By: Lauren Napierkowski
As the clock struck 12 on New Year’s, you probably went into 2025 with some promises to yourself that may have already been broken. New Year’s resolutions are like that extra slice of cake you promised you wouldn’t eat, but let’s be real: we all know you’re going for it. But don’t fret! What if, this year, instead of another vow to hit the gym you made a commitment to clean up your beauty routine? I mean, if we’re all getting rid of toxicity in all shapes and forms, maybe it’s time to start with the not so nice chemicals in the products we apply to our skin daily.
I was inspired by Greenpeace's bold campaign, “Real Beauty, Real Harm,” which took on Dove’s questionable ingredients lurking in their products. Yes, the brand we’ve all trusted with our soft, smooth, and supposedly “clean” skin. Some of the so-called “beauty essentials” might be doing you dirty too. But don’t worry, this will guide you towards the good stuff only.
The harsh reality is just because something promises a glow doesn't mean it's going to treat your skin with care. And just because the packaging is PR worthy at the drugstore doesn't mean it's the best thing for your body or the planet. So let's make 2025 the year we say no to harmful chemicals and yes to ingredients that actually nourish and protect our skin. Your skin and future self will thank you, trust.
Face the Future with Non-Toxic Skincare
Every skincare routine deserves a fresh start. If you’re still using products that contain parabens, phthalates, or sulfates, it's time to hit the “delete” button on that old routine. Swap your toxic serums and cleansers for something more fresh and pure. The good news is, clean beauty has come a long way, and now there are so many great products that won't have you questioning whether you've been duped by a glitter ad.
The Clean Choice: ILIA
ILIA Beauty has truly earned its place as a cult favorite, and for good reason. This company is like the cool girl who doesn't even try and still shows up looking flawless. Packed with skincare benefits with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, their skin tint serum gives you lightweight coverage while protecting your skin from environmental stressors. Plus, it feels like a second skin, so you’ll barely notice it’s there - except for the glow, of course. Bonus points for being clean, cruelty-free, and so chic.
All About That Hair Care Glow-Up
Ready to ditch the drugstore shampoos with a laundry list of ingredients you can’t pronounce? The new wave of clean hair brands is here, and they're giving your hair what it really wants - nourishment, strength, and shine. Without the toxic ingredients.
The Clean Choice: Bondi Boost
Let me tell you: if your hair is thirsty, Bondi Boost is the bottle of water it’s been waiting for. This brand brings you hydration, volume, and that beachy, healthy glow without any sulfates or parabens. The Miracle Hair Mask is the MVP of your hair care routine, treating your locks to a lush blend of oils and botanicals, leaving you with soft, glossy strands that are just beginning to be tossed in the wind.
Freshen Up with Clean Deodorant
We don't talk about underarms enough. Your armpits are basically the unsung heroes of your body, working overtime to keep you cool and fresh. The least you can do is give them a non-toxic deodorant that actually works and doesn't harm your skin.
The Clean Choice: Salt & Stone
Salt & Stone is the deodorant that keeps you fresh without all the unnecessary nasties. No aluminum, parabens, or synthetic fragrances here - just clean, effective production made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. Bonus: it’s sleek, chic, and won’t leave you smelling like a high school gym class uniform. You know, we’re trying to elevate here.
Scent That’s Clean (and Not Toxic)
If you’re still rocking that perfume filled with synthetic chemicals, it's time for a change. What you wear on your skin should be just as good for your health as it is for your smell. So let’s talk about clean scents.
The Clean Choice: Marvis Toothpaste (yes, toothpaste!)
Hear me out - this isn’t your run of the mill toothpaste. Marvis brings the flavor to your mouth and to your daily routine with their clean, minty-fresh vibes. But why stop there? No fluoride, no artificial colors - just a refreshing, sophisticated way to start your day. This is a breath of fresh air, not just a cleansing routine.
Beauty That’s Actually Functional and Clean
Good makeup shouldn’t feel like a mask, it should feel like your best self - only enhanced. So if you’re using products with a long list of questionable ingredients, maybe it's time for an upgrade.
The Clean Choice: Saie
Saie is the clean beauty brand that's redefining glow. Their Dew Blush is everything you want in a cream blush: hydrating, dewy, and perfectly buildable. No, it won’t make you look like you got into your mom’s makeup, but it will give you that “just got back from a yoga retreat” radiance. It’s clean, it’s cool, and it’s 100% cruelty-free. Consider this your go-to blush for 2025 - when you want that natural flush without all the toxic ingredients.
Super Clean, Super Minimal, Super Chic
Sometimes, all you need is a brand that knows how to keep things simple. No crazy packaging, no outrageous claims - just clean, effective products that work.
The Clean Choice: Merit
Merit is the queen of “effortless beauty,” and their Great Skin Instant Glow Serum is basically the serum equivalent of a glow up in a bottle. This lightweight formula is packed with niacinamide and peptides to hydrate, brighten, and smooth your skin. It’s perfect for when you need that effortless glow but with a little help from your skincare friends. Plus, the minimalist packaging is so chic, you’ll want it on your vanity just for the aesthetic.
A Cleanser For Your Body
If your body wash isn’t making you feel like you’re bathing in a luxury spa, then it’s time for an upgrade. The right body cleanser can change your skin, trust me.
The Clean Choice: Dr. Bronner’s Soap
Dr. Bronner's is the original beauty OG. This 18-in-1 miracle worker isn't just for washing your body - it's also great for everything from cleaning your makeup brushes to a DIY facial cleanse. Made with organic oils and simple, wholesome ingredients, it's the real deal when it comes to getting clean, inside and out. And if you're into sustainability, the brand's ethical sourcing and eco-friendly packaging will make your conscience just as clean as your skin.
Hair Care with a Latin Twist
When it comes to hair care, we've all been there: spending a small fortune on products that promise the world and then… leave us flat. But Ceremonia is here to change that.
The Clean Choice: Ceremonia
Ceremonia's Guava Leave-In Conditioner is a total game changer. Not only does it hydrate, detangle, and smooth your hair, but it smells like a tropical vacation - no passport required. It's full of nourishing ingredients like guava, which is packed with vitamin C, and it’s all cruelty-free, gluten-free, and formulated without sulfates. If you want healthy, shiny hair that doesn’t scream “I just walked out of a salon commercial,” this is your new go-to.
2025: The Year of Clean Beauty, Inside and Out
As we step into 2025, why not make this the year of clean beauty? Swap out those toxic products for these nourishing, non-toxic, and sustainable options. Your skin, your hair, and your body will thank you. Greenspace’s “Real Beauty, Real Harm” campaign was a wake-up call, and now we’re choosing to be proactive about what we put on - and in - our bodies. Ready to start your glow-up? These products will make it easier than ever to go clean, sustainable, and chic in 2025.
Comments