From the very beginning of my love affair with skincare, I’ve been a label reader. My eyes scanning for terms like ‘no parabens’ ‘no sulfates’ and ‘cruelty free’. While many skincare and beauty brands alike seem to be working towards creating cleaner products, I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to what products I will use on my skin.
Having sensitive skin can make things difficult when going with certain well-known brands and I learned my lesson when I tried out a product that several bloggers (who have often mentioned their sensitive skin) had recommended. I’ve never been one to have breakouts, and was blessed to have clear skin through by teenage years with only occasional breakouts around the certain time of the month, but my skin reacted to this product immediately and it wasn’t pretty. It took weeks before my skin cleared up. Lesson learned.
In this post I’m sharing about three of my favorite clean skincare brands, two I’ve been using for years, and the other is a brand new discovery.
Primally Pure
I first discovered the California based brand in June 2018. I’d been searching for a natural deodorant for years, but always ended up going back to my go-to deodorant with aluminum. Nothing else seemed to work, but I was determined to find a product that would. Ever since I tried my first unscented deodorant from Primally Pure, I’ve never looked back. In fact I’ve since turned my mom and a few of my co-workers onto my favorite deodorant.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to try out their lip balms, interviewed founder Bethany McDaniel and have become an affiliate for the brand. (You’ll see banners from time to time on my main page.)
Top Picks
Deodorant
Lip Balm
Body butter
Baby Bar
Flower Bath Soak
Read my interview with the founder of Primally Pure, Bethany McDaniel here.
Get 15% off your purchase with the code THEAVIDPEN15 through 3/31.
Waxing Kara
If you follow Waxing Kara on Instagram, you’ll have probably heard about their latest line of clean skincare products, Sea + Tea. I had the opportunity to try out two of the products from the line before they official launched and I was beyond impressed. If the packaging doesn’t get you (I love a well designed product) then the products themselves will convince you to add them to your skincare routine.
If I had to name a favorite, it would probably be the mask, because one, I have always had a mask obsession and two, it’s completely customizable. Have combination skin like I do? Just add almond milk instead of water.
Top Picks
Sea + Tea Mask
Sea + Tea Scrub
Read more about these products in my review here.
Herbivore
Herbivore is the brand that officially converted me from shower gels to bar soap. The Pink Clay Soap Bar helped with my pesky dry skin, and didn’t have an overwhelming scent which is a win/win those of us with fragrance allergies.
Since I like to share my love of skincare with my mom and sister during our yearly vacations together, I’ve also picked up some of their soaks and most recently the Coco Rose Body Scrub. Nothing says relaxation like an impromptu spa day from the comfort of your hotel room.
Top Picks
Pink Clay Soap Bar
Calm Soaking Salts
Coconut Milk Bath Soak
Coco Rose Body Scrub
Read my reviews about these products here & here.
Do you have a favorite clean skincare brand? Let me know in the comments below.
Herbivores orchid facial oil has been the best thing I’ve ever used on my skin! ?