9 Clean Skincare Brands

Taking good care of your skin is about more than appearances—it’s about health, too. After all, your skin is your body’s largest organ, and what you put on it matters. Many conventional skincare products on the market are made with potentially harmful chemicals, ranging from irritants and allergens to endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. And not all skincare manufacturers follow the same safety, sourcing, or manufacturing standards.

That’s why choosing clean skincare companies can be such a powerful step in your skincare routine. Think about it as not just a trend, but as a commitment to safer, eco-friendly, cruelty-free products made with plant-based ingredients and backed by transparency.

In this post, I’ll share a round-up of clean skincare brands that stand out—and explain why I recommend some more strongly than others. Whether you have sensitive skin, acne prone skin, or simply want to reduce your exposure to parabens, sulfates, and other potentially harmful ingredients, this list will give you a strong foundation.

9 Clean Skincare Brands

Before diving into the list, let’s define what kind of skincare is “clean,” what its benefits are, and why it’s worth paying attention to the ingredient list every time you shop for new skincare products. This post is designed to encourage you to explore different clean beauty options, while also highlighting the brands I personally trust, use, and recommend.

What Does Clean Skincare Mean?

To me, it means products made without ingredients linked to short-term or long-term health risks, environmental harm, or animal cruelty. But I have noticed this term is often misused in marketing.

Specifically, I don’t take marketing claims such as “hypoallergenic,” “natural,” “non-toxic,” or “organic” at face value. Even labels like “cruelty-free,” “vegan,” or “Leaping Bunny–certified” don’t necessarily guarantee that a product is safe. Instead, I study each ingredient carefully, cross-checking it against regulatory, medical, and scientific databases.

Importantly, the I Read Labels For You safety standards are higher than many industry benchmarks.

For instance, while some certification programs, such as EWG Verified, allow phenoxyethanol, I avoid it completely, and you won’t find any products including this preservative recommended on my website. And I don’t stop at ingredients alone—when possible, I also evaluate formulation quality, eco-friendly packaging, and the integrity of a brand’s leadership.

What Are The Benefits Of Clean Skincare?

Let’s look into the following vital points:

• health safety
• benefits for sensitive skin
• eco-friendliness and sustainability
• ethical and humane manufacturing practices
• transparency and trustworthiness.

Safer For Your Health

To start with, clean skincare minimizes your exposure to potentially harmful ingredients such as endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, skin irritants or allergens. This means your skincare routine won’t increase the risk of hormone imbalances or allergic reactions.

I’ve personally experienced a serious health crisis that landed me in the hospital for six days. Because of that, I don’t take chances with skincare products that could increase health risks. (Learn about Clean Anti-Aging Skincare here.)

Better For Sensitive Skin

Next, many people with sensitive or acne prone skin experience relief when they switch to clean cosmetics. Indeed, harsh preservatives, strong cleansers, and powerful antibacterials can disrupt the skin’s natural microbiome, contributing to heightened sensitivity and inflammation. To truly care for sensitive skin, it’s essential to choose products that not only avoid harming the microbiome but also support its health and resilience. (Find out if Serums Are Good For Sensitive Skin.)

For example, research shows that commonly used cosmetic preservatives—like phenoxyethanol, parabens, and isothiazolinones—can disturb the skin microbiota by suppressing beneficial species such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. You won’t see any products including these harsh preservatives recommended to you on my website.

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable

Further, clean skincare brands often prioritize eco-friendly packaging and sustainably sourced ingredients. From biodegradable formulas to glass bottles instead of plastic, the environmental footprint is smaller. (Find out if Plastic Water Bottles Are Safe.)

Cruelty-Free & Ethical

Moreover, brands that avoid harsh or potentially harmful chemicals have little reason to rely on outdated animal testing methods. Hence, choosing cruelty-free skincare means you can care for your skin without compromising on your values and ethics. In fact, supporting Leaping Bunny-certified brands ensures that no animal testing is involved. It allows your skincare routine to reflect both your health goals and your compassion for animals.

