Clean beauty 101: How to purify your makeup bag

With the growing emphasis on taking a more natural approach to caring for ourselves, ‘clean’ is this year’s beauty buzzword. But since one brand’s definition of clean can be contrary to another’s, it’s tricky to know where to start. In truth, it’s a work in progress, and there’s no doubt that the beauty industry has a way to go in offering truly ‘clean’ products. But there are companies small and large taking steps in the right direction, and shopping from them helps to ensure that those efforts continue. For us, clean beauty is considered beauty: companies consciously choosing the suppliers they work with, which ingredients they use and – often more importantly – those that they leave out. Here are our current favorites…

Every innovative Algenist product is built around a unique and sustainable algae compound called alguronic acid, which is known for its regenerating properties. You’ll find it in this clever mask, alongside a probiotic and algae prebiotic to rebalance acne-prone and congested skin. Massage a generous amount onto clean skin until the color changes from green to pink, leave it for three minutes to detoxify and hydrate, then rinse away.

Named after the oil used by Amazonian women for centuries, this deeply restorative hair mask centers on plant-derived organic ingredients including lavender, eucalyptus and sunflower seed oil to repair over-processed and chemically treated hair. All Rahua products are made without parabens, sulfates or gluten, and are cruelty-free, non-toxic and vegan.

Tata Harper manufactures and packages every single one of its products at the eponymous founder’s estate in Vermont, which in addition to having an on-site lab also hosts a certified-organic farm. Every product is verified by Ecocert, the Leaping Bunny Association, PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies and the American Vegetarian Association – tick, tick, tick and tick. This soothing face oil contains 17 active ingredients plus olive and camelia seed oil; massage it into dry skin for a fast dose of hydration.

As one of the first probiotic-based skincare ranges, this skin-transforming balm uses plant enzymes and natural rice beads to gently polish the skin, while the probiotics ensure a healthy skin barrier. The result? Less redness and less sensitivity. Use either as an exfoliating cleanser by massaging it into dry skin before emulsifying with water and rinsing off, or as an intensive mask – leave it to work on dry skin for five minutes before removing.

Formulated without parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances, and using natural ingredients like aloe and agar instead has earned Lilah B. a ‘clean beauty pioneer’ reputation. This versatile and creamy balm also contains sea algae and coconut oil to soften and protect skin; try the vibrant raspberry shade on both lips and cheeks.

This luxurious perfume house ticks a lot of boxes: the flowers are harvested from organic farms; all the packaging (minus the cap) is recyclable; and they use the highest concentration of natural oils. But that’s not all – Sana Jardin works with female entrepreneurs in Morocco who use the by-products from the fragrances to create their own line of candles and floral water, ensuring a year-round income.

Bursting at the seams with NET-A-PORTER’s edit of the best that clean beauty has to offer, this chic kit will help you redefine your beauty routine and discover which ‘clean’ products suit your skin. From a neroli-infused face mist and a hyaluronic acid toner to an ethically sourced oil and botanic-ingredient makeup, this kit has you covered.