Get to know our handpicked natural skin care brands
For those who don’t know, “natural skin care” and even “organic skin care” are terms that really hold no weight. A cream labeled as such might still contain nearly 100 percent synthetic ingredients, which isn’t bad in and of itself. However, we’re passionate about transparency and letting people know what they’re putting on their bodies.
Calling a product “organic” because it contains trace amounts of, say, organic lavender combined with mostly artificial fragrance ingredients is deceptive. Similarly, a serum labeled “natural” that’s made with parabens, phthalates, synthetic texturizers, and fragrances is legal but a lie nonetheless.
Greenwashing is a huge problem in the beauty industry. It can be as small as seeing a beautiful picture of leaves or berries on a label when the product doesn’t contain any, or it could be something more deceiving like an ingredient list that looks safe but has the word “fragrance.” This allows companies to legally hide harmful chemicals from view.
The reason we’re naturally inclined to prefer products that are organic or natural is simple: The same compounds that allow a leaf to stay green or a raspberry to remain red and juicy can have positive effects on our skin. We prioritize the antioxidant strength of plants, the moisture some contain naturally, and the beneficial acids or minerals in others. By mostly using plants—or only plants—in our products (as opposed to conventional filler ingredients), we include more of what makes them so great in the first place.
Not only do we appreciate the tangible benefits of plant ingredients, but we also value the intangible benefits. For centuries, plants have been used for both mystical and medicinal purposes, and we love the sometimes mysterious aspects of traditional medicine and spirituality that come into play.
We don’t just appreciate transparency-we require it. We also strongly stand against greenwashing in all its forms. One way to sidestep products that have been greenwashed is by knowing your ingredients and reading labels before you buy anything. Another way is to only patronize stores like 100% Pure, The Detox Market or Dermstore which only sell clean products; or restrict yourself to buying from brands whose reputation for cleanliness precedes them.
If organic certification matters to you, look out for the USDA Organic seal on potential purchases. And finally, if natural-only items are what you’re looking for specifically, familiarize yourself with common ingredient lists so you can check them thoroughly before making a purchase.
Some of our favorite brands use natural or organic ingredients to create amazing products. We’ve highlighted some of their stories below, along with our must-have clean skin care products from each brand.
Our Favorite Natural & Organic Skin Care Brands
100% Pure
100% Pure believes that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury for natural, vegan ingredients. Their formulas are derived from potent ingredients that promise both immediate and lasting results. All the pigments are sourced from fruit, vegetables, tea, and cocoa to avoid commonly used FD&C colorants and heavy metal dyes.
Vintner’s Daughter
Upon further examining the ingredients in her favorite skin care products, Gargiulo realized they were loaded with toxins and fillers. So, as a vintner (Gargiulo’s family owns a Napa Valley winery), she decided to create an efficient face oil made of only safe ingredients.
After two years of development, Gargiulo created a face oil packed with botanicals that would make a noticeable difference in your skin. The product quickly gained popularity among makeup artists and beauty directors all over the world. In 2019, Gargiulo followed up with a second product: a powerful treatment essence which provides water-soluble nutrients to the skin. Used together, these products work to transform any skin type.
Tata Harper
Tata Harper’s luxurious line of natural skin care products, grown and formulated on her organic farm in Vermont, is unrivaled in both quality and glamour. Her popular masks and cleansers are sure to please even the most discerning customer.
Living Libations
Living Libations is a green beauty company founded by Nadine Artemis, an experienced aromacologist. Nadine’s journey into the world of natural beauty began at a young age, when she started mixing essential oils together to recreate popular perfume scents. Today, Nadine formulates ultra-nourishing balms and deeply hydrating hair care products using botanical ingredients that are effective and harmonizing for mind, body, and soul.
Josh Rosebrook
Josh Rosebrook, a hairstylist in high demand, started to develop an appreciation for the power of plant ingredients. He began creating his own botanical formulas and sharing them with clients. The results were impressive, and soon he had launched his own line of luxurious products that align with people’s values.
Alpyn Beauty
Kendra Kolb Butler was head-over-heels for Jackson Hole’s “alpine glow” pink sunset lighting, so in 2015 she left her NYC luxury beauty exec job to move there. Once living at high altitude, she found it hard to come across skin care that would combat the dry mountain air… So she opened Alpyn Beauty Bar – a chic store that quickly gained popularity among locals and visitors.
Wild-crafted extracts from plants at high altitudes are used to create her products, which are known for their performance and hydration abilities. The line includes the PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer and the Wild Nettle & Niacinamide Firming Serum.
Pai Skincare
After years of trial and error with hyper-sensitive, blemish-prone skin, Sarah Brown took matters into her own hands by founding Pai. “Pai” is a Maori word that translates to goodness, which mirrors the company’s goal to create products made with natural ingredients that are effective and soothing.
Odacite
Valérie Grandury was fighting breast cancer and detoxifying her life when she realized that she didn’t want to have to sacrifice the quality skincare products she loved. “I wanted it all,” she says. “Efficacy and purity.” So Odacite was created as a way to merge luxurious French skincare with green California living. Formulas made with precious plants and potent oils make these high-performance products deliver on their promises.
Weleda
Weleda has been making top-quality skin and body care from organic and biodynamic ingredients for almost a century. We love its OG Skin Food face and body cream, which is extremely moisturizing, smells great, and leaves our skin dewy, smoothed, and hydrated. The brand also has an excellent line for sensitive skin, featuring a moisturizer, cleanser and, oil.
Ursa Major
This Vermont line’s citrusy smell mixed with the scent of a pine-needle-covered trail in a forest on a crisp fall day is incredibly appealing. Its formulas are also very effective, treating the skin to powerful natural ingredients that truly work. Additionally, both men and women find the clean, modern-meets-old school packaging deeply alluring. The exquisite textures and refreshing scents are also huge draws for potential customers.
Detox Mode
The name “Detox Mode” was chosen because it perfectly encapsulates what the company is all about: helping people get rid of their toxic dependencies. For years their specialists have been researching ingredients and products, and listening to customers to find out which items they’re most addicted to. Bottom line, Detox Mode aims to help people get rid of the toxicity in their lives–be it from skin care products, relationships, or work settings.
OSEA
The sea is a powerful place, and its natural healing properties inspired us to create a vegan skincare line that delivers potent, bioavailable ingredients to the skin for optimal absorption. All OSEA products are formulated with nutrient-dense seaweed and pure essential oil blends designed to replenish and renew so you can put your best skin forward.
Indie Lee
After Indie Lee was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening brain tumor, she woke up from surgery on Earth day with a new perspective. She decided to use her second chance at life to empower others to pursue their own healthiest lives. The point of departure for Indie Lee’s clean, luxurious, and eco-friendly line of skincare products is nature and science. These products are also based on the belief that what we put in and on our bodies has an impact.