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Facial cleansers
Choose a natural face wash
Aubrey Organics facial cleansers
From the good green folks at Aubrey Organics comes this line of power-packed, petrochemical- and paraben-free facial cleansers. Choose from Seaware, Sea Buckthorn, Green Tea, Blue Green Algae, Natural Herbal, and Vegecol.Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream
From the good doctor (Dr. Hauschka, that is) comes this gentle daily cleansing and clarifying cream suitable for all skin types. Key ingredients include exfoliating almond meal, calming anthyllis and calendula, and chamomile and St. John's wort to ward away redness and puffiness.JASON Apricot Scrubble Wash & Scrub
Wash time becomes a thrilling, guilt-free affair when you use this gently exfoliating scrub from JASON, a vanguard in the natural personal care scene since 1959. The scrub contains natural apricot kernels, aloe vera gel, and jojoba, and can also be used as a mask and a pre-shave conditioner.Kiehl's Yerba Maté Tea Cleanser
One of the newer members in coveted skin and body care line Kiehl's arsenal of botanical-enriched facial cleansers, the gentle, foaming Yerba Maté Tea Cleanser is ideal for all skin types. The cruelty-free formula contains lemon extract, kombutchka tea, and yerba maté to remove excess oil and residue and leave skin aglow.Kimberly Sayer Gentle Face Cleanser
Kimberly Sayer—British entrepreneur, aesthetician, and daughter of organic farmers—offers a line of natural skin and body care products ranging from a Slimming Contouring Gel to an Aromatic Night Repair Cream. Her Gentle Face Cleanser contains Lavender oil, soy, and seaweed.Kiss My Face Citrus Cleansing Crème
Render your face totally kissable with this cleanser suitable for most skin types. Ingredients include a heady brew of aloe vera, olive oil, lemon and lime oils, and various herbs, vitamins, and flowers. Like other KMF goodies, this cleanser is free of animal products, artificial colors, and harmful chems.Korres White Tea Fluid Gel
This shaving cream from coveted Greek natural beauty line Korres is free of mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol, and ethanolamine. So what does it contain? Wash away grit and grime with oat proteins and white tea extract.LUSH facial cleansers
This UK-based purveyor of natural handmade goodies for body and bath offers a line of solid facial cleansers made from natural herbs, oils, and clays—choose from Angels on Bare Skin, Herbalism, Fresh Farmacy, Coalface, and others—containing various organic and/or natural and safe synthetic ingredients.Mario Badescu Botanical Facial Gel
The Mario Badescu skincare line—a favorite of celebs, magazine editors, and savvy skincare enthusiasts—is filled with simple yet effective potions and lotions for the face and body made with natural botanical extracts. The Botanical Facial Gel is a non-foaming, alpha hydroxy- powered weapon to fight greasy skin.Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser
From Pangea Organics—purveyor of "Ecocentric Bodycare"—comes this supercharged, hand-crafted facial cleanser that combines anti-inflammatory, antiseptic Egyptian calendula, and cleansing blood orange.Sevi face cleansers
From Sevi comes four botanical face washes and cream cleansers that are free of sulfites, parabens, animal products, artificial fragrances and colors, SLS, SLES, DEA, and TEA. What's that leave? A lot of gentle, yet effective, organic and wildcrafted botanicals, hydrosols, and cold-pressed base oils.Terressentials facial cleansers
Treat clogged pores to these two deep-cleansing face washes—the Fragrance-free Organic Facial Cleanser and the Flower Therapy Detoxifying Facial Cleanser—from Terreseentials. Both are crafted from certified organic herbs and essential oils and are free of detergents and other synthetic nasties.
