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Recently, I’ve paired down my skincare routine to a few curated essentials. As a result, I am happy to report that my skin is looking better than ever. Coincidence?
In the process of conducting my skincare audit, I discovered a few clean products that I kept returning to. While I no longer exclusively use clean products (I use prescription tretinoin), I do prefer to incorporate them where I can. The skin absorbs the chemicals we apply, so I try to keep things as natural as possible.
Without further ado, here are the clean essentials that have earned a long-term spot in my skincare lineup. These are the rockstar products that have been key to helping me feel confident in my skin.
Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray
It doesn’t get much more “clean” than spring water. I’ve tried a bunch of other sprays, and they typically leave me feeling sticky. Avene spray always leaves me feeling fresh and moisturized. I use this as a “pre” spray before I apply hyaluronic acid, as HA can actually pull moisture out of your skin if the environment around the skin is dry. I also use this as a setting spray after applying makeup to help everything “blur” a bit. When I travel, I like to keep a mini one on hand (though for the minis, I typically use Evian).
Avène Thermal Spring Water
Spritz on before layering on your serums, post-make up as a setting spray, or for a quick pick-me-up. One of my favorites.
Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm
This balm is the first step of my cleansing routine. It smells incredible and is lipid-rich, perfect for capturing all of the oils, pollutants and makeup on my face. I follow this step with a gel-based cleanser.
Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm
This balm smells incredible and gently removes makeup, oils and pollutants. The first step in my two-part cleansing ritual.
Furtuna Skin Micellar Water
I had the immense fortune of being gifted the Furtuna Skin Micellar Water last year and omg…this product is truly incredible. I normally don’t trust Micellar waters to get my skin fully clean, but this one changed my mind. It also smells great, like all the products in the Furtuna Skin line.
Furtuna Skin Acqua Serena Micellar Essence
This lightly-scented Micellar water will leave your skin cleansed but not stripped. One of my all-time favorites.
Naturopathica Carrot Seed Soothing Facial Oil
My skin is prone to hyperpigmentation. And while I occasionally mix in more intense products like tretinoin or Biologique Recherche P50, I find my skin does better with a more gentle approach. This oil is also is very light and won’t leave skin feeling weighed down.
Naturopathica Carrot Seed Soothing Facial Oil
I love this lightweight oil for a gentler approach to evening my skin tone. It seals in serums without leaving you feeling greasy.
Agent Nateur Holi Oil Body Serum
I first tried this oil after purchasing it at CAP Beauty in the West Village (RIP). It smells so incredible that it turns each application into an experience. The oil is lightweight —it penetrates the skin without a lot of elbow grease—while still being moisturizing.
Agent Nateur Holi (Oil) Ageless Body Serum
I am a big fan of this Agent Nateur oil. I use it on my abdomen during my evening and morning stomach massages, as well as on the rest of my body. The yummy botanical smell is just *chef’s kiss*.
BOIRON Calendula Cream
The French are renowned for their skincare for a reason! After years of struggling with acne, I saw a TikTok suggesting slugging with Calendula cream for people with acne-prone skin. The calendula extract kills acne-causing bacteria. I decided to try this cream from French skincare company BOIRON, and it changed my life. Aside from the occasional hormonal breakout, this product finally gave me clear skin.
BOIRON Calendula Cream
This homeopathic remedy has been instrumental in healing my acne. Calendula flower has been proven to assist with reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
There you have it! For more Clean Beauty inspo, check out my Pinterest board.
