
8 Skincare Brands With Non-Toxic Ingredients We're Obsessing Over

Once every three to four months, I find myself having a massive breakout because I've given up my Burt's Bees Oil Cleanser to try something new. One of these days, I'm going to learn to take the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" approach to my skincare routine. Now, I can't say for sure that natural skincare is better because I'm no dermatologist, and I have even had adverse reactions to natural skincare products that were too strong or that my skin didn't like.
But, I knew I wanted to find highly-reviewed lines that work for a variety of skin types and concerns made with good, non-toxic ingredients. Since I know what works for me may not work for you, I shared the skincare brand and one of their best products.
Here are eight natural skincare brands to look into adding to your skincare routine:
Anita Grant
I found Anita Grant while I was looking for skincare products for sensitive skin, and realized the natural beauty line had hair products too. From body oils, cleansers, and gels, this line has it all. If you have sensitive skin like me, having pure aloe on deck is always a good idea, and, A.G.'s all-natural aloe is a fan favorite.
S.W. Basics of Brooklyn
Finding the right toner that cleanses and balances without stripping the skin can be a struggle. S.W. Basics make their products with five or less all-natural ingredients, and their toner is one of their highest-rated bestselling products. The brand also makes baby butter and diaper creams, making them a one-stop-shop for mom and baby skincare.
Youth To The People
You could get your entire skincare routine from this 100% vegan brand. With only ten products in their product line, you know they do their cleansers, toners, and masks well. I recommend starting with the Superfood cleanser as it comes highly-rated by reviews and beauty industry vets like Allure.
Anne's Apothecary
Whether you're looking for cleanser, oil, mask, or bath soak, Anne's has a small but mighty collection made with ingredients like honey, charcoal, and mud from the Dead Sea. Customers seem to love their Black Honey Facial Cleanser, which is packed with natural anti-acne and anti-aging ingredients.
Blade + Bloom
Handmade in small batches in Chicago, the 100% plant-based apothecary makes essential oil and butter-based scrubs, balms, soap, and oatmeal-based rice face polish.
PLANT Apothecary
Born out of Holly's (the brand's founder) need to find skincare products that didn't irritate her sensitive skin, PLANT Apothecary Organic Oil-Free Makeup Remover is my top pick for end of the day double-cleansing.
ACURE
I became familiar with ACURE shopping the aisles of Target looking for new hair products I didn't need (story of my life). After looking at reviews, I gave their soothing line a try because my skin always seems to be just one wash away from irritation.
Sorella Apothecary
Since this line combines science and nature, their formulas are one of my new favorites. When I was introduced to this brand, my skin was going through a purge I created using too many new products at the same time. I know that honey can help calm and add moisture to the skin, so I reached for their Peach and Honey Mask and followed up with their Daily Greens Moisturizer. The next morning, my skin felt less irritated, and the angry red bumps I was trying to do away with were smaller and less noticeable.
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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Ashley Versher is known for her work in the Tyler Perry's Beauty In Black series and more recently, she starred alongside Taraji P. Henson in the Netflix film Straw. But she is more than just her acting credits and stunning looks (her hair alone is everything). In an xoNecole exclusive, Ashley dishes on her first celebrity crush, how she spends her downtime, and her go-to haircare products because we need the deets.
Get to know Ashley below.
xoNecole: Where are you from?
Ashley Versher: San Francisco - BAY AREAAAAAA!!!!
xoN: What was your first major acting role?
AV: A 49ers Super Bowl commercial - I think I was 3.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny audition story? If so, what happened?
AV: Yes! I was doing a self-tape once and I forgot to take off my bonnet. But the tape was so good I sent it in anyway.
xoN: Your hair is gorgeous. What has it been like navigating Hollywood with natural hair?
AV: Thank you so much! Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself. Once I fully embraced my natural hair and committed to the journey, everything else began to align. It’s been nothing short of empowering.
Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself.
xoN: What are your favorite go-to hair products?
AV: Ooooooo, right now I’m loving Camille Rose’s Jai Twisting Butter—it’s super moisturizing and gives me a fun, bouncy twist-out! I’ve also recently gotten into oils, and I’m especially loving sweet almond oil.
xoN: We know you as an actress, but what is another special talent you have that most people don't know about?
AV: I trained as a classical violinist for 13/14years.
xoN: Who is your hero?
AV: My mom. She’s incredible - full stop.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: How do you like to spend your down time?
AV: Ha! What’s that!? Jk jk, I love to travel, that’s honestly my favorite thing.
xoN: Who was your first celebrity crush?
AV: Prince.
xoN: What is your dream role?
AV: One day I will play a witch with Harry Potter-like powers!
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Feature image by Johnny Marlow