Use an eco-friendly acne treatment
Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick
This potent, 99 percent natural zit zapper from Burt's Bees is ideal for folks looking to control breakouts with simple, easy applications two to three times daily. The stick's active ingredient is exfoliating willow bark, Mother Nature's version of synthetic salicylic acid.derma e Clear Skin 2 Spot Blemish Treatment
This blemish banisher contains tea tree, willow bark, rosewood, and lavender and boasts the three A's ideal for natural acne treatment: anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.JASCO Organics Balance Acne-Fighting Kit
The products in this five-step kit—cleanser, toner, moisturizer, spot treatment, and a special skin-improving tea—are based on herbs and plant extracts that banish blemishes, not harsh chemicals that can make oily ordeals even worse.Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion
Get your green face on with the Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion from coveted skin and body care line Kiehl's. A longtime staple in the GY Blog's medicine cabinet, (well, blogs can't have medicine cabinets but you get the drift) this cruelty-free toner sports witch hazel, camphor, and menthol, and is ideal for oily skin and post-shave healing.Laid In Montana Therapeutic Acne Clear Cleansing Bar
This handmade soap targeted toward problematic, pimply skin contains saponfied coconut, palm, and vegetable oils along with tea tree and eucalyptus essentials oils. The secret ingredient? Healing, anti-inflammatory emu oil from an emu ranch in Montana.LUSH Mask of Magnaminty
This sweet-smelling UK-based purveyor of natural handmade goodies for body and bath offers Mask of Magnaminty, a vanilla-mint scented remedy for pimple-prone skin that contains various organic and/or natural and safe synthetic ingredients, such as honey, evening primrose seeds, and peppermint oil.Nurture My Body Acne Serum
Pimples? History. Blackheads? Banished. Whiteheads? Yesterday's news. Acne? Annihilated. This gentle formulation deep cleans with the aid of various organic and wildcrafted essential oils and herbal infusions.Oeco Acne Treatment System
The Oeco (a combination of "organic" and "eco-friendly") Acne Treatment System is comprised of three products—a treatment, a cleanser, and an oil control lotion—that use the patented OrganiClear formula (certified organic extracts and essentials oils) to clear up skin without irritation or redness.Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Daily Face Wash for Acne
From this Australia-based purveyor of everything tea tree comes this powerful blemish buster. Tea tree oil's natural antibacterial properties kill acne without the aid of benzyol peroxide while chamomile sooths inflamed skin.
Visit an eco-friendly day spa
ESSpa Kozmetika (Pittsburgh)
This award-winning Day Spa in the 'Burgh melds old-world Hungarian skin care techniques with the finest in modern holistic European product lines, Eminence.Moss Wellness Spa (Scottsdale, AZ)
"Centered on you and your environment" is the motto of this eco-centric destination spa in Scottsdale's fashionable Waterfront district. The spa offers a range of services, from body treatments to custom facials to hair and nail pampering, in a space designed to achieve LEED certification.Natural Body Spa and Shoppe (various cities)
Cici Coffee's mini-chain of green-minded day spas—stop by locations in Florida, Georgia, Washington DC, Maryland, Virgina, North Carolina, and Tennessee—offer the usual spa indulgences with a natural twist.Nusta Spa (Washington, DC)
Elizabeth Snowdon's eco-chic DC spa boasts a full range of services for body and skin, a progressive environmental commitment, and status as the first spa in the world to be accepted into the LEED Pilot Program for Commercial Interiors.Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary (Freestone, CA)
In addition to its stunning Sonoma Valley locale, Osmosis has bragging rights to two notable features: an impressive green mission and status as a founding member of the Green Spa Network and the only stateside Cedar Enzyme Bath, a heat treatment originating in Japan. The spa also offers various facial and massage treatments.Priti Organic Spa (New York City)
Priti Organic Spa—a green getaway for weary hands and feet in Manhattan's East Village—offers a range of manicures and pedicures that use organic creams and scrubs, formaldehyde-, toulene-, and DBP-free polishes, and polish removers made from soy.ReNew Organic Day Spa (Baltimore)
This luxurious green retreat in Charm City offers a full menu of spa services—facials and body treatments, massages, nail care, hair removal, and more—that incorporate organic products and are performed with a dedicated holistic philosophy in mind.Salon Echo (Chicago)
...Salon Eco's more like it. This Chicago hair salon and day spa boasts impressive green cred. Echo follows the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) business model, uses organic product lines, such as Aveda, and operates in a green space with recycled vinyl flooring and more.Strong House Spa (Quechee, VT)
Indulge in the basics or check out the specialties (four-handed massage and far infrared detox foot baths, anyone?) at this eco-friendly escape.Thai Lotus Healing Spa (Sherman Oaks, CA)
The San Fernando Valley isn't exactly known for its halcyon way of life. Thai Lotus Healing Spa, a newcomer on the SoCal spa scene, begs to differ with its menu of Thai-style treatments performed in an eco-friendly oasis.The Spa and Wellness Center (Brooklyn, NY)
This retreat in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn claims to be the first full-service green luxury spa in New York. With a commendable green ethos and a full menu of services, Spa and Wellness Center offers blissed-out sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.
