Glowing, healthy skin is more than just a dream—it’s a journey. One that embodies our skincare choices and reflects our commitment to wellness and self-care.
In this blog, I’m excited to share my personal skincare routine that focuses on clean, cruelty-free, and vegan products. Each step is intentionally curated to nourish and revitalize the skin while aligning with my values of sustainability and compassion.
why is clean beauty important?
Women put an average of 168 chemicals on their bodies a day, according to Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit consumer health advocacy group, also known as the creators of the Skin Deep database.
Clean beauty is important because it prioritizes the health of both our skin and the environment. Many conventional beauty products contain harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and toxins that can irritate the skin and contribute to long-term health issues. By choosing clean beauty, you minimize your exposure to these harmful ingredients, promoting better skin health and reducing the risk of allergies and sensitivities.
Clean beauty often emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices. Many clean brands are committed to cruelty-free testing and use environmentally friendly packaging, which helps protect our planet and its resources. This movement encourages transparency in ingredient sourcing, allowing consumers to make informed choices about what they put on their skin. Ultimately, embracing clean beauty is not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, supporting ethical practices, and fostering a healthier world for ourselves and future generations.
EWG's Skin Deep datebase
Skin Deep is a resource developed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to address the safety concerns surrounding personal care products, which contain over 10,500 unique chemical ingredients, some linked to serious health issues like cancer and reproductive toxicity. Despite the common belief that the government regulates cosmetic safety, the U.S. system is outdated, lacking required health studies or premarket testing. Launched in 2004, Skin Deep educates consumers about product ingredients and their potential hazards by providing detailed safety ratings. The database includes information on over 100,000 products, categorizing them by type, usage, and demographic targets. It also considers animal testing policies from brands, ensuring users can make informed choices about their personal care products. As scientific understanding evolves, Skin Deep continuously updates its database to reflect the latest safety insights.
cruelty free vs. vegan
The terms “cruelty-free” and “vegan” refer to different aspects of product ethics:
Cruelty-Free: This label indicates that a product has not been tested on animals at any stage of its development. Cruelty-free products may still contain animal-derived ingredients, as the focus is on the absence of animal testing rather than the source of the ingredients.
Vegan: Vegan products are free from all animal-derived ingredients and by-products. This means that not only are they not tested on animals, but they also do not contain ingredients like honey, beeswax, collagen, or any other substances sourced from animals.
While a product can be cruelty-free and still contain animal ingredients, a vegan product is always free of animal-derived substances. Many brands aim to be both cruelty-free and vegan, but it’s essential to check labels or brand statements for clarity
some of my favorite brands
Byoma – I’ve tried almost every Byoma product and to say I’m obsessed is an understatement. It has significantly improved my skin due to its natural, simple ingredients that are gentle on the skin barrier.
Tower 28 – All plastic packaging is created with at least 50% recycled plastic. A great option for sensitive skin. And it’s PETA certified.
ESW Beauty – ESW focuses on clean, natural ingredients. “Preserving our Earth and protecting animals is important to us. At ESW Beauty, we believe that no animals should have to suffer for the sake of beauty so 100% of our products are vegan.
Young Living – High-quality, sustainably created essential oils.
Verseed – Their focus is on ethical products that are good for the planet.
Cliganic – I buy all of my carrier oils from Cliganic. Extremely mindful company with sustainable practices and clean ingredients.
my skincare routine
While individual skin types and concerns can vary widely, many dermatologists and skin specialists recommend a basic routine that can benefit almost anyone. This includes –
Cleansing: The first step in any routine is to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin.
Toning: Toning can help balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for the next steps in your routine. It can also provide additional hydration or treatment benefits, depending on the ingredients.
Treatment/Serums: This step is where you can address specific skin concerns, such as acne, pigmentation, or aging. Serums often contain concentrated active ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin.
Moisturizing: Regardless of skin type, moisturizing is crucial for maintaining hydration and protecting the skin barrier. Choose a moisturizer suitable for your skin type—lighter gels for oily skin and creamier formulas for dry skin.
Sunscreen: Applying sunscreen during the day is vital to protect the skin from UV damage, prevent premature aging, and reduce the risk of skin cancer. This is a non-negotiable step for everyone, regardless of skin type.
cleanse
Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm – If I’m wearing makeup, I use this gentle cleansing balm.
Byoma Milky Oil Face Cleanser – Using an oil based cleanser on dry skin made a significant difference for me. I rub this into my skin for about 5 minutes. Then I rinse with water to emlusify.
Versed The Purist Antioxidant Face Cleanser – My favorite water based cleanser at the moment. I use this for about a minute.
tone
Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner – So milky! So hydrating! Helps to give skin that glass look.
serum
Heritage Store Rosewater – I spray a light amount of rosewater onto my skin in between each of these steps so that the products lock in extra moisture (a clean alternative to Mario Badesco sprays). I like this one specifically because there’s clean ingredients and no added fragrance.
Byoma Sensitive Retinol – Incorporating a retinol into my skin care routine also made a significant difference. I tried a couple different ones and this one was by far my favorite. The texture is perfect, no pilling and it layers nicely with the other products. I use this at night every three days or so.
Byoma Clarifying Serum – Very gentle, yet effective. Layers nicely onto the retinol at night or I use it during my morning skincare. I have acne prone skin so for me, I like to use this an extra serum that targets that specifically. It uses antioxidant rich blue tansy, which is known in the essential oil world as a luxurious skincare ingredient
Good Molecules Super Peptides Serum – Peptides are a building block of collagen. I usually use this at night.
Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel – I use this as an under eye cream as needed but truly the best thing for dark undereye circles is sleep! I always make sure I get 8-10 hours so this a product I only need to use on occasion.
moisturize
Byoma Moisturizing Rich Cream – I add this to hydrate my skin, especially when I’m using actives like retinol that can dry out the skin.
oil
Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil – I pat this hydrating, nourishing oil into my skin mixed with a few drops of essential oils.
Essential Oils – My favorite essential oils to use are jasmine, frankincense, and lavender.
SPF
Supergoop! Play 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion with Green Algae – Rated 2 on EWG, this is a good low tox sunscreen option.
glowing skin starts with choices that are kind to both you and the planet
Incorporating clean, cruelty-free, and vegan products into my routine has not only healed and nourished my skin, but also aligned my self-care practices with my values. Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s essential to find what works best for you. I hope my routine inspires you to explore new products and prioritize your skin health while making mindful choices.
The content in this blog is provided for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Be Well is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the blog are the views of the author only, and Be Well does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Be Well shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
