“As consumers, we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy.”
Emma Watson
This Clean Beauty Directory features the trusted personal products I use in my daily routine and take with me on my travels. Yes, the definition of clean beauty is still open for interpretation, according to Vogue Australia, but one thing which is for certain, is that the term is being driven by conscious consumers.
Acts of wellness have become a global priority and the hunt for stripped-back, innovative and ‘clean’ ingredients are in high demand, along with the consideration of the environmental impacts of each product.
You could say this curated Clean Beauty Directory has been five years in the making as my awareness, knowledge and local availability have greatly expanded during this time. It is inspired by the many conversations I have found myself involved in recently as sustainability issues now appear on mainstream media.
Word of mouth is a huge channel for passing on information and these days, this involves actively sharing links, screenshots and social media accounts of trusted brands and products. So consider this post as a gift, a resource where all recommendations and active links can be found in the one convenient place – you are welcome!
You will notice the majority of these clean beauty items are made in Australia. Supporting local has never been such an important act as it is right now as, at time of publication, many people in our country are living in devastating circumstances.
You can be assured that every item comes from an ethical brand and belongs to more than one of these categories specifically: sustainably sourced, packaged and posted, natural, ‘active’ and organic ingredients which are cruelty-free, palm oil free and vegan-friendly. Not only are the ingredients safe for our skin to absorb, they are also free of microbeads which are adding to the plastic pollution being found in our oceans and waterways.
Further Reading: Your Sustainable Lifestyle Checklist – A Universal Perspective
I would like to emphasise that, while I appreciate some readers may find the urge to rush out and purchase from this list, please consider firstly whether it is something you truly need. Otherwise, the most responsible action is to save this article somewhere you can easily refer back to once you have finished using the products you already have at home. Unless, of course, your staples are detrimental to your health or the health of the environment.
On that note, here is a link to where you can responsibly dispose of and recycle empty cosmetic tubes and containers.
Related Post: TerraCycle Zero Waste Bins Solve Those Tricky Items
Lastly, this post contains affiliate links which, when clicked, provide CWMS with a small commission at no extra cost to you. Each product listed has been independently researched and purchased by me. I am proud to support these companies and start conversations that align with my Keeping it R.E.A.L. ethos.
So without further ado…
Toiletry Bag
After my introductory statement around my preference for supporting local Australian brands, I would like to start by sharing one of the items which deviates from this. My trusted Toiletry Bag is from an ethical brand called Sandstorm, founded and manufactured in Kenya, Africa – bear with me here! If there was ever a continent which was in need of our support it is this one and, those who have been following this blog for a while will recognise that a piece of my heart will always be found in Africa.
This Toiletry Bag was purchased from a Sandstorm store in Nairobi, during one of our family travel adventures. Over the past two years it has accompanied me from one side of the world to the other, from fancy glamping bathrooms to caravan park amenities blocks and everywhere in between. It is, hands down, one of the most practical pieces of travelling equipment I own.
Currently, the only international shipping available is to the UK but I am staying in touch with the company for future developments and opportunities.
Clean Beauty HAIR Routine
Regardless of my previous life spanning 15 years in the hairdresser industry working in both Australia and the UK for a global hairdressing company, trying every product, hair colour and style known to women, I have now happily settled with this simple and preferred clean beauty hair routine.
Shampoo
- The Source Bulk Foods – Handmade Rosemary and Nettle Shampoo Bar.
*Travel Tip* Cut the bar to the required size to save space. My plastic-free soap container can be found here.
Conditioner
- One of the few items which is homemade.
½ Apple Cider Vinegar + ½ Water (1 part + 1 Part). You can find my preferred plastic-free, travel sized container here.
Styling
- Argon Oil (gift from a friend).
- Award winning product, Aveda Hairbrush (although I usually just pack a simple comb when I travel).
Clean Beauty FACE Routine
The skin on my face has always been my achilles heel. My story is one that involves battling teenage acne, complete with severe scaring, as well as tolerating the effects caused by taking Roaccutane. I consistently invest in quality products which nourish and repair my skin and am especially thrilled with this simple routine of natural, yet active blends of ‘clean beauty’ ingredients.
Cleanse
- Award Winning Product, Quite Frankly Natural – Daily foaming cleanser. French clay and lactic acid to exfoliate and refine pores as well as certified organic kakadu plum with vitamin C for ‘porcelain doll-like skin’ (yes please🙋🏻♀️). Perfect all-round product for my ‘no fuss’ cleansing routine – and smells divine!
Moisturise
- Award Winning Product, Biologi – My introduction to this truly unique brand was with using Bf Hydration and has since progressed to Bd Luminosity. Never did I think I would choose a serum to hydrate my oily skin but, they had me at “the highest concentration of organic botanicals on earth” and I haven’t looked back.
Scrub
- Thalgo – Refreshing Exfoliator. I am keen on making my own when this runs out – any homemade recipe ideas?
