24 Best Clean Beauty Brands 2026 for Every Skin Tone

The term “clean beauty” has evolved far beyond a simple buzzword. In 2025, it represents a fundamental shift in what consumers expect from their skincare and makeup. It’s no longer just about avoiding a few controversial ingredients. Today, the best clean beauty brands champion radical transparency, ethical sourcing, proven product efficacy, and inclusive formulas that work for every skin tone. This guide will help you navigate the landscape and discover the brands leading the charge, including standouts like Live Tinted, ILIA, and Kosas that are setting new standards for the industry.

Why Switch to Clean Makeup and Skincare?

Making the move to clean beauty is a personal choice, but the benefits are compelling for many. The primary driver is a desire for ingredient transparency. Consumers want to know exactly what they are putting on their skin and, by extension, into their bodies. Clean beauty prioritizes formulas free from ingredients that some people prefer to avoid, focusing instead on skin loving alternatives.

For those with sensitive or reactive skin, this can be a game changer. Many clean formulations are designed to be gentle, often omitting common irritants. Beyond personal health, the movement is tied to broader ethical concerns. A significant number of the best clean beauty brands are also committed to cruelty free practices, sustainable packaging, and responsible sourcing, allowing you to align your purchases with your values.

How to Evaluate Clean Beauty Brands

With so many brands claiming the “clean” label, learning how to vet them is key. Here’s a simple framework to help you make informed choices:

• Read the Ingredient List: Look for what’s in the product, not just what’s left out. Great brands often highlight beneficial ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and potent antioxidants like THD Vitamin C.

• Look for Third Party Certifications: This is one of the easiest ways to verify a brand’s claims. For cruelty free status, the Leaping Bunny certification is a globally recognized gold standard. Brands like Live Tinted carry this certification, ensuring no animal testing occurred at any stage of product development.

• Check for Inclusivity and Performance: The best clean beauty brands prove that you don’t have to sacrifice performance or shade range. They create products that address real skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation to sun protection for deep skin tones, without leaving anyone out.

• Demand Transparency: Brands should be open about their formulation philosophy, testing, and sourcing. Look for clinical or consumer testing results on their websites to back up performance claims. For example, some brands conduct instrumental studies on products, with one 15% vitamin C stick showing statistically significant improvements in brightness and hyperpigmentation in a 32 subject study.

Key Ingredients to Avoid in Clean Makeup

While every brand defines “clean” differently, there are several common ingredients that most clean beauty formulations exclude due to consumer preference and potential concerns. Being aware of them can help you read labels more effectively.

• Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben): These are preservatives used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Some studies have raised concerns about their potential to disrupt hormone function.
• Phthalates (e.g., DBP, DEHP): Often found in fragrances to make scents last longer, some phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption.
• Sulfates (SLS and SLES): These are cleansing agents that create a lather. They can be stripping and irritating for some skin types, especially sensitive or dry skin.
• Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers: Used as preservatives, these ingredients are known allergens and have raised health concerns.
• Talc: While cosmetic grade talc is generally considered safe, there have been concerns about its potential contamination with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Many clean brands opt for talc free formulas, especially in powders.
• Synthetic Fragrance: Brands often list this as “fragrance” or “parfum.” These proprietary blends can contain dozens of unlisted chemicals, including potential allergens and irritants. Clean brands often use essential oils or fragrance free formulas instead.

Our Selection Criteria for This Guide

To curate this list of the best clean beauty brands, we focused on several core pillars that define excellence in the industry today.

First, ingredient safety and formulation philosophy were paramount. We prioritized brands that are transparent about what they use and why. Second, we evaluated product efficacy and innovation. This includes everything from multi use products that simplify routines to problem solving formulas, such as mineral sunscreens that offer broad spectrum protection with no white cast on melanin rich skin.

Third, ethical commitments and inclusivity were crucial. We looked for brands with verified cruelty free status and those who design products for a wide spectrum of skin tones and concerns. Finally, we considered brand reputation and community trust, selecting companies that have earned praise for their results and their mission. It’s this combination of factors that separates good brands from the truly best clean beauty brands on the market.

