Summer Clean Beauty Essentials to Help You Beat the Heat

Summer is a time to see and be seen, and that means staying on the tippy top of your beauty regimen. But, along with copious amounts of sun, summer brings with it several unique challenges that you may have already been struggling with these past few months. 

The intense heat can fry your skin, harsh UV rays will wreak havoc, and sweat can ruin even the most hearty of looks. On top of that, the more natural looks that summer calls for can be difficult to pull off, especially if you are prioritizing the natural ingredients your skin deserves.

But fear not! We’re here to help you figure out what you need to create a natural, beautiful, and, most importantly, clean look for the summer. Here are the summer clean beauty essentials that no beach bag should ever go without. 

Add These Summer Clean Beauty Essentials to Your Bag

Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Let’s address the biggest issue with the summer: the sun. It is both your best friend and your worst enemy. And if you want your skin to be sun-kissed instead of sun-ravaged, you absolutely need a quality sunscreen product. Unfortunately, the solution to one problem can present problems of its own, as most commercial sunscreen products contain chemical UV blockers and toxic ingredients that can clog pores and damage skin. 

That’s why you’ll want to go for a natural sunscreen this summer. Mineral sunscreens — also known as sunblock — are a wonderful alternative. It’s even better if you choose a reef-safe option to help the planet and your skin!

Ingredients to avoid are oxybenzone (which shows up in sunscreens marketed as being “natural,” so be on the lookout) and vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can increase sun sensitivity and lead to brittle nails, liver damage, hair loss, and weak bones. Watch for anything containing ‘retinol’ as well, as this is just another form of vitamin A. 

Recommendation: Supergoop Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30

Lighter Foundation

For a more natural look, you’ve got to start with a foundation. After all, it’s called ‘foundation’ for a reason. It covers your entire face, and you will likely use it in your daily makeup routine. Because it will be on your skin so often, you’ll want something that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals.

Look for ingredients such as jojoba oil, avocado oil, aloe, and mastic gum for a true makeup-skincare hybrid. You’ll want something light and airy to keep the heat from making you feel as though there’s a blanket on your face. When applying foundation, consider using a synthetic brush to help your foundation last longer. And bonus points if your foundation has some extra SPF protection!

Recommendation: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Protective Lip Balm

It’s amazing how many people neglect their lips. We moisturize our skin, take great pains to style our hair, and do things to make our eyes pop gloriously, but our lips tend to get a raw deal. Sure, some will cover them with lipstick or lip gloss, but are you truly caring for your lips? 

Because the skin on your lips is thin, it needs some of the heaviest protection from the heat of summer. And you can get it without having to worry about more harsh or toxic chemicals. Just be strategic when adding a lip balm to your summer clean beauty essentials.

Watch out for parabens, which can damage your skin and can be found in many lipsticks. Also on the list are camphor, phenol, and menthol. While they are natural ingredients, they can easily dry out your lips, and the sun absolutely doesn’t need any help in that department. 

Be sure to use a lip balm that contains beeswax (or candelilla wax if you’re vegan), coconut, argan, or jojoba oils, as well as shea or cocoa butter. Honey also makes a great natural ingredient in lip balm due to its role as a humectant, meaning that it attracts and holds water. 

Recommendation: Loving Naturals SPF 30 Lip Balm

Moisturizing Hair Care

Your skin isn’t the only thing that the sun can dry out. As a result, hair gets just as thirsty and sun-ravaged in the summer as the rest of you. Luckily, you can protect your locks with sunscreen. Yes, you heard me right…sunscreen for your hair.

Various products can both moisturize your hair and protect it from the effects of high heat. And many of them serve as natural alternatives to chemical-laden products that can further destroy your precious mane. The first thing to look for is red raspberry seed oil. It is jam-packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that will do wonders for your skin and hair, including protecting them from the sun.

Beyond that, use products that contain shea butter, avocado oil, olive oil, castor oil, or carrot seed oil. Aloe vera, while not able to protect you from the sun’s rays, can do a lot to help reverse any damage that has already been done. 

Recommendation: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

It’s Time to Conquer the Summer!

Armed with the right tools, you can beat the summer heat and continue to look fabulous while doing so. We know that there are just so many products out there that make so many promises and whisper sweet nothings in your ear. But, if you want to avoid the harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients that have dominated the beauty landscape for so many years, let Clean Rebellion help you break free. 

We have devoted ourselves to providing high-quality, clean products that will make you feel just as good as you look, plus we provide resources and tips to help you on your clean beauty journey.