Spring is always the ideal time to clean out your beauty arsenal, tossing old expired products and swapping them with fresh, new formulas. This year, take advantage of the many organic and environmentally responsible beauty lines, which are available for all budgets and skin care needs. This article highlights our favorite eco-friendly finds.

Picking eco-friendly products

Since being “green” has become a popular lifestyle choice, many companies have decided to take advantage of this consumer trend by creating and marketing earth-friendly products. For this reason, it’s important to know how to distinguish an authentically earth-friendly formula from one that’s masquerading itself as green by using un-regulated terms like “all-natural.”

Good Housekeeping’s leading green consumer web site The Daily Green, offers some tips for what to look for on packaging so you can better choose products that are truly environmentally responsible:

• Paraben and phthalate free. Phthalates are commonly used in plastic packaging (not limited to beauty products) while parabens are common preservatives that are widely used in skincare and cosmetic products. For both of these substances, scientific research has revealed potential cancer links, but the jury is still out as to whether or not there’s conclusive evidence that they’ll cause harm. Although many experts say that products containing phthalates and parabens are most likely safe, most agree that it’s best to avoid them when possible. 

• Brand picks: L'Occitane, Juara Skincare and Korres

• USDA Organic certified. Considered a gold standard of eco-friendly authenticity, the USDA stamp of approval comes in two forms: “100% organic” indicates that all ingredients are certified organic, while the “organic” seal indicates that 95% of ingredients are certified organic.

• Brand pick: Juice Beauty

• Biodynamic. The biodynamic movement embraces a holistic approach to agriculture, promoting small-scale farming and food production that’s friendly to the environment by resisting the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

• Brand pick: Jurlique

• EcoCert. This European stamp of approval identifies products as being natural and organic while recognizing its production as meeting strict standards of environmental responsibility.

• Brand pick: Melvita

Eco-friendly finds

When it comes to finding the best, most authentically eco-friendly formulas, it can be hard to sort through the growing volume of brands available. We’ve done the homework for you; here are some of our favorite formulas to green your spring skin care routine:

• For the face

• Tone: L'Occitane Red Rice Purifying Toner will tone and purify, dissolving away grease and impurities for a fresh, matte appearance.

• Cleanse: Korres White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser is blended with pure vegetable-based soap substitutes and naturally antiseptic white tea to cleanse skin without stripping away much-needed moisture.

• Hydrate: Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer is teeming with healthy nutrients and vitamins, as well as anti-aging ingredients like peptides, DMAE, alpha lipoic acid, co-enzyme Q10 and SPF 15 to bring a healthy hydration that lasts all day.

• Exfoliate: Melvita Essentials Facial Scrub Exfoliating Mousse combines silica and bamboo to exfoliate away dead, dull skin and stimulate cell turnover for a fresh, radiant complexion.

• Defend: L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening UV Shield SPF 40 incorporates intensely nourishing, organic ingredients including sunflower oil, rice and ivy extracts while layering skin with fierce sun defense.

• For hair

• Cleanse: Jurlique Lavender Shampoo is a hydrating and balancing shampoo that’s ideal for daily use.

• Condition: Jurlique Arnica Mint Conditioner clarifies and conditions for hair that’s shiny and manageable.

• Repair: L'Occitane Aromachologie Repairing Serum is a leave-in serum that promotes bright color while repairing everyday damage caused by styling and the environment.

• For the body

• Cleanse: Korres Basil Lemon Showergel quenches your skin with hydrating aloe and vitamins C, E and zinc to restore skin’s natural immunity while cleansing from head to toe.

• Deodorize: Melvita Essentials Purifying Roll-On Deodorant brings all day freshness without questionable chemicals like parabens, aluminum and alcohol.

• Hydrate: Jurlique Jasmine Body Care Lotion nourishes, moisturizes and protects with jasmine, honey and marshmallow extracts for healthier skin all over.

• Invigorate: L'Occitane Iris Eau de Parfum features iris essential oil from Italy, with a balanced woody accent for a daily scent that’s soothing, soft and subtle.

Spring your way toward green beauty

Spring is the season of renewal, painting the landscape with gorgeous shades of green. There’s no better time to infuse your beauty regimen with fresh, organically inspired formulas that are both eco-friendly and optimal for the health of your skin and hair.  

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See also:

Spring Cleaning Fashion and Beauty, Part 2: Revamp a Crowded Closet

Natural Beauty Handbook

Exploring Eco-Friendly Skincare: 5 Top Brands

Keep it Natural, Baby: 10 Natural Skincare Products for Your Little One