Best Clean Beauty Brands: Top 24 Picks for 2025

Now that you’re familiar with the cornerstones of clean beauty, it’s time to introduce the brands that are leading the charge in 2025. This curated list highlights the top brands that have distinguished themselves through their commitment to safe, non toxic ingredients, sustainable practices, and products that deliver exceptional results. These are the innovators and trailblazers setting new standards for what it means to be one of the best clean beauty brands.

1. Live Tinted

Built by and for melanin rich skin, Live Tinted turns real community needs, like tackling hyperpigmentation and eliminating SPF white cast, into thoughtful, skin first formulas. Expect multitasking staples that merge care with color, all in clean, vegan, and cruelty free compositions that don’t clog pores or dull deeper tones.

• Badges: [Cruelty Free] [Vegan] [Clean] [Reef Friendly] [AAPI Founded] [Recyclable Packaging]
• Best For: Melanin rich skin; no white cast mineral SPF; hyperpigmentation care; minimal, multitasking routines.
• Product Range & Price: Mineral SPF, skin tints, color correctors, multi use sticks, eye care, highlighters; $5 to $68.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: From the viral Huestick correctors to HUEGUARD® Skin Tint SPF 50, every formula is built to avoid ashiness and support even tone. The SUPERHUE Hyperpigmentation Serum Stick (niacinamide, THD vitamin C, bakuchiol) targets dark spots while non nano zinc SPFs like HUEGUARD® 3 in 1 Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 blend invisibly on deeper skin. Leaping Bunny certification, 100% vegan formulas, and PCR forward packaging underscore the brand’s clean and sustainable approach.

Editor’s tip: Pair HUESTICK® under Hueguard Skin Tint for spot neutralizing color that wears like skincare.

2. ILIA

ILIA’s “clean, skin centric” ethos fuses active skincare with makeup that looks like you, only glowier. With nuanced undertones and mineral SPF that wears seamlessly, it’s a consistent go to for deeper complexions seeking breathable coverage and real skin benefits.

• Badges: [Cruelty Free] [Mostly Vegan] [Clean] [Recyclable Packaging] [1% For The Planet]
• Best For: Melanin rich skin; no white cast mineral SPF; sensitive eyes; skincare powered makeup.
• Product Range & Price: Complexion, eyes, and lips, including Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, Multi Sticks, and ophthalmologist tested mascaras; $16 to $64.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: ILIA shades are undertone smart to prevent gray cast, especially in its zinc based, tinted SPF formulas. Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 layers hydrating actives over inclusive tints for a radiant, even finish on deeper tones. Sustainability shows up in lightweight packaging, Pact Collective recycling, and a give back commitment tied to Skin Tint sales.

Editor’s tip: Mix a drop of Super Serum Skin Tint into True Skin Concealer for custom coverage that stays dewy and not heavy.

3. Kosas

If your skin is sensitive, acne prone, or just picky, Kosas’ clinically tested, non comedogenic formulas deliver the coverage you want without drama. The brand’s undertone savvy shades and skincare actives make it a top clean choice for brightening dark circles and evening tone on melanin rich skin.

• Badges: [Cruelty Free] [Clean] [Dermatologist Tested] [Hypoallergenic] [Non Comedogenic] [Mineral SPF] [Recyclable Packaging]
• Best For: Melanin rich skin; skincare powered makeup; sensitive skin; no white cast mineral SPF; dark circles and hyperpigmentation.
• Product Range & Price: Skin tints, concealer, foundation, correctors, mineral SPF, powders, blush, bronzer, brow, lips, eyes; $18 to $48.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: Revealer Foundation’s shade map (with warm, neutral, olive options) helps deeper tones avoid ashy finishes. Peach to red Revealer Correctors neutralize hyperpigmentation before concealer, while DreamBeam mineral SPF 40 brings cast free protection with a soft tint. Clean standards are strict, packaging is increasingly recyclable, and performance is award winning.

Editor’s tip: Tap a thin layer of peach or orange Revealer Corrector under eyes first, then concealer, to brighten without piling on product.

4. Merit Beauty

Merit’s edit is tight, intentional, and endlessly wearable, creating makeup you can live in. Think minimalist sticks that blend like a dream, undertones that feel true on rich complexions, and skincare minded textures that play nicely with sensitive or acne prone skin.

