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Naturally Brilliant Beauty

Clean beauty? Sure, there are lots of choices out there. Clean beauty that actually works? That’s where things get trickier. Presenting the best of the best—products that deliver results and spark joy.

BY DANNY SEO

When the powerhouse retailer QVC asked me to join them as their Clean Beauty Curator, it was a mix of dream-come-true and trepidation. On one hand, I could help navigate QVC’s millions of customers through the dizzying number of clean beauty products by showcasing what I thought was the best of the best. But on the other, if I made the wrong pick, I would surely hear about it loud and clear from their tens of millions of customers. So, I tapped into my beauty background and called in a truckload of scrubs, cleansers, serums, and more—to come up with what I think are the absolute winners in the clean beauty category.

BEST MUSHROOM PRODUCT

$55; qvc.com/dannyseo

Yes, mushroom extract is skincare and here’s why: It deeply hydrates and creates an antioxidant layer to help fight off free radicals. This Serumkind winner uses Siberian-forest Chaga mushrooms to give your face the invisibility cloak it needs to protect itself.

BEST FACE MASKS

Unlike other activated charcoal masks, this one from Hear Me Raw purges your pores and then flakes right off with your fingers. Jojoba beads naturally exfoliate your skin, leaving it clean, smooth, and happy.
$42; qvc.com/dannyseo

There’s something magical in this sweet-smelling Honey Potion mask from Farmacy: It actually warms your face. And there’s another reason why it always sells out: It gives your skin that happy clean glow.
$56; qvc.com/dannyseo

BEST SPF

$36; qvc.com/dannyseo

It’s the rare unicorn: A clean SPF formula that actually works and doesn’t leave a white cast on your skin. You hit this out of the park, Farmacy. We all know wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin; now you don’t have an excuse.

BEST TOOTHPASTE

$20; terraandco.com

Don’t even think about making your own DIY charcoal toothpaste at home. Done wrong, it can wreak havoc on your teeth. Done right and your pearly whites will be healthier and, yes, whiter! This is a minty fresh sustainable winner.

BEST FOOT CREAM

$28; qvc.com/dannyseo

Magal’s Thera Intensive Foot Cream from herbal chemist and Lavido founder Ido Magal is prescription-strength wow that you can buy without a trip to the doc—dry, cracked feet magically become baby soft. The online consumer reviews explain why it’s a cult fave.

BEST ICON

$70; us.patyka.com

Since the 1920s, Patyka’s Huile Absolue has been a go-to elixir for French women. Nearly a century old, the formula of 12 plant-based actives has gone untouched. Use it everywhere—face, hair, nails, and body.

BEST AM/PM DUO

$35-$40; schwanengarten.com

This Korean skincare brand is a current favorite for one reason: It really works. In the morning, tap the antioxidant serum into the skin for a shine-free shield against free radicals. At night, a few drops of the facial oil prevent moisture loss while you sleep. That’s a winning duo.

BEST SLEEP REMEDY

$89.95; sleepcreme.com

Without a good night’s sleep, no product in the world will help you look rested. Massage a pump of this CBD-infused lotion into your feet and it actually works to relieve tension and relax your mind. I’ve never slept better.

BEST DRUGSTORE FIND

$7.99; boironusa.com

Wild-harvested French arnica flowers give this greaseless gel its powerful ability to reduce swelling and discoloration from bruises. This product should be a staple in everyone’s medicine cabinet.

BEST MAKEUP REMOVER

$32; boscia.com

Diamonds cut diamonds so it makes sense that oil breaks down bulletproof oil-based makeup. Boscia’s cleansing oil dissolves even waterproof makeup and helps calm acne-prone skin by cleansing without stripping.

BEST GLYCOLIC CLEANSER

$20; qvc.com/dannyseo

Glycolic is the exfoliating acid your skin needs to turn over dead cells, unclog pores, and alleviate facial spots. Too strong and your mug could be beet red. Too weak and, well, nothing. This one from Instanatural is just right.  

BEST PROBIOTIC PRODUCT

$27; qvc.com/dannyseo

Dry hands and cuticles don’t stand a chance with this gently-scented hand cream from Korea. Black tulip flower heals and creates a barrier to protect your hands. It’s a must for those living in cold winter climates, and it smells divine.

BEST HAND CREAM

$27; qvc.com/dannyseo

Dry hands and cuticles don’t stand a chance with this gently-scented hand cream from Korea. Black tulip flower heals and creates a barrier to protect your hands. It’s a must for those living in cold winter climates, and it smells divine.

BEST INNOVATION

$15; immunicologie.com

Pour a little warm water into the bag and this sheet mask plumps up into a pillowy compress that just feels oh-so refreshing on the skin. Use your favorite serum and rest it right on top of your tired complexion to give your skin a deep drink of hydration.

BEST FOR HAIR HEALTH

$65; monpure.com

It makes sense: For a healthy head of hair, you need a healthy scalp. Give it a do-over with this gentle yet effective scalp scrub from England. It exfoliates and moisturizes.

BEST EYE CREAM

$60; oseamalibu.com

Did Harry Potter whip up this eye cream? Even without a wand and a magic spell, you’ll see fine lines and wrinkles plump away overnight with this algae-infused hydrator. It’s on my desert-island top 10 list.