As an editor, dozens of products cross my desk each day, and it's my job to assess every new trend and ingredient brands are promoting with a skeptic's eye. One movement in particular that had me raising my eyebrows is the clean beauty trend, or products that are formulated without a laundry list of potentially harmful ingredients [1], such as the parabens, sulfates, and phthalates that many consumers try to actively avoid [2]. While this sounds ideal, I won't use a product unless it delivers real results. I want my makeup to be packed with pigment, my skin-care products to clear up blemishes, and everything to be as easy to use as possible.
Despite my resistance, there happen to be quite a few effective clean products on the market that fit the bill. Ahead, you'll find some picks that withstood even my impossibly high standards.
Pyt Beauty Upgrade Highlighter
The Pyt Beauty Upgrade Highlighter [4] ($22) swipes smoothly onto your skin and gives your complexion a radiant glow.
Youth to the People Superfood Skin Reset Mask
The bioactive Youth to the People Superfood Skin Reset Mask [5] ($44) helps to balance and exfoliate your skin with the nutrient spirulina.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
All skin types can benefit from the game-changing Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum [6] ($90), which dissolves dead cells with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids to reveal a more even, smooth texture.
Vibrancy Argan Oil Full-Coverage Concealer Fluid
The creamy Vibrancy Argan Oil Full-Coverage Concealer Fluid [7] ($28) seamlessly melts onto the skin while hiding under eye circles, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation with ease.
Lawless Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick
You'll become obsessed with the creamy formula of the Lawless Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick [8] ($25), which actually hydrates your lips instead of stripping them like many other liquid lipsticks do.