• Badges: [Clean] [Vegan] [Cruelty Free] [EU Compliant] [Recyclable Packaging] [Dermatologist Tested]
• Best For: Minimalist routines; sensitive/acne prone skin; melanin rich complexions; everyday multitaskers.
• Product Range & Price: Complexion sticks, blush/bronzer balms, serums, mascara, brow pomades, lip oils, brushes; $18 to $92.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick spans an expansive shade range with thoughtful undertones that resist gray cast on deeper tones. Merit also worked with esthetician Biba de Sousa to exclude 72 acne triggers across its complexion lineup, keeping skin calm while you cover. Eco minded packaging and a shelf of beauty awards round out the appeal.

Editor’s tip: Dot The Minimalist where you need it (not all over), then buff with Brush No. 1 for a second skin finish.

5. Saie

Saie brings a modern, makeup artist lens to clean beauty with dewy textures, thoughtful undertones, and formulas that make skin look lit from within. It’s especially strong for deeper tones thanks to cast conscious mineral SPF and powders that set without flashback.

• Badges: [Clean] [Cruelty Free] [Vegan Options] [Climate Pledge] [Plastic Negative] [Recyclable]
• Best For: Dewy mineral bases on melanin rich skin; hyperpigmentation care; sensitive eyes; no white cast SPF.
• Product Range & Price: Skin tints, foundations, concealers, bronzers, blushes, highlighters, powders, mascara, lip oils; $16 to $45.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: Slip Tint SPF 35 tints its non nano zinc to neutralize white cast, while licorice root helps brighten over time. For fuller coverage, Glowy Super Skin spans an inclusive shade range, and Airset powder’s Deep tone avoids that telltale gray finish. Saie’s annual Impact Report and Plastic Negative certification signal a real sustainability commitment.

Editor’s tip: Set Slip Tint only where you need it with Airset in Deep so shine stays juicy, not greasy.

6. RMS Beauty

A clean pioneer with pro artistry roots, RMS is beloved for luminous, skin nourishing textures that never feel heavy or chalky. The brand’s modern shade expansions and tinted mineral SPF options keep deeper complexions radiant and not ashy.

• Badges: [Cruelty Free] [Clean] [Vegan Options] [Refillable Packaging] [Recyclable] [Non Nano SPF]
• Best For: Melanin rich skin wanting cast conscious mineral SPF; dry or mature skin; sensitive eyes.
• Product Range & Price: Tinted mineral SPF, foundations, concealers, luminizers, gel to powder blush, lip serums, mascara; $20 to $58.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: RMS builds glow into everything, from undertone aware concealers to tinted, non nano zinc SPFs designed to blend invisibly. Refillable ReEvolve packaging reduces plastic, and EU aligned standards keep formulas clean without sacrificing performance. Expect lit from within radiance that complements, rather than flattens, deeper tones.

Editor’s tip: Press UnCoverup Concealer with fingertips for warmth and slip, then seal with a whisper of powder only where needed.

7. Jones Road

Created by makeup legend Bobbi Brown, Jones Road nails the “skin, but better” brief with clean essentials that are easy to use and hard to overdo. Its precise, spot correcting tools and cast conscious mineral SPF make it a natural fit for melanin rich skin.

• Badges: [Clean] [Cruelty Free] [Vegan Options] [Recyclable Packaging]
• Best For: No makeup makeup; mature or dry skin; minimal cast mineral SPF; precise dark spot correction.
• Product Range & Price: Face pencils, skin tints, multi use balms, mineral SPF, eye and lip color, skincare; $24 to $52.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: The Face Pencil’s expansive shade map lets you spot correct hyperpigmentation with finesse, rather than masking everything. Hydrating, non comedogenic bases are designed to melt into skin (not sit on top), and the mineral SPF layers cleanly without a ghostly cast. Recyclable packaging and a stringent no list raise the bar for clean.

Editor’s tip: Use two Face Pencil shades, one to neutralize discoloration and one to brighten, for seamless, skin like coverage.

8. 100% Pure

A clean beauty stalwart, 100% Pure champions fruit pigmented color and gentle, fragrance free options that sensitive skin loves. It’s a smart pick for ingredient purists who want undertone savvy shades and supportive brightening care.

