Not all things non-toxic and (mostly) clean have to rack up your beauty bill or be pre-ordered online. While some things deserve a splurge, others you can get away with snagging in a pinch from a drugstore or your local grocer.
Always take the time to look at your labels. While most drugstore or grocery beauty products can’t afford to be 110% clean and natural due to storage concerns, there are some pretty clean options out there that either have very few preservatives or use mostly natural and safe ingredients to maintain shelf life. Here are a few of our drugstore skincare faves.
Aloe Vera Soothing Body Wash
Price: $10
Jason
Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, dyes, and cruelty, this hydrating body cleanser is gentle on even the most sensitive skin. Pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E are the power ingredients in this soothing soap alternative.
Skin Food Ultra Rich Cream
Price: $19
Weleda
Viola tricolor, calendula, and chamomile are healing in a base of beeswax and opulent botanical oils that make this a hero product across the board, even for non-clean-beauty converts. It’s ultra-rich and can be used as a sleeping mask, eczema treatment, cuticle cream, or even used strategically over makeup as a highlighter.
Rosewater
Price: $11
Heritage
Two ingredients: vor-mag water, which according to Heritage themselves is “water that has been vortexed and magnetized to raise the energy to a higher vibration that we believe to be more beneficial,” and rosa damascena (hydroessential rose) flower oil. It’s super versatile, hydrating, and such a lovely, classic scent. Use it as a perfume that you can spray as much as you want, whenever you want, or use it as a cooling mist to refresh your face, armpits, or anywhere, any time of day. It’s great to apply pre-products for an added hydration boost, or to set your makeup for a dewy, glowing finish.
Bentonite Healing Clay
Price: $15
Aztec Secret
The 100% natural calcium bentonite clay is derived from and sun-dried in Death Valley, California. That’s it. It has super powerful drawing properties, so it’s the perfect main ingredient in a number of DIY mask recipes, like this one for detoxing your pits, but can even be taken internally for digestive duress, like food poisoning. Because it’s so powerful, it’s best not to exceed 10 minutes on more sensitive facial skin, as it can be over-drying. But masks aren’t just for the face, and this clay is safe for everywhere!
Lavender Coconut Hand and Body Lotion
Price: $12
Dr.Bronner's Organic
A favorite simple, honest, grassroots brand, Dr. Bronners hand and body lotion is perfect for yourself and the whole family. Packed with nourishing oils like jojoba, coconut, hem, and avocado, it works well for even sensitive skin, and absorbs fast. Keep one by the kitchen sink to apply after drying detergent, one in the bathroom for after bathtime, and at your bedside table so that you’re never without.
Ylang Ylang & Calendula Deodorant
Price: $25
Schmidt's
Pay no mind to other “natural” deodorants on your drugstore shelves—this one is the real deal. A lot of alternative deodorants stocked at the grocery or drugstore are yes, aluminum- or antiperspirant-free, but they still contain propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances, while Schmidt’s absolutely does not. Even their heavenly scents are all naturally derived from essential oils and botanicals. The finish is not sticky or greasy, and it’s long-lasting to boot.
Sulfur Cleansing Bar
Price: $11 (2-pack)
10% Sulfur Soap
Sulfur works similarly to benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. It’s just as effective, but for many, a little less harsh. While the hero ingredient is drying to acne, rosacea, and rashes, it does little to harm or dry up healthy, normal skin, so it’s safe to use daily or several times a week. It also helps slough off dead skin cells to help prevent new breakouts. So, if you just can’t get yourself to shell out beaucoup bucks on a fancy cleanser for your acne-prone skin, give this steal a try.
Lavender Chamomile Sleep Bath Bomb Multi-Pack
Price: $27
Nature's Beauty
Formulated with plant-based cleansers and certified organic oils, this bath bomb will upgrade your next relaxing night in while you enjoy some quality me time.
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