11 Best Affordable Natural & Organic Skincare Brands for Glowing Skin
Traditional skincare products contain a lot of chemicals known to be harmful to humans as well as our environment.
The effects of these chemicals on their own might be minimal, but as something we use in our everyday lives, it tends to add up to produce an enormous impact.
There are many of us who want to make the change to organic skincare products but are unsure of which products to use and which ones to avoid.
This guide helps conscious consumers understand the importance of choosing clean skincare, features a list of organic skin care brands that are a great place to start when exploring a natural skin care routine, and educates consumers on the importance of reading the ingredient list.
Plus, I’m sharing some of my personal favorite organic skincare products!
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
Benefits of Using Organic Skin Care Products
While many of us are conscious about the food we put in our body, most of us turn a blind eye to the cosmetics we use. What we don’t realize is that 60% of what we apply on the skin is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Turning to organic skincare products lets us take a preventative approach giving us more control over our long-term health. There is also less risk of allergies, partly because of the transparent list of ingredients provided.
Be sure to read our list of ingredients to avoid further down in the post!
Since most of these components are from environmentally conscious companies, the products will typically be made free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Similarly these clean beauty brands are also typically waste conscious in the manufacturing process. The packaging used is also more likely to be degradable or from recycled waste.
All in all, using organic products moves us one step closer to environmental responsibility and growing global consciousness.
Is Organic Skincare More Expensive?
Clean beauty products will be more expensive than your traditional drug store brands, but this is typically due to high quality ingredients and more ethical supply chains. However, it is possible to find some affordable options for your organic skincare routine.
11 Top Budget-friendly Natural & Organic Skincare Brands with Clean Ingredients
This clean skincare brand list features a variety of budgets including affordable brands that are a great starting place! All of these brands feature a great product free from harsh chemicals.
UPCIRCLE Upcycled & Organic Skincare
PRICE RANGE: $9-$54
Upcircle is on a mission to leave the world better than they found it by using ingredients that would normally be discarded into natural, organic beauty & skincare products.
Their skincare products feature upcycled, natural, and organically grown ingredients. They even have a Retun + Refill program!
Upcircle is a certified B Corporation, Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free, and Plastic Negative.
I personally love their serum and moisturizer! But my favorite product I’ve purchased from this brand has been the Coffee Face Scrub!
EcoRoots Natural Zero Waste Skincare
PRICE RANGE: $12-$30
EcoRoots is an online zero waste shop on a mission to provide conscious consumers with the best eco-friendly and low-waste products out there.
From beauty and health to household products, their eco-friendly lineup is here to help you find sustainable alternatives to everyday essentials!
Their natural zero waste skincare products feature Rose Water Toner, Pumpkin Face Masks, Facial Soap Bars, Facial Cream and more.
Their skincare products feature organic ingredients and an affordable price point.
I’ve personally tried a wide range of EcoRoots products and I’d have to say the Pumpkin Face Mask and Rose Water Toner are my favorites!
Pretty Farm Girl’s Affordable Non-toxic Skincare Products
Price Range: $8-$70
Pretty Farm Girl has taken the struggle out of shopping for non-toxic skincare with their natural products.
These skin and body products are scented lightly with 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils. Pretty Farm Girl products never contain synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals or parabens.
Sustainable shoppers can find organic serums, cleansing grains, tallow moisturizers, and more! Plus, use the discount code THEHONESTCONSUMER for 10% off these clean skincare products.
I personally have tried the cleansing grains, cleansing oil, and body oils which have been so gentle on my skin!
Earth Harbor’s Natural Skin Care Made with Organic Ingredients
PRICE RANGE: $16-$48
Earth Harbor harnesses the natural power of Ocean & Earth to bring conscious consumers safe, ethical, sustainable products.
Founded by certified health scientist and herbalist, Ali Perry-Hatch, MPH, developed holistic phyto-technology to bring you customizable formulas that replace toxic synthetic ingredients with their safe botanical superiors.
