The 4 Best Moisturizers You’ve Never Heard Of

Every time you need a new moisturizer, you likely hit “order again” on your standing online order, or maybe trek off to the nearest pharmacy just before they close. But, as with all of your frequent purchases, you might not give too much thought to the individual product; it works, it’s easy to find, and you have plenty of other things to worry about. Now, that’s all well and good, but skincare is a complex subject. Your individual face has particular needs, and they change with age, seasons, and your environment. The big brands have lots of options and plenty of distribution, but there are many smaller independent brands that might both address your complexion needs and align a bit more with your personal values. Let’s check out a few of our favorite “indie” brands and see what fits.

 Little Barn Apothecary

This small beauty company started in 2015 in Georgia with two friends looking for an all-natural cure for a friend’s psoriasis condition. When that initial project was a success, they continued developing small batch products, all 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free of synthetic ingredients. They carefully select their botanicals for maximum benefit, and their Calendula & Lycopene Hydration Mask is a perfect example of this. Lycopene extracted from tomatoes and papaya enzymes are powerhouse organic ingredients that penetrate the skin, and aloe vera, apricot and calendula moisturize and protect the skin from the deeper layers outwards. It’s a quick slice of luxurious love for your skin, and one you can feel good about. Bonus tip: lots of their products are made for men, too!

 Pratima Skin Care

It seems a bit counterintuitive to find an all-natural Ayurvedic skincare expert in the heart of New York City, but Pratima is just that. Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old Indian health philosophy that classifies the elements and puts people into doshas, which are the individual health profiles that dictate your optimal life choices. Pratima herself basically created the Ayurvedic skincare industry, and has decades of experience in both Ayurvedic and medical care. This holistic approach shows in both the products offered and the tips on how to specifically address your particular dosha (like facial massage and drinking enough warm water). This all-purpose moisturizer is good for all types, with amazing botanicals like fennel and sweet orange, but there are moisturizers and products for every skin condition.

 Tata Harper

Now, you may have heard of Tata Harper by now, but exactly why her products and story are so great might be something you’re not aware of. She is well known for growing her own botanicals and blending her proprietary skincare formulas on her Vermont farm, but it’s interesting to note she started her beauty career as a small girl helping her grandmother do makeover parties in her hometown in Colombia. Tata Harper is exemplary because of the concentration of powerful ingredients and botanicals in her formulas, which is remarkably higher than most brands. Her most powerful moisturizer, Creme Riche, packs 43 effective extracts, antioxidants, and botanicals into an easy-to-apply jar. Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but considering the concentrated formula that plumps skin and targets wrinkles, it may just be worth it.

 Flynn & King

Yes, they make amazing products with wildcrafted and sustainable ingredients that do wonders for your skin. Their incredible Lunar 13 serum combines 13 botanical oils for targeting dry skin and wrinkles, and can be used on its own or in conjunction with other products. What you may not know is the amazing philanthropic work that this duo from Brooklyn does with their proceeds. Their Do Good Collaborations donates funds and goods to several causes, including domestic violence survivors and the homeless. What’s more, they often use the scraps and ends of their all-natural soap bars to recycle and reform soap for people in need. Now that’s a feel-good story to go with some feel-great products.

 Do you have a small batch beauty brand you want us to know about? Tell us about it here!