Clean skincare and beauty are no longer relegated to a certain sect of society, with increased awareness around the products we put on our skin well and truly part of the collective consciousness. While there’s no universally agreed-upon definition of clean beauty, the new wave of brands is doing things a little differently; eschewing potentially detrimental ingredients in lieu of bioactive botanicals and scientifically backed actives. Whether you’re looking for a brand that prioritises sustainability, utilises natural ingredients, has vegan-friendly formulations, or adopts transparent production processes, these are our favourite skincare brands that don’t sacrifice efficacy.
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1. Susanne Kaufmann
Drawing inspiration from the extensive plant life in her home in the Austrian Alps, Susanne Kaufmann’s eponymous skincare line marries high-quality natural ingredients with sustainable practices. Rooted in both nature and science, Susanne Kaufmann products utilise alpine herbs and botanicals from the Bregenzerwald region in Austria to create efficacious, bioactive formulas. Particular highlights include the ultra-minimalist Susanne Kaufmann Hyaluron Serum; the luxuriously rich Body Butter; and the Enzyme Peel, which gently exfoliates the skin using apple, papaya, and kiwi enzymes.
Ethical considerations: cruelty-free, sustainably-sourced ingredients, vegan options
2. Emma Lewisham
In just over two years since launching, New Zealand brand Emma Lewisham has carved out a strong presence in the skincare industry. Championing innovative green science, each Emma Lewisham formula is a testament to the fact that science and nature can coexist harmoniously. Emma Lewisham products combine high concentrations of bioactive ingredients including plant stem cells, antioxidant-rich plant extracts, and vitamins to create efficacious formulas that are research-backed and independently tested. Best of all, Emma Lewisham proves good skincare doesn’t have to cost the planet, promoting a circular economy and recently becoming the world’s first carbon positive beauty brand. Standout products from the range include the Emma Lewisham Skin Reset, Supernatural 72-Hour Crème, and Illuminating Oil Cleanser.
Ethical considerations: vegan, cruelty-free, carbon positive, sustainably-sourced ingredients
3. Grown Alchemist
One of the pioneers in the botanical beauty space, Australian brand Grown Alchemist was founded by brothers Keston and Jeremy in 2002, bridging the gap between natural ingredients and cosmetic chemistry. Developed by a team of skin scientists and supported by clinical results, Grown Alchemist products utilise a holistic scientific approach to create products that centre around natural bioactive ingredients (think plant-derived tetra-peptides, phyto-peptides, plant extracts, and innovative hydrating actives) and work cohesively with the human biology, tapping into the body’s natural ability to slow the ageing process. While Grown Alchemist is a consistent favourite here at AR, notable products include the Enzyme Exfoliant, which uses fruit enzymes to eliminate dead skin cells and promote a noticeably brighter, softer complexion; and the Age-Repair Intensive Moisturiser which rejuvenates the skin using white tea.
Ethical considerations: vegan, cruelty-free, sustainably-sourced ingredients
4. Dr Roebuck’s
Founded by twins Kim and Zoe, Australian brand Dr Roebuck’s takes a less is more approach to skincare, creating minimalist formulas with maximum results. Free from fillers and potentially harmful ingredients, Dr Roebuck’s instead highlights Australia’s vast flora within each product, making use of botanicals like kakadu plum and caviar lime. In keeping with the brand’s clean approach to skincare, the recently launched Dr Roebuck’s Barrier Reef manages to nail physical sunscreen, creating a sheer formula that sits invisibly on all skin tones. Meanwhile, the Wategos Facial Oil marks the first product to use the antioxidant-rich blue rainforest oil derived from Australian rosewood trees, which gets teamed with coenzyme Q10 and lightweight plant oils to create a deeply nourishing facial oil.
Ethical considerations: vegan (with the exception of the Tama Healing Mask), cruelty-free, sustainably-sourced ingredients
5. HoliFrog
The brainchild of former beauty publicist Emily Parr, American skincare brand HoliFrog was founded around the notion of situational cleansing. Referring to the idea that regardless of skin type, all skin needs different treatment at different times, the HoliFrog line initially comprised a range of cleansers for every skin need. Case in point: the Shasta AHA Refining Acid Wash for when your skin is on the verge of a breakout or the Tashmoo Waterlily Nourishing Milky Wash to provide a nourishing yet effective cleanse for dehydrated or dry skin. Now, the HoliFrog line has expanded to include a streamlined range of serums and a moisturiser. Shunning the use of fillers and excessive surfactants, HoliFrog instead embraces clean, functional ingredients like peptides, amino acids, plant oils, and hydroxy acids, affording cleansing the level of consideration usually reserved for serums and moisturisers.
Ethical considerations: cruelty-free, sustainably-sourced ingredients
6. Biossance
One of the key players in the clean beauty industry, Biossance places sustainability at the forefront of its activities, making use of renewable, sugarcane-derived squalane in every formula. A cruelty-free plant-based alternative to squalene, an oil derived from shark liver, Biossance’s squalane imbues each product with lightweight hydration. With an extensive list of blacklisted ingredients, Biossance opts to use sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients in its formulas, with all products being vegan-friendly. We especially love the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum which utilises shelf-stable vitamin C and mushroom extracts to fade and prevent dark spots; and the Squalane + BHA Pore Minimising Toner which makes use of the natural BHA in white willow bark to refine pores and smoothen the skin while squalane provides hydration.
Ethical considerations: vegan, cruelty-free, sustainably-sourced ingredients
Words by T. Angel
Feature image courtesy of Arthur Elgort
