The Edit: 5 Clean Beauty Brands That Champion Purposeful Ingredients

In recent years, clean beauty has become a powerful movement, driven by consumer awareness and a demand for transparency and safety in skincare. The Folklore Shop offers a curated selection of brands that embody this commitment to clean, skin-safe ingredients, empowering customers to make mindful choices for their skincare routines. These brands prioritize ethically sourced ingredients, traditional craftsmanship, and sustainability, all while producing high-quality products that celebrate diverse cultures and support holistic well-being.

From scientifically-driven treatment oils to botanically-rich body care, these brands create products that combine luxury with integrity, helping everyone embrace beauty that’s safe, ethical, and rooted in rich cultural traditions. Here’s a look at five inspiring brands that are championing clean beauty.

AcARRE

Founded in 2018 by chemist Tracey Hicks-Kearse, AcARRE combines scientific expertise with natural ingredients to create versatile skincare products that deliver real results. The brand’s signature multi-use Treatment Oil is a standout — an all-in-one treatment crafted to prevent moisture loss and restore skin’s natural balance and glow. Drawing from her African and Pacific Islander heritage, Hicks-Kearse incorporates antioxidants, vitamins, and microbiome-balancing ingredients to protect the skin deeply.

The treatment oil is made in small batches, using ethically sourced ingredients that are rich in nutrients. This focus on small-batch production reduces waste, ensuring both high-quality formulations and a minimal environmental footprint. AcARRE’s commitment to clean beauty extends to every step of its process, making it a trusted choice for those seeking effective, multi-use skincare that honors the Earth and traditions of natural skincare.

Shop AcARRE here

Shea Tribe

Shea Tribe seamlessly merges African beauty rituals with a dedication to social good. The brand uses pure, pro-melanin ingredients to craft products that restore, rejuvenate, and protect the skin. Each product is handmade in Nigeria, celebrating the continent’s rich heritage and blending it with modern self-care principles. Shea Tribe is also committed to fair trade and women’s empowerment by ensuring local producers are uplifted and fairly compensated.

By incorporating organic, nutrient-rich shea butter and other African botanicals, Shea Tribe offers products that nurture the body and mind, with a holistic approach that promotes well-being from the inside out. Shea Tribe is the perfect blend of African heritage and ethical production, sharing the richness of African wellness traditions with a global audience.

Shop Shea Tribe here

Kanobe

Founded by Nigerian-Swedish entrepreneur Rezzi Ingemarsson, Kanobe is rooted in the rich landscapes and ancient beauty practices of Africa. Kanobe’s product line of body balms and soap is 100% natural, biodegradable, and cruelty-free, combining organic, food-grade ingredients with gentle production methods. Each product is designed with sensitive skin in mind, avoiding synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.

Kanobe draws on ancestral knowledge and sustainable practices to produce skincare that is both luxurious and environmentally conscious. Ingemarsson’s focus on fair trade supplier relationships, honoring African farmers and artisans reinforces Kanobe’s dedication to ethical beauty. With formulations that deliver antioxidant benefits and skin nourishment, Kanobe invites users to experience the timeless beauty secrets of Africa through a clean, modern lens.

Shop Kanobe here

Unparalleled Beauty

Unparalleled Beauty was born from founder Bilan Hassan’s vision of a truly inclusive beauty industry. This vegan and cruelty-free brand offers paraben-free cosmetics specifically crafted for women of color. Hassan’s own experience with the lack of representation in beauty inspired her to create products that celebrate diversity, helping women of all ethnicities find shades that complement their unique skin tones.

In addition to catering to the underrepresented, Unparalleled Beauty’s formulations are gentle and toxin-free, allowing users to express their individuality without compromise. Through clean, ethical, and empowering beauty, the brand aims to bridge the gap in the industry and set a new standard of inclusion.

Shop Unparalleled Beauty here 

She Biology Skincare

Chinenyem Nwadiugwu, founder of She Biology Skincare, brings the benefits of organically grown cannabinoids into the skincare world with products that are formulated to soothe and restore balance. Each product is crafted using cannabinoid strains that reduce inflammation, regulate stress responses, and address common skin concerns like acne and dryness.

Inspired by her mother’s skincare practices, Nwadiugwu integrates her passion for natural healing and mindfulness into every formula. She Biology’s products are made from outdoor-grown, organic ingredients, aligning with the brand’s dedication to sustainability and skin health. Perfect for those seeking clean beauty solutions to address stress-related skin issues, She Biology represents the merging of wellness and science, offering a thoughtful approach to skincare.

Shop She Biology Skincare here