Everything You Need to Level Up Your Clean Beauty Skincare

Building a skincare routine—let alone a clean beauty skincare routine—can be daunting. This is especially true when you have specific concerns like hyperpigmentation, breakouts, redness, or fine lines to address. That’s why we asked 8 experts to do the hard work and review more than 160 products from the best clean and sustainable beauty brands. After months of testing, they’re finally ready to share all their favorites with us. Ahead, details on each of the top-performing clean skincare winners plus high praise from our panel of dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, and content creators.

The best face cleansers and toners

Best Makeup Remover

Kora Organics Active Algae Calming Cleansing Balm

A scoop of this luxe, buttery balm turns the most basic skincare step—cleansing away the end-of-the-day grime—into a spa-like experience. “It melts upon application, transforming into a silky oil that effortlessly dissolves impurities without leaving a greasy residue,” says chemical engineer and clean beauty product formulator Kailey Bradt, noting the brand’s commitment to organic formulas and sustainable practices (76 percent of Active Algae’s ingredients are organically farmed). “I love that this cleansing balm leans on microalgae and pineapple enzymes to melt makeup, remove dirt, and cleanse the skin from any remaining SPF,” content creator Lindsay Silberman.

Best Everyday Face Wash

Versed The Purist Daily Gel Cleanser

“This gentle cleanser effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without irritating or drying the skin,” says dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD. He adds that it’s packed with antioxidants and conditioners, leaving your skin smooth, soft, and balanced. Lindsay Silberman adds that it has “a gorgeous lather, affordable price point, and A+ ingredient transparency,” making it a winner in her book.

Best Exfoliating Face Wash

Saint Jane Pore Clarity Cleanser

Dr. Hartman says this is one of his favorite exfoliating face washes because it helps clear pores with ingredients glycolic acid and salicylic acid but also hydrates with hyaluronic acid. “It’s great for tackling acne, dryness, and dullness while leaving your skin smooth and refreshed,” he says. Bradt enjoys its soft and non-drying lather. “After using this, my skin felt exceptionally clean yet comfortable,” she says.

Best Toner

Eminence Organics Pineapple Refining Tonique

“Packed with natural enzymes from pineapple and gentle exfoliants, like PHAs, this toner gently exfoliates to reveal a brighter complexion,” says Bradt, who adds that “over time, I noticed an improvement in my skin texture.” The formula also smells amazing—like a ripe pineapple—for a tropical twist. “The refreshing scent and revitalizing effect make it a joy to use,” Bradt adds.

Best Face Mist

Caudalie Grape Water Face Mist

Hands-free hydration can seem a bit gimmicky, but it’s a surprisingly practical solution for year-round dewy skin. “It’s perfect for nourishing all skin types, especially sensitive skin, as it soothes, reduces skin sensitivity, and strengthens the skin’s barrier, all while offering antioxidant protection,” Dr. Hartman says. Use it as a daily prep pre-makeup and moisturizer, for a midday refresh minus makeup disruption, and as a travel sidekick for soothing skin on flights, poolside, and other new environments.

The best face serums and oils

Best Hydrating Serum

“This oil-free serum is great for anyone seeking deep hydration and a radiant, dewy complexion. It uses hyaluronic acid to hydrate while aloe vera and probiotics soothe and strengthen the skin barrier,” Dr. Hartman says. Dentist and wellness expert Jaskaren Randhawa, DMD, likes how it provides intense hydration with a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula: “I love how it plumps and refreshes my complexion without ever feeling heavy or sticky. It’s become a staple in my routine for maintaining a radiant, well-hydrated look, especially in cold weather,” she says.

Best Firming Serum

Maelove Peptide Squad Collagen Renewal Serum

“This fights anti-aging from all angles,” says dermatologist Kiran Mian, MD. “It’s my all-around favorite for firming thanks to rice protein, Argireline, and other powerful peptides that stimulate collagen to smooth fine lines and give skin a tighter look. Also great? The presence of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and jojoba oil nourishes and supports the skin barrier while ingredients like niacinamide, green tea, and turmeric help calm redness and blotchiness.

Best Calming Serum

Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serum

Stressed-out skin? This gel formula is packed with anti-inflammatories like niacinamide, green tea extract, and licorice root. “I have found the Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serum to be effective in calming and restoring sensitive skin. Its gentle formula effectively reduces redness, inflammation, and blotchiness, while helping to soothe irritation and strengthen the skin’s barrier,” says Dr. Randhawa.

Best Brightening Serum

EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

Developed by a woman dermatologist of color, this serum is specially formulated for melanin-rich skin dealing with hyperpigmentation. “It’s targeted to fade dark spots and post-acne marks while maintaining the skin’s natural tone using clean ingredients like niacinamide, amber algae, and encapsulated vitamin C,” Dr. Hartman says.

Best Overnight Treatment

Lion Pose Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum

This 2024 Clean Beauty Award winner is back. “It contains everything you need to fade hyperpigmentation, like powerful glutathione and ab lend of exfoliating acids, and leaves skin feeling bright and even-toned without over-drying,” says Dr. Mian. The jelly texture absorbs quickly without residue, making it ideal for overnight use. “The after-feel of the serum is so unique and well-thought-out, I was impressed and could appreciate it, being a formulation chemist myself,” says Bradt. “It’s great on performance as well—I was definitely able to see a visible difference after a few nights of use. 100 percent recommend,” she adds.

Best Face Oil

Packed with 24 plant-based ingredients, this antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory blend helps treat everything from wrinkles to breakouts. “The multitasking formula strengthens the skin barrier to lock in moisture and reduce dryness, minimize breakouts, and stimulate collagen production for a youthful, glowing complexion,” Dr. Hartman says. Dr. Randhawa says it’s become a go-to in her routine and that “the lightweight formula absorbs quickly without any greasiness and helps to keep my skin hydrated, radiant, and rejuvenated.”

