Asparagus water jokes aside, Whole Foods does not mess around when it comes to quality product and ethically-sourced ingredients. This is why we've become as addicted to their beauty aisle as their hot food bar. From the homespun balms to silicone-free haircare, they take us back to the basics (think essential oils and apothecary packaging) while helping us tap into our salt-of-the-earth side.
Because we could spend the entire day raiding their shelves, we asked Maren Giuliano, Whole Foods Market's executive global whole body coordinator, to let us in on their top sellers. And guess what? Many of them scan in at under $10, which means they won't cut into your organic dark chocolate fund 🙌.
1. 365 Everyday Value Peppermint Essential Oil ($11.99)
"Our shoppers love essential oils— and this one is a particular favorite," explains Giuliano.
That's probably because peppermint 1) smells delicious and 2) can be used for a variety of things including stimulating hair growth and reducing oiliness in skin.
2. Acure Marula Oil ($15.99)
"Facial oils have been in high demand, and this marula oil is great for all skin types," says Giuliano. "It's rich in proteins and omega fatty acids, plus it's lightweight and easily absorbed."
What's more is that is that the profits benefit the Marula project, which provides economic empowerment to the South African women who harvest it.
See our 9 reasons you need to try marula oil here.
3. Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream ($43)
"This cult product has many devout followers," explains Giuliano. "It's a rich, luxurious formula that calms skin with rose extract. Shea butter and avocado oil protect and help retain moisture, too."
One more reason to love this oil-moisturizer hybrid: It's beloved backstage at fashion week when prepping model skin. Oh, and Gucci Westman uses it on her face so…do it.
4. Evanhealy Rose Geranium HyrdroSoul Mist Toner ($24.95)
"These facial mists are great companions to facials oils!" she says. "This one from evanhealy has a lovely scent and helps your skin absorb facial oils a bit easier." Another bonus from this rosy-floral elixir? It's super gentle and will pamper even the most sensitive skin types.
5. Good Soap by Alaffia ($2.49)
These luxe, fair-trade soaps are made with shea butter and coconut oil by women cooperatives in Togo, Africa. Exclusive to the Whole Foods market, the profits go towards raising funds for the community in Togo, from planting trees to maternal health programs.
"It's one of our top selling products—a customer favorite since it launched!" says Giuliano. "Not to mention each bar is less than $3."
6. Dr. Bronner's Soap ($11.99)
"You can use the soap for almost anything," claims Giuliano—and she's not bluffing. Another great certified organic and fair trade option, it's packed with essential oils that will be an utter delight to your skin and nose alike. This scent in particular mimics that of springtime in Japan.
7. MyChelle Perfect C Serum ($44)
"This vitamin C serum is popular for its ability to help brighten and improve skin texture," she says. Forever searching for the fountain of youth, we also love that it's a potent anti-ager, protecting the skin against photo damage and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
8. Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel ($7.99)
"From the packaging to the effectiveness, shoppers love this classic product," she says. While we're suckers for the apothecary packaging, witch hazel really is our go-to astringent for reducing stress-induced inflammation and puffiness.
9. Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant Plus ($29.95)
"Whole Foods Market is the only national retailer that carries this cult brand from New Zealand," says Giuliano. This rosehip oil is packed with fatty acids and antioxidants, like lycopene and phytosterol (both are super anti-aging), that moisturize and fight free radical damage for skin-brightening magic.
10. Waxelene ($3.99)
Comprised of just four ingredients, this rich, gentle, and non-toxic balm does wonders for dry, chapped skin. Plus, it makes an impressive alternative to makeup remover.
"This brand started out in one store in Northern California, and then was given a loan through Whole Foods Market's Local Producer Loan Program, and is now a national product!" explains Giuliano. "It's such a great alternative to petroleum-based products."
11. Weleda Jardin de Vie Rose Parfum ($24.99)
Even if you're one of those hippie-dippie I-love-my-natural scent kind of girls, you'll want to bathe in this floral scent with powdery and spicy notes. "This natural fragrance uses essential oils and is made with 95% organic products to help you smell like a bunch of roses," she says.
12. Weleda Skin Food ($12.99)
"It's a cult product that lots of shoppers can't live without," says Giuliano. "It provides intense hydration and is helpful for dry, flaky skin." Editors' note: We love Weleda everything and apparently the ingredients in this balm are edible. So there's that.
13. Whole Foods Market Shine Spray ($9.99)
"This shine spray smells great, uses argan oil, and is formulated without silicones." says Giuliano.
Considering that silicones weigh the hair down, are drying, and dull color, we can't imagine an ingredient we'd want to cut out more—especially when it comes to a product we use so liberally.
14. Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub ($32.50)
"Our customers love this gentle exfoliator that can be used on any part of the body to help get soft and smooth skin!" explains Giuliano.
Bonus: The crystal blend of Dead sea salt and volcanic sand smells *amazing* and will make you feel like you're on a tropical island.
15. Whole Foods Market Moisturizing Shampoo ($9.99)
"This product is great because it's salon-quality and made from 97% plant ingredients!" she explains. "It has a great light bergamot scent, too." Real talk: What head of hair *couldn't* benefit from a chemical cleanse?