We may be searching for the best natural serums to deliver a youthful glow to our skin, but we weren’t born yesterday. With hundreds of beauty brands toting anti-aging properties, active ingredients, and the cure for troubled skin, greenwashing is just as prevalent in the beauty world as it is in cleaning products.
A $100 billion industry, the beauty world doesn’t legally define terms such as “sustainable, renewable, and synthetic,” creating confusion (and fine lines and wrinkles!) for those of us searching for a truly eco-friendly option.
Worse than clogged pores are clogged landfills, with an estimated 20-40% of beauty products ending up as waste.
Simplify finding the best organic serum for your face by shopping brands that make both sustainability and your skin concerns their top priority. We’re trying to help by rolling out a new Brand Rating System, which will extend what we look for in our highlighted brands to 22 criteria, like climate action and more you can learn about here.
So what are some natural face serums with some safe skin in the game?
We independently research all featured brands, and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
Say No To Toxins With These Natural Facial Serums
Little Seed Farm recognizes sustainable practices are not only showcasing good morals but also good business. By stewarding the land, using and producing small-batch products and low-waste shipping options, we love a brand that shows up from seed to shipping for the planet.
Making it possible to bee you with natural serum for glowing skin, Bee You Organics gives back to their local communities, supports marginalized groups, and sources only fair trade natural face serum ingredients.
Index: Best Natural Serum Brands
- Moonrise Creek Jump to brand
- Little Seed Farm Jump to brand
- Bee You Organics Jump to brand
- Activist Skincare Jump to brand
- Meow Meow Tweet Jump to brand
- Ethique Jump to brand
- One Love Organics Jump to brand
Moonrise Creek
Moonrise Creek has not been rated.
Moonrise Creek’s Organic Vitamin C Face Serum
Not all skincare companies are the same—and neither is our skin. Moonrise Creek‘s hydrating serum line leaves no skin type behind.
Their Brilliance organic Vitamin C serum for faces contains rosehip oil, aloe leaf, and essential fatty acids to create a hydrating formula that’s packed with plant-based ingredients.
Or, if you’re looking for the best natural skin care for aging skin, their Evolve hyaluronic acid serum is designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, combined with the soothing power of rose, rosemary and citrus hydrosol and aloe vera.
No matter which of their organic serums you choose, you’re getting an all-natural formula that’s vegan and cruelty-free.
About Moonrise Creek
With nearly 10 years of coming face to (healthy) face with sustainably sourced natural ingredients that soothe the skin on a cellular level, Moonrise Creek is a family-owned, earth-conscious brand. They have a little something for everyone who needs to tone, tighten, or tint their skin—from natural toner to tinted moisturizer.
Little Seed Farm
Little Seed Farm has not been rated.
Little Seed Farm’s Organic Skin Serum
According to Little Seed Farm, if you’re reading this on a computer or phone screen (as you are), you should be wearing their Coenzyme Q10 Antioxidant Serum.
Not only is this powerful facial serum natural, but it’s specifically composed of essential fatty acids and phytochemicals that protect your skin against sun and blue light damage while promoting skin elasticity. Jojoba seed oil is joined by rosehip oil, carrot seed oil, calendula, and comfrey (to name a few).
Their other natural serum for skin is the Organic Vitamin E Elasticity Serum. The benefits of vitamin E are capital E for Endless, reducing the appearance of scars, and lessening the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots.
Both have the Leaping Bunny stamp of approval.
About Little Seed Farm
This family-owned business out of rural Tennessee may be off the beaten path, but its sustainability practices and goals are not. Goats (for soaps) roaming 84 acres are entirely grass-fed, managed in a natural, biodiverse environment—they aren’t the only natural power on this self-sufficient homestead. Run exclusively on solar power, this farm uses sun exposure while providing products to keep it off our skin.
All ingredients are sourced from local or global organic suppliers that uphold their ethics and sustainability commitments.