Earth Harbor’s products are made without synthetic ingredients (artificial dyes, fragrances, synthetic preservatives), GMOs, gluten, soy, toxins, fillers, chemical additives, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, phenoxyethanol, dimethicone, emulsifying wax, nanoparticles, mineral oils, petroleum, and over 2,700 other questionable chemicals found in the beauty industry— including all 1,300+ banned in the EU.
I recently purchased the Glow on Kit from Earth Harbor and loved it! This set gave me mini bottles of Glow Juice Refining Mask, Luna Rain Serum, Mermaid Milk Nutrient Moisturizer, and Marina Brightening Ampoule.
Th Glow on Kit was a great way to try multiple products in smaller quantities. I loved how all the products smelled and felt on my skin.
Their skin care features clean ingredients that are certified organic, non-GMO and/or wildcrafted. Their skin care products feature toner, serums, moisturizers, cleansers, exfoliators, and more.
Earth Habor’s skincare can easily be purchased on Amazon or Thrive Market.
Satya Indigenous Owned Natural Skin Care Products
PRICE RANGE: $13-$42
Originally made by a mother for her baby’s eczema skin condition, Satya has a couple of natural skincare products for those with sensitive skin.
Made with just 5 organic ingredients which include calendula petals, pressed jojoba pressed almond oil, beeswax, and colloidal oatmeal.
This Indigenous woman owned brand has many glowing reviews and recommendations from people suffering from eczema, especially as it boasts a steroid-free formula for relieving itchiness and dry skin.
I personally use The One Stick by Satya to moisturize my skin during the winter months when it gets extra dry.
Satya products can be conveniently purchased on Amazon.
Annmarie Skin Care Botanical Infused Products
PRICE RANGE: $19.99+
Annmarie Skin Care handcrafts skin care using organic and wildcrafted ingredients for beautiful, glowing skin. They do this with their 3-step, Energized Botanical Infusion Process.
Annmarie Skin Care’s process involves responsibly sourcing organic and wildcrafted ingredients, infusing hand-selected herbs into organic aloe vera and skin-nutritive oils at low heat, and adding high-performance seed oils, antioxidant-rich botanicals, and synergistic plant stem cells that deliver skin-supporting nutrients and luxurious aromatherapy.
All of Annmarie Skin Care products are MadeSafe Certified, Leaping Bunny Certified, Made in the USA, Non-GMO, and Cruelty-Free. Conscious consumers will discover pH balance cleansers, toners, activated serums, sultry body care, and more!
Meow Meow Tweet's Vegan Products
PRICE RANGE: $8-$25
An all-natural vegan apothecary, Meow Meow Tweet is all about providing ethical, eco-friendly, and sustainable personal care products, including shampoo and conditioner powders and bars.
Meow Meow Tweet’s products are palm-free and Fair Trade, using ingredients that are certified organic, non-GMO, and sourced from strong or renewable plant populations. Their skincare features affordable prices.
Conscious consumers can find Matcha Lime Exfoliant Face Masks, Facial Soaps, Skin Cream, Face Oils, Toners, and more at Meow Meow Tweet.
Cocokind Organic Skincare for Acne & Dry Skin
Price Range: $9-$74
Cocokind is a clean skincare brand offering products for skin problems like acne and dry skin. They offer a detailed list of ingredients in each product along with their benefits. Select products feature organic ingredients.
Some of their bestsellers are the Oat to milk cleanser, the Sake body lotion, and the Turmeric tonic.
I’ve purchased some of their masks and eye creams which have all been great quality.
The Organic skincare co.
PRICE RANGE: $24-$85
The Organic Skin Co. creates modern, high-performing, organic skincare and makeup that cares for you and gives our planet a helping hand.
They’re all about regenerative products that come from the earth, work like magic on your skin, and can either be recycled or returned to the soil after use.
Primally Pure’s Clean Skincare
Price Range: $4-$100
Primally Pure products are made with certified organic ingredients that are sourced from family owned farms, when possible. All of Primally Pure’s clean non-toxic skincare is handmade in California.
