Obsessed with clean beauty? Here are some affordable recommendations

The clean beauty craze is here, and it's shaking up the skincare industry! Skincare is having its moment to shine thanks to self-care quarantine and "clean beauty," which is taking over.

But what is “clean beauty”? Well, it isn’t an official scientific term or set of standards in the beauty industry, and every brand has its own standard of what it considers to be “clean.”

For example, Sephora has a list of more than 50 ingredients that are not included in the formulas it considers to be “clean,” and if you walk into any store, you see a little green stamp of approval on any brands or products that don’t include these ingredients.

Other brands may consider themselves "clean" if they're cruelty-free, all-natural or sustainably sourced.

At its core, the clean beauty movement aims to formulate products that are good for your skin and good for the Earth. And while the science behind clean beauty is not well researched and the methods of sustainably sourced or high-quality, natural ingredients can be expensive, if you're looking to integrate “clean” products into your skincare routine on a low budget, check out these four brands:

Versed

Versed is an incredibly clean skincare brand that you can get at Target for an inexpensive price. Versed says it's “the cleanest drugstore skincare brand. Period. Developed for you, with you and with our planet in mind. Our mission is simple: Make good skin and clean products for all,” according to its website.

Out of its collection, it has two products that really stand out. First, the Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum for $21.99, which is pretty affordable for a retinol. Not only does it have encapsulated retinol, but it also blends with an ingredient called bakuchiol (also known as nature’s retinol) and a ton of antioxidants. This serum is incredibly gentle and great for beginner retinol users.

The second product that is a must for anybody struggling with acne or breakouts is the Just Breathe Clarifying Serum for $19.99. This product is formulated with willow bark extract (think of it as a more natural version of salicylic acid), as well as niacinamide and zinc to help soothe redness, calm inflammation and clear out pores.

The INKEY List

Yes, this brand is only available at Sephora, but before you run away, it is Sephora-quality clean beauty at a drugstore price.

The INKEY List has the Clean at Sephora stamp of approval, is cruelty-free and some of the products perform better than most of the high-end products I’ve used. Its Caffeine Eye Cream for $9.99 is great for puffiness, dark circles and fine lines, and the Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum for only $7.99 is by far one of the best hyaluronic acid serums I’ve used.

Bliss

“All Bliss products are thoughtfully formulated to be safe and free from (more than) 1,300 harmful substances you don't want on your skin or body,” according to its website. They're also cruelty-free, and 90 percent of its products are vegan.

I've tried and enjoyed many of Bliss's products, but its star player is the Clear Genius Peel for $22. This peel is a blend of polyhydroxy, glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids for a powerful chemical exfoliant that retexturizes and resurfaces the skin without drying it out for a beautiful, clear complexion. This product is a lifesaver!

KRAVE Beauty

KRAVE Beauty is an interesting blend of science-backed ingredients that the industry knows and loves, with all of the great benefits of clean beauty including sustainably sourced, cruelty-free products.

It uses “naturally-derived ingredients that are safe and high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, then (combines) them with lab-based technology to provide efficacy while still respecting your skin’s natural functionality,” according to its website.

Although KRAVE Beauty is a newer brand and has a very limited product line, its cleanser is a must-buy product. The Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser for $16 is packed with super hydrating, soothing ingredients like oat kernel extract, glycerin, matcha powder and hemp seed oil that thoroughly cleanse your skin of impurities without stripping your skin’s pH and leaving your skin tight and dry.

I’m very picky about my cleansers and have been using the same Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Clean Foaming Face Wash as my holy grail cleanser since it was released two years ago, but this one from KRAVE Beauty is right up to par, which says a lot.

Whether you’re interested in the clean beauty movement for its sustainability and kindness to the Earth or you’re looking for more natural ingredients that are kind to your skin, these low-budget skincare brands are sure to exceed your expectations.