Their sorghum packaging peanuts are 100% biodegradable,and they donate to hundreds of various businesses throughout the year.
Bee You Organics
Bee You Organics has not been rated.
Bee You Organics’ Natural Face Serums For Sensitive Skin
Does uneven skin tone have a bee in your bonnet?
Take a peek in the Bee You Organics hive to see which serum suits you best. They’re a one-stop shop for natural face serums for dry skin, acne-prone skin, or even scarred skin.
If you’re hoping to restore your youthful complexion while erasing fine lines and wrinkles, the Pro Aging Serum is packed with a plethora of seed oils like jojoba seed oil, borage, pumpkin, cedarwood, and bergamot. Combining these (and several others) oils and natural ingredients supports any bad-BEE with aging skin.
About Bee You Organics
Nestled in the PNW, Bee You creates zero waste skin care that won’t leave your skin clogged and heavy.
This is a true start-from-scratch (literally) company; when founder Larissa suffered scarring to her face after an accident in her teens. In search of the perfect healing serum and skincare, Bee You was built slowly (and right), offering low-waste packaging and organic ingredients with a focus on local communities and clubs.
Bee You Organics is cruelty-free, and products are developed using only fair trade ingredients to nourish your skin and nurture the planet. While some products do contain beeswax (in case the name didn’t give it away), they support sustainable beekeeping and bee research through a local university.
Activist Skincare
Circular
All or some products are circular in nature - such that no part of the product needs to end up in landfill at the end of its life
Cruelty-free
Products are not test on animals at any stage in their production.
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Refillable
Product packaging can be refilled with more product, either at a physical store or via a return program.
Take Back Program
Brand offers a take back program for their products and responsibly manages returned items.
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
Zero Waste
Products are made with a low or zero waste approach where ideally no or limited waste is created throughout the production process or at the end of life.
1% for the planet
Leaping Bunny
1% for the planet
Certified Environmental Giving — Businesses give 1% of their annual sales directly to vetted environmental partners.Leaping Bunny
The Leaping Bunny certification, managed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), is the globally recognized gold standard for cruelty-free products. It ensures that neither a company’s finished products nor their ingredients are tested on animals at any stage of development. Brands must also agree to independent audits and supplier monitoring, guaranteeing genuine cruelty-free commitment across their entire supply chain.Activist Skincare’s Natural Facial Serum
With a name like Activist, it’s easy to assume this company takes positive change seriously, and we know not all serums are made with the same amount of care—but let’s vitamin C what they have to offer.
Activist’s Active Hydration Serum combines vitamin C with hyaluronic acid for this cruelty-free, vegan serum that’s said to brighten dark spots, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, making it their best natural serum for aging skin. Other options include the soothing Calming Force and moisture-sealing Precious Oils.
All three natural skin serums are free of harsh chemicals and mineral oil and come in frosted glass bottles.
About Activist Skincare
While their serums come in glass bottles, other products—like their natural makeup remover—come packaged in low-impact refill packets that are unbreakable and much lighter to ship than glass. After squeezing them into another container, they’re recyclable through Terracycle.
Joining the ranks with other eco-conscious brands, Activist is a member of 1% For The Planet that raises a fist for environmental law and land reclamation for Indigenous people. Overall, however, they donate 5% of revenue to groups like Rainforest Trust.
My Personal Review of Activist’s Calming Force Serum & Active Hydration Serum:
“The Activist Skincare Calming Force Serum has been a game-changer for my sensitive skin. It’s incredibly soothing, nearly instantly calming any redness or irritation while giving my skin a much-needed hydration boost. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling soft and balanced without any greasy residue.
I also tested the Active Hydration Serum, which does just as the name suggests: hydrates, except without any oil or sticky film left behind. Because of that, I like to use this to layer with other skincare, like applying it before putting on facial sunscreen for the day.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet has not been rated.