Transparent & Trustworthy

Lastly, when I evaluate a skincare brand, one of the first things I look at is the ingredient list. If a company does not disclose its full list on the website, that’s a red flag. In my opinion, brands with nothing to hide publish complete ingredient lists using proper INCI naming conventions. Without this transparency, consumers can’t make informed choices about the products they use.

When you purchase from clean beauty companies that openly share their ingredients, you’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in honesty, quality, and safety. In other words, transparency is one of the clearest signs that a brand values its customers.

What Are The Best Clean Skincare Brands?

Below is a list of brands I consider worth mentioning, each with their unique strengths and limitations.

AnnMarie Skincare

First, AnnMarie focuses on wildcrafted and organic plant extracts, oils, and juices, while keeping preservatives to a minimum. Because of this, their products don’t resemble traditional creams and lotions—they have a more natural, earthy character. Most of their products are packaged in glass, which is a plus for sustainability.

That said, it’s important to remember that people with sensitive skin can sometimes react to plants as well. When a formula contains a great number of plant-based ingredients, the risk of irritation may increase. Also, I wish the brand were more transparent in distinguishing between organic and wildcrafted ingredients.

Attitude

Second, Attitude (10% off embedded in the link), an evolving Canadian company, offers a wide range of personal and skin care products at more affordable price points. However, I’ve noticed that some of their newer products include added fragrance (parfum) or aroma. If you choose this brand, I suggest checking the ingredients carefully and going for their unscented options.

Another downside is that most of their oils and plant extracts are not organic, and much of their packaging is plastic rather than glass or compostable alternatives. Still, this can be a good entry-level brand for those living in Canada and just beginning a clean skincare routine.

Beauty By Earth

Third, Beauty By Earth (15% off embedded in the link) offers a wide range of clean beauty products, from everyday skincare to sunscreens, and even self-tanners. Their products are accessible at lower price points, which makes them appealing for those new to clean beauty. However, the more affordable cost often comes with trade-offs, particularly in the quality and sustainability of their packaging.

Blissoma

Fourth, Blissoma is known for its use of minimally processed, plant-based ingredients. Because of this, their products often have natural colors and the raw, earthy scent of plants. The line offers options for a variety of skin types, from dry to acne prone, and the formulas are crafted in small batches to ensure freshness while keeping preservatives to a minimum. Also, the company places emphasis on eco-friendly packaging, aligning their products with a holistic, sustainable approach to skin care.

Crunchi

Fifth, Crunchi—this is where my heart and trust lie (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st order of $50+).

I first discovered Crunchi in 2017, just two years after they’d launched, when one of my blog readers asked for my opinion. As soon as I looked at their ingredient list, I was pleasantly surprised. After confirming that every product met my strict safety standards, I reached out and interviewed one of the founders, Melanie Petschke. Her expertise and deep commitment to both sustainability and health really impressed me.

Over the years, I’ve stayed in close contact with the company’s product development team. This relationship is invaluable—if they plan to change ingredients, I learn about it in advance and even have an opportunity to share my feedback on new formulas. That level of transparency and collaboration is rare in the beauty industry.

What truly makes Crunchi stand out is their ability to combine safety with real performance. Their skincare line is packed with powerhouse ingredients that help slow down visible signs of aging, and I’ve seen the difference in my own skin. I especially value their use of clinically active ingredients, like vitamin C, true collagen-stimulating peptides, niacinamide, bakuchiol, paracress, hyaluronic acid, and azelaic acid. These science-based ingredients support firmness, radiance, and overall skin health. They matter deeply to me because I am determined to look and feel youthful.

I’ve been enjoying Crunchi products since 2017, and my personal results are part of why I recommend them with such confidence. I also value the company’s commitment to sustainability. Thus, Crunchi uses plastic only in certain product caps (not in the bottles themselves), and they partner with 4Ocean to help remove plastic waste from the oceans.

Henne Organics

Next, Henne Organics (READLABELS for 15% off) emphasizes clean beauty by combining certified organic plant oils and extracts with elegant, eco-friendly packaging. Their skincare products are crafted with a touch of sophistication, making them a great choice for those who value facial oils and a feel of luxury.  Keep in mind that in Desire Lip Tint, they use Red 40 Lake, a synthetic pigment that I don’t recommend.