• Badges: [Cruelty Free] [Mostly Vegan] [Clean] [Fruit Pigmented] [Recyclable Packaging] [Solar Powered HQ]
• Best For: Ingredient purists; sensitive eyes; hyperpigmentation care; mineral SPF layering for deeper tones.
• Product Range & Price: Skincare, fruit pigmented makeup, mineral SPF, and body care, including foundations, mascaras, and serums; $7 to $72.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: Foundation ranges offer diverse undertones (including olive, neutral, warm) to curb ashiness on deeper complexions. Kojic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root show up in dark spot care, while non nano zinc SPFs can be layered under tinted bases for a cast free finish. Eco efforts span a solar powered HQ, recyclable packaging, and Pact take back.

Editor’s tip: Layer mineral SPF, then press on a fruit pigmented tinted moisturizer to instantly cancel any cast.

9. Well People

Derm developed and EWG Verified at scale, Well People proves clean can be effective, accessible, and undertone aware. The line is gentle on sensitive skin yet delivers the flexible coverage and mineral SPF protection melanin rich complexions rely on.

• Badges: [EWG Verified] [Vegan] [Cruelty Free] [Derm Developed] [Fair Trade Certified]
• Best For: Melanin rich complexions; no white cast mineral SPF; sensitive skin; no makeup makeup.
• Product Range & Price: Skin tints, complexion sticks, concealer, mineral SPF, mascara, lip oils, skincare; $12 to $49.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: Undertone depth runs rich deep across tints and sticks to prevent gray cast, while non nano zinc SPFs (like Bio Tint and Daygleamer Serum SPF) are formulated to blend invisibly. With over 100 EWG Verified products and FSC certified packaging, the brand balances safety, performance, and sustainability.

Editor’s tip: Mix a drop of oil into Bio Tint for extra slip and an undetectable, your skin finish.

10. Alima Pure

A mineral makeup specialist with serious shade science, Alima Pure keeps ingredients minimal and undertones precise. If you’re oily, sensitive, or acne prone and picky about a true match, this clean classic belongs in your kit.

• Badges: [Cruelty Free] [B Corp] [Clean] [Carbon Neutral] [Refillable] [1% for the Planet]
• Best For: Oily, sensitive, or acne prone skin; melanin rich tones needing precise undertone matches; low waste routines.
• Product Range & Price: Loose and pressed foundation, cream concealer, bronzer, cream blush, eyeshadow, primer, mascara; $20 to $52.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: The Satin Matte Foundation spans 45 shades across five undertones, crucially including olive, so deeper complexions don’t skew gray. Sample kits help you nail a match before committing. As a carbon neutral B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Alima Pure also champions refills and renewable energy.

Editor’s tip: Blend two undertones, like warm and olive, to mirror the nuanced depth of rich brown complexions.

11. Cheekbone Beauty

Mission driven and shade savvy, Cheekbone Beauty blends Indigenous values with modern performance. Expect clean, vegan formulas that prioritize undertone accuracy and sustainability, from refills to responsible sourcing.

• Badges: [Indigenous Owned] [B Corp] [Vegan] [Cruelty Free] [Clean] [Recyclable/Refillable Packaging]
• Best For: Undertone true pencils for melanin rich skin; no flashback setting powder; clean multitasking routines.
• Product Range & Price: Complexion multi pencils, setting powder, primer, blush, bronzer, lipsticks, glosses, mascara, eyeshadow; hero items include Unify Multi Pencil and Mattifying Moon Dust; $16 to $45.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: The Unify Multi Pencil lineup nails depth and undertone for concealing and correcting without chalkiness, while talc free Mattifying Moon Dust sets without flashback. As a B Corp, Cheekbone prioritizes refills, FSC paper, and Pact recycling, plus meaningful give back to Indigenous communities.

Editor’s tip: Use a deeper Unify shade as a corrector first, then your exact match to conceal for a seamless blend.

12. Axiology

Zero waste and ingredient minimal, Axiology proves clean color can be high impact without plastic or palm oil. The brand’s balm to color sticks are effortless on deeper tones, offering creamy, buildable color that is never ashy.

• Badges: [Vegan] [Cruelty Free] [Plastic Free] [Palm Oil Free] [BIPOC Owned] [Zero Waste] [Handmade]
• Best For: Melanin rich complexions; eco minimalists; sensitive skin; oily/combo skin; plastic free multi use routines.
• Product Range & Price: Multi use color sticks, balmies, lip balms, curated face sets; $16 to $118. Hero product: plastic free Lip to Lid Balmies.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: Shades are rich and wearable, designed to read true on deeper tones without turning gray. Each paper wrapped crayon is plastic free and made with a short, gentle INCI list, while packaging comes from a women’s cooperative using recycled paper. Awards from eco minded editors underscore the performance meets planet ethos.

