Welcome Our Favourite Products, a monthly feature of the products keeping our skin glowing, mood lifted and health high. It's a combination of the new things we've tried over the previous month and historic repeat purchases that we think you might love too. And as part of our editorial policy, every product we write about is vegan, cruelty-free and 100% natural and where possible organic. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of incorporating clean beauty and wellness products into your daily routine — or even finding them, we hope you find the following helpful. And as a reminder, a constant favourite of mine — clean filtered water. Drink it frequently, daily. Here's what I'm loving this month:
Perhaps it’s the New Year, a time where resolutions and our commitment to ourselves come into focus, but I found two products perfect for taking off layers of 2020 anxiety and revealing a fresh face.
Youth To The People Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial Exfoliator
An at-home facial, especially one that delivers seriously radiant results, is easier than you think. All that's required is the right product and a little technique. I used to struggle with my skin. Now it's healing the aftermath of hormonal acne — scarring, hyperpigmentation and even more annoying, uneven skin tone. I've written before about my $10 enzyme exfoliant, and it's going to do enough for most to decongest. However, my face required the equivalent of microdermabrasion — every other day.
Youth To The People's exfoliator buffs away dull, dry skin with a glow-boosting blend of active botanical enzymes — papaya and pineapple while sustainable micro-exfoliants, bamboo and diatomaceous earth, resurface the skin. Infused with highly caffeinated extracts — yerba mate and guayusa, this transformative treatment super quick facial treatment fights free radicals and brightens in fifteen minutes. First-time use, my skin felt clean, super clean. And by the time a week had gone by, my boyfriend had started commenting on my skin (Amandine still is) — so needless to say, for me, this was money well spent.
Moon Juice Acid Potion
Acids, in general, I think had a big moment last year. Notably, Glycolic and acids outside of the esthetician office — the format is so different now. That said, acids probably still freak a lot of people out. If you want to look perpetually radiant, acids are IT, and you don't need to leave the house. Acid Potion contains Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic — all resurfacing acids in a 25% AHA + BHA acid formula. When our skin becomes overloaded with environmental toxins (impossible to avoid in a city), its ability to turn over new cells slows down dramatically. And so acids are vital in primary exfoliation, primary cell metabolism, and normalising skin cell repair mechanisms that will help with congested and dull skin.
Glycolic Acid stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen while increasing your skin's natural supply of hyaluronic Acid — think cherub face. Lactic Acid, slightly weaker than most, works to reduce hyperpigmentation, age spots, anything that contributes to dull and uneven skin. Salicylic Acid is anti-inflammatory, so it's perfect for anti-ageing because it works to decongest and minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Adaptogenic Reishi, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Vitamin E help hydrate and support barrier function. I use Acid Potion at night after a double oil cleanse (if you have not heard of the #60secondrule, look into it). You don't wash it off. I like the tacky texture because I feel it going into my skin — and when the tackiness disappears, I know it's been absorbed. I've noticed a change in the texture of my skin after two weeks of use. By the end of the bottle, perhaps I'll have my mid-twenties skin back! Those with super sensitive skin, slightly nervous about incorporating acids, they are for everyone — start with less. Always patch test.
Herbivore Jasmine Body Oil
If your evening routine is focused on hydrating all year round, here's another one for your collection. I find traditional creams too heavy for summer weather in the city (unless it's Le Labo Hinoki Body Cream), I prefer body oil, and Herbivore's Jasmine is my current go-to. It beautifully hydrates skin and leaves the most exquisite scent that's perfect for warm summer nights.
Corpus Naturals Third Rose Natural Deodorant
I'm an on-again, off-again user of several brands and formulas — Aesop, Agent Nateur Holi(Stick) and now Corpus Naturals. Corpus is a high-performance vegan formula for people who don't want to sacrifice quality for the sake of going natural. For me, that means no cardboard tubes. Corpus Naturals is an every day essential and one that deserves to be left outside the medicine cabinet. The water-based formula is derived from vegan ingredients, including natural enzymes and extracts, without synthetic fragrances or endocrine disruptors. It's also aluminium and paraben-free, and there's no talc, baking soda, or phthalates. The deodorant stick's solid smooth texture applies flawlessly, resulting in no messy crumbles, residue, or stains. You might still sweat a bit, but I promise you will not stink.
Everything we create is an effort to participate in a culture shift. All products featured are independently selected and curated by the authors, and we only feature items we use or would use ourselves that align with our values. As part of our business model, we do work with affiliates such as Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases if you decide to purchase through our links. The price would be the same to you either way, but if you find value in our work, then these affiliate links are a way to support it. We only recommend brands, makers and products we use — that we support. Transparency is important to us, so if you have any questions, please reach out to us.