Meow Meow Tweet

Another company is Meow Meow Tweet, best known for its deodorants, balms, and facial oils. The brand is passionate about sustainability, using low-waste packaging such as glass jars and compostable tubes. Their skincare products tend to be simple, oil-based formulas that work well for those who appreciate a minimalist, eco-conscious approach to skincare.

Primally Pure

Further, Primally Pure (READLABELS10) also takes a minimalist approach, formulating products with shorter ingredient lists made of recognizable, plant-based ingredients. Their line includes facial oils, balms, and sunscreens designed to support healthy, balanced skin. Most of their packaging is glass, which reflects their commitment to sustainability.

Pure Haven

Finally, Pure Haven (PURE15)—a small business that has truly earned my trust over the years. I first discovered them while evaluating shampoos, and among 100 shampoos their formulas ranked at the top of my unbiased rating system. I was impressed not only by the clean ingredient profile but also by the products’ performance.

While they offer a full range of skincare products, Pure Haven is also known as a one-stop shop, with haircare, household cleaning products including dishwasher detergent, and even marine collagen that I take daily.

Just like Crunchi, what sets Pure Haven apart is my direct connection with the people in charge and their product development team. I’ve even visited their manufacturing facility in Rhode Island, which gave me firsthand insight into their integrity and processes. With Pure Haven, I learn about ingredient changes in advance, and I’m invited to provide feedback and contribute to new product formulations.

In addition, the Pure Haven skincare line stands out for incorporating prebiotics and probiotics that help support the skin microbiome, an exciting and emerging area of skin care and skin health science.  In my double-cleansing routine, I like using Pure Haven Facial Cleanser with Pre-Probiotics because it is effective and gentle at the same time.

Bottom line: The unique combination of transparency, innovation, and commitment to integrity is why I consider Pure Haven one of the very best clean skincare brands.

“Better” Skincare Brands

Not every brand I review makes it to my “Best” list. I’m often asked about Cocokind, and while they do use many natural and even some organic ingredients, some of their formulations don’t meet my strict safety standards. For example:

• Cocokind Electrolyte Water Cream contains acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer.
• Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum contains ceteareth-25, an ethoxylated ingredient.
• Cocokind Retinol Body Cream contains phenoxyethanol, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer.
• Cocokind Vitamin C Glow Serum contains sodium benzoate, which, in the presence of vitamin C, can form carcinogenic benzene. (Learn more in my blog post on Sodium Benzoate & Citric Acid Myth.)

In addition, Beautycounter has recently re-emerged as Counter with some skincare products. They use phenoxyethanol and acrylates in some products, which is why I recommend checking each ingredient list carefully.

Plus, some makeup products use petroleum-based lake pigments/dyes like Red 7 Lake (CI 15850) or Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090).

That is why I place these skincare brands in the “better” rather than “best” category.

Conclusion: What Are Truly Clean Skincare Brands?

Based On Their Commitment To Safety And Overall Transparency, I Consider Crunchi And Pure Haven Truly Clean And Non-Toxic Skin Care And Personal Care Brands.

To sum up, clean skincare is more than just a buzzword. It is about protecting yourself from potentially harmful chemicals while supporting skincare companies that align with your values. By paying attention to the ingredient list and choosing cruelty-free, sustainably sourced, and eco-friendly skincare products, you can create a skincare routine that supports both your health and the planet.

Consider the following companies:

• Crunchi—this is where my heart and trust lie (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st order of $50+)
• Pure Haven (PURE15)
• AnnMarie
• Attitude (10% off embedded in the link)
• Beauty By Earth (15% off embedded in the link)
• Blissoma
• Henne Organics (READLABELS for 15% off)
• Meow Meow Tweet
• Primally Pure (READLABELS10)

If you’re looking to expand your clean beauty journey, I also recommend checking out my non-toxic skincare and makeup shop as well as the I Read Labels For You blog. Besides, you will benefit greatly from my one-of-a-kind e-books and discover deals and inspiration when you join my weekly emails.