23 Best Indie Cosmetic Brands For Skin Care And Makeup
Improve your overall skin's health with gentle products that ensure the best results.
Baishali Bhattacharya Certified Image Consultant, Certified In Makeup Artistry
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
Srijani Roy ChowdhuryCertified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 3 years
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
Srijita DeCertified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
We all have a common misconception that the higher the product’s price, the better it is in terms of quality. But, this is not always the case. Nowadays, many infamous brands make good quality products that offer impressive benefits. The best Indie beauty brands have potent formulae that deliver promising results and help to improve the overall health of your hair and skin.
These niche and innovative Indie beauty brands (a.k.a independently owned beauty brands) deliver the best results to their users. But amidst so many well-known and reputed skin care brands, they often have to struggle hard to gain confidence from the users. However, you can trust our reviewers on this – these products are affordable and effective and will not cause any harm to your skin. So keep reading the article to explore our list of the 23 best Indie beauty brands now!
In This Article
23 Best Indie Cosmetic Brands For Skin Care And Makeup
1. Best For All Hair Types:Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Image: Briogeo The Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask offers immense hydration to your strands to increase their natural shine and vibrancy. This transformative hair mask is formulated with NOVA complex that delivers optimum nutrients like vitamin B and leaves your hair healthy, lustrous, and damage-free. Its clinically tested formula reduces up to 75% breakage after three treatments. The mask contains a natural blend of ingredients like rosehip oil, rich in fatty acids to control frizz and balance hydration. The algae extract, flooded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, adds shine to dull hair, and almond oil provides moisturization. This deep conditioning and repairing hair mask is best for chemically treated and damaged hair to increase its resilience and provide protection from future damages. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product.
Key Ingredient: Algae extracts, Rosehip oil, Almond oil
Pros
- Suits all hair types
- Does not weigh down the hair
- 98% natural ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- SLS free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- Artificial dye-free
- DEA-free
- Silicone-free
Cons
- May cause rashes and itchiness
2. Best Anti-Aging:Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar
Image: Urbanskinrx The Even Tone Cleansing Bar from Urban Skin Rx uses complexion refining advanced technology to enhance the skin’s tone and diminish dark spots. This three-in-one skin treatment features kojic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and licorice scent, making it a suitable choice for daily cleansing and exfoliation. Its skin brightening properties promote healthier and brighter skin with regular use. This cleansing bar comes with an exfoliating sponge and its potent formula is ideal for fading pigmentation, blemishes, aging signs, dryness, etc.
Key Ingredients:Kojic acid, Licorice, Niacinamide, andAzelaic acid
Pros
- Instant brightness
- For acne-prone skin
- Exfoliating
- For daily use
- Mild fragrance
- Anti-aging benefits
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not for extremely dry skin
- Causes burning
3. Best Non-Sticky:OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
Stylecraze Says
Image: Osea The OseaUndaria Algae Body Oil is ideal for improving stretch marks and saggy skin. This antioxidants-rich body oil delivers intense hydration to the skin to reduce stretch marks‘ appearance while firming saggy skin. Its light and non-sticky formula is infused with passion fruit, acai pulp oil, babassu, sesame, and undariapinnatifida seed oils rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. All these ingredients are naturally obtained, and the oil is free from toxins, making it an ethical and clean beauty product.
Key Ingredients: Passion fruit seed, Sesame seed, Acai pulp, and Babassu seed oils, andUndariaPinnatifida
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly
- Suits all skin types
- Handcrafted
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates free
- SLS-free
- Benzoyl Peroxide-free
- Hydroquinone-free
- PropelynGycol-free
- Ethanolamines-free
- PEG-free
Cons
- Overpowering scent
4. Best Hydrating:Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak
Image: Herbivore Botanicals The Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak leaves your skin soft and hydrated due to its deep hydration properties and luxurious formula. It is formulated with moisturizing coconut milk which offers you smooth skin. The coconut milk powder is enriched with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated skin. This indulgent body bath works by targeting dullness and dryness and provides a therapeutic bathing experience. It uses all-natural plant-based ingredients derived through the cold-press or steam distillation methods to keep the nutrients and their benefits intact.
