9 Clean Makeup Brands At Ulta
Clean beauty has come a long way, baby. I’ve watched over the last 14 years as it evolved from a niche movement into a mainstream expectation for many beauty shoppers. More consumers are paying closer attention to the ingredients in their makeup products and seeking options that avoid certain controversial ingredients while still delivering impressive performance, longevity, and wearability. As interest in ingredient transparency continues to grow, shoppers are increasingly looking for beauty products that align with their values and wellness goals.
At the same time, navigating the world of clean beauty can feel overwhelming. Brands use different definitions of “clean,” ingredient standards vary, and marketing claims often leave consumers comparing labels without clear guidance. It makes it so confusing for consumers. Fortunately, some larger retailers have created clean beauty sections to help you find the cleaner brands. Though you have to keep in mind that their standards may not be very strict, it at least points you in the right direction. Ulta Beauty has made it easier to discover cleaner alternatives through its Conscious Beauty program, which helps shoppers identify products that meet specific standards related to ingredient transparency, cruelty free practices, vegan formulations, and sustainability efforts.
If you’re looking to purchase clean makeup from a trusted retailer, Ulta is one of the best places to shop. The retailer offers a wide range of clean beauty brands across multiple price points, making it easy to find products that fit your needs and budget. Below, I’m sharing my roundup of the best clean makeup brands available at Ulta.
9 Best Clean Makeup Brands At Ulta
Clean makeup continues to grow in popularity, which is great! As shoppers become more conscious of ingredient safety, skin sensitivity, and the long-term impact of the beauty products they use every day it’s really changing the whole makeup industry. Many consumers are seeking alternatives that avoid potentially harmful ingredients, toxic chemicals, endocrine disruptors, and other ingredients they prefer not to include in their personal care products.
However, because there is no universal definition of clean beauty, standards can vary significantly from one brand to another. Some brands focus heavily on organic ingredients, while others prioritize cruelty free practices, sustainability, or avoiding specific harmful chemicals such as parabens phthalates. This is where Ulta’s Conscious Beauty framework becomes particularly valuable. The program helps simplify the shopping experience by highlighting products that meet certain ingredient and ethical standards, making it easier to identify clean ingredient preferences that align with your individual values and skin needs. I’ll once again caveat that you may have stricter ingredient standards than the Ulta clean beauty program, so always double-check the brands and ingredients.
What Is Ulta Beauty?
Ulta Beauty is one of the largest beauty retailers in the United States, offering an extensive selection of makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance, and personal care products. What makes Ulta unique is its ability to combine mass-market brands, prestige beauty lines, and professional salon products under one roof, creating one of the most comprehensive beauty shopping experiences available.
Unlike many retailers that focus exclusively on either luxury or drugstore offerings, Ulta provides shoppers with access to a wide range of beauty products at various price points. This allows consumers to explore different brands and formulations while comparing products side by side.
Another feature that sets Ulta apart is its Conscious Beauty program. Through this initiative, shoppers can quickly identify products that meet specific criteria related to clean ingredients, cruelty free standards, vegan formulations, sustainable packaging, and responsible sourcing practices. The program uses a clean ingredient badge and other visual markers to help customers make more informed purchasing decisions.
Does Ulta Carry Clean Makeup?
Yes, Ulta Beauty carries a wide and continually expanding selection of clean makeup brands through its Conscious Beauty program.
The retailer offers both prestige and affordable options, allowing shoppers to choose products based on their budget, performance expectations, ingredient preferences, and ethical values. Whether you’re searching for foundation, concealer, mascara, blush, bronzer, or lip products, there are numerous clean beauty options available.
One of the advantages of shopping for clean makeup products at Ulta is the retailer’s commitment to transparency. The clean ingredient badge and ingredient badge on product listings help consumers quickly identify clean ingredient standards without having to research every formula individually. While I’ve seen a few not very clean brands/products make it into the program, overall, it does point you to the cleaner brands they carry.
This makes it easier to purchase clean makeup while avoiding certain harmful ingredients, toxic chemicals, and other ingredients that some consumers prefer to limit in their daily care products.
What Is Clean Makeup?
Clean makeup refers to cosmetic products formulated with an emphasis on ingredient transparency and reduced exposure to certain ingredients that may raise health or environmental concerns.
While there is no single industry-wide definition, clean beauty typically prioritizes safer alternatives, clearer labeling practices, and greater transparency regarding ingredient sourcing and formulation. Many clean makeup brands avoid ingredients such as parabens phthalates, certain preservatives, synthetic fragrance blends, and other ingredients that some consumers associate with skin irritation or potential endocrine disruptors.
Many clean beauty companies also embrace cruelty free testing practices, sustainable packaging, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Some brands incorporate organic ingredients whenever possible, although organic certification is not required for a product to be considered clean.
Ultimately, clean makeup aims to provide high-performing beauty products while helping consumers make informed choices about the products they apply to their skin every day.
9 Best Clean Makeup Brands At Ulta
ILIA Beauty
ILIA has become one of the most recognizable names in clean beauty thanks to its high-performance makeup products that blend skincare benefits with cosmetic results. Many formulas feature ingredients such as squalane, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing plant oils that support healthy-looking skin while providing coverage and color.
