Where I Started Shopping Clean

When I first dove into clean beauty, I felt a little lost. Which brand to choose? And then, which product? How can I be sure it’s non-toxic? Will it work for my skin? So many brands are offering clean alternatives to your everyday products. Which is awesome but can feel overwhelming!

Luckily, some amazing websites and retailers have done all the heavy-lifting for you. These platforms have curated, researched and tested tons of products so you don’t have to. In my opinion, it’s the best way to start your clean beauty journey.

Here are my faves:

1. Follain

Boston-based Follain was my first clean beauty crush. When I entered their Beacon Hill boutique, I fell in love with their aesthetic. White tiles, plants, vintage sinks, copper touches… A Pinterest decor in real life (#bathroomgoals)! It was purely physical at first, I must admit. But, when I took a closer look at their vision and uncompromising approval process, I also fell in love with their mind.

The ‘Petit Plus’ (little extra): Products organized by category in store. So, if you’re looking for a cleanser for example, they’ll be all in one place. Not ideal for people leaning towards a full-regimen with a specific brand, but perfect for newbies who want to mix and match and test things out.

Start with: Getting a free Clean Consult with a Follain expert, who can recommend a single product or a full routine tailored to your needs.

PS: I personally ordered the ‘ Go-Clean Starter kit’ which included travel- and full-sizes of their best sellers products and it was perfect (full review to come)! It was unfortunately a limited-time offer but they might bring it back. Be on the lookout 😉

2. Credo Beauty

Credo Beauty was born in San Francisco and has now 8 stores all over the US, as well as a very user-friendly website. Their mission is to “change the way people think about ingredients and products they put on their bodies”. They clearly advertise the list of ‘dirty’ ingredients that cannot be included in the products they sell. Their SF store is beautifully arranged with a lot of options for every category and very knowledgeable people to help you navigate. And they have a pretty good points system!

The ‘Petit Plus’: you can bring a product you love to the store and they’ll help you find a clean alternative!

Start with: The Credo Clean Makeup Kit! I’m obsessed. It’s a great value ($103 worth of goodness for only $59) and a very smart investment if you want to switch your whole makeup routine. It includes a lipstick, eyeshadow, cream blush, mascara, nail polish and highlighter (4 travel size, 2 full size). It deserves a full review (coming soon!).

3. The Detox Market

Their motto: no compromise on quality and efficacy. The Detox Market started off as a one-hit-wonder popup on Abbot Kinney in Los Angeles and was such a hit that the founding team decided to open physical stores (one in LA, one in Toronto) and launch a website. They have an impressive selection of carefully curated brands and products. Their website is super easy to use and offers many filters to search for products.

The ‘Petit Plus’: for each category, TDM selects the 5 best products. One more level of curation to help you choose the best one for you! Check out their ‘Top 5’s’ on their website.

Start with: The Detox Box! This subscription box can be a one-month affair, or turn into a 3 or 6 months love story. It features one brand each month with a value of $90 of green beauty at least (for $50 or less, a bargain!).

4. Ayla

Another San Francisco baby (call me biased), Ayla is all about efficacy and personal guidance. Their goal is to turn your search for non-toxic beauty products into a fun, enlightening journey. Their little studio on Bush street is the cutest thing! It is located in a former carriage house next to the Healing Arts Building. A unique, almost private shopping experience.

 

The “Petit Plus”: They carry brands from all over the world (Australia, France, England, Sweden…), that are, in many cases, not sold anywhere else in the US.

Start with: The Custom Sample Kit. After you fill out a detailed product and lifestyle questionnaire, Ayla’s experts will choose 6 customized samples for you to try (each for at least 3 applications) with a detailed ‘how to use’. You can then decide if you want to buy the full sizes. Pretty cool!

All these websites and boutiques have their charm and advantages. They’ll definitely make your journey towards a cleaner, healthier beauty routine easier!

I’d love to hear about your first purchases and swaps, share your experience below 🙂