I Discovered These 5 Clean Skincare Brands On Instagram—and I Can’t Quit Them

Fact: Instagram’s Explore Page is dictated by what people in your network view and what you’ve previously shown interest in (by a double-tap, comment, or follow). Needless to say, take one look at someone’s Explore Page and you’ll get a pretty accurate glimpse into every outlandish thing they’re into. After all, the social media site is home to everything from cooking to cat memes. If you open up my Explore Page, I can assure you you’ll see one of three things: skincare and makeup tutorials, workout videos, and cake decorating (don’t ask). 

During my late-night quests to find the most decadent chocolate lava cake, I often find myself down the rabbit hole (aka the never-ending scroll) of the curated Explore Page. And as a self-proclaimed makeup and skincare-obsessed gal, my eyes are always drawn to the tubes, tubs, bottles, and jars—basically, if something looks like a beauty product, I click. After bookmarking several photos from clean skincare brands I hadn't ever heard of, I decided to give their products a test-drive. Below find five noteworthy skincare brands I discovered on Instagram, and the products I can no longer live without.

Kinship

There's something you should know about me. If a product has bright packaging, it’s off to a good start in my book. So it’s not entirely surprising that Kinship's eye-catching products have made their way into my Saved folder. The brand is less than six months old, yet it feels like they’ve been a part of the skincare game since the beginning. To me, this is an all-star brand with super attractive qualities: It's plant-based, cruelty-free, responsibly made (with conscious components and minimal packaging), and the brand believes clean formulas should be a non-negotiable industry standard. I was particularly drawn to the fact that it offers accessible quality ingredients—as, according to Kinship (and me), high-performing formulas should be a standard, not a luxury. Naturally, between the hopeful claims and their positive mission, I was looking forward to putting their products to the test, and, thankfully, they lived up to my sky-high expectations.

Kinship Supermello Hydrating Gel Cream $22.00

Shop

Not only is the price right, but the formula is too. Boasting a deliciously sweet scent, this cream is the perfect last step to my skincare regimen. It has a cooling effect that plumps up my skin, and it's made with the line's secret sauce Kinbiome, a plant-based probiotic that supports clear skin and a strong skin barrier.

Cannuka

At this point, CBD is in everything from candles to essential oils, and now, skincare products. I was hesitant to jump on the bandwagon (sensitive skin problems), but Cannuka makes me glad I set my fears aside. In addition to CBD, their products feature a natural ingredient my skin is already used to: Manuka honey. Together, this dynamic duo works to calm, heal, rejuvenate, and hydrate (all things my thirsty skin needs). If you’re unfamiliar, CBD is lauded for its ability to heal a variety of skin ailments (including inflammation and breakouts). 

Cannuka CBD Healing Skin Balm $58.00

Shop

This was such an interesting product to use. When you open it, it looks like a solid soap. Upon application, though, it softens and warms as you smooth it onto your skin. I found it to be particularly hydrating on areas that are prone to dehydration like the knees and elbows. I'm no longer sporting ashy dry patches thanks to this product.

No B.S. Skincare

When No B.S. came on my radar, I was immediately intrigued—an intriguing brand name, innovative products, and clean formulas? Sounds like a win all around. The website outlines a list of plant-based ingredients they use in their products (pomegranate, cucumber, coconut oil, and aloe vera, just to name a few), as well as a list of things they don't (parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates). I love that they’re not afraid to call bullshit on the industry and be completely transparent about their formulas.

No B.S. Purifying Facial Toner $30.00

Shop

As much as I love skincare products, I’m extremely lazy when it comes to applying them. That’s why I love this spray-on toner, which means I don’t have to go through the hassle of using a cotton pad (cue the world's smallest violin). And, of course, it makes it more sustainable in the long run. It’s also made with acne-fighting salicylic acid and tea tree oil, so I make sure not to skip this when I’m facing hormonal breakouts.

Nuria Beauty

Meaning “light” or “brightness” in Arabic, Nuria is a brand I stumbled across through an Instagram ad while scrolling through my feed. The founder, Naomi Furgiuele, has led product development for some of the biggest household names in pharmaceuticals and consumer products (think Neutrogena, Aveeno, and Clean & Clear). Because of her expertise, I felt confident the products would perform. 

Nuria has three product lines to choose from depending on your skin concerns—the Defend Collection protects from external stressors, the Rescue Collection helps combat breakouts, and the Hydrate Collection replenishes moisture. I love that they’re making it easier for the consumer to narrow down their choices, especially in an age where we’re constantly bombarded with products. Of course, my dry skin and I opted for the Hydrate Collection.

Nuria Refreshing Micellar Water $26.00

Shop

True story: I’ve stopped using oil-based makeup removers because they caused a bit of irritation. Since then, it’s been difficult for me to find a makeup remover that can really tackle full-coverage face makeup, waterproof products, and everything in between—that is, until I tried this micellar water. It has chamomile (which calms my skin after a heavy makeup day) and is able to remove stubborn waterproof makeup without tugging. Truly, it's an A+ product.

Souk Skincare

It's hard not to get sucked into Souk Skincare's Instagram page. I love a modern, bright feed with colorful images. Aesthetically-pleasing Instagram page aside, the skincare line was inspired by the Sahara, providing hydrating, nourishing products that feature everything from turmeric to cranberry. The packaging is fresh and simple, and the products speak for themselves.

Souk Skincare Seaweed & Rosehip Facial Cleanser $28.00

Shop

Simply put, my face feels squeaky clean after I use this cleanser (and I mean the good kind of squeaky clean, not the tight kind). Vitamins C and E (from seaweed) soften and protect my skin while rosehip works to fade the dark spots I've accumulated after one too many sunbathing sessions.