Clean Beauty

What is clean beauty?

There are thousands of beauty and personal care brands in the world, and many of them claim to be ‘green’ or ‘natural.’ How do you know which claims are actually legitimate? Clean beauty focuses on avoiding toxic ingredients while also prioritizing eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing. Non-toxic, eco-friendly beauty brands protect both your health and the environment.

“Taking care of your body, no matter your age, is an investment.”
-Oprah

How to find clean beauty products

Transparency is the name of the game when it comes to clean beauty. If companies are using non-toxic ingredients, then they have nothing to hide, right? Clean beauty brands that are centered around clean, sustainable ingredients and ethical business practices make it a point to highlight and verify this information. When companies do not share this information, or make it difficult to find, I take that as an ominous sign.

From spotting misleading labels to understanding third-party certifications, there are clear ways to separate genuine clean beauty from clever marketing. To fully understand how to discern for yourself which brands and products are indeed clean and sustainable, check out my guide on how to find clean beauty products. There, you will learn:

What harmful ingredients to avoid
Sustainably-sourced ingredients
Beauty certifications to look for
Additional resources
Eco-friendly packaging & recycling information

Where to buy clean beauty brands

You don’t have to search forever to find clean beauty products — a growing number of retailers make it easier. From dedicated zero-waste shops to larger stores with “clean beauty” programs, there are more options than ever for safe, sustainable choices.

Explore my recommendations here: Where to Shop Clean Beauty

Clean beauty product recommendations

There are obviously more beauty and personal care products out there than one person can try. I have listed my favorites, as well as others that I think are good options based on my research. Some of the included links are associated with an affiliate account, so I may receive a commission if you decide to purchase something, at no extra cost to you. I only list products and brands that I believe to be ethical, eco-friendly, and clean. I’ve also tried to include products that fit into a variety of budgets.

Explore my favorite clean beauty brands or start your journey towards a healthier, more eco-friendly beauty routine by the categories below.

Explore clean beauty by category

person's hand holding a vial and dropping serum onto their hand

Sustainable skincare

My favorite sustainable skincare brand recommendations are here to help you find products for healthy skin and a healthy planet.

Go Green

Clean makeup brands

Be beautiful without the harmful chemicals that are often present in traditional makeup products.

Go Green

Woman's hands with painted nails, applying serum on cuticles.

Non-toxic nail care

Non-toxic nail care prioritizes the use of safe, eco-friendly products that are free from harmful chemicals.

Go Green

Zero waste hair care

Zero waste hair care products employ clean ingredients while eliminating plastic packaging for healthier hair & planet.

Go Green

Click here for clean personal care products, such as deodorant, razors, feminine care, and first aid.

Clean beauty FAQs

Is clean beauty the same as natural beauty?

Not exactly. Natural beauty usually means products made with plant-based or naturally derived ingredients, but the term isn’t regulated — some “natural” products still contain synthetic chemicals. Clean beauty goes a step further: it focuses on avoiding toxic or harmful ingredients while also considering sustainability and ethical sourcing. A product can be both natural and clean, but not all natural products are automatically clean.

Are clean beauty products always eco-friendly?

Not always. A product can be “non-toxic” but still come in plastic packaging or use unsustainable sourcing. That’s why many clean beauty brands highlight eco-friendly packaging (like glass, aluminum, or refill systems) and third-party certifications (like Leaping Bunny or B Corp). If you’re looking for both safe and sustainable, check for these extra markers when shopping.

Is clean beauty regulated?

Not really. In the U.S., the FDA has banned only a handful of cosmetic ingredients, while the EU has restricted more than a thousand. This lack of oversight is why it’s so important to check certifications, ingredients, and brand transparency.