Editor’s tip: Warm Balmies on the back of your hand, then tap onto cheeks and lids for a unified, monochrome flush.

13. NOTO

Gender inclusive and botanically driven, NOTO champions multi use formulas that let skin look like skin. The result is a minimalist routine that’s especially flattering on deeper tones with sheer, buildable color that never reads chalky.

• Badges: [Clean] [Vegan] [Cruelty Free] [Gender Inclusive] [Multi Use] [Recyclable Packaging] [Give Back]
• Best For: Minimalists and multitaskers; melanin rich complexions seeking sheer, non ashy color and glow.
• Product Range & Price: Multi use color sticks, highlighters, botanical serums, skincare, body care; hero products include Hydra Highlighter and Deep Serum; $23 to $58.

Why it stands out for melanin rich skin: NOTO’s color is intentionally sheer and undertone friendly so deeper complexions stay luminous, not flat. Skin first essentials like Deep Serum (with rosehip and sea buckthorn) help even tone and boost glow under makeup. Recyclable packaging and give back via Agender Oil cement the brand’s purpose driven stance.

Editor’s tip: Mix a drop of Deep Serum into your color stick for extra slip and a glossy, glass skin finish.

14. Thrive Causemetics

Known for its “Bigger Than Beauty” giving mission, Thrive Causemetics creates high performance, vegan formulas that solve common beauty challenges. The brand is particularly famous for its tubing mascara and eye brightening pencils that are gentle on sensitive eyes.

• Badges: [Vegan] [Cruelty Free] [Clean] [Sulfate Free] [Paraben Free]
• Best For: High performance staples; sensitive eyes; philanthropy minded consumers.
• Product Range & Price: Mascara, eyeliner, foundation, concealer, blush sticks, eyeshadow sticks, lip color; $20 to $45.

Why it stands out: Beyond its impressive formulas, for every product purchased, the brand donates to help a woman thrive. Its complexion products offer a respectable range of shades designed to cater to various undertones, and the long wearing formulas hold up without irritating ingredients.

Editor’s tip: The Brilliant Eye Brightener is a quick way to look more awake. Use it on the inner corner of the eye and along the waterline.

15. Honest Beauty

Founded by Jessica Alba, Honest Beauty focuses on creating effective and transparently formulated products at an accessible price point. The brand offers a wide range of skincare and makeup that is rigorously tested for both safety and performance.

• Badges: [Cruelty Free] [Clean] [Dermatologist Tested] [Talc Free options]
• Best For: Accessible clean beauty; sensitive skin; everyday makeup and skincare hybrids.
• Product Range & Price: Skincare, foundation, tinted moisturizer, cream blush, mascara, lip crayons; $10 to $35.

Why it stands out: Honest Beauty makes clean formulas approachable for a broader audience. The CCC Clean Corrective with Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer provides sheer, cast free coverage with sun protection, and the award winning Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer is a fan favorite for its dual ended design.

Editor’s tip: The Cream Cheek + Lip Color is a versatile, blendable formula that gives a healthy, natural looking flush.

16. Juice Beauty

A long standing leader in the organic beauty space, Juice Beauty bases its formulas on an antioxidant rich botanical juice base rather than petroleum or water. This commitment to potent, organic ingredients results in high performance skincare and makeup.

• Badges: [Certified Organic] [Vegan] [Cruelty Free] [Clean]
• Best For: Organic ingredient enthusiasts; mature skin; skincare infused makeup.
• Product Range & Price: Skincare, serums, foundation, CC creams, blush, lip color; $24 to $80.

Why it stands out: The brand’s Phyto Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation offers buildable, medium to full coverage with age defying skincare benefits. Its use of plant derived pigments and commitment to sustainable farming practices set it apart.

Editor’s tip: Mix a pump of the Illuminating Primer with your foundation for an extra boost of radiance.

17. Kjaer Weis

Merging luxury, performance, and sustainability, Kjaer Weis offers beautifully designed, refillable makeup. The formulas are certified organic and feature high quality, skin loving ingredients that provide a sophisticated, editorial finish.