Popular products include the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 and Multi-Stick. ILIA prioritizes ingredient transparency and avoids many ingredients commonly associated with conventional makeup formulations.
If you’re curious about the brand’s ingredient standards, be sure to read my guide on “is ilia makeup clean“.
Cocokind
Cocokind has earned a loyal following for its approachable clean beauty philosophy and affordable pricing. The brand focuses on simple formulations featuring nourishing botanical ingredients and transparent labeling practices. While primarily known for skincare, Cocokind also has a few makeup products, including some great lip glosses.
Ere Perez
Ere Perez is a clean beauty brand that combines natural ingredients with professional-quality makeup performance. The brand is known for using ingredients such as oat milk, avocado oil, carrot seed oil, and beetroot extract throughout its makeup collection.
Its products are designed to enhance natural beauty while minimizing exposure to potentially harmful ingredients. Ere Perez is particularly popular among consumers looking for lightweight, skin-friendly formulations.
OGEE
OGEE has built its reputation around luxurious certified organic makeup products. The brand uses high-quality botanical oils, waxes, and plant extracts to create multi-purpose beauty products that nourish the skin while delivering beautiful results.
Many OGEE products feature organic ingredients and are designed with simplicity in mind, making them ideal for consumers who prefer streamlined beauty routines.
RMS Beauty
RMS Beauty is considered one of the original pioneers of the modern clean beauty movement. Founded by celebrity makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift, the brand focuses on minimally processed ingredients and skin-loving formulations.
Its cream-based products are especially popular for creating a natural, radiant finish. Many formulas incorporate nourishing oils and natural mineral pigments that work with the skin rather than masking it.
Indie Lee
Indie Lee began as a clean skincare brand focused on creating effective products with ingredient transparency at the forefront. The brand emphasizes thoughtfully sourced ingredients and avoids many controversial additives commonly found in traditional beauty products.
Consumers appreciate Indie Lee’s commitment to clean beauty principles and its focus on creating products that support healthy-looking skin.
While this is mainly a skincare brand, they do make a few makeup products and Ulta carries the Bronzing Drops.
Well People
Well People is one of the most accessible clean makeup brands available at Ulta. The brand offers foundations, concealers, mascaras, brow products, and lip products formulated with a clean beauty approach.
Well People products are cruelty free and designed to deliver reliable performance without many of the ingredients consumers seek to avoid. The brand is also a great option for shoppers looking for affordable clean beauty products.
Jenny Patinkin
While not a makeup brand, this has the tools and supplies you need! Jenny Patinkin is known for creating thoughtfully designed beauty tools and accessories that complement a cleaner beauty routine. The brand focuses on sustainable materials and mindful beauty practices while helping consumers achieve professional-looking results at home.
Its tools pair well with clean makeup products and support a more intentional approach to beauty application.
Manucurist
Manucurist is a clean nail care brand that has gained attention for its innovative nail polish formulas and commitment to reducing potentially harmful ingredients. The brand focuses on creating high-performance nail products that align with clean beauty values while offering beautiful color selections and long-lasting wear.
How To Identify Clean Makeup At Ulta
One of the easiest ways to identify clean ingredient standards while shopping for products at Ulta is by looking for the Conscious Beauty designation. Products that meet Ulta’s criteria are marked with a clean ingredient badge that helps shoppers quickly identify formulas aligned with the retailer’s standards. As I noted, the program isn’t perfect but it does get you started in the right direction. Just be sure to check that the specific brands and products meet your own standards.
You can also use Ulta’s website filters to narrow your search based on attributes such as cruelty free, vegan, sustainable packaging, and clean ingredients. This makes it much easier to compare products and purchase clean alternatives that match your specific priorities.
Once again, while the clean ingredient badge is a helpful starting point, I always recommend reviewing ingredient lists yourself, especially if you are sensitive to certain ingredients or trying to avoid specific harmful ingredients, toxic chemicals, endocrine disruptors, or other ingredients that may contribute to skin irritation.
Finding The Best Clean Makeup Brands At Ulta
Ulta Beauty has become one of the most convenient destinations for discovering clean beauty brands across a variety of price points and product categories. Whether you’re looking for luxury favorites like ILIA or a budget-friendly option like Well People, there are plenty of products at Ulta that support a cleaner beauty routine.
Because clean beauty does not have a universal definition, it’s important to understand your own ingredient preferences and research the brands you use. Fortunately, Ulta’s Conscious Beauty program makes the process a little easier by helping shoppers identify clean ingredient standards through its clean ingredient badge system and transparent product information. That said, I would still double-check ingredients to make sure it aligns with your own standards. Oftentimes, larger retailers may let in a few ingredients that a smaller green beauty retailer would not.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, you may also enjoy my guide to Affordable Non-toxic Makeup.
By taking advantage of Ulta’s growing clean beauty selection, you can find makeup products that deliver strong performance while supporting your goals for ingredient transparency, cruelty-free practices, and healthier personal care products.
*Post contains affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