Choose natural facial scrubs and exfoliants
Aubrey Organics Men's Stock Shave Systems
With Men's Stock Shave Systems from Aubrey Organics, men can indulge in a simple, cruelty-free three step shaving system—face scrub, shaving cream, and aftershave or after shave balm—available in three sweet-smelling scents.Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser
Feeling green but a bit greasy? Try this exfoliating facial cleanser from Aveda that draws out impurities with jojoba beads while conditioning with mango butter.Burt's Bees Citrus Facial Scrub
After using this invigorating, orange oil-based scrub from Burt's Bees, you'll be left abuzz with a pampered, squeaky clean visage. Along with dirt-busting essential oils, the scrub contains ground almonds, pecans, oats, and rose petals to provide gentle yet thorough exfoliation.JASON Apricot Scrubble Wash & Scrub
Wash time becomes a thrilling, guilt-free affair when you use this gently exfoliating scrub from JASON, a vanguard in the natural personal care scene since 1959. The scrub contains natural apricot kernels, aloe vera gel, and jojoba, and can also be used as a mask and a pre-shave conditioner.Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub
Fruit-o-phile? Treat hungry pores to this unique, cruelty-free scrub from coveted skin and body care line Kiehl's. Appropriate for all skin types, the scrub contains real fruit enzymes that naturally exfoliate the skin, leaving it clean and kissable.Kimberly Sayer Invigorating Lemon Scrub
Kimberly Sayer—British entrepreneur, aesthetician, and daughter of organic farmers—offers a line of natural skin and body care products ranging from a Slimming Contouring Gel to an Aromatic Night Repair Cream. Her Invigorating Lemon Scrub contains Asian lemon tree oil, organic jojoba beads, and more.Korres scrubs and masks
These natural, gently cleansing facial scrubs and masks from coveted Greek natural beauty line Korres are free of mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol, and ethanolamine. So what do they contain? Treat your face to yogurt, almond meal, olive stones, wild rose oil, thyme honey, and argil.LUSH Ocean Salt scrub
Does your epidermis fancy margaritas? LUSH, the UK-based purveyor of natural handmade goodies for body and bath, offers a facial scrub that's, well, good enough to drink. Ocean Salt is comprised of natural and/or organic and safe synthetic ingredients that include vodka, lime extract, grapefruit essence, and plenty of exfoliating sea salts.Pangea Organics Facial Scrub
From Pangea Organics—purveyor of "Ecocentric Bodycare"—comes this supercharged yet gentle facial scrub that combines exfoilating adzuki bean, nutrient-rich cranberry, and cell regenerating Egyptian geranium.Queen Helene scrubs and masques
Green beauty queens on a budget look no further: Queen Helene's line of facial masks and scrubs are affordable, luxurious, and follow original all-natural, synthetic-free recipes established by the company in the 1930s.
Choose natural toners and astringents
Aubrey Organics facial toners and astringents
From the good green folks at Aubrey Organics comes this line of power-packed, petrochemical- and paraben-free facial toners and astringents. Choose from Rosa Mosqueta, Sea Buckhorn, Green Tea, Blue Green Algae, Natural Herbal, and Vegecol.Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Indulge in a little sustainable spritzin' with this aloe-, peppermint-, and witch hazel-based toning mist from Aveda. This formula for normal to oily skin hydrates while curbing the build-up of pimple- and blackhead-causing oils.Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner
Bees invading the garden? No worries. This 99.42 percent natural toner for normal to oily skin contains tomato, parsley, and cucumber extracts along with sugar cane and natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids to render skin soft and supple.Dr. Hauschka facial toners
From the good doctor (Dr. Hauschka, that is) comes three gentle pore-friendly facial toners: Clarifying Toner (for oily or blemished skin), Facial Toner (for normal, dry, or sensitive skin), and Rhythmic Conditioner (for sensitive skin).Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion
Get your green face on with the Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion from coveted skin and body care line Kiehl's. A longtime staple in the GY Blog's medicine cabinet, (well, blogs can't have medicine cabinets but you get the drift) this cruelty-free toner sports witch hazel, camphor, and menthol, and is ideal for oily skin and post-shave healing.Kimberly Sayer Lavender Toner
Kimberly Sayer—British entrepreneur, aesthetician, and daughter of organic farmers—offers a line of natural skin and body care products ranging from a Slimming Contouring Gel to an Aromatic Night Repair Cream. Her Lavender Toner contains only purified water and organic lavender flowers harvested in California.L'Occitane Rice Purifying Toner
With this red rice vinegar-based toner from L'Occitane—an all-natural Provence-based beauty line with a rapid cult following worldwide—you can keep that oily or combination visage glowing and pores minimized. All L'Occitane products are animal-free, tested under medical supervision, and of plant origin (organic when possible.)LUSH facial toners
