7 Science-Backed Natural Beauty Brands Beyond Herbivore

Published on: November 12, 2024
Hero Image of product lip-to-lid-balmies
Hero Image of product pink-coconut-body-oil
Hero Image of product kp-body-smoother
Hero Image of product sparkling-bath-salts
Hero Image of product glow-activating-exfoliator
Hero Image of product body-wash
Hero Image of product beauty-shroom-exfoliating-acid-potion
Hero Image of product brighter-days-red-algae-avocado-biodegradable-eye-mask
Hero Image of product mineral-face-sunscreen
1 / 0
Clean beauty devotees know Herbivore well – those minimalist bottles, the botanical ingredients, the Instagram-worthy aesthetic. But the natural beauty world has expanded far beyond this familiar name. For skincare enthusiasts seeking fresh perspectives on plant-based formulations, we've identified several innovative brands combining nature's bounty with laboratory precision.
These alternatives share Herbivore's dedication to clean ingredients while charting their own distinct paths through the beauty landscape. From sea-derived compounds to ancient wellness traditions, each brings something unexpected to the natural skincare conversation.

: Body Care Gets the Laboratory Treatment

When body positivity advocate Iskra Lawrence launched Saltair, she didn't just want to create another body care line. Instead, she envisioned products that would merge serious skincare science with sensory pleasure. The brand's approach treats body care with the same rigorous attention usually reserved for facial products.
Their formulas read like a chemistry experiment gone delightfully right. We're intrigued by how they layer bioactive ingredients with natural aromatics, creating products that engage multiple senses while delivering measurable results. This isn't your typical "slather and hope for the best" body care – it's systematic skincare scaled up for below-the-neck use.

Why we like Saltair

  • 1

    Scientific Approach

    Applies facial skincare principles to body care

  • 2

    Sensory Experience

    Combines efficacy with pleasurable aromatics

  • 3

    Laboratory Precision

    Formulations backed by rigorous testing

: Where Simplicity Meets Science

Founder Shannon Davenport's background as an esthetician taught her that more ingredients don't necessarily mean better results. Esker embodies this philosophy with formulations that feel almost zen-like in their restraint. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose – no fillers, no marketing-driven additions.
The brand's small-batch production methods allow for stringent quality control, while their transparent manufacturing practices give us insight into exactly how their products come together. We appreciate how they've managed to create premium natural formulations without the typical luxury markup, proving that effectiveness doesn't require emptying your wallet.

Why we like Esker

  • 1

    Minimalist Formulation

    Purpose-driven ingredients with no fillers

  • 2

    Quality Control

    Small-batch production ensures consistency

  • 3

    Value Proposition

    Premium quality without luxury pricing

: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Methods

Rooshy Roy's dual cultural heritage spawned something fascinating in the beauty world. Aavrani doesn't simply appropriate Indian beauty traditions – it thoughtfully translates them for contemporary skincare needs. The brand takes time-tested ingredients like turmeric and reimagines them through the lens of modern cosmetic science.
Beyond formulations, Aavrani has created an educational platform that illuminates the cultural significance behind their ingredients. We're drawn to how they've built a bridge between traditional wisdom and contemporary beauty standards, making centuries-old practices relevant for today's skincare enthusiasts.

Why we like Aavrani

  • 1

    Cultural Integration

    Authentic translation of Indian beauty traditions

  • 2

    Educational Approach

    Illuminates ingredient heritage

  • 3

    Modern Adaptation

    Updates traditional practices for contemporary needs

The Verticale

The Verticale

01/09/24

A Verticale fav, founded by Rooshi Roy, this brand is AAPI-owned!

: Sustainable Beauty Gets Serious

Don't let the playful name fool you – this vegan brand approaches environmental responsibility with scientific precision. Their innovation lies not just in formulation but in fundamentally rethinking how beauty products can exist more harmoniously with the environment.
The brand's pioneering work in compostable packaging has challenged industry norms, while their multi-use product concepts promote more mindful consumption. We're fascinated by how they've managed to maintain efficacy while prioritizing environmental impact at every step of product development.