• Badges: [Certified Organic] [Refillable] [Clean] [Cruelty Free options]
• Best For: Luxury beauty lovers; sustainable and low waste routines; sensitive skin.
• Product Range & Price: Cream foundation, blush, eyeshadow, highlighters, lip tints; $30 to $70 (refills are less expensive).

Why it stands out: The iconic, weighty metal packaging is designed to be kept forever, with product refills sold separately to minimize waste. The cream formulas melt into the skin for a natural, radiant look that flatters all skin tones.

Editor’s tip: The Cream Blush is a cult classic. Apply it with your fingers to warm up the product for a seamless, second skin finish.

18. Vapour Beauty

Inspired by the light and landscape of Taos, New Mexico, Vapour Beauty focuses on creating luminous, breathable formulas made with organic, plant based ingredients. The brand is committed to performance, inclusivity, and sustainable practices.

• Badges: [Cruelty Free] [Clean] [Waterless Formulas] [Recyclable Packaging]
• Best For: A radiant, lit from within glow; dry or mature skin; multi use products.
• Product Range & Price: Foundation sticks, primers, highlighters, multi use sticks for lip and cheek; $28 to $50.

Why it stands out: Many of Vapour’s products are concentrated and waterless, meaning they are packed with potent botanicals. The Luminous Foundation provides a flawless, dewy finish, and the brand offers a good range of shades with attention to undertones.

Editor’s tip: The Aura Multi Stick is perfect for a quick, monochromatic look on the cheeks, lips, and eyes.

19. Inika Organic

Hailing from Australia, Inika Organic is a globally recognized and certified organic makeup brand. It offers a 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty free line that doesn’t compromise on performance or color payoff.

• Badges: [Certified Organic] [Certified Vegan] [Certified Cruelty Free] [Certified Halal]
• Best For: High performance certified organic makeup; sensitive and allergy prone skin; a wide range of color cosmetics.
• Product Range & Price: Mineral foundation, liquid foundation, primers, concealers, eyeshadows, lipsticks; $29 to $65.

Why it stands out: Inika’s extensive certifications provide a high level of trust and transparency. Its Loose Mineral Foundation SPF 25 is a hero product that offers buildable coverage without clogging pores, making it ideal for sensitive or acne prone skin.

Editor’s tip: Apply the Loose Mineral Foundation with a kabuki brush in circular motions for an airbrushed, flawless finish.

20. Gabriel Cosmetics

A longstanding name in the natural beauty world, Gabriel Cosmetics creates vegan, cruelty free, and gluten free products. The brand is known for its wearable colors and reliable performance, making clean beauty simple and accessible.

• Badges: [Vegan] [Cruelty Free] [Gluten Free] [Clean]
• Best For: Everyday essentials; gluten sensitive individuals; classic, wearable shades.
• Product Range & Price: Foundation, concealers, eyeshadows, lipsticks, nail polish; $13 to $28.

Why it stands out: Gabriel offers a complete line of cosmetics that are easy to use and perform consistently. The Moisturizing Liquid Foundation is a popular choice for its hydrating, medium coverage formula that looks natural on the skin.

Editor’s tip: The classic Lipstick formula is creamy, long lasting, and comes in a wide array of flattering shades.

21. Zuzu Luxe

Zuzu Luxe is the vibrant, fashion forward sister brand to Gabriel Cosmetics. It maintains the same clean, vegan, and gluten free standards but with a focus on more dynamic colors and professional quality performance, all in chic, recyclable packaging.

• Badges: [Vegan] [Cruelty Free] [Gluten Free] [Clean]
• Best For: Bold color lovers; professional grade clean makeup; oil free formulas.
• Product Range & Price: Liquid eyeliner, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, oil free foundation; $15 to $30.

Why it stands out: The brand’s Liquid Eyeliner is a cult favorite for its precise felt tip applicator and impressive staying power. It’s a go to for those who want dramatic, clean eye makeup that doesn’t smudge.

Editor’s tip: The Oil Free Liquid Foundation offers buildable coverage with a semi matte finish, perfect for combination or oily skin types.