This sweet-smelling UK-based purveyor of natural handmade goodies for body and bath offers a line of alcohol-free facial toners made from sea and spring water, essential oils, and flower water—choose from Tea Tree Water, Breath of Fresh Air, or Eau Roma Water—containing various organic and/or natural and safe synthetic ingredients.Nothing Nasty Facial Toners
Nothing Nasty, a Wye Valley, Wales-based skin and body care outfit (yes, they ship to the US and Canada), offers a wide range of eco-ablutions that are vegetarian/vegan, cruelty- and chemical-free, and responsibly packaged.Ole Henriksen Pick Me Up Face Tonic
Following the success of his celeb-laden Los Angeles spa, Danish skincare guru Ole Henriksen introduced his lux yet simple product line to the retail market a few years back. The paraben- and cruelty-free Pick Me Up Face Tonic melds natural fruit extracts, sea kelp, and more to refresh and clean the skin while tightening pores.Origins Organics Purifying Tonic
Origins—a beauty company that's always erred on the natural side of things with strong commitments to the environment and the use of non-synthetics—takes it up a notch with the Organics line. The Purifying Tonic contains 95 percent USDA-certified organic ingredients, such as lavender alcohol and willow bark, to clean and brighten all skin types.Pangea Organics facial toners
From Pangea Organics—purveyor of "Ecocentric Bodycare"—comes three supercharged facial toners: refreshing Italian Green Mandarin with Sweet Lime, detoxifying Argentinean Tangerine & Thyme, and nurturing French Rosemary with Sweet Orange.Skyn Iceland Arctic Face Mist with Biospheric Complex
From a nation known primarily for swan dress-wearing songstresses and a rugged landscape comes Skyn Iceland, a skincare line offering "solutions for stressed skin." The Arctic Face mist, a hydrating and toning spray, contains antioxidant-rich green, yellow, and white teas, yeast extract, and willow bark.
Choose a natural face mask
Aubrey Organics facial masks
From the good green folks at Aubrey Organics comes this line of power-packed, petrochemical- and paraben-free face masks. Choose from Jojoba Meal & Oatmeal, Sea Buckthorn, Green Tea, Blue Green Algae, Natural Herbal, and Vegecol.Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque
Bid adieu to dull skin and say hello to a healthy green glow with the help of Aveda's Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque. Aside from energy-boosting powdered tourmaline, the mask contains lycopene, muru butter, shittake extract, and avocado oil.Fresh Sugar Face Polish
This gentle, deep-cleansing mask from Fresh contains pure brown sugar, strawberries, and a whopping amount of natural oils instead of synthetic active ingredients and preservatives.Kiehl's Soothing Gel Masque
Get your green face on with the Soothing Gel Mask from coveted skin and body care line Kiehl's. Ideal for combination skin, this cruelty-free formula contains dandelion and chamomile extracts along with antioxidant-charged green tea extracts.Korres scrubs and masks
These natural, gently cleansing facial scrubs and masks from coveted Greek natural beauty line Korres are free of mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol, and ethanolamine. So what do they contain? Treat your face to yogurt, almond meal, olive stones, wild rose oil, thyme honey, and argil.LUSH Mask of Magnaminty
This sweet-smelling UK-based purveyor of natural handmade goodies for body and bath offers Mask of Magnaminty, a vanilla-mint scented remedy for pimple-prone skin that contains various organic and/or natural and safe synthetic ingredients, such as honey, evening primrose seeds, and peppermint oil.Ole Henriksen Firm Action Mask
Following the success of his celeb-laden Los Angeles spa, Danish skincare guru Ole Henriksen introduced his lux yet simple product line to the retail market a few years back. The Firm Action Mask is meant for those who like to keep things nice and tight: the mask melds aloe vera, soy flour, kaolin, and more to give users with all skin types $27 face-lift.Pangea Organics Facial Mask
From Pangea Organics—purveyor of "Ecocentric Bodycare"— comes this supercharged, all-in-one facial mask that combines revitalizing acai, nutrient-rich goji berry, and calming Japanese matcha tea.Queen Helene scrubs and masques
Green beauty queens on a budget look no further: Queen Helene's line of facial masks and scrubs are affordable, luxurious, and follow original all-natural, synthetic-free recipes established by the company in the 1930s.
Comments
4:31am
When I noticed that no cleansers really helped my skin, I started to look for more natural cleansers that won't upset the balance of my skin's natural pH. I saw on What Not To Wear that the makeup artist suggested using regular white sugar to exfoliate and brighten dull skin. Thus, I tried it. I found it was quite abrasive and, though naturally antibacterial, didn't prevent blemishes. One day I decided to add a bit of lemon juice to the mixture, as well as extra virgin olive oil. Lemon juice for the blemishes, and the EVOO to hydrate and also to cut the abrasive nature of the sugar. So far I have had fantastic results, and the best part is -- NO chemicals. :)
9:53pm
use baking soda mixed with your facial cleanser for a super cheap effective facial scrub
8:11pm
thanks for the baking soda tip! tried it and it works great !