Sephora launched its clean beauty initiative [1] more than two years ago and, since then, the retailer has added a ton of clean makeup [2], skin care, hair products, and fragrances, all free from controversial ingredients [3] (and marked with an easy-to-spot green label [4], too). With more options than ever — and 2021 finally here — is this not a great time to make a clean swap in a beauty routine [5], and try something new at the same time?
New Year's resolutions [6] notwithstanding, whether you're looking for a cleanser, moisturiser, toner, or mask, we've picked out 21 clean skin-care goodies from Sephora [7] to fit those needs. Every single one has at least a 4-star average rating, and hundreds — and, in some cases, thousands — of 5-star reviews from other shoppers already. Check them out ahead.
Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser
Yes, this Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser [9] ($15-$54) is made with real Greek yoghurt that soothes skin with probiotics as it cleanses soap-free.
Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve
Beloved for generations, this clean Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve [10] ($7) almost has too many uses to count from lip balm to burn soother.
Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner with Moringa + Papaya
Papaya seed enzymes help exfoliate in this alcohol-free Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner with Moringa + Papaya [11] ($28), plus there's moringa water and its seed extract to specifically target impurities coming from pollution, too.
Belif The True Cream Moisturising Bomb
Belif The True Cream Moisturising Bomb [12] ($22-$62) is a clean, rich cream that soothes flaky skin with oat and comfrey leaf.
Tatcha The Dewy Serum Resurfacing and Plumping Treatment
The lactic acid that takes on fine lines and textured skin from this Tatcha The Dewy Serum Resurfacing and Plumping Treatment [13] ($88) actually comes from green tea, rice, and algae.
Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum
There are antioxidant-rich passionfruit and dragonfruits in this this Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum [14] ($68), plus skin-depuffing caffeine coming from the yerba mate plant, too.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
These Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops [15] ($34) smell like the sweet fruit in that name but also serve as a gentle skin brightener free of glitter or mica.
Alpyn Beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel Mask
All eight acids in this Alpyn Beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel Mask [16] ($56) are naturally derived, and there are exfoliating blueberry seeds and brightening huckleberry [17], too.
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
This deeply hydrating Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream [18] ($50) is 95-percent naturally-derived with active ingredients coming from seaweed, lily root, and other plants.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Makeup Removing Meltaway Cleanser
The powerful, hypoallergenic Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Makeup Removing Meltaway Cleanser [19] ($30) can even remove waterproof makeup as it adds moisturising nutrients like marine algae, kiwi, and aloe.
Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream
This clean Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream [20] ($15) tackles dryness on your hands using grape seed oil and shea butter.
Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 15
With more than 6,000 5-star reviews, the biggest problem with this Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 15 [21] ($24) is what colour (or clear alternative) to pick.
Tarte Sea Frxxxtion Stick Exfoliating Cleanser
This Tarte Sea Frxxxtion Stick Exfoliating Cleanser [22] ($22) does triple-duty as an exfoliator, cleanser, and mask with fossilized sea algae and purifying charcoal inside, too.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
The colloidal oatmeal and shea butter in this First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration [23] ($14-$34) provide extra relief for dry skin, especially for anyone suffering from rashes or eczema.
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum
Alongside vitamin C, The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum [24] ($15) features one-percent, plant-derived epidermal growth factor (EGF) to support skin's natural collagen and elastin.
Goop Goopglow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator
Banish dead skin cells and brighten with microexfoliating minerals like quartz and garnet — plus vitamin-C-rich kakadu plum — in this Goop Goopglow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator [25] ($42-$125).
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
The clean, mica-free Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream [26] ($54) smooths fine lines under the eyes with marine algae and an extract from the paracress plant, too.
Volition Beauty Detoxifying Silt Gelee Mask
Take on clogged pores with this Volition Beauty Detoxifying Silt Gelee Mask [27] ($60) made of black silt, jojoba oil, and plant-derived squalane.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops
The Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops [28] ($36) keep skin safe from environmental aggressors, pack major bronzing power, and include antioxidant-rich cocoa and grape seed extracts.
Origins GinZing Oil-Free Energy Boosting Gel Moisturiser
Not only is skin left well-hydrated with this Origins GinZing Oil-Free Energy Boosting Gel Moisturiser [29] ($19-$31), there's also ginseng and caffeine to refresh at the same time.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Glycolic Acid
The clean Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Glycolic Acid [30] ($20-$48) helps with fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage thanks to glycolic acid — and licorice — inside.
Love all things beauty? Can't get enough products? Come join our Facebook Group, Real Reviews With POPSUGAR Beauty [31] There are lots of fun conversations happening there, as well as all the product recommendations you could ask for — not just from us, but also community members, too.