5 Non-Toxic Swaps To Make For Your Fall Skincare Routine

Is your skin reacting to dry, cold, seasonal weather? Make 5 simple changes to your non-toxic skincare routine to compensate for moisture loss. From cleansers to moisturizers to gentle exfoliators, get the best non-toxic product recommendations that will benefit your skin in cold weather.

Woman outside in cold weather sipping tea

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Fall is officially here, bringing cooler temperatures, a drop in humidity and drier air. These environmental changes dry out your skin, and your summer skincare products may not contain enough of the ingredients needed to compensate for these fluctuations.

When you transition to fall skincare, look for non-toxic products that are packed with ingredients that provide more moisture and hydration than your summer skincare products. Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid are perfect additions to fall skincare products. Humectants attract water and bind it to the skin, working to keep your skin hydrated. This is important during the drier fall and winter months.

If face oil isn’t one of your fall skincare products, you may want to consider adding it to your nightly regimen. A face oil like jojoba oil works as an emollient to soften, soothe and hydrate your skin, and it also works as an occlusive to seal in moisture. Give your dry skin some TLC with argan oil, jojoba oil or squalene oil as the last product in your nightime skincare routine.

Most importantly, use non-toxic skincare without harmful ingredients like endocrine disrupting chemicals that can cause health issues. Here are a few specific harmful chemicals to look out for an avoid: Parabens, Phthalates, BHT, Fragrance, EDTA, Talc, PEG, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate and chemical sunscreen ingredients (Avobenzene, Octisalate, Octocrylene).

1. Swap Out Foaming Cleanser For A Creamy Cleanser

You may be able to get away with using a foaming cleanser in the summer, but the oil-stripping surfactants may cause your skin to lose moisture as the air gets drier in the fall. A cream-based cleanser will keep your natural oils intact and won’t compromise your skin barrier, which you need more than ever in the drier fall and winter months. The non-toxic face cleansers below contain no harmful ingredients.

face wash

Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream
Cost | $10.99 for 4 oz ($2.75 per ounce)
Highlights | This cleanser contains a soothing blend of Peony Extract and Sunflower Amino Acids. Peony Extract is known for its calming properties, while Sunflower Amino Acids contribute to the hydrating benefits of the cleanser.
Shop | Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream

Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser
Cost | $15.99 for 4 oz ($4.00 per ounce)
Highlights | This mildly acidic cream cleanser is pH perfection, supporting the skin’s natural balance of protective oils. Many overly alkaline cleansers strip the skin of the acid mantle, a protective layer of oils.  Additional antioxidants and hydrating oils leave the skin soft & smooth while gently washing away dirt & impurities.
Shop | Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser

Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser
Cost | $18 for 2.9 fl oz ($6.21 per ounce)
Highlights | This gentle cleanser transforms into milk upon contact with water, leaving skin soft, replenished, and hydrated. It’s gentle enough for daily use and works as a non-disruptive cleanser for your skin. It removes dirt and makeup without stripping your skin of moisture, and supports a healthy skin moisture barrier with a slightly acidic pH when mixed with water.
Shop | Cocokind Oil To Milk Cleanser

Evan Healy Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk
Cost | $28 for 4 oz ($7 per ounce)
Highlights| This creamy cleansing milk, handmade with regenerating plant oils, antioxidant-rich gotu kola and purifying white kaolin clay, leaves skin feeling clean, relaxed and refreshed. Formulated for all skin types, especially sensitive and irritated skin.
Shop | Evan Healy Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk

Bloomeffects Tulip Nectar Cleansing Cream
Cost | $29 for 3 oz ($9.67 per ounce)
Highlights | This rich hydrating cream cleanser that soothes and repairs while effectively removing impurities from the skin.
Shop | Bloomeffects Tulip Nectar Cleansing Cream