Why we like Meow Meow Tweet

  • 1

    Environmental Innovation

    Pioneering compostable packaging solutions

  • 2

    Multi-Use Products

    Promotes mindful consumption

  • 3

    Sustainable Efficacy

    Maintains performance while prioritizing environment

Chelsey Reyes

Chelsey Reyes

09/12/24

I won this in a giveaway. I love how long it lasts. They are also another sustainable brand. They curate makeup that does use any plastic. The lip pencils arrive in this small little card box. It appears to be recycled material. The founder created this company with the intention of making products that are non wasteful. I love how the color appears on my lips. It is so nice and pretty.

: Beauty Through Biochemistry

Amanda Chantal Bacon's approach to skincare involves diving deep into how adaptogens interact with human biology. Moon Juice stands out for their systematic investigation of how traditional healing herbs can be optimized for modern skincare applications.
Their research and development process involves collaboration between herbalists and scientists – an unusual partnership in the beauty world. We find their methodical validation of natural ingredients refreshing in an industry often driven more by trends than evidence.

Why we like Moon Juice

  • 1

    Scientific Validation

    Rigorous testing of adaptogenic ingredients

  • 2

    Collaborative Research

    Unique partnership of herbalists and scientists

  • 3

    Evidence-Based Approach

    Prioritizes proven results over trends

Ashley Perault

Ashley Perault

09/18/24

I liked this as a less intensive chemical exfoliant. It feels effective without any discomfort, and I think it made a difference with brightening my skin!

: Radical Transparency in Natural Beauty

Founded with just $4,000, Three Ships proves that effective natural skincare doesn't require venture capital backing. Laura Burget and Connie Lo have created formulations with up to 99% active ingredients, demonstrating that natural products can deliver serious results without filler ingredients.
Their comprehensive ingredient database represents a new standard in beauty industry transparency. We're impressed by how they've made complex formulation science accessible to consumers, allowing everyone to understand exactly what they're putting on their skin.

Why we like Three Ships

  • 1

    Ingredient Transparency

    Comprehensive database of formulations

  • 2

    High Active Content

    Up to 99% active ingredients

  • 3

    Accessible Science

    Makes formulation complexity understandable

Brianna Emily

Brianna Emily

09/09/24

I was really impressed with the results I saw from these eye masks! I noticed that after using them, my under eyes were significantly more hydrated and less puffy. I will definitely be adding these into my routine more consistently!

Dasha Photo

Dasha Photo

08/31/24

These patches are amazing! My eyes are puffy everyday in the morning,also they have pretty dry skin. But after just 10 minutes all puffiness disappears and skin becomes so hydrated and soft. It also great that they can dissolve in water. Yes,it takes time, but makes these patches so nature-friendly!

George Pativate

George Pativate

08/24/24

I recently got a chance to try these eye masks and they were so great! I left them on for about 10 minutes, and started noticing the results right after! You just rub the remaining serum into your eye area and you’re all set for the night! I also love how you can put them in hot water for 10 minutes and they dissolve! A win for your eye area and the earth! Love these!

: Hawaiian Botanicals Meet Modern Research

Koa's AAPI founders have accomplished something remarkable: translating traditional Hawaiian botanical knowledge into evidence-based skincare. Their formulations demonstrate how ancestral wisdom can be verified and enhanced through contemporary research methods.
Environmental stewardship guides their ingredient sourcing and packaging decisions, reflecting Hawaiian cultural values while meeting modern sustainability standards. We're intrigued by how they've managed to preserve traditional knowledge while proving its relevance through scientific validation.

Why we like Koa

  • 1

    Cultural Preservation

    Honors Hawaiian botanical traditions

  • 2

    Scientific Validation

    Verifies traditional ingredients through research

  • 3

    Environmental Commitment

    Reflects cultural values in sustainability

The Evolution of Natural Beauty

As these brands demonstrate, natural skincare continues to evolve beyond simple botanical extracts. Whether through innovative delivery systems, sustainable packaging solutions, or rigorous ingredient research, each brings something unique to the clean beauty conversation. The future of natural skincare clearly lies not just in replacing synthetic ingredients, but in advancing our understanding of how natural compounds interact with human biology.