By Cecilia Toro
When taking the leap into a zero-waste lifestyle, it’s normal to make a few adjustments. Clean beauty, in particular, can be a big change for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Little steps like trying out new products and giving your skin the time it needs to adjust can make your swap to clean beauty an easy transition.
For example, I’ve had dermatitis and eczema all my life, so, one of my biggest concerns about switching to a clean beauty routine was if I’d find alternatives to all the commercial products my body was used to. Going from very harsh chemicals to only natural ones were a lot at first, and it took a few months for acne and rosacea to settle. However, as I came to learn more about my body, I noticed how many clean beauty products worked! Especially some of which weren’t approved by experts or dermatologists (shocking, I know).
Having said all this, we at KeiSei wanted to gush about these clean products that work, and give you a list of top organic brands to look out for. We recommend these because they don’t have those nasties you’d find in commercial brands, and you can absolutely feel the difference.
Hopefully, this list can help guide you and work as a starting point for your own clean beauty switch.
PAI SKINCARE
Free of alcohol, artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates.
Pai Skincare’s philosophy could not be clearer: “We Understand Sensitive Skin.”
They offer a wonderful starter kit if you’d like to find out what’s best for your type of skin. But, these two have been our favourite products so far:
In the morning: Camellia and Rose Cream Cleanser. Personally, we love two-in-ones, and this cleanser is as moisturizing as it is effective in cleaning your face. Paired with a warm face cloth, it can be both gentle and exfoliating.
At night: Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil. We swear by it. All of the dry, sensitive patches on our face smooth out and lose a lot of the redness.
YAYFOREARTH
Made with organic ingredients only!
YAYFOREARTH Sensitive Skin Face Lotion: it is one of the best face lotions. It has a really creamy texture even though it’s mostly oil based, which means it’s very rich but non-irritating. Just a bit will go a long way as it’s very hydrating. We love this lotion because it does not leave your face with a greasy feeling, which is quite rare!
AUSTIN AUSTIN ORGANIC
Free of GM ingredients, SLS, silicones, parabens, mineral oils, artificial colours or fragrances
Neroli & Petitgrain Body Cream: This cream is incredible – it’s so rich and incredibly hydrating. We love this product because it leaves skin feeling soft and smelling great throughout the day. For colder weather, it’s particularly good because your skin absorbs it so quickly.
Another trick is to use this cream right before bed because its citrusy smell is incredibly soothing and can help calm your mind.
SAUCA BOTANICALS
Made with organic and homegrown ingredients
Healing Salve: This lotion is perfect for hands or cracked skin. We do not say this lightly! We have gone through so many different hand creams, and this one really worked. Sauca’s salve keeps the hands hydrated no matter what. Lavender and calendula are the basic ingredients in this salve, both of which have excellent healing properties.
Another reason to get this salve is that it’s multi-use: it can be used for your face, lips, and most problem zones in your body.
SALT OF THE EARTH/MOONFLOWER
Both make deodorants free of aluminium, harsh products/are made only using organic ingredients
You can absolutely use one or the other depending on the day – the spray is perfect for constant refreshing if you’re at work or about to head to a meeting. Moonflower’s deodorant stick is very creamy and gentle, and the scent lasts for hours. Wear this one if you’re going to be exercising or walking around lots. Either way, we love these two so much for keeping our pits irritation-free. They’re so worth it!
All these products ship internationally. But, if you’d rather buy something local and accessible to you, try and stick to these ingredients which are ideal for sensitive skin plus totally organic: Calendula, camellia, rose, lavender, oat, beeswax, and aloe. Clean beauty can and will help your skin, we assure you.
Cecilia Toro
Recent MA graduate from Durham Uni, focuses on contemporary issues and writes about literature, film, and art. Lover of podcasts, coffee, and gardening.
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