It was just last year that Sephora rolled out Clean at Sephora, a new labeling initiative that aims to help shoppers select products that aren’t formulated with a number of potentially-harmful ingredients and have less than 1% synthetic fragrance. Although the term "clean" still remains ambiguous across industries — and has received its fair share of criticism within the beauty world — Sephora is forgoing its own path by being transparent about what exactly "clean" means to the beauty powerhouse. The brand started with a focus on 13 ingredients and the list now has over 50 that cannot be included within a formulation for it to comply with the Clean at Sephora seal, which will go into affect this month.
Among these 50 ingredients — which apply to skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair — are BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), carbon black, mercury and mercury compounds, aluminum salts, lead and lead acetate, and more. The retailer is also requiring brands to test for contaminants like 1, 4 dioxane, an organic compound that has been labeled a health hazard, and comply with ingredient thresholds to limit exposure levels of other ingredients.
Sephora has 68 brands with products the fall under the Clean at Sephora umbrella as of now, but with a growing interest in more-natural beauty from consumers, it will surely continue to rise. Shop some of our favorite picks with the seal, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Cucumber Melon
What’s more refreshing than cucumber-infused water when you’re parched? Well, you can get the same rejuvenated feeling for dry skin with this hydrating moisturizer. It tackles dryness with ceramides and shea butter with the added bonus of a fresh scent of cucumber.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Cucumber Melon, $32, available at Sephora
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist
Speaking of refreshing, Glow Recipe created this ultra-fine, fog-like mist that has the dreamy blend of watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus that you can spray onto skin to refresh your makeup — or just cool down skin on a hot day. Spoiler: It feels like you’re walking through a cloud.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist, $28, available at Sephora
Cover FX Monochromatic Matte + Shimmer Blush Duo
This blush duo is talc-free and doesn’t compromise on pigmented color. You can achieve a pop of color on the cheeks by using either shade, or both for a multidimensional finish.
Cover FX Monochromatic Matte + Shimmer Blush Duo, $47, available at Sephora
Flora + Bast Age Adapting CBD Serum
This oil serum is packed with organic CBD to calm redness and fight blemishes, all while leaving you with a dewy glow.
Flora + Bast Age Adapting CBD Serum, $77, available at Sephora
Briogeo Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo
Think of this as a juice cleanse — bottle and all — but for your hair. The shampoo cleanses and nourishes with banana and coconut without stripping your scalp.
Briogeo Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo, $28, available at Sephora
Lululemon Anti-Stink Deodorant
Fitness clothing brand Lululemon expanded into beauty this year by creating products with natural ingredients, like this aluminum-free deodorant, that actually works. The secret ingredient? The workout-tested formula uses prebiotics and zinc to fight odors.
lululemon anti-stink deodorant, $18, available at Sephora
Aether Summer Solstice Eyeshadow Palette
In addition to the formula having the Clean at Sephora seal, this palette’s paper packaging is more sustainable with no pans or elastic. Inside you’ll find 12 buttery shades in matte, shimmer, satin, metallic, and duo-chrome textures.
Aether Summer Solstice Eyeshadow Palette, $58, available at Sephora
Sephora Favorites Clean Fragrance Sampler
Ready to cleanup your fragrance game? This perfume sampler set comes with seven minis to try out IRL and a voucher that you can exchange for a free full-sized bottle once you make your selection.
Sephora Favorites Clean Fragrance Sampler, $65, available at Sephora
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Source: Refinery29 – Thatiana Diaz