5 Must-Try Canadian Skincare Swaps People Are Raving About

PSA: You don’t need to spend $200 (or more) to get healthy, glowing skin.

And no, you definitely don’t need to ship it from across the border.

If you’re looking to simplify your skincare routine, support Canadian brands, and save money without compromising on quality, you’re not alone.

We’ve seen a wave of people swapping their pricey U.S. skincare favourites for Canadian-made natural skincare, and Birch Babe keeps popping up.

We’re not crying… okay, maybe just a little.

Whether it’s about cleaner ingredients, plastic-free packaging, CertClean and EWG Verified formulas, or just avoiding surprise duties and shipping delays, these skincare swaps make sense. And based on your reviews, comments, and those IRL chats at markets and events, you’re making the switch and not looking back.

Here are the top 5 clean beauty swaps we keep seeing (and yes, we love to see it):

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum ($208) → Golden Hour Vitamin C Serum ($46)

People are swapping to this glow-boosting favourite because it delivers visible results without the sticky feel or luxury price tag. Our formula features 7% Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) for effective brightening without irritation, plus Ferulic Acid to help it go the distance. It’s also made with Niacinamide to smooth fine lines, Hexapeptide-8 (aka nature’s Botox) for a tightening effect, and natural bio-retinols like Buriti and Bakuchiol Oils to give skin a healthy, radiant glow. Lightweight, non-greasy, and made to actually work.

Clinique Cleansing Micellar Milk($64) → Organic Micellar Water ($22)

Our micellar water is a gentle, fragrance-free cleansing option that removes makeup, tones skin, and refreshes — no rinse required. It’s powerful enough to dissolve long-wear lipstick and waterproof mascara, yet gentle enough for daily use. EWG Verified, made with certified organic ingredients, and ideal for sensitive skin. Bonus: it doubles as a toner and a waterless cleanser, making it perfect for camping, travel, or anywhere a sink isn't close by.

Jones Road Miracle Balm ($52) → Lip & Cheek Tint ($20)

This multi-use tint gives lips, cheeks, and lids a natural flush of colour — all in a 100% compostable kraft tube. It’s perfect for that no-makeup makeup look and ideal for low-maintenance babes who still want a little glow. Made with nourishing, certified all-natural ingredients, it's long-lasting, non-comedogenic, and safe for even the most sensitive skin, including kids. Easy to wear, easy to love, and easy on the planet.

La Mer The Concentrate Serum ($575) → Natural Glow Face Serum ($38)

This ultra-nourishing face serum is packed with skin-loving nutrients to hydrate and give skin a natural, dewy glow. Made with a base of Rose Water and infused with Rosehip Extract, Castor, Carrot Seed, and Geranium Oils it absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized all day. Safe for sensitive skin and acne prone skin and non-comedogenic, it’s a go-to for travel, post-workout, or anytime you want your skin to feel fresh and radiant with minimal effort.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub ($7) → Gentle Face Scrub ($35)

This award-winning scrub skips the harsh grit and microplastics for a gentle, skin-loving polish. Made with finely ground apricot shells and kaolin clay, it smooths and brightens while drawing out impurities — leaving skin soft, nourished, and never stripped. A cult favourite and winner of first place at the Clean Beauty Awards, it’s safe for sensitive skin and ideal for 2–3 uses a week. Keep it in the shower or beside the tub for easy access to your glow-up routine.

These clean skincare swaps aren't just more sustainable and budget-friendly they're proudly Canadian owned,  female-founded and formulated and made in Ontario, Canada, and built for the low-maintenance skincare lover.

Ready to make the switch to clean, Canadian skincare? Take our 3 min Skincare Quiz and find the skincare routine best suited for your skincare type while also getting $$ off!

Your routine, skin (and wallet) will thank you.

xo, 

The Birch Babes