22. Lily Lolo

A British mineral makeup brand, Lily Lolo has gained a loyal following for its beautifully formulated, high performance products. The brand focuses on clean, simple ingredient lists that are gentle on the skin while providing excellent color payoff and longevity.

• Badges: [Cruelty Free] [Mostly Vegan] [Clean] [Talc Free]
• Best For: Mineral makeup lovers; sensitive or acne prone skin; natural looking complexion products.
• Product Range & Price: Mineral foundation, finishing powder, blush, bronzer, eyeshadows; $16 to $26.

Why it stands out: The award winning Mineral Foundation SPF 15 is made from finely milled minerals that buff into the skin for a flawless, customizable finish. It’s renowned for its ability to cover imperfections without looking heavy or causing irritation.

Editor’s tip: Use the Flocked Sponge to build up coverage with the mineral foundation over areas that need it most, like dark spots or blemishes.

23. Root

Root is an indie brand with a passionate following, offering a wide range of vegan, gluten free, and cruelty free makeup and skincare. The brand is known for its highly pigmented loose mineral products and an extensive, inclusive shade range.

• Badges: [Vegan] [Cruelty Free] [Gluten Free] [Clean]
• Best For: A vast and inclusive shade range; highly pigmented colors; multi use products.
• Product Range & Price: Loose mineral foundation, setting powders, eyeshadows, blush, skincare; $10 to $25.

Why it stands out: Root’s Pearl Powder Mineral Foundation is available in an impressive number of shades, catering to a wide spectrum of skin tones and undertones. The brand’s vibrant loose eyeshadows are also beloved for their versatility and intense color payoff.

Editor’s tip: The Pretty Balms offer a sheer wash of color and hydration for lips and cheeks, perfect for a quick, on the go look.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of clean beauty in 2025 is about finding brands that align with your skin’s needs and your personal values. The movement has matured beyond simple “free of” lists into a comprehensive approach that includes ingredient efficacy, ethical production, and true inclusivity. The best clean beauty brands today deliver powerful results without compromise, proving that conscious consumerism and high performance can go hand in hand. By focusing on ingredient transparency, trusted certifications, and brands that cater to everyone, you can build a routine that is both effective and empowering.

Ready to explore a brand that embodies the best of clean, inclusive beauty? Discover problem solving products, from SPF and color correctors to HUEGLOW® Liquid Highlighter Drops, for every skin tone at Live Tinted.

FAQ

What does “clean beauty” actually mean?

Clean beauty refers to products made without ingredients that some consumers may choose to avoid. More broadly, the term now encompasses a commitment to transparency, ethical sourcing, cruelty free practices, and formulas that are safe and effective. The definition can vary, so it’s important to research what “clean” means to each individual brand.

Are all clean beauty brands vegan?

Not necessarily. A brand can be clean and cruelty free without being 100% vegan, as it might use animal derived ingredients like beeswax or honey. However, many of the best clean beauty brands are fully vegan, using plant based alternatives. Always check the product label or brand website for vegan certification if that is important to you.

Can clean makeup and skincare be effective for concerns like hyperpigmentation?

Absolutely. Many of the best clean beauty brands focus on creating high performance products with potent, clinically studied ingredients. For instance, brands now offer targeted treatments for hyperpigmentation, such as the SUPERHUE® Brightening Eye Cream, using ingredients like niacinamide, bakuchiol, and stable forms of Vitamin C like THD, all within a clean formula.

How can I find a clean mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast?

This is a common concern, especially for those with deeper skin tones. Look for modern mineral sunscreens formulated with micronized or non nano zinc oxide. Brands specializing in inclusive product development, like Live Tinted, have created award winning mineral SPF products specifically designed to blend seamlessly on all skin tones with no white cast, including the HUEGUARD® Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 for on the go reapplication.

Are the best clean beauty brands more expensive?

While some clean brands are positioned in the luxury market, there are excellent options available at various price points. Often, a higher price reflects the cost of sourcing high quality ingredients, funding clinical testing, and investing in sustainable packaging. Many brands offer mini or travel sizes, which are a great way to try a product before committing to the full size.

What is the Leaping Bunny certification?

The Leaping Bunny is the most trusted cruelty free certification for beauty and personal care products. It signifies that a brand has made a voluntary pledge to eliminate animal testing from all stages of product development, including its ingredient suppliers. It is a key indicator of a brand’s ethical commitment.