We all want to slow down the aging clock, reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and acne, and boost our natural skin glow. But easier said than done, right? With so many products on the market, it can be hard to know what to choose! While this is true, there’s one thing we know for certain: not all skincare products are created equal! In case you didn’t know, the beauty industry can be ugly. The use of toxic ingredients and harmful chemicals is continuing to grow, and our health (and our skin) is paying the price.
For expert advice, we spoke with Cosmetic Acupuncturist Courtney Fletcher of Courtney Rose Acupuncture. Through the use of microneedling, herbal skincare treatments, whole-body acupuncture, and cosmetic acupuncture, Courtney’s philosophy is to address underlying conditions as well as problem areas, intending to support the natural aging process and heal the body from inside and out. “I’m overly picky about what I put on my skin but also get annoyed with the amount of time it takes to find a great product line you can trust. To save you time and trouble, I’m sharing my favorites from product lines you can trust; no need to read, go ahead and buy!”
No matter if you’re acne-prone or struggling with severely sensitive skin, we’ve got you covered with the best products (made with the best ingredients). No harmful ingredients, toxic chemicals, or unrecognizable labels! From sunscreens to serums, here are the best green skincare products for all your needs.
RELATED: 30-Day Glowing Skin Challenge
Green Skincare Products for Acne-Prone Skin
Do you experience hormonal breakouts? Or maybe suffer from red, irritated skin? These acne-prone products can help address the root cause of your issues (without causing further damage or irritation)! Formulated with gentle yet powerful ingredients — such as honey, green tea extract, and turmeric — these all-natural skin care products work to remove impurities and keep your skin clear for a more confident you!
Cleanser: 100% Pure — Pore Detox Herbal Cleanser
Gentle exfoliation does exist! Ingredients like dandelion, neem, and green clay help wash away impurities while still nourishing and protecting the skin. “I like to use this Pore Detox Herbal Cleanser as a gentle exfoliant 1-2 times per week,” says Fletcher. “It’s great for acne-prone or red skin because it contains an amazing botanical blend of dandelion, turmeric, neem, wheatgrass, and coneflower to clear heat. And when paired with rosemary, oregano, and tea tree to squash bacteria buildup, this little bottle is a dream come true. They’ve balanced this out with nourishing and restorative ingredients like lavender, green clay, and colloidal oatmeal to provide a product that is gentle, nourishing, and clearing.” It’s great for normal, oily, and combination skin types — prepare yourself for a skin-soothing clean!
Serum: Primally Pure Clarifying Serum
Glowing, radiant skin is on the horizon! The Clarifying Serum by Primally Pure is bursting with skin nutrition thanks to antioxidant-rich green tea and vitamin-rich Marula, and prickly pear seed oil. Formulated to address active breakouts, acne scarring, and sun damage, this botanical-based recipe is a triple threat — especially for acne-prone skin! Deeply restorative and highly effective to repair hyperpigmentation, brighten skin tone, and soothe inflammation. A true skin essential.
Sunscreen: Farmacy Green Defense SPF
This mineral-based, broad-spectrum SPF 30 by Farmacy is made with everything you’ll love and nothing you won’t. It’s free from synthetic fragrance to avoid toxins and prevent inflammation and infused with ingredients that support acne-prone skin, such as Moringa, Winter Cherry, and Beta Carotene. Finally, a way to protect your skin with a non-greasy formula!
The Best Natural Ingredients for Acne-Prone Skin:
Honey: powerful enzymes, antibacterial, antimicrobial properties for inflammation and irritation.
Tea Tree Essential Oil: antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial properties for inflammation, redness, irritation; works as a powerful spot treatment.
Green Tea Extract: contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that soothe redness and irritation while.
Aloe Vera: soothes and calms skin for irritation, inflammation, and redness.
Activated Charcoal: draws out bacteria, dirt, and oil to reduce and prevent breakouts.
Turmeric: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for redness, irritation, and breakouts.
Green Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin
Does your skin react to even the slightest change (whether it’s the environment, ingredients, lifestyle factors… you name it)? Good news, these sensitive-type skincare products are for you. Easily irritated skin just requires a little extra mindfulness and TLC. The trick to keeping your skin calm, cool, and collected? Avoid any harsh or fragrant ingredients (such as acids or highly fragrant botanicals), and use all-natural products made with ingredients that have a calming, soothing effect — such as aloe vera, calendula, and sunflower seed oil.
Cleanser: Wild Grace Apothecary Rosy Cheeks Exfoliating Mask
“One of my favorite small-batch businesses hands down is Wild Grace Apothecary,” says Fletcher. “Katie’s collection is wildcrafted, rooted in TCM, Ayurveda, and western herbalism, and rotates seasonally. Seriously though, what more could you want?? Her entire collection is amazing, but I’ve recently become obsessed with her Rosy Cheeks Exfoliating Mask for a number of reasons. First and foremost, because it is 100% plants!”.