Meow Meow Tweet’s Natural Face Serums For Breakouts
Finding the best natural face serum that’s sustainable, from seed oils to sales, to sustainable packaging, can be a big ask, Meow Meow Tweet covers all the basics and beyond with their entire brand ethos.
Their Spot Serum is no exception. This roll-on natural face oil is made of eucalyptus, peppermint, cajeput, thyme, and clove suspended in jojoba oil to nourish skin while healing blemishes on even the most acne-prone skin types.
About Meow Meow Tweet
Sensitive skin and sustainable practices combine to form Meow Meow Tweet, this company creates vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics, skin, and haircare by working with transparent suppliers that use regenerative agriculture practices.
This Certified B Corp takes employee rights (and perks!) seriously, fostering a diverse community with a focus and attention on their health.
Meow Meow Tweet’s Microfactory in sunny California aims to reduce garbage waste by 15% annually, offset utilities using wind power, and give back to local BIPOC and queer-led organizations that align with their values.
Ethique
Ethique has not been rated.
Ethique’s Organic Face Serum For Dry Skin
Ethique‘s one-of-a-kind Saving Face solid face serum, to be applied after moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated while delivering youthful-looking skin in a beauty stick. Luminous skin is possible for every skin tone and types, thanks to kokum butter, cupuacu butter, and rosehip oil that helps skin retain moisture without turning it greasy.
The full-size serum comes in a compostable cardboard tube, but it’s also available in a mini bar perfect for on-the-go use.
About Ethique
A New Zealand-based Certified B Corp, Ethique’s ethics extend beyond the name and into each product stocked—from zero waste shampoo bars to cleaning supplies.
Plastic-free and climate-positive, Ethique searches the high seas (literally, with carbon-reduced sea freight, as opposed to air) for the next best option in sustainability.
Fair trade is the minimum at Ethique, and their relationships are managed personally through direct trade. Leaping Bunny certified vruelty-free and vegan, they take a hard line (while reducing fine lines) on animal testing or animal products in general. They also donate 2% of profits or 20% of revenue to charity.
One Love Organics
One Love Organics has not been rated.
One Love Organics’ Natural Anti-Aging Serum
One Love Organics’ range has options for sagging skin, anti-aging, fine lines, and every skin tone and type.
Don’t sleep on the healing effects of aloe, organic aloe vera leaf juice cools signs of aging while you catch some zzz’s with their best night time serum. Their Botanical A Bio-Retinol organic retinol serum for faces combines lactic acid, phytic acid, and plant-derived salicylic acid to resurface the skin while restoring radiance gently.
In the AM, their Love + Rose Hydrating Serum made with hyaluronic acid, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing your skin’s texture. This unique organic anti-aging serum has an anti-blue light component, shielding skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage.
About One Love Organics
Founder Suzanne LaRoux combines science and nature to craft dermatologist tested products that keep the skin at an optimal pH–making theirs the best organic face serum for sensitive skin.
This Green America-certified Gold sustainable beauty brand creates small-batch skincare using Leaping Bunny and Ecocert-certified organic (51%) or natural (99.8%) ingredients in their Georgia factory. Palm oil is used in some of OLO’s products but is RSPO-certified.
My Personal Review of One Love Organics’ Botanical C Facial Serum:
“The One Love Organics Botanical C Serum is a powerhouse for brightening and evening out my skin tone. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling smooth and hydrated, and I’ve noticed a visible improvement in my complexion after just a few uses. Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, I like to especially apply it after spending time out in the sun, so the antioxidants can help fight any free radical damage.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Tucked away in the mountains of BC, Canada, Shelby combines her sustainable lifestyle with a passion for writing. A nomad at heart, travelling to different countries, and provinces from the East to West Coast before settling down to raise a family, farm and write. With a love of poetry, psychology and putting nutrient dense food on a plate, her main goal is to foster connections, support local artisans, farmers, crafters, and creators to minimize her impact on the planet while maximizing her community.
