We found the best clean makeup brands at Sephora for you !
We’ve carefully researched and tested the best clean makeup brands at Sephora to help you shop with confidence. With so many products labeled “clean,” it can be difficult to know which brands truly meet high safety and performance standards. That’s why we went beyond marketing claims to evaluate ingredient transparency, formulation quality, and real-world wear. The clean makeup brands at Sephora featured below are selected based on strict criteria, so you can find products that are not only effective but also aligned with safer beauty standards.
TOWER 28 – Tower 28 is a Los Angeles-based beauty brand specializing in clean, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup and skincare designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Founded in 2019 by Amy Liu, the brand is known for being 100% compliant with the National Eczema Association’s ingredient guidelines, ensuring non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and safe formulas
SAIE – Saie is a New York City based clean beauty brand founded by Laney Crowell in 2019, focused on high-performance makeup that prioritizes skin health, sustainability, and an effortless, “glowy” aesthetic. The brand is widely known for its “clean girl” makeup philosophy, favoring dewy, breathable, and skincare-infused products that enhance real skin rather than covering it up.
MERIT – Merit is a minimalist luxury beauty brand designed to simplify your daily routine with a curated collection of high-performance essentials. Founded as an antidote to the over-complicated beauty industry, the brand focuses on “responsible luxury” through clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formulas. Merit’s intentional products are crafted to be safe for both your skin and the planet, streamlining the “five-minute morning” without sacrificing elegance or efficacy.
MILK – Milk Makeup is a clean, cult-favorite beauty brand born out of Milk Studios in downtown New York City, serving as a premier hub for community and self-expression. Composed of 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and high-performance ingredients, it is widely used by makeup enthusiasts and creators to produce versatile, effortless looks.
What Does “Clean makeup at Sephora” Mean?
The “Clean at Sephora” label is a designation used by Sephora to identify products that are formulated without certain ingredients considered potentially harmful. These typically include parabens, sulfates (SLS/SLES), phthalates, formaldehyde, and a list of other substances.
To qualify for this label, brands must meet Sephora’s internal standards, which focus on excluding specific ingredients and promoting transparency in formulation. As a result, products labeled “clean” are often marketed as safer alternatives to conventional cosmetics
TOWER 28
Special mention goes to Tower 28 Beauty, our top clean makeup brand at Sephora, for going beyond “clean” standards with formulas that are safe, effective, and ideal for even the most sensitive skin.
SAIE vs TOWER 28 vs MERIT
| SAIE | TOWER 28 | MERIT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRICE | $25–€45 | $20–€40 | $30–€50 |
| BEST FOR | Glowy, dewy “no-makeup” look | Sensitive skin & minimal makeup | Minimal, everyday makeup routine |
| CLEAN LEVEL | High (Sephora Clean + strong ingredient standards) | Very High (eczema-safe, minimal ingredients) | Medium–High (clean but includes some synthetics) |
Among these brands, Tower 28 stands out for its strong focus on sensitive skin and truly minimal, non-irritating ingredients. Its simple, transparent formulas make it one of the most reliable clean makeup options at Sephora.
FAQ
Some of the best clean makeup brands at Sephora include Tower 28 Beauty, ILIA, Saie, Kosas, and MILK. Among these, Tower 28 stands out for its focus on sensitive skin and formulas designed to meet stricter safety standards.
Tower 28 Beauty is widely considered one of the best options for sensitive skin. The brand follows the National Eczema Association guidelines and avoids common irritants, making it a strong choice for reactive or acne-prone skin.
Not always. The “Clean at Sephora” label from Sephora excludes certain ingredients, but it does not guarantee full non-toxicity. Some brands, like Tower 28 Beauty, go beyond these baseline standards with stricter ingredient policies.
Yes. Many modern clean brands offer high-performance formulas. For example, Tower 28 Beauty is known for lightweight, skin-friendly products that deliver strong results without compromising on ingredient safety.