Pai Middlemist Seven Gentle Cream Cleanser
Cost | $59 for 5 oz ($11.80 per ounce)
Highlights | A cult favorite, this cream cleanser made for sensitive skin is a gentle power-house. The face cleanser features a trio of oils which lift away dirt and makeup with ease while protecting the skin’s delicate oil and PH balance.
Shop | Pai Middlemist Seven Gentle Cream Cleanser

Graydon Aloe Milk Cleanser
Cost | $49 for 3.3 oz ($14.85 per ounce)
Highlights | This creamy, gentle facial wash helps remove dirt, make-up and excess sebum without stripping your skin of its moisture. Graydon Aloe Milk Cleanser is suitable for all skin types, especially those with dry or sensitive skin. I use this cleanser and my sensitive skin loves it.
Shop | Graydon Aloe Milk Cleanser

2. Swap Out Your Corrective Serum For A Hydration Boost Serum

There are multitudes of serums to correct different skin issues. In the summer your skin may have needed a corrective serum, but now that the air is drier in the fall, you may need to swap out your corrective serum for a hydration boost serum. Alternatively, you can add a hydration boost serum to your corrective serum or to your moisturizer. Ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract water and bind it to the skin, working to keep your skin hydrated. The non-toxic face serums below contain no harmful ingredients.

Face serum

Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum
Cost | $20 for 1 oz
Highlights | Specifically optimized with five types of ceramides and lipids that mimic and support skin’s natural barrier, this serum nourishes and replenishes for healthy-looking skin. together, ceramides and complementary lipids are easily recognized and absorbed by skin, helping to reduce moisture loss and defend against external stressors. designed for all. restores healthy structure and function to the skin barrier. encourages skin’s natural ceramide production. soothes and comforts. reduces appearance of signs of irritation and softens skin delivers maximum benefits with gentle lactic acid.
Shop | Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum

Passport To Organics Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Cost | $42 for 2 fl oz ($21 per ounce)
Highlights | With over 97% organic ingredients and 1% pure Hyaluronic Acid, it is one of the strongest Hyaluronic pro-aging serums available. They use the fewest ingredients possible to create a high organic content Hyaluronic Acid serum that provides effective pro-aging benefits without the use of irritation-causing parabens, fragrances and artificial ingredients.
Shop | Passport To Organics Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Dime Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Cost | $28.80 for 1 fl oz
Highlights | This Serum helps promote hydration, boosts skin bounce and maximizes hydration from your moisturizer.
Shop | Dime Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200
Cost | $44.50 for 1 fl oz
Highlights | This Serum helps to hydrate your skin from within and plump fine lines and wrinkles. By using 200mg of concentrated low molecular weight hyaluronic acid per bottle, this serum is able to deeply penetrate the skin on your face and neck, leaving it glowing and naturally hydrated all day. The fast absorbing COSMOS Organic formulation also includes organic pomegranate extract to aid cellular turnover, and a delicate, gentle fragrance of organic rosewater.
Shop | Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200

Pai Back To Life Hydration Serum
Cost | $74 for 1 fl oz
Highlights | This Back to Life face serum is your best friend if you experience dehydration and dullness. Specifically formulated for sensitive and Eczema-prone skin, this serum contains Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and antioxidant rich berries to protect against moisture loss, locking in hydration for long-lasting results.
Shop | Pai Back To Life Hydration Serum

Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum
Cost | $88 for 1 fl oz
Highlights | Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum is a burst of hydration for all skin types. This fast absorbing concentrated serum smooths the appearance of fine lines and provides visible lift. The nourishing formula draws water-based moisture to the skin like a magnet. A synergy of three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid and three nutrient-rich seaweeds work together to restore and maintain optimal moisture levels, keeping your skin hydrated all day long.
Shop | Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum

Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum
Cost | $110 for 1 oz
Highlights | Kristina Holey intended this product to be initially used for clients with weakened barrier layers, but found through client trials that every-one reported an increase in comfort in their skin, less need for heavy moisturizers, and an absence of dryness even in extreme conditions. This groundbreaking serum maintains barrier function by replacing natural moisturizing factor, a collection of water soluble compounds which keep skin cells hydrated, and preventing loss of NMF via a liposomal sealing system that traps water molecules instead of letting them absorb into the lower layers of the epidermis.
Shop | Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum

3. Swap Face Lotion For A Thicker Moisturizer

Now is the time to swap your thinner, summer moisturizers out for a thicker face cream. Cream-based moisturizers are more effective at sealing in moisture content due to higher concentrations of oils in the ingredient list. The oils act to both soften, soothe and hydrate your skin, and to seal in moisture. A lotion is lighter than a cream with more water content and less oil. Face creams are ideal for the dry season. The non-toxic face moisturizers below contain no harmful ingredients.

face cream

Krave Oat So Simple Water Cream
Cost | $30 for 2.71 oz ($11.07 per ounce)
Highlights | A light-as-water moisturizer that feels like a burst of refreshing hydration on the face. Formulated with less than 9 ingredients including soothing Oat Extract, this no-fuss, just-right moisturizer gives your skin the gentle calming it wants and the essential hydration it needs.
Shop | Krave Oat So Simple Water Cream

Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream
Cost | $27 for 1.7 oz ($15.88 per ounce)
Highlights | This rich cream instantly restores skin’s moisture levels and provides increased plumpness. A dreamy cushion-like texture hugs the skin while improving radiance, supporting the skin’s natural collagen and helping reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Perfect for dry skin types or those looking for deep hydration seasonally. National Eczema Association stamp of approval.
Shop | Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream

Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream
Cost | $27.99 for 1.69 fl oz ($16.56 per ounce)
Highlights |  This face cream is infused with moisture-rich seed oils to soften and condition skin. Made with Daikon Radish Seed Oil, Baobab Seed Oil  and Shea Butter. This cream works for all skin types. It’s made without Parabens, Phthalates, PEGs, Dyes, Mineral Oil, Synthetic Fragrances.
Shop | Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream

Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Renew Face Cream
Cost | $40 for 2 oz ($20 per ounce)
Highlights | Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Renew Face Cream restores normal to dry skin with a blend of pure organic oils. Organic Argan oil nourishes whilst natural hyaluronic acid soothes and hydrates. Delicately fragranced with soothing hypoallergenic vanilla & coconut natural fragrance.
Shop | Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Renew Face Cream

Free & True Balanced Being Barrier Cream
Cost | $58 ($34.12 per ounce)
Highlights | This barrier restoring night cream is formulated to be an end-of-day reboot for skin. Haritaki fruit, rose of jericho, and niacinamide create a dewy veil of moisture so skin can recover while sleeping. Help lessen the burden and sensitivity your skin goes through daily with blue light, sun rays, pollution and stress. This formula works to restore moisture, heal the appearance of blemishes, dryness, redness, and rough patches. Essential oil-free, this face moisturizer is suitable for those with sensitive and reactive skin.
Shop | Free & True Balanced Being Barrier Cream

Doctor Rogers Restore Face Cream
Cost | $72 for 1.7 oz (42.35 per ounce)
Highlights | Doctor Rogers Restore Face Cream contains hypoallergenic plant-derived ingredients that work to calm and nourish the skin. This lush and hydrating moisturizer helps to soften skin and delivers intense hydration and restoration to dry skin types. This sustainably formulated facial cream is made with ingredients known to revive dull and dry skin for a healthy, natural glow. A luxurious and hydrating daily facial cream that’s good for all skin types, especially dry skin and sensitive skin.
Shop | Doctor Rogers Restore Face Cream

4. Swap Harsh Exfoliants & Clay Masks For Gentle Exfoliants And Hydrating Masks

Environmental changes in the fall can dry out your skin. Switch from using harsh exfoliants and drying clay masks to using gentler treatments for your facial skin. You’re aiming for soft, supple skin, not tight and dry skin. Try a gentle exfoliant or hydrating face mask, and consider applying a treatment once or twice a week instead of every night. The non-toxic face exfoliants below contain no harmful ingredients.

