10 beauty brands you probably haven’t heard of but just might become your new faves

001 Skincare $25

Known as double zero one, aromatherapist Ada Ooi created this face cream in order to fight off the stresses of city living. While living in Hong Kong she adapted Asian apothecary principles into her craft, concentrating on toners and moisture for the cream. The selling point? The Pure Lavender Hydrolat Toning Mist ($25,), that she calls a state of equilibrium. Winner of the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2014, this collection will have your skin glowing.

Alpha-H $36.50

Something of a cult secret, this Australian brand has been treating skincare for men and women for over 20 years. Specialist Michelle Doherty created this product in order to defeat her own acne, and at long last she succeeded. An award-winning brand that’s guaranteed to change your skin, confidence and self-esteem; it targets blemishes, breakouts, scarring, anti-aging, and uneven skin-tones. Michelle recommends the Alpha-H 30-Day Acne Solutions Kit ($36.50) for beginners and also includes worldwide shipping.

Batty’s Bath $18

This product is made right here in Canada, where creator Jamie (also known as Batty) set up shop in London, Ontario. Batty’s Bath is a botanical skin care & soap company using eco friendly products and fresh herbs grown from her own garden. She recommends detoxing the skin and only using products that are right for you. She includes step-by-step service on how to customize products specifically for your skin. Try the Mild Jojoba Unscented Facial Scrub ($18) to cleanse all skin types and brighten congested pores.

Borne Cosmetics $40

Founded by cancer survivor Jennifer Bishop, this beauty product is only available to shop on Etsy. Jennifer was motivated to change her beauty routine and create something entirely different when she realized how toxic and damning the products were. Borne is a line of organic products with signature ingredients such as Fine Silk, Vitamin E Oil, Jojoba and Crushed Pearl. Try the Organic/Vegan Facial Cleanser & Moisturizer Serum Starter Kit, recommended for first time users ($40).

Glory Boon $18

Look no further for homemade handcrafted non-toxic beauty products. Glory Boon specializes in flavoured balms (like the Rec Velvet or Chocolate Covered Pomegranate balms), as well as face polishes (like the Oat & Honey Face Polish, $11.15). This New York shop includes bath, skin and hair care products to their rooster, arguing that the best foundation in town is their liquid Goat Milk Face Moisturizer ($18).

ISOMERS Skincare $20

A Canadian family owned business that focuses on taking care of your skin and “outsmarting aging” while you’re still young. Owner Manuela Marcheggiani believes that everything begins with a cleanse that matches your specific needs. Manuela specializes in skin care, makeup cosmetics and natural health. Try the Daily Exfoliating Cleanser with Tea Tree Extract (240ml for $20) to cleanse, exfoliate and polish skin all in one shot.

Just Pure Minerals from $1-$17.59

This is a 100% vegan cosmetic line made free of harmful products found in other cosmetic products such as bismuth oxychloride. Products are ideal for sensitive skin, not tested on animals and have brands for women of all shades. Some of their best sellers are foundations that are so light it looks and feels as though you’re not wearing any makeup at all (from $1-$17.95). The goal is for your makeup to be gentle and safe so that your skin will look smooth instead of artificial.

OhSudz $14.89

Take your pick from natural skincare, organic lip balms, or artisan bath & body products with Canada’s OhSudz; developed for those that value a natural and healthy beauty routine. Products are handcrafted using organic body oils, earth clays, and burst of citrus fruits for the best results. One of their best products is the Activated Charcoal Soap Bars for Acne (2 for $14.89). These bars of soap are all handmade, including Activated Charcoal Powder, Dead Sea Mud, Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Olive Coconut Palm Oils.

Therapie Rogues O’Neil $45

Aromatherapist Michelle Rogues O’Neil developed a line that helps to dissolve the stress in everyday life. You know what we’re talking about: fatigue, energy imbalance, and wrinkles; all that good stuff. Named as one of the top 10 aromatherapists in the world by Vogue, her products are directly influenced by hands on experience with patients in order to understand healing disciplines. Michelle encompasses Himalayan pink salts and pure crystal powders into her creams, along with a variety of plant and vegetable oils. The Awaken Skin Rehab Scrub ($45) is specifically designed to boost circulation, oxygenate blood and enhance the glow of your skin.

Balmology $34

Passionate that simplicity is key is the motto Balmology lives by. Using only natural raw ingredients from around the globe (such as oils, fruits, seeds and nuts) and recyclable packaging, this is a product you can feel good about using. Founder Catherine Lewis argues that this product is 100% organic and perfect for dry skin. Try their best seller the Neroli & Sweet Basil Cleansing Balm ($34) to moisturize dry skin and remove makeup.