“This mask comes in a powdered form so that it does not need to contain any preservative or binding agents; it can be mixed with water or one of her amazing hydrosols to create the consistency desired. It’s high in vitamin C from the rose hips and hibiscus brightening the complexion and is paired with the healing properties of Yarrow, which really creates a very balanced product that is great for sensitive, dry, damaged, combination, and overactive skin. And in case all of that didn’t convince you, then buy it for the smell. It’s next-level aromatherapy.” Yep. We’re convinced.
Treatment: Cocokind Revitalizing Eye Cream
Dark circles and under-eye bags — we’ve all been there. And if your skin is ultra-sensitive, finding ways to soothe the inflammation without drawing more attention to the area can be extra tricky. Luckily, this Cocokind Revitalizing Eye Cream was designed to cool and soothe the skin while enhancing under-eye hydration and puffy, sagging skin. Enriched with Marula oil, Hibiscus, Oat extract, and Persian Silk Tree to depuff and brighten your eyes in an easy-to-apply skin-soothing treatment!
The Best Natural Ingredients for Sensitive Skin:
Calendula: contains antioxidants, carotenoids, fatty acids, and flavonoids & may promote collagen synthesis, support healing, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Aloe vera: rich in B Vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory properties to promote skin healing and soothe irritation.
Yarrow: rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to soothe redness and irritation.
Chamomile: rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory properties that protect and soothe the skin for redness and sensitivity.
Sunflower oil: rich in fatty acids, vitamin E and contains little fragrance to reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier.
Green Skincare Products for Aging Skin
If you’re looking to slow down skin aging and reduce fine lines and wrinkles (the all-natural way), these products are for you! Made with collagen-stimulating and antioxidant-rich ingredients — such as sea buckthorn oil, pomegranate extract, and Vitamin C — treat your skin to botanical-rich green skincare products that will nourish and repair from the inside out.
Serum: Living Libations Sea Buckthorn Serum
Nicknamed the “best skin ever” serum, because this anti-aging Sea Buckthorn Serum really does give you the best skin ever. Made with nourishing plant-based nutrients like sea buckthorn, tamanu oil, and essential oils of lavender and vetiver for a nutrient-rich dose of holistic skin healing. This beautifully crafted serum glides on silky smooth and penetrates deep into your skin without leaving behind a greasy texture or shine.
Sunscreen: Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral 30 SPF
Clinically proven to improve skin hydration in a non-greasy formula safe for sensitive and aging skin. Plant-based (and reef-safe!) ingredients like zinc oxide protect the outer skin barrier, while ingredients like squalene and water lily work to hydrate the skin and soothe irritation. This lightweight formula works perfectly under makeup and should be a summer staple to protect against UV damage!
Treatment: OSEA Advanced Protection Cream
This deeply restorative Advanced Protection Cream by OSEA was formulated to moisturize and plump the skin, helping to hydrate and repair without weighing skin down. Made with nourishing botanicals like safflower seed oil, squalene, seaweed, jojoba, and chamomile for a toxin-free skin-firming solution. Use morning and night for the ultimate glow-up!
The Best Natural Ingredients for Aging Skin:
Pomegranate Extract: stimulates collagen production and skin healing, protects against UV damage, rich in polyphenols and antioxidants.
Green Tea: rich in antioxidants to repair and regenerate skin.
Sea Buckthorn Oil: rich in antioxidants that deeply nourish and repair the skin while reducing inflammation and signs of stress.
Vitamin C: stimulates collagen production and supports cell turnover.
Rosehip Oil: rich in Vitamin C to stimulate collagen, even skin tone, reduce inflammation, and protect against damage.
Green Skincare Products for All Skin Types
Your skin is unique — sometimes it’s hard to confine yourself to one category! Maybe your skin is somewhere between oily and dry. Or, maybe you experience sporadic breakouts depending on the weather, stress levels, or where you’re at in your cycle. Whatever the case, these products, and skincare ingredients are generally good for all skin types. They’re not too drying or moisturizIng, they’re generally indicated for sensitive skin (but aren’t formulated specifically toward that skin issue), and they contain nourishing nutrients that promote skin repair for healthy aging. If you’re not struggling with one specific concern, think of these products as your baseline! They’re pretty much good for all the things.
Serum: Evan Healy Sanctuary Serum
Just like it sounds, this Sanctuary Serum by Evan Healy feels like true skin luxury. It’s lightweight yet moisturizing, good for dull, mature, and stressed skin, and made with pure botanicals and nutrients (like rose, pomegranate, sea buckthorn, and calendula). Best of all? For an organic and nutrient-rich formula, it’s extremely affordable. You only need a few drops, so it will last you, too! Use this as your daily skin nourishment!
Sunscreen: Coola Facial SPF
If you ask me, SPF is the single most important skincare essential. But, it can be hard to find a non-toxic SPF that doesn’t feel thick, sticky, and smothering. Enter: Coola’s Facial SPF — my favorite product on the market! It’s lightweight, formulated with protective plant-based ingredients, and even layers perfectly under makeup! Infused with healing ingredients like aloe and meadowfoam, it’s perfect for all skin types and deserves a permanent spot in your medicine cabinet.
