Picking a personal care product shouldn’t be like digging into a box of chocolates: You should always know what you’re going to get. That’s why for this year’s beauty awards we chose from the purest options available, heading to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database to find those products with a 0- or 1-out-of-10 ranking (meaning the ingredients pose no or a very low hazard). What did we get when we put them to the test? Ten excellent natural picks that do what they promise to—and are free of the startlingly ubiquitous personal care villains, such as 1,4-dioxane and parabens.

Skin savers

Best sun protection

MyChelle Sun Shield SPF 28
“I can’t believe it’s SPF 28! It has a luxurious texture, goes on smoothly, and rubs in easily,” glows one tester. By combining organic aloe with non-nanotechnology zinc oxide, it simultaneously moisturizes and protects skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Best anti-aging (women)

Tilvee Argan & Sea Buckthorn Age-Defying Cream
Argan helps fight free-radical damage and restore moisture, while flavonoid-rich sea buckthorn promotes skin regeneration to counter sun damage. “This is the most hydrating yet light lotion I think I’ve ever tried—it goes on deliciously smooth, without being gloppy or sticky in the least.” Bonus: It’s packaged in a recycled glass jar.

Best anti-aging (men)

Anthony Logistics Vitamin C Serum
This pure form of the antioxidant vitamin C protects and firms aging skin. Cucumber extract instantly soothes skin. “It’s an easy product to use for guys who typically aren’t into skin care. It’s not thick, so it absorbs well and you don’t feel like you have an oily lotion on your face,” reports one tester. “My skin felt instantly firmer.”

Best body lotion

Alaffia Shea and Red Palm Nurturing Body Lotion
The Alaffia line features fair trade-certified shea butter from a West African coop, that is combined with virgin coconut oil and papaya leaf extract to create a natural emollient that soothes and moisturizes the entire body—and all skin types. “Totally refreshing. Light yet nourishing, like a tropical drink for your whole body.”

Best skin care oil

Aura Cacia Certified Organic Skin Care Oil
Aura Cacia’s skin care oils are so pure they’re made from just one ingredient. Certified organic sesamium indicum (sesame) oil is extremely rich and penetrating, so it’s ideal for dry skin. “Unlike other skin care oils, that sit ontop of your skin and can feel stifling, the rich sesame oil absorbs well and lasts throughout the day,” says one tester. “Particularly nice as an after-shower oil, to lock in moisture.”

Next page: The best natural upkeep