Get To Know Our Favorite Clean Beauty Ingredients
We get it. Decoding confusing ingredient lists can leave you confused and frustrated when shopping for skincare and makeup. That’s why we’ve done the hard part for you.
Think of Wren and Wild as your personal beauty concierge. We've handpicked over 70 brands that meet our strict clean beauty standards, so you can shop with confidence, knowing every product is free from harsh chemicals. Plus, we prioritize brands that are cruelty-free and committed to sustainable practices.
Here are some of our favorite clean beauty ingredients that will do the most for your skin!
RETINOL
Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for healthy skin, but its potent nature can often lead to redness and dryness. That’s why the clean beauty movement has embraced a smarter approach. These brands are crafting breakthrough formulas that pair retinol with a thoughtful mix of hydrating, calming, and soothing ingredients. The result? You get the transformative power of retinol in a gentle formula that minimizes the risk of irritation. Let’s dive into clean beauty’s innovative take on this classic ingredient.
Odacité Retinol + Hyaluronic Acid Renewing Serum
-
Encapsulated Retinol: Uses advanced encapsulation technology to deliver retinol gradually, minimizing the risk of irritation and making it a great option for those new to retinol or with sensitive skin.
-
Paired with Hyaluronic Acid: The formula combines retinol's renewing power with a potent hydrator, which helps to plump the skin and counteract any potential dryness.
-
Targets Multiple Concerns: This retinol is designed to be a multi-correctional active, addressing fine lines, uneven texture, and blemishes, all in one serum.
Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
-
Synergistic with TFC8®: The pure retinol in this serum is designed to work in tandem with the brand's patented Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8®), which guides key nutrients to the skin's cells for enhanced renewal and rejuvenation.
-
Gentle and Non-Irritating: This stabilized form of retinol is formulated to be gentle on the skin, with user trials showing it doesn't cause irritation or dryness, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types.
-
Addresses Blemishes and Scars: Beyond anti-aging, the retinol in this serum is effective at helping to reduce the appearance of blemishes, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation for a clearer, more even-toned complexion.
Marie Veronique Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion
-
Triple Retinoid Approach: This emulsion utilizes a unique combination of three different retinoids (Encapsulated Retinol, Retinyl Sunflowerseedate, and Bakuchiol) that work synergistically to provide comprehensive age-defying benefits.
-
Microbiome-Friendly: The formula is designed to be "microbiome-friendly," supporting the skin's natural barrier function and helping to avoid the redness and irritation that can be caused by traditional retinol.
-
Repairs and Restores Skin Function: This multi-retinol blend goes beyond surface-level benefits to restore the integrity of all layers of the skin, smoothing fine lines, clearing pores, and addressing inflammation without the harsh side effects of some prescription retinoids.
VITAMIN C
In the world of clean beauty, the emphasis is on effective, stable, and non-irritating ingredients. While the most famous form of Vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid, it's highly unstable and can be harsh on the skin, which is why the brands we choose often use more stable and gentle derivatives. These versions deliver all the key benefits of Vitamin C without the common drawbacks.
Ursa Major's Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
-
Brighten and Even Skin’s Tone: The brands we carry at Wren and WIld use stable forms of Vitamin C that helps brighten and improve the skin’s appearance, tone and firmness.
Marie Veronique's Vitamin C+E+Ferulic Acid
-
Fight Environmental Damage: During the day, Marie Veronique’s VITAMIN C+E+FERULIC ACID’S combination neutralizes free radicals. At night, the powerful combination of VITAMIN C* + TETRAHEXYLDECYL ASCORBATE (a potent C-derivative) provides the nutrients your body needs to repair and rebuild collagen.
-
Boosts Collagen Production: TRONQUE’S Vitamin C Body Oil is considered the fountain of youth in a bottle. Vitamin C THD (50x more effective than L-Ascorbic Acid) penetrates the epidermis to the dermis to restore radiance, prevent fine lines, tackle pigmentation and slow skin ageing.
EXFOLIANTS
Clean beauty's approach to exfoliation is with a focus on gentle, effective, and sustainable ingredients that deliver a radiant complexion without causing irritation to your skin or harm to the environment. Here's the breakdown on both Chemical and Physical Exfoliants.
Chemical exfoliants use gentle acids or enzymes to dissolve the "glue" that holds dead skin cells to the surface. This method is often preferred for sensitive or acne-prone skin because it avoids the physical friction that can cause micro-tears or inflammation.
- This potent 25% AHA + BHA complex combines Glycolic Acid to break down dead cells and gluey dirt and help stimulate collagen production, Lactic Acid to help encourage cellular turnover, and Salicylic Acid (derived from Willow Bark) to help penetrate and unclog pores. Niacinamide (B3) and adaptogenic Reishi are the magic, helping to hydrate and restore the barrier while soothing irritation.
goop Beauty's 15% Glycolic Acid Overnight Glow Peel
- Inspired by professional chemical peels, these intense exfoliating overnight acid peel pads refine, retexturize, and brighten skin while you sleep. A powerful level (15%) of glycolic acid and potent fruit extracts (mango, banana, yellow mombin, and Australian kakadu plum) work together with naturally moisturizing hyaluronic acid so you wake up with fresh, soft, smooth, beautifully glowing skin.
Physical exfoliation uses small particles or textures to manually buff away dead skin cells. Clean beauty brands have moved away from harsh, jagged exfoliants like crushed nutshells and plastic microbeads (which are also an environmental concern) in favor of gentler, biodegradable alternatives. Think Jojoba Beads, Bamboo or Rice Powder, Salt, Sugar, and Oatmeal.
Odacité's Daily Hydra-Exfoliant Jojoba Pearls
- Perfectly round biodegradable Jojoba Pearls work hard to remove dead skin without the risk of creating microtears while the moisture-rich cream base ensures skin stays hydrated. The result is skin that is visibly smooth, soft, and vibrant - this is what we call cashmere skin.
Tata Harper Superkind Refining Cleanser
- This cushiony exfoliating cleanser was designed with reactive skin in mind. Now, sensitive skin can start the day with a gentle exfoliator that simultaneously nourishes and refines to reveal a comfy, stress-free glow.
We believe that choosing clean beauty is an essential act of self-care. Each brand we carry is committed to supporting a safer, more transparent, and more sustainable industry. Don't be confused by labels—we've done the hard work for you! Our hope is that when you shop in our store, your only concern is which product will help you achieve the absolute best version of yourself. Let us help you find the perfect products for your skin. Book an appointment with one of our talented clean beauty concierges today.