Natural Skincare: My Favorite Clean Products For Healthy Beautiful Skin

When I started struggling with symptoms of hormonal imbalance nearly a decade ago, I was shocked to discover that many of the everyday skincare products I was using, including “natural skincare” products I thought were safe were actually filled with questionable ingredients. Not soon after this realization, my poor husband came home to find a trash bin filled with all of our shampoo/conditioners, soaps, skincare, lotions, etc. Suffice it to say, he thought I had gone off of the deep end. But that realization sent me down a path of deep research into natural ingredients, organic skincare, and truly clean products.

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I very quickly started to pay close attention to ingredients and realized that many conventional and even “green beauty” products were filled with synthetic ingredients, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh chemicals. These toxins, combined with everyday exposure to environmental pollutants, can take a serious toll on both our hormones, our overall health and our skin.

That’s when I became determined to switch to natural beauty products, made with clean ingredients that support healthy skin from the inside out.

After years of trial and error, and testing countless new products, I finally found a routine made up of my favorite products that truly deliver results. These have become staples in my natural skincare routine and have helped me achieve more balanced, beautiful skin, even while living in the dessert and struggling with dry and aging skin for so many years. This is my personal skincare routine and products I swear by

Why Your Skincare Is Actually Part of Your Diet

Most of us obsess over organic food labels but never think twice about what we slather on our skin. Here’s the reality check: your skin absorbs a significant amount of what you apply to it, which means your moisturizer is functionally closer to a meal than you think.

What This Actually Means For Your Body:

• Synthetic fragrances → Can mimic estrogen and disrupt reproductive hormones
• Parabens in lotions → Detected in breast tissue samples in multiple studies
• Phthalates in products → Linked to reduced fertility in both men and women
• Daily exposure compounds → The average woman uses 12 products daily, exposing herself to 168 unique chemicals

The Simple Swap Strategy:

Instead of overhauling everything at once, replace products in order of surface area coverage and frequency of use.

1. Body lotion (largest skin surface)
2. Face moisturizer (used twice daily)
3. Cleanser (direct absorption when pores are open)
4. Makeup (sits on skin for 8+ hours)

Your skin isn’t just a barrier—it’s a delivery system. Treat your skincare routine like you treat your grocery list.

My Favorite Natural Skincare Products

1. Lavender Tallow Soap Bar

This soap bar is a staple in my skincare routine. I don’t travel anywhere without this cleanswer. It is made with grass fed tallow and infused with calming essential oils like lavender. Unlike cleansers made with synthetic ingredients, it gently cleanses while deeply nourishing the skin.

It leaves my skin soft, hydrated, and never stripped. If you struggle with dry skin, this is one of the best swaps you can make in your natural skincare routine.

2. Pretty Farm Girl Cleansing Oil

When I first heard about oil cleansing, I was skeptical. It felt completely counterintuitive.

Now, I cannot imagine my routine without it. This cleansing oil melts away makeup, including natural makeup, along with dirt and buildup without disrupting the skin barrier.

It also helps protect against environmental pollutants, which is something I have become much more mindful of over time. My skin feels balanced, clean, and nourished after every use.

3. Dime Beauty Skin Toner

The DIME Beauty Super Skin Toner is a lightweight, refreshing toner that helps balance your skin’s pH while hydrating and refining pores with clean ingredients. Formulated with witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, and CoQ10, it supports healthy skin, protects against environmental stressors, and promotes a brighter, more even complexion.

4. Glow Serum

This glow serum one of those products that I am completely addicted to and can’t go without. It truly lives up to the hype.

It is packed with nutrient-dense facial oils and powerful botanicals like helichrysum and green tea. These ingredients help support skin repair, improve hydration, and protect against daily stressors.

It gives my skin that natural glow while strengthening the skin barrier. Even though it is a bit of an investment, a little bit goes a long way and it is completely worth every penny.

5. Frankincense Face Balm

I have been using this Toups & Co face balm for my clean beauty routine for the past 4 years, and then about 1 year ago began making my own. And so now I use it interchangeably with my homemade Frankincense Face Balm.

It is rich, nourishing, and made with simple clean ingredients and essential oils. I often alternate this with my own homemade balm, but I always come back to this one for how luxurious it feels.

It works especially well as part of a night cream duo with a serum. If you deal with dry skin, redness, or sensitivity, this is incredibly soothing and effective.

6. Flawless Face Primer

Finding a clean product that actually performs under makeup can be difficult, but this face primer absolutely does.

It creates a smooth base for natural makeup while hydrating the skin. It helps blur pores, keeps makeup in place, and supports your skin at the same time.

Unlike conventional primers filled with harsh chemicals, this one fits perfectly into a natural skincare routine.

7. Homemade Whipped Tallow Balm

If you are someone who is a little more motivated and also want to save on cost. Then you can actually make your own Whipped Tallow Body Butter or Whipped Tallow Face Balm at home for a fraction of the cost that you’ll pay a high end skincare brand.

I formulated this recipe based off of some of the high end tallow balms that I was using. And after multiple iterations I think I have figured out how to make the most quality tallow balm at home. You can check out my whipped tallow face cream recipe here or my whipped tallow body butter recipe here.

The Layering Order That Makes or Breaks Natural Skincare Results

Natural skincare works differently than conventional products. Synthetic formulas use penetration enhancers and emulsifiers to force ingredients into your skin. Natural products rely on proper application order to maximize absorption—and most people get it completely wrong.

