7 Natural Skincare Products That Actually Work
July 19, 2018 • 3 min read
With an increasing number of people becoming more vocal about the chemicals used in the mainstream beauty industry, we’re seeing a growing number of brands that are offering natural and clean alternatives. While this shift is amazing and well-received by health-conscious consumers, we do have to be wary of the term “natural”. A lot of bigger, corporate giants use this term loosely to attract green beauty enthusiasts, when in reality, their products are still full of harmful chemicals. On the flip side, many natural brands have all the right ingredients, but their products just don’t work. How do we find a happy medium?
Well, as always, we’re here to ensure you have access to the right information. We’ve made the effort for you and have tried and tested these 7 natural skincare products that actually work. From incredible brands, these products ensure you have a full skincare (and haircare) routine from start to finish. Not only do these products work, but they are clean, cruelty-free, good for you and good for the environment!
You might also like: 6 Best Natural Deodorants That Work
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Luna Nectar Moon Boost Lash and Brow Enhancing Serum
This product is pure magic! A Canadian product that we couldn’t be more thrilled with, this natural lash and brow enhancing serum works incredibly! Formulated without chemicals or hormones like most mainstream serums, Moon Boost is 100% natural, vegan, organic and cruelty-free.
The elixir is to be applied at night and is lightweight and non-irritating. I’ve used it for just 3 weeks and can already see a massive difference in both my lashes and brows!
Luna Nectar uses only ethically-sourced ingredients, the tubes are made from bamboo, ensuring they are plastic-free and the boxes are made from recycled paper. The serum is formulated without parabens, sulfates, dyes, fragrance, phthalates, dimethicone, petroleum, talc, bismuth oxychloride, gluten or nanoparticles. This milky serum is comprised of aloe vera juice, argan oil, vitamin E, sweet almond oil, red clover extract, algae extract, bamboo extract, biotin and burdock root extract. This is my number one recommendation for a natural lash serum that works!
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Natural deodorants have a bit of a bad rep, simply because many people have tried brands that just don’t work. The concern with anti-perspirants and non-natural deodorants are the very high health risks that they possess, especially for women. With parabens and aluminum being the biggest concern, natural deodorants are formulated without them. I’ve personally tried quite a few brands and my favourite is Routine. It’s hands-down the best deodorant on the market (natural or not!) and it works like a charm. After a full day outside in the sun and heat, I returned home to find that I still smelled like the lovely lavender in the deodorant from Routine!
Another Canadian brand that is quickly climbing the charts, this company makes deodorants that cater to a host of restrictions, from non-beeswax formulas for vegans, non-baking soda formulas for sensitive skin, and non-scented options for scent-adverse skin. The deodorants are all formulated without aluminum zirconium, aluminum chlorohydrate, parabens, triclosan, or propylene glycol. The reason natural deodorants are also usually in tubs rather than sticks is to reduce bacterial contamination. Rubbing the same stick over your stinky pits every day isn’t exactly great for them, so a tub ensures the deodorant stays effective until the bottom of the jar (which is made from glass, so yay, recycling!)
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On days when you have a little extra time and want to indulge in some skin-deep self-care, the only thing you need is this body oil from Sahajan. This Toronto-based brand formulates all its products in the basis of Ayurvedic science, the ancient medicinal practice of India. The scent of this oil alone is enough to take you from reality to an earthy, romantic spa in the jungle. Instantly relaxing and transporting you to a dreamy state, this luxurious oil provides your skin with a ton of hydration and a beautiful glow.
I love using it after the shower on damp skin to thoroughly moisturize my skin and keep it soft and smooth. With ingredients that work, and that are good for you, this oil has a base blend of coconut oil, almond oil sesame oil, as well as sunflower, jojoba, and avocado oils, and comes in a recyclable glass bottle.
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On days that I’m in a bit of a hurry, my dry skin needs some sort of moisturizer. I love using Phillip Adam’s Lavender Lotion. With a lightweight feel, I can put clothes on right after and don’t feel any residue or film lingering.
Made with rice bran oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, and lavender, this lotion absorbs quickly and keeps skin soft and hydrated all day, with the delicate scent of lavender wafting up. The lotion is made without parabens, gluten, harsh preservatives, dyes or petroleum by products. It’s cruelty-free, never tested on animals, vegan, and biodegradable.
For a natural yet effective lotion, Phillip Adam is definitely a great brand to consider.
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Sahajan Essential Oil Cleanser
This cleanser is everything and more! I’ve truly never used a better cleanser and washing my face has become a ritual I love. I use it before bed, and this amazing blend is super gentle and easily removes my makeup with very little effort.
In terms of low-waste, I no longer need to use makeup remover or cotton pads – this cleanser does it all! It’s also in a recyclable glass bottle, which is fantastic for going #plasticfree.
While many people are nervous about using an oil-based product on their skin, the fact is that oil is actually one of the most beneficial ingredients to use. Melting away your makeup (yes, waterproof mascara also), dirt, excess sebum and pollutants, this cleanser is super rich and delicate, leaving skin hydrated and clean. Made with moringa oil, rose oil and coconut oil, this blend is high in antioxidants and moisturizing properties – I honestly can’t recommend it enough!
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Anne Marie Borlind Rose Dew Night Cream
This night cream is super hydrating and moisturizing, ensuring your skin is regenerated overnight. With a lovely, delicate rose scent, herbal extracts and botanical oils, this cream goes on smoothly and feels lightweight and refreshing.
Some of the key benefits are the increase of elasticity, smoothing of wrinkles, and replenishing of oil. The active ingredients are all healthy and good – avocado, cucumber, gingko, hops, panthenol, rose, sage and vitamins C and E. I find that I wake up with smoother skin that has a subtle glow, especially when I use it after the Sahajan Oil Cleanser.
This cream is great for those with dryer skin.
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Phillip Adam Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner
Renowned across Canada for being a leader in natural shampoos, Phillip Adam’s apple cider vinegar concoction is amongst the top brands when it comes to clean haircare. This product ensures a clean wash, the elimination of dandruff over time, and healthy ingredients that are good for your scalp and the environment. Formulated without SLS, parabens and gluten, these shampoos are also cruelty-free, vegan, and biodegradable. While not completely “natural”, Phillip Adam’s shampoo and conditioner are a much closer step to a cleaner product than your mainstream brands like Pantene or Dove.
Made in Vancouver, Canada, Phillip Adam is high on my list when it comes to my haircare routine.
Some of these products were in collaboration with Forage & Sustain, but as always, our opinions remain our own.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a commission if you decide to buy something (at no extra cost to you!). Thank you so much for making a purchase through these links!
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