Cleanser: Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser
Soothe, replenish, soften, and moisturize with this good-for-all-skin types Oil to Milk Cleanser. Made with sunflower seed, grapeseed, and oat for a nourishing and gentle cleanse that removes dirt while protecting the skin barrier (hint: a cleanser that won’t strip your skin of moisture!). With over 2,000 nearly 5-star reviews, you won’t be disappointed. Did we mention it’s less than $20?
Product Spotlight: Dr. Sebaa’s Elixir Serum
A special product spotlight to keep on your radar: Dr. Sebaa’s Elixir Serum. This small-batch skincare product is only available twice per year (seasonally, in Spring and Winter). And though it’s sold out for the season, it’s worth the mention!
“The all-in-one for every one product! You have to catch this one while you can as there is only one batch released for the Spring/Summer collection and one for the Fall/Winter collection, but I promise the hunt is well worth it,” says Fletcher. “Each season, Dr. Sebaa makes little tweaks to her formula, making each batch truly one of a kind. What I love most (besides the heavenly scents) is that this product can be incorporated with other products or is excellent as a stand-alone, no layering needed. Plus, it can be used night and day. I personally use it at the end of all of my facials to seal in all the products used and allow for one last deep, mindful inhale as aromatherapy and at home for my facial Gua Sha routine.”
The Best Natural Ingredients for All Skin Types:
Turmeric: rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and nutrients that repair skin damage, soothe inflammation and brighten the complexion
Squalane: natural emollient that locks in moisture, strengthens the skin barrier and improves skin texture and damage.
Honey: enhances skin tone and texture while reducing inflammation for a brightening effect.
Vitamin C: stimulates collagen production and supports cell turnover.
Hyaluronic Acid: rich in nutrients that moisturize the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance skin texture.
Green Skincare Products for Dull Skin
Stress, natural skin aging, and harsh products can dull your shine. But, with a little know-how, the right products can help you revive your skin and restore your inner radiance! Think of these products as food for your skin. Whether your skin is dehydrated, lacking nourishment, or just needing a little extra love, here are the must-have products to add to your beauty routine.
Serum: Maelove Glowmaker Serum
The name says it all — this all-natural Maelove Vitamin C Serum is everything you need for a radiant glow! Vitamin C is largely responsible for the powerful effects of this superstar skin serum, though hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, and aloe are nourishing ingredients that deserve a skincare spotlight. It’s lightweight, affordable, and comes with over 14,000 nearly 5-star reviews! Add this to your skincare shopping cart ASAP.
Treatment: YINA — Essential Mist
Formulated to address stress, fatigue, and dehydration, this botanical-rich formula is a dream come true for dull skin. “I fell in love with YINA because of their background in East Asian/ Traditional Chinese Medicine,” says Fletcher. “YINA has created a beautiful product line with serums that can be used by anyone and rotated seasonally or used year-round specifically for a certain concern.”
“While I love everything they have to offer (and use their whole line in my cosmetic acupuncture practice) I want to highlight their toner The Essential Mist. It contains adaptogens, prebiotics, and antioxidants, which makes it perfect for any skin type and almost impossible to compete with any other toner. Adaptogens tremella and cordyceps work synergistically to tonify both Yin and Yang and, in Chinese Medicine, enter the lungs, which regulate and govern the skin. Herbs like white tea, lotus, rose, and helichrysum act to nourish, restore and hydrate and create a beautiful aroma that every single one of my patients looks forward to.” If you’re looking for a natural recipe for skin glow, hydration, and nourishment, this is for you!
Sunscreen: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40
Made with hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, and sea lavender to gently hydrate and nourish the skin in a lightweight formula. Choose from two different shades for a natural sun-kissed glow! If you’re looking to enhance your skin shine while helping your skin breathe, Supergoop! SPF 40 may be the perfect bronzer alternative. With nearly 5,000 4-5 star reviews, it’s safe to say this product is trustworthy and effective!
The Best Natural Ingredients for Dull Skin Types
Papaya: rich in enzymes and anti-inflammatory properties that brighten the complexion, reduce inflammation, and remove dead skin cells.
Honey: enhances skin tone and texture while reducing inflammation for a brightening effect.
Vitamin C: stimulates collagen production and supports cell turnover.
Tremella: deeply hydrating to plump, moisturize, and enhance texture.
Carrot Seed Extract: rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants that promote rejuvenation and protect against UV damage.
Squalane: rich in fatty acids, carotenoids, and antioxidants to brighten the complexion and stimulate skin regeneration.
Natural Beauty Products to Heal Your Skin From the Inside Out
No matter your skin concern, these all-natural, botanical-rich skincare products can help restore, revive, and repair your skin for a healthier, more radiant you. We all have different beauty concerns to address, and while all skin is beautiful, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel confident in your skin! So go ahead, treat yourself! With these green beauty skincare products, say goodbye to toxins and hello to the ultimate glow-up.