Primally Pure offers face masks, serums, lip balms, mists, creams, and cleansing oils all made with organic ingredients.
I personally love using Primally Pure’s Clarifying Serum and feel that it helps my skin stay clear and my face to feel fresh.
Kora Organics Organic Beauty Products
PRICE RANGE: $28-$107
Organic certified, deemed cruelty-free, non-toxic, no artificial fragrance, and using environmentally friendly packaging, Kora Organics is making significant strides in the organic skincare community.
Some of their award-winning products are the Noni Glow Face Oil, Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum, and Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum. For those who want to try the product before committing, they offer 1 ml packages for a trial period.
They also have experts advising on selecting products best suited for various skin types and problems.
What harmful ingredients are used in the skin care industry?
Other than color additives, cosmetic products do not need FDA approval for pre-marketing.
In fact, companies can use the blanket term ‘fragrance’ instead of listing out all the components, because fragrances are supposed to be trade secrets, allowing for a lot of harmful ingredients to fly under the radar.
As consumers we should beware and look out for some of these chemicals in your skincare products:
Phthalates – used as solvents, known to cause hormonal dysregulation.
Toluene –causes harmful effects to fetuses
Lead – a carcinogenic element found in lipsticks and eyeliner
PABA and Benzones – found in sunscreens, endocrine disruption
Triclosans – hormone dysregulation
Drying alcohols (ethanol, methanol, denatured alcohol) – drying and flakiness of the skin
Formaldehyde – used as a preservative, associated with hair loss and neurotoxicity
What is the Impact of Toxic Ingredients on Human Health
The effect of these products on our health is multifaceted. They can cause any symptom ranging from mild skin irritation to a high risk of cancers.
Many of these chemicals cause disruptions in the hormonal system, causing early puberty which is a risk factor for breast cancer, thyroid hormone dysregulation, and infertility.
Some of these chemicals like retinoids, oxybenzone, aluminum chloride, and formaldehyde when used during pregnancy also cause untoward effects on the fetus which could lead to defects and malformations in the baby.
Be Wary of the Ingredient List
Before buying any products, it is essential to look at all the ingredients and labels. Choose from companies known to be transparent about the list of chemicals used in their products as well as warnings about irritation and allergies.
A product that has not been tested will contain the phrase “WARNING - The safety of this product has not been determined”. Moreover, be careful to choose fragrance-free products and avoid synthetic ingredients. When in doubt, always go for more organic brands.
What is the Environmental Impact of Toxic Skincare Products
If the above-mentioned reasons weren’t enough to put you off of careless consumerism of beauty products, then this might help. In addition to being harmful to humans, many of these chemicals also pose a threat to our environment.
Sulfates, responsible for producing lather in most soaps and shampoos, are non-degradable and accumulate in water sources. Triclosan has been found to be toxic to aquatic bacteria. They also contribute to the rising problem of antibiotic resistance.
Oxybenzone, found in sunscreen has been implicated in the destruction of coral reefs. Microbeads seen in most body scrubs contain plastic, which when ingested by fish and birds cause death.
Microbeads in fact have been banned in the US since 2015, though the older products continue to circle in the market.
In addition to the detrimental impact of various chemicals, you have to also consider the waste accumulated from single-use products like makeup wipes and sheet masks. The packaging of cosmetics, especially plastic bottles, is also non-biodegradable and should be taken into account when purchasing beauty products.
Hopefully this guide helped you learn a bit about the importance of skincare made with organic ingredients! Be sure to read those labels and be cautious about what you put on your skin.
MEET THE AUTHORS
INDUSTRY RESEARCH
Anamika is a scientist by day and a freelance writer by night! She is a researcher with a background in Forest Sciences with strong interests in sustainability. She is currently pursuing her PhD from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and writes blogs related to sustainability and the environment in her free time. Learn more from Anamika on LinkedIn.
PRODUCT TRIAL & RECOMMENDATION
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, ethical fashion, and practicing slow living.
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