The Correct Natural Skincare Sequence

Step 1: Oil Cleanse (PM only)

Why first: Removes oil-based debris (makeup, sebum, pollution) that water-based cleansers miss

Step 2: Soap or Cream Cleanser

Why second: Removes remaining oil residue and water-based impurities

Step 3: Toner (optional)

Why third: Rebalances pH immediately after cleansing when skin is most vulnerable

Step 4: Serum (thinnest consistency first)

Why fourth: Delivers concentrated active botanicals while pores are still receptive

Step 5: Face Balm (thickest consistency last)

Why last: Seals in all previous layers and creates a protective barrier

The Mistake Everyone Makes:
Applying thick tallow balm or face oil BEFORE serum blocks the serum’s botanicals from penetrating. Always work from thinnest to thickest consistency.

Pro Timing Tip:
Wait 60–90 seconds between each layer. Natural ingredients need time to absorb without synthetic penetration enhancers. Rushing the routine wastes product and diminishes results.

Why Natural Skincare Matters

Switching to natural skincare has been one of the most impactful changes I have made, not just for my skin, but for my overall health.

Our skin is our largest organ, and while it is designed to act as a protective barrier, it is not completely impermeable. As previously mentioned, the skin can absorb a significant amount of what we apply to it, depending on the ingredient and how it is formulated. That means the products we use daily, from cleansers to lotions to makeup, are not just sitting on the surface.

Many conventional products contain synthetic ingredients, synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and other harsh chemicals that can build up in the body over time. Regular exposure to these ingredients has been associated with issues like skin irritation, allergies, hormone disruption, and even infertility, especially for those already dealing with compromised skin barriers.

When I started paying attention to this, it completely changed how I viewed my routine. I realized that choosing products made with natural ingredients and clean ingredients was not just about achieving beautiful skin, but about reducing my overall toxic load and supporting my body in a more holistic way.

Since making the switch to natural skincare and organic skincare, I have experienced fewer breakouts, less irritation, and more balanced, healthy skin. It is a simple shift, but one that can make a long way in how your skin looks and how you feel overall.

Ready to Start Your Natural Skincare Routine?

If you are just starting your journey into natural skincare, my biggest advice is to start simple. Swap out one product at a time and focus on choosing high-quality natural products made with ingredients you recognize.

Many brands now offer perks like free shipping and starter bundles, which makes it easier to try safer alternatives.

If you want to stay updated on my latest finds, favorite products, and recommendations, be sure to subscribe with your email address. I love sharing what is working and what is not.

You can also explore my DIY guides like my whipped tallow balm and face cream recipes if you prefer making your own organic products at home.

Natural Skincare FAQ

Will natural skincare work as well as products with active synthetic ingredients like retinol?

Natural ingredients like grass-fed tallow, rosehip oil, and helichrysum provide bioavailable vitamin A and antioxidants that support skin cell turnover similarly to synthetic retinol, but more gently. Many people experience comparable or better results with natural alternatives because these ingredients work with the skin’s biology rather than forcing changes through synthetic compounds. The key is consistency and choosing high-quality, nutrient-dense formulations.

How long does it take to see results after switching to natural skincare?

Most people notice initial improvements in skin texture and hydration within 2-3 weeks of switching to natural products. However, deeper changes like reduced inflammation, hormonal breakouts, and improved skin barrier function typically take 6-8 weeks as your skin adjusts and detoxifies from synthetic ingredients. Some people experience a brief purging phase in the first two weeks as the skin releases buildup from conventional products.

Can I mix natural and conventional products in my routine?

While you can mix product types, doing so may reduce the effectiveness of natural ingredients and continue exposing your skin to synthetic chemicals. If you must transition gradually, prioritize replacing leave-on products first (moisturizers, serums) since they have the longest contact time with your skin. Rinse-off products like cleansers can be swapped last, though starting with a natural soap bar is one of the easiest and most affordable first steps.

Are all natural and organic skincare products safe for sensitive skin?

Not automatically—natural doesn’t always mean hypoallergenic. Some people react to certain essential oils, botanical extracts, or even natural preservatives. If you have sensitive skin, start with minimal-ingredient products like pure tallow balm or single-oil cleansers to identify what your skin tolerates. Patch test new products on your inner arm for 24-48 hours before applying to your face. Organic certification ensures the absence of pesticides but doesn’t guarantee your skin won’t react to the ingredients themselves.

Is making my own natural skincare at home actually safe and effective?

Homemade natural skincare can be both safe and effective when you follow proper formulation guidelines, use quality ingredients, and understand basic preservation principles. Simple recipes like whipped tallow balm with essential oils are very forgiving and cost a fraction of store-bought versions. However, water-based formulations like lotions and creams require preservatives to prevent bacterial growth, which makes them trickier for beginners. Start with oil-based recipes and invest in quality ingredients—the safety and effectiveness depends entirely on your ingredient sourcing and hygiene practices.

Final Thoughts

Switching to natural skincare has completely transformed my skin and overall wellness. It is not about perfection. It is about making better choices over time.

I did not get here overnight. It has been a journey that started for me about a decade ago and has evolved over time into something much bigger. Every small change goes a long way toward healthier, more radiant skin and a healthier you.

Here is to glowing, beautiful skin, naturally. ✨

More Reader Favorite Natural Skincare Blog Posts

• DIY Whipped Tallow Balm Recipe
• Whipped Tallow Sunscreen Recipe
• Whipped Tallow Face Cream Recipe

If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @wholisticmandy on Instagram. Your reviews help support this blog and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.