1. Caudalie Paris

The Caudalie story began in 1993, when a young couple in France teamed up with the Pharmacy Faculty of Bordeaux to create skincare products that would use leftover grapeseeds that were usually discarded. They discovered that these overlooked tiny seeds are actually rich in polyphenols, which fight free radicals and contribute to healthy, radiant skin.

Since then, the company has created over 35 products and the world’s first Vinotherapie Spa, in Bordeaux. Several other spa locations have followed, including one in New York City.

• Product picks:

• Caudalie Vinexpert Anti-Aging Serum Eyes and Lips. Use this double-duty firming serum to tighten and smooth the skin both around the lips and under the eyes. As an eye serum, it helps with puffiness and dark circles; for the lip area, it’ll improve the contour of your pout.
• Caudalie Premier Cru. This award-winning anti-aging cream combines three of Caudalie’s patented ingredients: titrated resveratrol, viniferine from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte grapevines and grape-seed polyphenols. It diminishes dark spots, protects from premature aging, smoothes and firms the skin and improves elasticity.
• Caudalie Vinexpert Radiance Day Fluid SPF 10. This protective and energizing day fluid firms and hydrates the skin while preventing environmental damage.

2. Pevonia Botanica

Organic extracts, cruelty-free products and eco-packaging make Pevonia Botanica a great choice for the skin as well as the environment. Sensitive skin types will appreciate that there are also no artificial colors or sodium lauryl sulfates.

These products are available at Pevonia Botanica spas, which are located around the world. Fortunately, Pevonia Botanica also offers at-home skincare formulas that use these same spa-quality ingredients.

• Product picks:

• Pevonia Power Repair Marine Collagen Cream. All skin types will benefit from this replenishing cream, which makes use of squalane and marine collagen to provide moisture, UV protection and vital nutrients. While softening the skin, it also helps to reduce the looks of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Pevonia O2ptimal Dry Skin Care Cream. Suitable for even severely dry skin, this oxygenating cream is full of antioxidants, royal jelly and vitamin C. In addition to providing hydration, this cream also improves elasticity and protects from free radicals.

• Pevonia Timeless Cleanser. Take the first step toward a youthful complexion with this luxurious cleanser, which contains caviar extract, pearl extract and escutox™ to counteract the negative effects of environmental impact. The result is smoother, more supple skin.

3. Sundari

In Sanskrit, Sundari means “a beautiful woman,” and the company’s philosophy is all about balance and harmony. Sundari uses a holistic approach to beauty and adheres to Ayurvedic guidelines, while incorporating the knowledge of modern science. It also features therapeutic-grade essential oils and organic ingredients.

With the belief that beauty is an experience rather than an end goal, Sundari products work synergistically to reduce stress and prevent aging with botanical antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients and proven peptides like acetyl hexapeptide and palmitoyl pentapeptide.

• Product picks:

• Sundari Gotu Kola and Boswellia Firming Eye Serum. This eye serum combines scientifically proven ingredients like peptides with Ayurvedic wisdom, using ingredients like gotu kola extract and boswellia serrata. This combination tightens and smoothes the under-eye area, improving elasticity and soothing sensitive skin with calendula extract.
• Sundari Neem & Avocado Balancing Moisturizer for Normal to Combination Skin. For skin that can’t quite make up its mind — oily in some places, dry in others — this balancing botanical formula both absorbs excess sebum in the T-zone and provides light hydration for drier areas. Neem extract helps with wrinkle prevention, avocado oil provides vitamins A and E and sodium hyaluronate improves elasticity.
• Sundari Nighttime Nourishing Oil. Infuse your skin with a potent blend of antioxidants each night. This blend is full of vitamins, herbal extracts and essential oils, offering multiple benefits: It improves elasticity, protects skin from environmental damage and leaves skin smoother and more radiant overall.

4. Ole Henriksen

Ole Henriksen’s collection of botanical products helps you become an expert in your skincare. Originally from Denmark, Ole Henriksen discovered a passion for skincare early in life while struggling with acne. He went on to graduate from a beauty college in London and then create his own skincare facility in Beverly Hills.

Today, his line uses ingredients like African red tea, cucumber extract, macadamia nut oil, shea butter and tangerine extract. Daily cleansers, invigorating scrubs and protective moisturizers are complemented by targeted treatments for acne and anti-aging, as well as hair and body products.

• Product picks:

• Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster. This firming vitamin C treatment is great for all skin types. Full of antioxidants, it both smoothes wrinkles and protects skin from environmental aggressors while providing weightless hydration.
• Ole Henriksen Walnut Complexion Scrub. For clear pores and soft, glowing skin, this foaming scrub provides deep exfoliation using finely ground walnut powder. Skin appears clean and energized as this scrub removes dead skin cells and renews skin’s surface.
• Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Pigment Lightening Serum. Lighten skin and fade discoloration with this oil-free serum that combines multiple effective ingredients: lactic acid, THC, lemon, Ester-C and mulberry extracts. While lightening skin, this serum also improves the skin’s texture and speeds up cell renewal.

5. Juara

Juara seeks to bring beauty and balance to the skin and body by looking to traditions of the past. With Juara, you’ll find the merging of Indonesian botanical recipes and Western science.

The four founders designed the Juara experience to resemble the ancient spa experience but to fit in with the lifestyle of the modern woman. Common ingredients include rice, tamarind, turmeric, candlenut oil, healing teas and red sandalwood.

• Product picks:

  • Juara Rice Facial Cleanser. Designed to start any skincare regimen, this gentle cleansing formula — made with rice starch — is based on the idea of a traditional Indonesian rice water rinse. It’s packed with natural antioxidants and softens the skin.
  • Juara Invigorating Coffee Scrub. Indulge every morning with a richly aromatic scrub made with real Indonesian coffee beans. Coffee improves circulation and helps to awaken the skin. Plus, the scrub removes dead skin cells and is full of antioxidants.
  • Juara Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner. An ideal moisturizing treatment even for oily skin, this toner calms skin while increasing hydration. It contains hyaluronic acid for the ultimate in moisture-binding properties. Also, tamarind and rice soothe, while white, green and black teas infuse skin with antioxidants. Oily skin types can use this light formula instead of a moisturizer, while for dry complexions, it works better before a regular moisturizer.

Natural and botanical product lines are not one-size-fits-all, so just like any skincare purchase, do your homework and find ingredients that’ll work for your skin. Whether you decide to incorporate only one or two products into your routine or completely switch to a natural skincare regimen, you’ll find that there’s a wide array of effective formulas to choose from.

See also:

Natural Beauty Handbook

Ways to Green Your Wardrobe

Juice Beauty Review: Skin Care, Naturally

An Inside Look at Beauty Product Allergies