The 10 Best Clean Beauty Brands for Women Over 50: From Skin Care to Hair Care and Makeup
Clean beauty is setting the standard more and more for makeup, hair and skincare brands across the board — and we're here for it. With so many innovations in the beauty industry and technology, it's hard to think of reasons a brand shouldn't be considered "clean." Products that fall under this category are usually much safer to use and much gentler on our skin or hair than products not considered clean beauty. And don't worry, these brands work just as well, if not better, than the alternative. Keep reading for the 101 guide to clean beauty, as well as the best clean beauty brands and products to try.
What is considered clean beauty?
For a brand to be considered clean, there's a few standards it must adhere to. It needs to be free of certain ingredients and chemicals, therefore making it nontoxic and safe to use. Different stores, such as Sephora, have a very specific list a brand needs to match for it get their "certified clean" stamp of approval (such as the "Clean at Sephora" label).
Being considered a clean brand also means the products should have short, transparent ingredient lists. There shouldn't be confusing, hard to understand or hidden ingredients; the everyday consumer should have a good idea of what exactly they are using.
Some of the common ingredients clean beauty brands avoid are parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfate and silicones. Instead of the potentially harmful ingredients above, one of the most common ingredients they use is plant extracts, including fruit extracts and the use of vegetables. A few common examples are gooseberry extract, spinach, kale, avocado and green tea.
The 10 best clean beauty brands to try
Below, the best clean beauty brands from skincare to makeup to test out for yourself.
1. Best clean beauty brand: Bliss
The brand actually started out as a spa, but now has a clean skincare line at an affordable price point. Bliss is considered "conscious beauty" at Ulta, meaning it has clean ingredients and is vegan, as well as gives back organizations and causes that resinate with the brand. Their products are made without parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrance and color, petrolatum, mineral oil, formaldehyde and more.
Brighten up dull skin with this vitamin C serum, formulated with glycerin, licorice root extract and tri-peptide.
2. Best clean beauty brand: Peach & Lily
Peach & Lily made our list because not only is it clean, but it's alcohol-free, fragrance free, gluten-free, non-toxic and vegan — any concern you may have, they probably are free of it.
Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser
This cleanser is beloved for its soothing powers, due to its botanical ingredients like chamomile, cica and camellia.
3. Best clean beauty brand: Youth to the People
This clean beauty brand has a cult-following, and for good reason. Many of their products are made with ingredients like kale and spinach or fruit extracts like berries that are full of antioxidants our skin loves.
Youth to the People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser
A superhero cleanser that has won many different awards and has the clean stamp of approval at both Sephora and Ulta.
4. Best clean beauty brand: Glow Recipe
You may know them from their viral popularity on social media and their adorable packaging, but did you know they're clean too? The brand is also vegan and certified Sephora Conscious (meaning they meet Sephora's sustainability criteria).
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum
If you're trying to achieve a dewy, glowing complexion, this is the product for you. It's formulated with watermelon for hydration and brightening, niacinamide to reduce hyperpigmentation and fade dullness and hyaluronic acid for moisture, and made without harmful ingredients or toxins.
5. Best clean beauty brand: Caudalie
Caudalie will make you feel like you're in the South of France with its luxurious packaging and also feels great on skin. It's both clean and planet-aware (aka eco-friendly) at Sephora, and has products that work especially well on mature skin.
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Retinol Alternative Serum
A retinol alternative, this serum is great for firming the skin, and targeting fine lines and wrinkles — in a clean, safe way.
6. Best clean beauty brand? The INKEY List
Clean, simple and easy: the three words we would use to describe The INKEY List brand. They have simple packaging, simple ingredients and are overall no-nonsense. And, they're affordable — most of their products cost under $20.
The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Hydrating Face Serum
Hyaluronic acid is a game changer for all skin types, especially mature and/or dry skin. It's a humectant that draws in water to your skin for intense hydration and moisture.
7. Best clean beauty brand: Lion Pose
This brand is incredible for people of color, as they make it a priority to test on a broad range of skin tones and formulate their products to work on darker skin tones and lighter skin tones. They are a clean beauty brand and have absolutely stunning, luxe packaging.
Lion Pose Ghost-Buster 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42 with Super Zinc for No White-Cast
Mineral sunscreens are all the rage at the moment, and this one is a favorite of our's. We like how it doesn't leave any white cast, and that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays.
8. Best clean beauty brand: dae
This clean beauty brand has gone viral all over TikTok and other social media platforms. From their beloved styling cream to their magical dry shampoo, your hair will thank you for using.
dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream
This product is so versatile — whether you're going for a slicked-back look or just want something that will control your frizz and maintain your style, it's got you covered.
9. Best clean beauty brand: Kosas
On the hunt for a go-to clean makeup brand? Look no further than Kosas. You won't have to worry about exacerbating your skin concerns (as many fear will happen when wearing makeup) due to its clean ingredients.
One of their hero products is their ultra creamy concealer, which has a flawless, natural-looking finish.
10. Best clean beauty brand: Saie
Another fan-favorite clean makeup brand is Saie, who has gone viral for multiple products from their line. From blush to mascara, it will keep skin safe from toxins and harmful chemicals.
A tinted moisturizer is a must-have for the summer, and this is easily one of the best out there. It has SPF 35, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid.
For more of our favorite brands and products, click through these stories:
Ceramides Skin Benefits: Dermatologists Swear by This Ingredient to Hydrate, Soothe and More
7 Best Chemical Exfoliants Products for Mature Skin That Make the Complexion Glow
12 Best Niacinamide Products for Women 40 and Over to Achieve Youthful, Glowing Skin