exfoliation masks for the face

Primally Pure Soothing Mask
Cost | $54 for 3.5 oz ($15.43 per ounce)
Highlights | This detoxifying and calming blend of active, gentle botanicals infuses skin with hydration and improves cellular structure of skin with antioxidants, amino acids and anti-inflammatory compounds. Evening primrose oil, kaolin clay and gotu kola offer synergistic benefits to noticeably decrease redness and relieve sensitivities such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Shop | Primally Pure Soothing Mask

Andalou Naturals Fruit Enzyme Mask
Cost | $17.91 for 1 oz ($17.91 per ounce)
Highlights | Fruit Stem Cells from the Apple & Grape, Resveratrol CoQ10, and antioxidant rich BioActive Berry complex help support dermal vitality. Fruit Juice Enzymes from Cranberry, Apple and Lemon gently dissolve and exfoliate dull, dry surface cells to reveal skin’s natural glow and a youthful, rejuvenated complexion.
Shop | Andalou Naturals Fruit Enzyme Mask

Evolve Radiant Glow Mask
Cost | $35 for 2 oz ($17.50 per ounce)
Highlights | This 2-in-1 mask that exfoliates and purifies skin to smooth texture and leave a next-level glow.  cacao powder with clay to revitalize, purify and nourish skin. Natural sugar extracts turn into a super soothing creamy milk on contact while coconut granules sweep away impurities and gently buff skin to silky perfection.
Shop | Evolve Radiant Glow Mask

Three Ships Superfruit AHA Exfoliating Mask
Cost | $35 for 2 oz ($20 per ounce)
Highlights | This gentle exfoliating mask was designed for all skin types. Superfruit’s exfoliating rice powders gently polish the skin’s surface while fruit based AHAs brighten and remove dead skin cells that can dull the skin’s appearance. Lactic and fruit acids are paired to gently resurface and renew while aloe very helps to soothe and hydrate.
Shop | Three Ships Superfruit AHA Exfoliating Mask

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive Exfoliating Mask
Cost | $49 for 2 oz ($24.50 per ounce)
Highlights | Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel works to reveal a brighter complexion. This bestselling, patented potent alpha hydroxy acid mask delivers spa-grade exfoliation for optimum age defying results.
Shop | Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive Exfoliating Mask

Indie Lee I-Waken Resurfacing Mask
Cost | $48 for 1.7 oz ($28.24 per ounce)
Highlights | Wake up dull and tired-looking skin with this weekly ritual clinically proven to boost radiance and luminosity. Vitamin C-rich Java Plum, Mango and Banana extracts combine with Wintergreen derived BHA to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and enhance skin brightness and clarity. Kaolin and Bentonite Clays help clear pores and absorb excess sebum, while Jasmine and Burdock Root extracts work to leave skin soft, supple and glowing.
Shop | Indie Lee I-Waken Resurfacing Mask

Live Botanical Oasis Enzyme Mask
Cost | $48 for 1.7 oz ($28.24 per ounce)
Highlights | This gentle exfoliating mask was designed for all skin types. Superfruit’s exfoliating rice powders gently polish the skin’s surface while fruit based AHAs brighten and remove dead skin cells that can dull the skin’s appearance. Lactic and fruit acids are paired to gently resurface and renew while aloe very helps to soothe and hydrate.
Shop | Three Ships Superfruit AHA Exfoliating Mask

Laurel Honey Berry Enzyme Mask
Cost | $58 for 1.69 oz ($34.32 per ounce)
Highlights | Gently exfoliate facial skin without the need for manual exfoliation and nourish the skin with rich superfoods. Organic Strawberries and Blueberries are used for their enzymes and cleansing actions as well as their antioxidant content. Raw honey is nutritive, hydrating, and plumping, as well as antimicrobial to help control breakouts. Vibrant organic and therapeutic grade essential oil of Grapefruit is included to firm the skin and uplift and brighten the spirit.
Shop | Laurel Honey Berry Enzyme Mask