Key Ingredients: Coconut fruit powder, Coconut fruit extract, Sodium bicarbonate, Vanilla Planifolia fruit oil
Pros
- Tropical scent
- For all skin types
- Food-grade quality
- Cold press extraction
- Cruelty-free
- GMO-free
- Soy-free
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Fillers and chemicals-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
Cons
- Faint fragrance
5. Best For All Skin Types:Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser
Image: Indie Lee This brightening cleanser from Indie Lee gently wipes off makeup and impurities from the skin to reveal its inner glow. It also works as an exfoliating mask on leaving for five minutes before rinsing. Its effective formula helps in smoothening, brightening, and evening out the skin tone. Moreover, this cleanser is infused with hydrolyzed wheat protein, strawberry seed oil, and tomato extracts to strengthen the skin while imparting a silky glow.
Key Ingredients: Wheat protein, Strawberry seed oil, and Tomato extracts
Pros
- Suits all skin types
- Removes waterproof makeup
- Non-petroleum based ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- SLS-free
- Phthalates-free
- SMO-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Phenoxyethanol-free
Cons
- May dry out the skin
6. Best Lightweight:ILIA – Natural True Skin Serum Concealer
Image: Ilia This Natural True Skin Serum Concealer from Ilia offers medium coverage and enhances the appearance of the skin. Its light and the silky formula blend easily and is infused with vitamin C and albiziajulibrissi n bark extract. This stabilized form of vitamin C strengthens the skin’s natural defenses and boosts collagen production. The albiziajulibrissin bark extract reduces puffiness, and fine lines and mastic (a type of resin)refines and mattifies the skin. This protecting serum protects the skin from environmental damage and free radicals while making it firm and nourished. It is an absolute cult-favorite that is killing the game!
Key Ingredients: Albiziajulibrissin bark extract, stabilized Vitamin C, and Mastic
Pros
- Lightweight
- Immediate results
- Improves discoloration
- Available in 12 shades
- Buildable coverage
- Vegan
- Contains natural dye
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Doesn’t spread easily
Quick Tip7. Best Non-Greasy:Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Day Cream
Image: Grown Alchemist Grown Alchemist’s Hydra-Repair Day Cream has a non-sticky and nourishing blend that improves the skin’s hydration and offers shine. Its velvety formula smoothes and soothes the skin while enhancing its appearance to reveal a soft and revitalized glow. It contains mayblossom that reduces sebum production and shrinks the enlarged pores. The rosehip and camellia oils are rich in precious phytosterols, which condition and hydrate the skin. The cane sugar extract in the product soothes the skin affected by environmental aggressors and aloe vera provides softening and calming benefits.
Key Ingredients: Rosehip and Camellia oils, and Mayblossom
Pros
- Suits oily and combination skin types
- Leaves no residue
- Non-greasy
- Works as a makeup primer
- Toxin-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not hypoallergenic
8. Best Non-Comedogenic:Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Image: Goodal The Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum is a great solution for people who want to have brighter, more even skin. It works to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation while also protecting the skin from free radicals that can cause damage. The green tangerine extract in the formula is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. These components are essential in promoting a healthy, radiant complexion and ensuring that your skin stays healthy.
Another important ingredient is centella asiatica, which has a calming effect on the skin and helps to prevent inflammation. This, in turn, promotes hydration and restores your skin’s protective barrier. The serum also contains niacinamide, which helps to improve skin texture and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. The tranexamic acid helps fade dark spots and prevent the formation of new ones, while adenosine improves skin elasticity and firmness. The serum has a lightweight and non-greasy texture that makes it easy to apply and quick to absorb into the skin.
Key Ingredients: Green tangerine extract Niacinamide and Centella asiatic
Pros
- Suits all skin types
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Slightly expensive
9. Best For Revitalizing:Saturday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream
Image: Saturday Skin The Saturday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream boosts the skin’s hydration to leave it bright and supple. This gel-based formula contains minerals and antioxidants that moisturize and brighten the skin to reveal an inner glow. This next-generation gel cream contains Iceland moss to reduce redness and calm the skin. The Alaskan glacier water combats free radicals and promotes better absorption of moisturizers. At the same time, the Xpert moist prevents dehydration and revitalizes the skin.
