Think you have to compromise price, variety or efficiency to be eco-friendly? Think again. There's never been an easier time to embrace environmental and health-conscious beauty brands.
"It used to be such a small pool of products and now it's half of Sephora!" says Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. "Women are demanding it, which I think is great — the more, the merrier." Read on for some of the best green on the beauty scene, all ringing in at under $20.
1. Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Wash
You might want to splurge on dessert before bathing with this body wash from Pacifica — it smells good enough to eat! While the exotic, piña colada-esque blend of coconut and nectar transports you to a tropical paradise, Pacifica's signature blend of oils will soften and soothe any dry spots on your skin. Not to mention, the product is 100 perecent vegan and cruelty-free. Can't go wrong!
Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Wash, $10 at pacificabeauty.com
2. Jason Normalizing Tea Tree Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner
Yearning for manageable hair and a non-itchy scalp? Cure flaky build-up with this normalizing shampoo and conditioner from Jason. Centered around tea tree oil for its anti-bacterial properties, it also features calendula, grapefruit and sage extracts for a purifying, but not drying, experience. Bonus points for a refreshing scent and (slightly) tingly effect.
Jason Normalizing Tea Tree Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner, $9 each, jason-personalcare.com
3. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub
For a great face wash or scrub, look no further than this gem from Acure. Formulated to tackle clogged pores and pigmentation problems, this scrub uses organic sea kelp and dehydrated lemon peel to exfoliate and soften. The inclusion of argan stem cells helps stimulate growth for a rejuvenating cleanse.
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, $10 at target.com
4. Yes to Coconut Head-to-Toe Restoring Balm
Between virgin coconut, avocado oils and sweet almond, this mega-moisturizer is a dry patch’s worst enemy. Even more, it's formulated with a bioactive, plant-based complex that's chock full of natural anti-inflammatory agents.
Yes to Coconut Head-to-Toe Restoring Balm, $10 at yestocarrots.com
5. Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes
Great for the girl on the go, carry these wipes from Josie Maran with you wherever you go for a clean (and moisturizing!) sweep when you need it most. Your refreshed skin will thank you.
Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes, $12 at josiemaran.com
6. Desert Essence Mango Hand & Body Lotion
Give your skin new life with this smoothie-like sensation from Desert Essence. It’s formulated with shea butter, jojoba oil and coconut oil for a boost of sweet-smelling moisture.
Desert Essence Mango Hand & Body Lotion, $9 at desertessence.com
7. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip & Cheek Tint
Talk about a naturally enhanced glow! This fruit-pigmented tint from 100% Pure works double duty as a balm for both lips and cheeks and boasts additional anti-aging benefits.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip & Cheek Tint, $17 at 100percentpure.com
8. Burt's Bees Ultimate Beeswax Trio
If you're looking to heal dry or cracked lips, arm yourself with this 100 percent all-natural trio from Burt's Bees, containing the brand's beloved lip balm in three different styles for all your moisturizing needs. (To sweeten the deal even further, they come nestled in a pretty pouch that would make a great gift.)
Burt's Bees Ultimate Beeswax Trio, $11 at burtsbees.com
9. Good Soaps by Alaffia
As if there wasn’t enough to love about these super-softening, shea butter and coconut oil-enriched soaps, a portion of sales from each bar is returned to Togo to assist the very communities from which the fair-trade product was sourced.
Good Soaps by Alaffia, $3 at Whole Foods locations
10. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Clear Spray Sunscreen
Protect your skin from harmful rays and ingredients (without having to endure that strong sunscreen scent) thanks to this sweet-smelling solution from Alba Botanica. Even better, it sprays on for easy application.
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Clear Spray Sunscreen, $16 at albabotanica.com
Bonus tip! Wondering what to watch out for when navigating the intimidating world of green beauty? Amy Hart, development manager at Yes To Inc., has words of wisdom to avoid being “green-washed.” "Remember, a picture of a plant or leaf doesn’t always equate to natural. Always read ingredient labels and avoid ingredients such as: petrolatum, dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, parabens, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), FD&C dyes or anything with ‘PEG’ in the name," she says.