5. Add A Layer Of Oil At Night To Lock In Moisture

Face oil acts as a sealant to keep moisture locked in. Since face oils don’t contain water, they won’t hydrate your skin directly – that’s the job of a moisturizer, which delivers both water and oil. Oils with a large molecular size sit on top of the skin and act as occlusives to lock in moisture. Oils with smaller molecular size small can also act as emollients to soothe, strengthen and repair the skin barrier. Face oil is essentially support for your moisturizer, fortifying the skin barrier and indirectly increasing the amount of hydration in the skin. The non-toxic face oils below contain no harmful ingredients.

face oil

Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil
Cost | $9.99 for 4 oz ($2.50 per ounce)
Highlights | Jojoba oil balances oily skin, dry skin conditions, mature skin and wrinkles.  Certified organic jojoba oil by USDA is light-weight, unrefined and fast absorbing, it’s gentle enough to be used on even the most sensitive skin.
Shop | Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil

Cocokind Organic Chia Face Oil
Cost | $16 for 1 fl oz
Highlights | This replenishing facial oil leaves skin soothed, hydrated, and supple. chia seed oil: antioxidant-packed chia seed oil is the richest botanical source of omega-3s, which help hydrate the skin and support its natural barrier function.
Shop | Cocokind Organic Chia Face Oil

Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial Oil
Cost | $19.99 for 1.02  oz ($19.60 per ounce)
Highlights | This preservative-free antioxidant facial oil is truly the most natural way to moisturize. They utilize an organic argan oil base & then add in over a dozen powerful natural antioxidants.
Shop | Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial Oil

Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil
Cost | $34 for 1 oz
Highlights | Plump it up with this pure, intensive moisturizing oil. Readily absorbed, 100% Olive-derived Squalane leaves the complexion soft, nourished and best of all, never greasy. Your skin’s texture and tone will thank you. This non-comedogenic oil softens and soothes without a greasy feel. It gets excellent reviews and is moderately priced.
Shop | Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil

Maya Chia Supercritcal Omega-3 Chia Face Oil
Cost | $60 for 1 fl oz
Highlights | Pure supercritical omega-3 chia seed oil is for anyone who wants to deeply moisturize their skin – naturally. This face oil is ultra-lightweight, soothing and quickly absorbs without any greasy feeling. Reduces the appearance of fine lines. Skin feels smooth and radiant upon rapid absorption. Maya Chia’s supercritical chia seed oil is a powerful yet soothing skin treatment, imparting a luminous glow that lasts and lasts. Works beautifully on all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Shop | Maya Chia Supercritcal Omega-3 Chia Face Oil

Pai The Light Fantastic Ceramide Face Oil
Cost | $74 for 1 oz
Highlights | A feather-light face oil to calm, smooth and strengthen stressed skin. Our triple threat formula helps to reduce the signs of visible irritation and tension, while high-performance Ceramides build long-term resilience against future irritation. This oil is fragrance-free and suitable for everyone, particularly for those with reactive, irritated skin.
Shop | Pai The Light Fantastic Ceramide Face Oil

Maya Chia Super Naked Face Oil
Cost | $70 for 1 oz
Highlights | This Ultra-lightweight and fast absorbing face oil is perfect for sensitive skin types, those who are sensitive to scents and anyone who appreciates fewer/better certified organic ingredients and elegant sustainability. Omega-3 fatty acids from chia complement the skin and plum oil is used for its omega-6 and 9 fatty acid concentration. Astaxanthin is used to provide a super antioxidant boost to protect and repair and sustainably sources squalane, a bioidentical emollient that helps to support skin function.
Shop | Maya Chia Super Naked Face Oil

woman outside holding tea with fall leaves.