Key Ingredients: Iceland moss and Alaskan glacier water
Pros
- Suits all skin types
- Lightweight
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalates-free
Cons
None
10. Best Hypoallergenic:U Beauty Resurfacing Compound
Image: U Beauty U Beauty’s Resurfacing Compound serum features a safe and clean formula to take care of your skin. This one-step skincare product brightens, tightens, and resurfaces the skin. Its potent blend shrinks pores, fades dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines while nourishing and defending the skin against free radicals. This revolutionary serum allows you to skip those extra skincare steps and offers gentle and thorough skincare. It uses a patent-pending Siren capsule technology to fight free radicals and delay signs of aging. Besides, it contains skin-loving ingredients like AHAs, vitamins E and C, retinol, and peptides to offer complete and nourishing skincare.
Key Ingredients: Vitamins E and C, Retinol, AHA, and Peptides
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight
- Gentle exfoliation
- Suits all skin types
- Easy to use
- Clinically tested
- Available in different sizes
- Contains no fillers
- Vegan
- GMO-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
11. KosasLipFuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm
Image: Kosas The KosasLipFuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm has a super hydrating formula to leave your lips soft and hydrated. This protecting lip balm contains hyaluronic acid to lock hydration and moisturize the lips. The wild mint energizes the skin and leaves behind a stimulating fragrance. It is also infused with konjac root extract that acts as a barrier to protect the delicate skin against environmental aggressors.
Key Ingredients: Wild mint and Konjac root extracts
Pros
- Recyclable packaging
- Portable
- Available in three shades
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
None
12. Kahina Giving BeautyArgan Oil
Image: Kahina Giving Beauty This Argan Oil from Kahina Giving Beauty is extracted from the first cold press without adulteration to keep the nutrition intact. Its high-quality formula offers an instant glow to the skin while improving skin and preventing irritation. Its lightweight formula restores skin elasticity and minimizes fine lines to leave your skin smooth and radiating. This oil also neutralizes free radicals and protects the skin from environmental aggressors.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Absorbs easily
- Instant results
- Certified organic
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- GMO-free
Cons
- Expensive
13.Mara Universal Face Oil
This Universal Face Oil from Mara has an age-defying formula to suit all skin types. Its powerful formula hydrates the skin while replenishing it from within to improve its appearance. It is blended with moringa, rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, and antioxidants to intensely moisturize the skin and reveal an inner glow. The unique algae blend stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis and is flooded with fatty acids and phytonutrients to smoothen, plump, and firm the skin.
The plankton extract, rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, retains moisture and strengthens the skin barrier. The baobab extract increases collagen production to naturally soften the skin while vitamin A, D, and E delay the signs of aging. It also contains bilberry, a good source of omega 3 and 6 that maintains the lipid barriers and offers youthful skin. The face oil also features Kalahari watermelon, containing vitamin A, C, and E, along with linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid, to promote healthy and glowing skin.
Key Ingredients: Moringa, Algae, Plankton, and Baobab extracts
Pros
- Suits acne-prone and sensitive skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Clinically tested
- Dermatologist tested
- Immediate results
- Cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified)
- Vegan
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Artificial dye-free
- Alcohol-free
- Gluten-free
- PEGs-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalates-free
Cons
- A little greasy
- Expensive
14. VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner
Image: Virtue The Virtue Recovery Conditioner provides multiple benefits by reducing frizz and split ends while increasing the thickness and vibrancy of your strands. It increases your hair thickness by 22% after the first application. Its potent formula is infused with alpha keratin, shea butter, and hydrolyzed quinoa to restore your hair health, reduce brittleness, retain moisture, improve shine, and enhance color. The baobab seed oil acts as an emollient to moisturize dry and damaged hair. The grapefruit extract, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, revitalizes the scalp.
