of scented alcohol. Yeah, we don’t know either. Fix that with this gentle, plant-derived post-shave moisturizer containing nary an artificial scent. (pacificshaving.com, $8)
Erbaviva Organic Baby Butter
Tiny bodies need big moisture, and this organic lavender- and chamomile-scented balm delivers with sunflower oil, cocoa seed butter and beeswax. (erbaviva.com, $16)
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
Tatcha founder Victoria Tsai created the line after suffering from dermatitis. She designs all of the products to be as clean and gentle as possible. This spray-on moisturizer is ideal for dry types who need midday hydration touch-ups. (tatcha.com, $48)
Gnarly Whale Natural Make-Up Remover
With a name like Gnarly Whale, you’d expect a product that knows a thing or two about water — in this case, specifically waterproof makeup, which melts right off once this no-rub formula hits your skin. No sulfates, no artificial fragrance, nothing but natural oils and extracts to get you skin squeaky-clean. (thegnarlywhale.com, $8)
John Masters Organics Hair Texturizer
Oil and hair have a tenuous relationship — just enough keeps strands glossy and healthy, but the tiniest bit too much and you’re a grease trap. This texturizer, made with seven organic oils and shea butter, straddles the gap, giving you piecey second-day texture, not third-day flatness. (johnmasters.com, $21)
Willow Tree Lane Organic Clear Skin Serum
Astringent nettle extract and antibacterial grapefruit extract do battle against acne, and soothing blue chamomile and blue yarrow ease any inflammation on pimple-prone skin. Willow Tree Lane founder Ali Cole knows a thing or two about taming skin, too — she started her natural line after she couldn’t find products for her eczema-suffering family that weren’t full of synthetic chemicals and preservatives. (willowtreeskincare.com, $12.47)
Etherealle Vegan Lipstick
Some natural beauty brands lean toward the, well, neutral side of life. Not this one. While the all-natural, cruelty-free products range from brow powders to essentially every eye shadow shade under the sun, it’s the lipsticks that are standouts: peachy nudes and berries are a given, but also brilliant purples, emerald green and even turquoise. Really, there’s no reason natural has to be boring, is there? (Etsy, $8.95)
Rahua Body Lotion
Don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of some of the hydrators in this 100 percent natural body lotion — the rahua ungurahua and sacha inchi oils will still make your skin just as soft and smooth as ever if you can’t pronounce their names. (rahua.com, $48)
Honey Girl Organics Facial Scrub
You don’t have to be a “candy girl” to appreciate the “sugar, sugar” and “honey, honey” in this hydrating scrub. The sugar is actually super-fine, unlike what you find in many scrubs, which makes it break down quickly so it won’t irritate sensitive skin and works as a great humectant, while emollient honey softens you up. (capbeauty.com, $27)
Burt’s Bees Lipstick
All 14 shades of this hydrating, full-coverage lipstick are all-natural — especially impressive for a lip color that costs less than your lunch. (Walgreens, $9)
Shamanuti Seaweed Toner
By the pool, on the beach, sitting on your stoop — wherever you need a little cool-down, this spray-on toner will do you one better with a dose of minerals from organic kelp and algae. (birchbox.com, $28)
Kypris Moonlight Catalyst
Most retinol formulas contain chemicals you don’t want hanging around your complexion. This serum uses an herbal alternative instead, plus pumpkin ferment and peptides to smooth lines, fade dark spots and brighten your skintone. ($72, kyprisbeauty.com)
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