Makeup
- Award winning product Adorn – Hydrating Cream Mineral Foundation Stick (light-medium).
- Ere Perez – Avocado Waterproof Mascara (black).
- Sante – Liquid Eyeliner.
- Lip/Brow/Eyeliner pencils – they are so old I am unable to read the brands of these random items rolling around in the depths of my make-up bag.
- Weleda – Tinted Lip Balm in Berry Red 💋.
Clean Beauty BODY Routine
Our skin is the largest organ in the body and is well worth being particularly fussy about when it comes to both protection and nourishment. Australians especially expose their skin to extreme and harsh elements and I believe, if you don’t look after your skin when you are young, it will remind you when you are older.
Soap
Bar soap is always cut to size and packed when we go travelling so we can avoid the use of mini toiletries in hotel rooms. My preferred plastic-free soap container can be found here.
- Biome Eco Store – Bar.
- Church Farm General Store – Bar. Look for these guys at local markets around Byron Bay where they sell bags of soap off-cuts.
- Eco Store – Bar + Pump. Also found in Australian supermarkets (choose the refill container). I recommend their kitchen and laundry products as well.
- Thankyou – Pump. Also found in Australian supermarkets (choose the refill container).
Body Moisturiser
- Coconut Oil – Fractionated (ultralight that stays in liquid form). My preferred plastic-free container can be found here and Virgin Coconut Oil, found in my kitchen and purchased from world-wide supermarkets (very handy when you are travelling).
- P’URE Papaya Care – Papaya Ointment paw paw with calendula. This is a Petroleum Free paw paw ointment in a black (not red) tube or tub. Used for everything from dry lips and itchy mosquito bites, to soothing random undiagnosed rashes. Essential beauty product and must-have product for a family-friendly first aid kit.
- Weleda – Skin Food. Especially brilliant for tough/rough areas such as feet, elbows, knees.
- L’Occitane en Provence (gift from my Husband) – I own a travel pack but my favourite, by a long shot, is the award winning product Dry Skin Hand Cream (blue label).
Oral Hygiene
- The Source Bulk Foods – Zero Waste Toothbrush. Our daughter uses the children’s toothbrush.
- Grants of Australia – Mild Mint Natural Toothpaste. This can also be found in Australian supermarkets.
- Next investment will be this Zero Waste Dental Floss.
Perfume
- Angela Flanders London – I am currently in the market for a new ‘natural’ perfume and welcome recommendations. Thank you in advance …
Deodorant
- Black Chicken Remedies – Axilla Deodorant Paste. Our 7-year-old daughter also uses this. Full review of this natural deodorant, which includes second opinions from family/friends I gifted a tub to in order to objectively write the review, can be found here. Packaged in 75g and convenient travel size of 15g (which is easily refilled).
TIME SENSITIVE
Menstrual Routine
This topic needs much more attention than I have allocated room for in this post. Please check back for a full review of my zero waste menstrual period routine with details of what to expect for those considering making the change.
Menstrual Cup – Game Changer Alert
- Ruby Cup –
Q: “Why not an Australian company Shea?”
A: “Because when you buy a Ruby Cup, they’ll donate one to a woman or girl without access to menstrual care products in developing countries, on your behalf.”
Enough said …
Period Undies – Game Changer Alert
- Modibodi – I can’t stress enough how comfortable and convenient these are. Especially worth considering for young women entering into their menstruating stage and those who suffer from incontinence.
Sanitary Products
- TOMS Organic – Nothing less than organic for my sensitive areas. This can also be found in Australian supermarkets.
Clean Beauty SUMMER Routine
Nail Polish
- Sienna Byron Bay – Non-toxic nail polish.
Sunscreen
Tested during the summer of 2018 on a family of four with both olive skin (the lucky ones) and ridiculously sun sensitive white skin (the precious one). I recommend this combination in 2019 with no hesitation.
- Feel Good Inc. – REEF FRIENDLY Sunscreen lotion SPF 50+. There is also one for sensitive skin which is fragrance free.
- Sun & Earth – REEF FRIENDLY Natural SPF 30 Zinc Cream (sandy light).
Mosquito Spray
Perfect for both outdoor and indoor use. Yes, we live in an iconic Queenslander (with minimal flyscreens) and I spray my mosquito-attracting-children most summer nights before they go to bed.
- Biome Eco Store – Mozzie Mist which, as a bonus, is in a glass container.
Something to consider…
- Plastic free Cotton Buds – A switch I made after seeing the image of the seahorse carrying a plastic one with its tail. Yes, biodegradable ones can be more expensive however, it makes you more conscious with/when/why you reach for them. Interesting to note my first box lasted our family just under 12 months.
Save This CLEAN BEAUTY DIRECTORY For Later
Please join the conversation, as especially in this case I know our readers will appreciate feedback about your favourite products which might, or might not, be included on this list. Love to see this Clean Beauty Directory shared within all your trusted networks and absolutely, feel free to ask questions via:
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