Key Ingredients: Baobab seed oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, and Grapefruit extracts
Pros
- Vegan
- Improves manageability
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- SMO-free
- Cruelty-free
- Colorant-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Expensive
15. SACHAJUAN Scalp Shampoo
Image: Sachajuan The Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo is specially created for oily and dandruff-prone scalp. This soothing and irritation-free anti-dandruff shampoo is formulated with lactic acid to regulate oil production. Salicylic acid, infused in this shampoo, gently removes dead skin cells while promoting cell regeneration. The combination of rosemary oil, ginger extract, and menthol soothes scalp irritation and maintains a healthy moisture balance with refreshing effects.
Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, Ginger extract, Lactic acid, Salicylic acid, and Menthol
Pros
- Unisex
- For daily use
- Maintains moisture balance
Cons
- Does not lather well
14. Fatboy Perfect Putty
Image: Fatboy Hair This award-winning product from Fatboy is a pliable putty designed to lock in the natural moisture of your hair. It spreads smoothly along the hair strands and offers flexible hold and a beautiful matte finish with a second-day texture. Moreover, this nourishing clay is infused with green tea, which adds a subtle fragrance to it.
Key Ingredients: Mineral oils and Glycerin
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Easy application
- Dairy-free
- Subtle smell
- Lasts all-day
- Washes off easily
Cons
- Greasy
17. Hero Clear Collective Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
Image: Hero The Hero Clear Collective Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser helps you achieve smoother and clearer skin. This gentle cleanser contains a blend of natural exfoliants, such as strawberry and papaya enzymes, as well as physical exfoliants like jojoba beads and bamboo powder. These ingredients work together to remove impurities and dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.
The cleanser also contains salicylic acid, which is known for its ability to unclog pores and reduce acne. Plus, the tea tree oil in the formula has natural antibacterial properties that can help prevent breakouts. Regular use of this product can help to improve the overall appearance and texture of your skin, leaving it brighter, clearer, and more radiant.
Key Ingredients: Strawberry and papaya enzymes, Jojoba beads, Bamboo powder, Salicylic acid, and Tea tree oil
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Suits all skin tones
- Non-drying
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Artificial color-free
Cons
None
18. Playa Endless Summer Spray
Image: Playa Playa’s Endless Summer Spray is formulated with 99.7% natural ingredients to offer you a tousled hair texture and perfectly defined beachy waves. It features a collagen complex that nourishes the strands while adding volume and shine. Its natural UV filters protect the hair and scalp from harsh sun rays and maintain an effortlessly undone look.
This summer spray also contains chia seed and black seed extracts to prevent stickiness and enhance natural curls. The pacific sea salt in the spray promotes texture, and sugar offers a soft and flexible hold to the hair. This spray also features beta carotene to protect hair from the damage caused due to environmental aggressors without causing dryness.
Key Ingredients: Chia seed and Black seed extracts
Pros
- Easy to apply
- UV protection
- No stickiness
- No stiffness
- Fresh fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
19. IN COMMON Magic Myst Universal Hair Elixir
Image: In Common This Magic Myst Universal Hair Elixir from In Common has a multifunctional formula to repair damage and eliminate frizz while detangling the hair. This heat-protecting elixir has balancing and hydrating properties, which strengthens, restores, and enhances the appearance of your strands. It works by reinforcing weak hair fibers to repair and rebalance moisture levels. It also protects your hair from heat styling and UV rays. This universal hair elixir softens hair and promotes shine while sealing the cuticles and preventing split ends. Moreover, its powerful formula protects hair from hard water.
Key ingredients: Avocado oil, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Healing Water Technology, and Rose, Lavender, and Orange fruit extracts
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Compact size
- Suits all hair types and textures
Cons
- None
20. The Nubian by Juvias
Image: Juvia's Place The Nubian by Juvias is a gorgeous eyeshadow pallet featuring 12 stunning shades. This pallet features all neutral and bold hues, which can be used both dry and wet. Its highly pigmented formula offers an extended stay and rich color payoff on every skin type. This pressed powder pallet comes packed with 8 shimmery and 4 matte shades to compliment any occasion and day.
