When it comes to skincare, what you put on your skin matters just as much as what you put in your body. With a growing demand for clean beauty and natural ingredients, understanding how to read skincare labels is more important than ever. But let’s be honest—ingredient lists can be confusing! Between scientific-sounding names and misleading marketing claims, choosing the best products can feel overwhelming.
At Makeena, we’re all about helping you make healthier choices, and that includes your skincare routine. In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for (and avoid) in natural skincare, plus highlight some of the amazing clean beauty brands available through Makeena.
How to Read Skincare Labels Like a Pro
Ever picked up a skincare product only to feel completely lost when reading the label? You’re not alone! Skincare ingredient lists are arranged in descending order by concentration, meaning the first few ingredients make up most of the product.
Here are a few quick tips:
- Look for ingredients you recognize—natural oils, plant extracts, and vitamins are great signs.
- Watch out for “fragrance”—this term can hide dozens of undisclosed synthetic chemicals.
- Fewer ingredients are often better—simpler formulas can reduce the risk of irritation.
- Be mindful of greenwashing—terms like “natural” and “clean” aren’t regulated, so always check the ingredient list for confirmation.
Skincare Ingredients to Look For
When choosing natural skincare products, focus on ingredients that nourish, protect, and improve your skin without harsh chemicals. Here are some of the best ingredients to include in your routine:
Hydrators & Moisturizers
💧 Hyaluronic Acid – A powerhouse humectant that attracts and retains moisture, keeping your skin plump and hydrated.
🌱 Aloe Vera – Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, perfect for sensitive skin.
🥑 Jojoba Oil – Mimics the skin’s natural oils and helps balance hydration levels.
Antioxidants for Skin Protection
🍊 Vitamin C – Brightens the skin, reduces dark spots, and protects against environmental damage.
🌿 Green Tea Extract – Loaded with antioxidants to help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
🍇 Resveratrol – Found in grapes and berries, it has anti-aging and skin-repairing properties.
Soothing & Calming Agents
🌿 Chamomile – Helps calm redness, irritation, and sensitive skin.
💚 Centella Asiatica (Cica) – Used for centuries to heal wounds and soothe inflammation.
🥥 Coconut Oil – Hydrates while providing antibacterial benefits (best for dry skin).
Natural Exfoliants & Brighteners
🥛 Lactic Acid – A gentle AHA that exfoliates and improves skin texture.
🧂 Sea Salt & Sugar Scrubs – Offer natural, physical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells.
🍍 Papaya Enzymes – Help brighten and gently resurface the skin without irritation.
Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare
Not all skincare ingredients are created equal. Many conventional beauty products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin or pose long-term health risks. Here’s what to avoid:
🚨 Parabens – Used as preservatives but linked to hormone disruption.
🚨 Phthalates – Found in synthetic fragrances and can interfere with the endocrine system.
🚨 Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasers – Known carcinogens sometimes used in cosmetics.
🚨 Sulfates (SLS & SLES) – Can strip the skin of natural oils and cause irritation.
🚨 Oxybenzone & Octinoxate – Common sunscreen chemicals that can disrupt hormones and damage coral reefs.
Pro Tip: Always check the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database to see how clean your skincare products really are!
Clean Skincare Brands Available on Makeena
Looking for safer skincare options? These Makeena-approved brands prioritize natural, non-toxic ingredients while delivering effective results.
🌿 Tom’s of Maine
Known for its natural deodorants, oral care, and skincare products, Tom’s of Maine avoids artificial fragrances, parabens, and other harmful additives.
🌿 Goddess Garden
A leader in mineral-based sunscreen, Goddess Garden products are reef-safe, cruelty-free, and formulated with nourishing botanicals.
🌿 WishGarden Herbs
Focused on herbal remedies and clean beauty, WishGarden offers plant-based skincare that supports skin health naturally.
🌿 Alba Botanica
Alba Botanica offers reef-safe sunscreens, botanical-infused haircare, and skincare solutions free from harmful chemicals, making them a trusted choice for eco-conscious consumers
🌿 Earth Science Naturals
Earth Science Naturals offers skincare solutions free from parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrances. Their products include gentle cleansers, hydrating moisturizers, and anti-aging formulas designed for all skin types.
By choosing products from trusted brands, you’re not only protecting your skin but also supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Make the Switch to Clean Skincare
Making the transition to natural skincare doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small—swap out one product at a time, and focus on brands that prioritize clean, effective ingredients. With the right choices, you can nourish your skin without exposing yourself to harsh chemicals.
Ready to make the switch? Download the Makeena app today to discover, shop, and earn rewards on better-for-you skincare products!
💚 Join us in making healthier, more sustainable choices—one ingredient at a time. 💚