The best face moisturizers, masks, and sunscreens

Best Face Moisturizer

Weleda Smoothing Day Cream

Powered by plant extracts, this moisturizer hydrates and protects with nourishing wild rose seed and antioxidant-rich green tea, while its spa-like scent comes straight from pure essential oils—no synthetics, just good vibes. Our experts love its “ultra-nourishing feel” and how well “it smooths and plumps dry skin.”

Best Barrier Cream

Deinde Barrier-Building Moisture Cream

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Formulated to strengthen your skin’s outer layers and provide long-lasting hydration, this cream is your barrier’s BFF. “Infused with ceramides, squalane, and vitamin E, this formula helps restore moisture balance, reduce redness, and improve skin resilience, leaving your complexion feeling soft, nourished, and shielded from environmental stressors,” says says dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD.

Best Face Sunscreen

Solara Suncare Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen Milk

Packed with 12 skin-compatible actives plus zinc oxide, this daily formula helps to build collagen, plump fine lines, and prevent photodamage. “I like this oil-free, mineral-based SPF 50 sunscreen because it combines powerful sun protection with skincare benefits,” Dr. Hartman says.

Best Tinted Face Sunscreen

Odacité SPF 50 Mineral Drops Tinted Sunscreen

This tinted mineral SPF won over a new panel of judges for the second year thanks to its high-performance sun protection and inclusive shade range. “Infused with zinc oxide and antioxidant-rich plant extracts, it provides broad-spectrum defense while blurring imperfections, leaving a natural, radiant finish perfect for daily use,” says Dr. Rabach. Dr. Hartman recommends it for all skin types. “I like that it does double duty providing natural coverage while protecting the skin and boosting antioxidant activity,” he says.

Best Face Mask

Primally Pure Regenerative Hemp Face Mask

With biodynamic hemp, raw honey, and spirulina, this mask feels like it was freshly whipped up on the spot. “The phytonutrients deeply help hydrate, reduce redness, and improve skin texture,” says Dr. Hartman. To use, apply a thin layer all over (or spot treat where you need it) and rinse after 15 minutes. “Its beautiful green color goes on very smooth, washes off easily, and leaves skin feeling so soft,” Dr. Miran adds.

The best specialty face treatments

Best Eye Cream

This treatment combines brightening skincare actives with a peachy-pink tint to offset dark shadows. “Peptides plus niacinamide are so effective for dark circles and Alpyn Instant Bright Eye does it with a creamy hydrating formula that is vegan and cruelty-free and housed in sustainable packaging,” says Dr. Mian.

Best Eye Treatment

True Botanicals Chebula Multi-Corrective Eye Patches

Deeply hydrate, firm, and refresh the delicate skin around the eyes with these biodegradable eye masks. “The hydrogel material is soothing while chebula and caffeine extracts work to firm and brighten,” Dr. Mian says. According to Dr. Randhawa, they are “a must-have for anyone looking for a clean, effective solution to target fine lines, dark circles, and tired-looking eyes.” “I love how they instantly reduce puffiness and brighten my under-eye area, leaving me looking rejuvenated and awake,” she adds.

Best Lip Treatment

Sarah Creal Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment

This chic stick smooths and hydrates lips with its peptide-infused formula, leaving them feeling nourished and plump. “Whether I use it on its own or as a primer under lipstick, it enhances my lip texture and provides lasting hydration for a polished, healthy look,” Dr. Randhawa reports.

Best Face Exfoliator

Naturopathica 10% Glycolic Acid + Aloe Vera Resurfacing Pads

Simple and effective, this at-home glycolic acid peel with soothing aloe vera doubles as a brightening and exfoliating facial as well as a targeted treatment for rough, bumpy heels or elbows. Simply apply to dry, clean skin and follow with moisturizer. “The ease of use of makes these exfoliating pads a go-to for me—not to mention the effective blend of exfoliating acids combined with soothing aloe vera,” Dr. Mian says.

Best Acne Product

Herbivore Blue Wave 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment

This acne treatment strikes the right balance of clearing acne while soothing and protecting your skin barrier. Dr. Hartman approves of the combo of 2 percent salicylic acid and plant-based ingredients like willow bark, blue tansy, and aloe. “I recommend it for patients with active acne and acne-prone skin, addressing concerns like breakouts, blackheads, and congested pores,” he says.

Stylist: Kaia Carioli. Hair: Chika Nishiyama. Makeup: Sophie Hartnett using MAC Cosmetics. Manicure: Mamie Onishi at See Management. Models: Tashi at Heroes Model Management; Gracen Wilkins at Supreme Management.

On Tashi: RUIbuilt top; Araks bralette; Patricia Von Musulin earrings.

Erica Metzger is an established beauty director, freelance writer, brand consultant, and content creator with 19 years of industry experience in print and digital media. She is the founder and editor of The Beauty Loop, a weekly industry newsletter that reaches 600+ beauty journalists and PR executives. Previously, Erica was the beauty, fashion, and travel director at Better Homes & Gardens and the beauty director at Ladies’ Home Journal, along with her Min-award winning beauty blog Gloss Daily. She has written for Allure, Women’s Health, NY Magazine’s The Strategist, The Zoe Report, O Daily, Refinery29, Seventeen, Shape, and Martha Stewart Living. Erica has also appeared on GMA, TODAY, E! News, and ABC News as a beauty expert. She lives in Forest Hills, NY with her husband and two daughters.