Pros
- Intensely pigmented
- Rich color payoff
- Shimmery and matte shades
- Suits all skin types
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Does not crease much
- Lasting stay
Cons
- The colors break easily
21. Semi-Matte Nude Pink Brown Lipstick, Mented
Image: Mented This Semi-Matte Lipstick from Mented has a perfect nude shade to brighten up your face. Its tried and tested formula suits all skin tones and is suitable to be adorned on any occasion. This matte lipstick in the shade mounted #5 offers hydration to the lips to prevent dryness and chapping. It is made from safe, vegan, and non-toxic ingredients for ensuring quality.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Suits all skin tones
- Non-drying
- Semi-matte texture
- Vegan
- Non-toxic
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
22. Rituel de Fille Ash and Ember Eye Soot – Eyeshadow/Eyeliner, Sigil
Image: Rituel De Fille The Rituel de Fille Ash and Ember Eye Soot features an intense, smoldering, and long-lasting formula with a rich and creamy texture. This multipurpose soot can be used as an eyeshadow, liner, primer, or base to define your makeup look and face. Its everlasting and highly pigmented formula uses ingredients like mica, carmine, bronze powder, and annatto to create impressive textures and shades.
Key Ingredients: Natural pigments and wax
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Multipurpose
- Shimmery texture
- Rich color payoff
- Available in different shades
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- Synthetic dyes-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
Cons
None
23. Perfume Palette By Skylar
The Skylar Perfume Palette comes packed with six miniature unisex perfumes to revive your senses. This clean and aromatic set of perfumes contains six fresh, uplifting fragrances – isle, arrow, coral, meadow, and willow. Isle has a fresh scent with bergamot notes, fresh quince, ginger, sandalwood, and orange. Coral has a fruity floral fragrance with the notes of mandarin, apple blossom, and pink grapefruit.
Arrow’s warm and spicy fragrance is derived from the notes of black currant, anjou pear, and midnight jasmine. Meadow, on the other hand, is infused with bright lime, orange blossom, and gardenia notes. Capri has a citrusy sweet fragrance with grapefruit, blood orange, and bergamot notes. The palette also includes Willow, a woody scent that is derived from pine resin, heliotrope, and willow.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Convenient size
- Portable
- Can be layered
- Unisex
- Signature scents
- Clean formula
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Synthetic dye-free
Cons
- The strong smell of alcohol
The Bottom Line
Nowadays, various skincare and makeup brands have filled the market space and are constantly growing. But not all skincare and makeup products provide desired results as they are not formulated to address specific issues or suit every skin type. Indie cosmetic brands are among those well-known reputed beauty products that constantly gain positive feedback from the users and thrive for the betterment of the brand. If you have dull and damaged hair, try the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask for its deep conditioning and repairing formula that helps treat it. Try the ILIA – Natural True Skin Serum Concealer for its natural ingredients and skin-nourishing properties and the Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar for uneven skin tones and for daily cleansing and exfoliation. Their products are lightweight, vegan, and cruelty-free. Go through the product reviews closley to pick the right indie product of your choice.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya is certified in image consultation and expert in makeup artistry. She strongly believes in merit and does not ride on the bandwagon of ‘the pricier, the better’. Driven by her desire to pick the best products that are effective and priced affordably, she has thoroughly researched indie beauty brands and handpicked the best options in this article. These independently owned beauty brands are always on top of their game and offer exceptionally well-formulated, safe, and affordable products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which indie makeup brands have the cleanest ingredients?
U Beauty is an indie makeup brand that offers clean and safe products.
Which indie makeup brands are the most earth-friendly?
ILIA is a zero-waste cosmetic brand. They also come in sustainable and eco-friendly packaging.
Which indie makeup brands are the best to use on sensitive and blemish-prone skin?
Mara Universal is among the best indie makeup brands for sensitive and blemish-prone skin. Their products use hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic ingredients that do not irritate or damage sensitive skin, hence spreading an empowering message to all other mainstream brands.
Recommended Articles
