10 Philly-Based Skin Care Brands to Shop Right Now

Love skin care? These Philly-made serums, masks, balms and scrubs are ready for a spot in your routine.


Philadelphia skin care brands

Check out these incredible Philadelphia skin care brands. Photograph by Andre Rucker

Depending on who you ask, having a self-care routine could mean a simple face scrub in the morning or diving headfirst into a five-step skin rejuvenation toolkit. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to taking care of your body and deciphering which serums, moisturizers, or scrubs work best for your particular skin could be challenging. So, we’re here to help!

Most of the brands on this list have all-natural, organic products and are based right here in Philadelphia. Treat yourself to some wholesome self-care products because after 2020, you deserve it.

Abiyah Naturals

If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all your au naturel needs, look no further than Abiyah Naturals in East Falls. All of their products are crafted right here in Philly, like their in-house calendula lavender oil made with hemp seed, flower buds, and love — yes love is listed as an actual ingredient. Abiyah also carries a wide selection of handmade jewelry and crochet clothes. Stop by their store for a socially distant shopping experience, contact-less pickup, or browse their online store at Abiyahnaturals.com.

Bolted from the Blue

Bolted from the Blue is home to a wide array of handmade healing and beauty products made from local herbs and plants. Their Etsy store features everything from a chakra cleaning kit to herbal hand sanitizers, because it’s a pandemic. Speaking of, their Stress Soaks are made with organic therapeutic grade essential oils that ease pain, muscle aches, and minimize anxiety — because, well, it’s a pandemic.

Cocokitty Beauty

This cruelty-free beauty line is servinlaveng up an array of face and body products powered by CBD. Their pledge is to create products using all-natural ingredients that are free of parabens, artificial fragrances and dyes.

Duross & Langel

Looking for a one-stop-shop for all of your environmentally conscience needs? Duross & Langel sell more than just handmade soaps infused with fruit, nut blends, and aromatic oils. Their new retinol firming and vitamin C serums work to firm and brighten the skin respectively. Their Center City location will be reopening for in-person shopping soon but until then you can order completely customizable lip balms, body washes, lotions, and more online.

Dviniti Skin Care

Lavender is said to have soothing effects, and DVINTI Skin Care’s Cloud-9 Calming moisturizer combines lavender, chamomile, and jasmine. Having trouble determining what products work best for your particular hair or skin type? Purchase a completely customizable care kit and formulation science specialists will help you create the perfect combination for your individual needs. Shop online at Divinti.com or visit their store in Center City.

Franklin & Whitman

Not only are these products handcrafted in City of Brotherly Love, but they are also creatively named after different Philadelphia parks and neighborhoods. Their newly released Vitamin C Eye Serum is formulated with vitamin C, squalane, and chamomile to minimize fine lines and under-eye discoloration. Shop by appointment at their Bok Building headquarters or purchase products online at Franklinandwhitman.com. As a plus, a portion of every purchase is donated to dog rescue organizations.

Freedom Apothecary

Co-founders Morrisa Jenkins and Bonkosi Horn wanted to create a space for women of color to not only learn about their individual skin care needs, but also to find community and support. Located in Northern Liberties, Freedom Apothecary fills their shop with an array of holistic balms, oils, masks and butters, both from their in-house line and those that have been carefully curated by the owners. While they are currently closed to in-person shoppers, guests can purchase items for convenient, COVID-friendly curbside pick-up. Book a virtual skin consultation or shop their over 100 products at Freedomapothecary.com.

Mom & Pop Life

If at this point you’re thinking, do I need another serum? Are these face masks really worth it? And what the hell does bentonite clay even do? No worries. Mom and Pop Life’s products contain simple, natural ingredients — like their turmeric face mask made with only bentonite clay and turmeric powder — that are pretty straightforward and crafted with organic ingredients, making them beginner-friendly for even skincare skeptics.

Sabbatical Beauty

The brand — appropriately named after the period when creator Adeline Koh took a sabbatical from teaching — features an array of small-batch Asian-inspired handcrafted products like face cleansers, powerful serums, and crystals. They also offer online workshops and quizzes where you can learn more about the products and building your own skincare routine. Register for a workshop or shop online at sabbaticalbeauty.com.

Trinity Hills Co.

Nothing is worse than a dry itchy beard. That’s why Trinity Hills Co.’s collection of male grooming products is essential for anyone looking to make beard care their raison d’être. All of their products are formulated with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, bergamot, cedar wood, and shea butter, to name a few. New to the skin care game? Pick from one of their pre-made beard, body, hair, and face kits designed specifically for men.