2019 - 5 Alternative Skincare Products for Your New Skincare Routine
- Emily DeFranco
- Aug 28, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23, 2024
This article was featured in Dekad Lifestyle Magazine's 2019 third quarter issue.
Isobutylparaben, Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine, Propanediolare. Do you know what these are? Can you even pronounce them? What if we told you that you’re probably putting these chemicals in or on your body every day.
Scared? You should be.
Research by Bionsen, a natural deodorant company, found that the average woman's daily grooming and make-up routine shows her putting 515 synthetic chemicals on her body every day without knowing.
So you know there are harsh mystery chemicals in the majority of beauty products on the market today. You’re aware of the brand-biased distribution and mass marketing targeted at women worldwide. You want to show a little love to your skin; maybe you’re looking for a detox. You’ve spent hours researching online, reading magazine articles, and staring at the products on the shelves in the beauty isle of every corner pharmacy. Your eyes are probably glazing over.
There is some good news. Because more and more people are becoming aware of the chemicals in their beauty products, the increase in demand for natural skincare remedies has increased exponentially. This leads to more options and better quality alternatives that are luxury quality yet increasingly affordable.
Next time you’re shopping for your new magic serum, there a few things to keep in mind. Read the ingredients carefully and keep an eye out for parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and formaldehyde, as well as mineral oil, artificial fragrance, and silicones. These can cause irritation on any skin type but if you also have specific allergies or skin conditions, you can visit an allergist, immunologist or dermatologist to help you with your individual needs and provide you with a list of products that are safe for you to use.
The following is a curated list of five tested and proven alternative skincare products.
Acure Brilliantly Brightening Cleansing Gel
This facial cleanser stands out from the rest in that its all natural and organic ingredients leave skin looking, feeling, and smelling splendid! You’ll fall for the heavenly aroma of pomegranate, blackberry, and açai berries. This Acure cleansing gel was formulated to have a low pH which is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin because it’s not irritating. After washing your face, your skin will be left feeling clean, soft, and refreshed and it also doubles as a gentile but effective make-up remover. With fabulous reviews and an affordable price, Acure Brilliantly Brightening Cleansing Gel is definitely worth a try, and if you love it and can’t get enough, Acure’s line also includes a serum, moisturizer, and night cream so be sure to check out the sister products as well.
2. Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen
Protection against the sun’s beautiful but damaging rays is crucial, especially during these peak summer months. This product is packed full of natural antioxidants from green tea, pomegranate, and red algae. It also contains zinc oxide, an extremely effective ingredient for sun protection. While priced a bit on the higher side, if you’re looking for a great all-in-one, multi use sunscreen, this Suntegrity formula checks multiple boxes including being a sensitive skin moisturizer, UVA/UVB-blocking SPF 3 sunscreen, make-up primer, and even a tinted moisturizer. With a thick and rich formula, Suntegrity’s Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen will leave your face feeling surprisingly light and dewey. The Suntegrity line also includes a serum and cleansing oil which are also natural and great for sensitive skin.
3. Farmacy Sleep Tight Firming Night Balm
If you’re skeptical of products claiming to transform your skin overnight, be sure to give this next product a try. Farmacy’s Sleep Tight Firming Night Balm gives beauty sleep new meaning by working with your body’s natural rejuvenation process while you sleep. The key additive is Echinacea, a botanical ingredient that contains a high concentration of cichoric acid which helps maintain youthful-looking skin. Formulated from botanical extracts, this night balm acts as a plant-based alternative to retinoid, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone, and increasing firmness. Because of the alternative natural ingredients, this product is perfect for all skin types including dry, sensitive, and acne-prone. The Farmacy line also has a cleansing balm and moisturizer that are both highly recommended.
4. Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
The number of mask options available can be overwhelming but this one is sure to be an instant crowd pleaser. With only natural ingredients, this Instant Detox Mask acts like a vacuum to the pores drawing out excess oil and toxins, combating congestion, and revealing clear glowing skin. The secret is in the top main ingredients: grape marc which powerfully detoxifies, and pink clay and coffee which absorb blackhead-causing dirt and excess sebum. In addition, papaya enzymes invigorate and brighten, and organic essential oils like lavender and sage actively fight off bacteria, reducing the probability of future breakouts. Caudalie Instant Detox Mask is the perfect skin benefitting solution for any type of skin including oily, dry, combination, and most notably, sensitive. Caudalie is an all natural line of specialty skincare products that comes all the way from French vineyards.
5. Gold Mountain Beauty Organic Rosehip Oil and Gold Dust Elixir (Rose Gold Elixir)
You just can’t beat a completely organic product with rose hip oil and actual gold in it! These two ingredients are magic in the beauty industry. Rose hips, which come from the seeds of rose bushes, are full of vitamins and essential fatty acids that help nourish your skin. Gold dust is an ancient beauty secret (dating all the way back to Cleopatra!) that keeps skin looking young and luminous. In addition to the two main luxurious ingredients, this elixir is formulated with other naturally-derived components carefully selected to add radiance and help improve dullness, irregular skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles. Bonus tip: You can also add this serum to your hair to add shine and keep it silky smooth! Gold Mountain Beauty has an extensive natural line including oral, facial, self-tanning, and foot-care products.
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