There’s a reason why certain skin care brands are household names. It’s not simply a case of clever advertising and marketing. It’s because the products work and labels have built impressive reputations on these effective results.
There are many amazing skin care brands that have fantastic products, but they don’t quite have the glowing reputations to make them household names — yet. And we can help change that. It’s great to know about a tried-and-true fave, but it’s even more thrilling to be the one to discover and help champion an up-and-coming beauty brand. And you don’t even have to look very hard to find them. Sephora and department stores are full of lesser known skin care brands that are just waiting to be embraced by a broad audience.
Click through for the best under-the-radar skin care brands that are already making waves for their amazing offerings. Try them out, then help spread the word.
[ Next: 11 Cool Makeup Brands You Probably Don’t Know ]
Under-the-Radar Skin Care Brands to Know About
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BioBelle Cosmetics
Unicorn lovers may have heard of BioBelle Cosmetics thanks to its recent holographic mask, but there's more to the brand than that. The masking brand sets itself apart from others thanks to its use of biodegradable Tencel. The range is also nontoxic, gluten-free and contains no GMOs or parabens. And, of course, we can't overlook the Instagrammable packaging. Shop the range at Ulta and HSN.
#IWokeUpLikeThis Sheet Mask, $4.99 at Ulta
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BioBelle Cosmetics
#HappyHour Sheet Mask, $4.99 at Ulta
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BioBelle Cosmetics
#Primer Sheet Mask, $4.99 at Ulta
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NIOD
NIOD, short for "Non Invasive Options in Dermal Science," is a brand that probably won't be under the radar for too much longer, so get it before everyone else does. It's part of Deciem's multibrand offering, self-described as "the abnormal beauty company." The company is also behind cult favorite The Ordinary. All Deciem lines, including NIOD, deliver results. And NIOD earns praise from skin care lovers for its packaging and scientific names. Not bad for a company that was only started in 2013. Shop the sister brands on the company's website and at ASOS and get NIOD at b-glowing.
Lip Bio-Lipid Concentrate, $60 at b-glowing
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NIOD
Set N.1, $70 at b-glowing
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NIOD
Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex, $35 at b-glowing
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Babe Australia
Keep skin flake-free with the help of Babe Australia. The Aussie brand produces body products like creams, scrubs and cleansers using only plant-based, natural and organic ingredients. What's more, the line is also manufactured in the land Down Under. Luckily, there's no need to take a trip to Oz to get the collection. Shop the range on the brand's website or at Sephora.
Green Tea Body Scrub, $24 at Sephora
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Babe Australia
Wild Daisy Body Soufflé, $30 at Sephora
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Babe Australia
Charcoal Hand Wash, $38 at Sephora
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STARSKIN
Masking fans are going to want STARSKIN on their radar because the brand produces masks that are equal parts luxurious and effective. Think lace sheet masks and even ones for your feet and hands. The PETA-certified brand's masks are made out of a biocellulose material crafted from fermented coconuts that leads to optimal absorption. Stock up on STARSKIN masks at Barneys.
SILKMUD Pink French Clay Purifying Liftaway Mud Face Sheet Mask, $10 at Barneys
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STARSKIN
Hollywood Hand Model Nourishing Double-Layer Hand Mask Gloves, $10 at Barneys
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STARSKIN
DREAMKISS Plumping and Hydrating Bio-Cellulose Lip Mask, $10 at Barneys
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Skinfood
The saying about how beauty comes from what we eat definitely rings true with Skinfood. The Korean beauty brand is dubbed "the original food cosmetics" range and includes delectable ingredients like avocado, cucumber, honey and black pomegranate. Just be aware that the products are strictly for faces and not for mouths. Get in on the K-beauty love by shopping the brand at Soko Glam and Ulta.
Peach Sake Pore Serum, $16 at Ulta
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Skinfood
Egg White Pore Mask, $10.50 at Ulta
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Skinfood
Pineapple Peeling Gel, $12 at Ulta
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Herbivore Botanicals
Even carnivores and omnivores are going to like Herbivore Botanicals. The indie brand creates natural and nontoxic products that offer therapeutic experiences as well as effective results. In other words, they bring some much needed zen into our busy lives. The brand was started in 2011 by husband and wife duo Julia Wills and Alexander Kummerow in their kitchen and it is now stocked at Nordstrom, Sephora and Urban Outfitters.
Lapis Facial Oil, $72 at Nordstrom
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Herbivore Botanicals
Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish, $36 at Nordstrom
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Herbivore Botanicals
Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist, $32 at Nordstrom
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Youth To The People
It's easy to mistake Youth To The People's ingredient list for a superfood smoothie menu because the natural brand's philosophy is about putting only whole, nutritious things on skin in the same way we fuel our bodies with nourishing options. The brand was created by cousins Joe Cloyes and Greg Gonzalez who were inspired by their grandma, who created her own skin care line over 30 years ago. Check out the range at Sephora and Nordstrom.
Age Prevention Superfood Cleanser, $36 at Sephora
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Youth To The People
Age Prevention Superfood Mask, $44 at Sephora
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Youth To The People
Age Prevention Superfood Eye Cream, $35 at Sephora
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Allies of Skin
We may be all about Korean beauty, but Allies of Skin is a brand that will make us excited to see what is coming out of Singapore. The brand has a simple ethos that appeals to time-starved workaholics of today: "To create smart, effective products for the modern multi-hyphenate, using potent antioxidants and intelligent nutrients." The result is a curated range of products that easily slot into any routine. Pick up the line at Net-a-Porter.
1A All-Day Mask, $89 at Net-a-Porter
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Allies of Skin
Molecular Saviour Toner Mist, $55 at Net-a-Porter
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Allies of Skin
1A Overnight Mask, $109 at Net-a-Porter
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KORA Organics
KORA Organics is a new launch at Sephora, but the brand has been producing natural and organic products for a couple of years. If the name sounds familiar, that's probably because it's Miranda Kerr's range. And one look at her flawless complexion is enough of a reason to try out the line. Fun fact: The products are energized with rose quartz, a crystal which is thought to carry soothing energy and promote love. The range can also be purchased on the KORA Organics website and from Net-a-Porter.
Noni Glow Face Oil, $68 at KORA Organics
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KORA Organics
Heart Chakra Aromatherapy Oil, $48 at Sephora
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KORA Organics
Noni Glow Body Oil, $58 at Sephora
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Omorovicza
Omorovicza is a brand that beauty insiders have been buzzing about for a few years. The luxurious skin care range is formulated in "spa capital" Budapest and utilizes the area’s famous Hungarian thermal waters that help to treat and soothe skin. The range is stocked at Nordstrom, Sephora and Neiman Marcus.
Reviving Eye Cream, $145 at Nordstrom
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Omorovicza
Illuminating Moisturizer, $160 at Nordstrom
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Omorovicza
Refining Facial Polisher, $95 at Nordstrom