Northern California Skincare Brands

Northern California Skincare Brands

Keeping it in California.
Supporting Local Businesses.

We love supporting local businesses. Shopping locally keeps more money in the community, makes it easier to know who is behind the products you are buying, and usually comes with a lot less corporate jargon.

Of course, “local” does not have to stop at the Sacramento city limits. Northern California is home to some truly thoughtful skincare companies, from tiny botanical makers to more established luxury brands.

Here are seven Northern California skincare brands worth knowing. Some are small and under the radar, while others have gained national attention, but they all have strong roots here in California.

Vertly

Website: vertlybalm.com

Our favorite product: Muscle Soak Bath Salts

What it is:
A botanical bath soak made with mineral salts, arnica, lavender, lemon, clary sage, and full-spectrum hemp extract.

Why we love it:
Vertly makes its products in small batches using locally sourced botanicals whenever possible. The Muscle Soak feels especially appropriate after a workout, a long day, or anytime your body is asking you to please stop doing things for a minute.

Where they’re located: Northern California

Biophilia Botanicals

Website: biophiliabotanicals.com

Our favorite product: Time Machine Rejuvenating Facial Serum

What it is:
A lightweight facial serum designed for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.

Why we love it:
Time Machine combines botanical ingredients with hyaluronic acid and other skin-supportive ingredients in a formula that feels hydrating without being overly heavy. It remains one of the brand’s bestselling products.

Where they’re located: Sebastopol, California

Laurel

Website: laurelskin.com

Our favorite product: Almond Rose Exfoliant

What it is:
A gentle manual exfoliant that also doubles as a hydrating facial mask.

Why we love it:
The finely milled almonds gently exfoliate without making the skin feel stripped, while whole-plant ingredients add moisture and nourishment. It is designed for all skin types and is especially nice when your skin is feeling dull or dry.

Where they’re located: Petaluma, California

Earth Tu Face

Website: earthtuface.com

Our favorite product: Sea Buckthorn + Geranium Treatment Serum

What it is:
A rich botanical face oil made with sea buckthorn, geranium, lavender, Roman chamomile, vitamin E, and other plant oils.

Why we love it:
It can be used across the face, but we especially like it around dry areas and beneath the eyes. The formula feels nourishing and concentrated, so a small amount goes a long way.

Where they’re located: San Francisco Bay Area, California

Marie Veronique

Website: marieveronique.com

Our favorite product: Barrier Restore Serum

What it is:
A microbiome-friendly serum designed to support the skin barrier and improve hydration.

Why we love it:
Marie Veronique brings a more science-forward perspective to this list. The company was founded in Berkeley by chemist Marie Veronique Nadeau and continues to focus on small-batch, research-driven skincare. The Barrier Restore Serum is one of the brand’s most popular products and works especially well for dry, sensitive, or easily irritated skin.

Where they’re located: Berkeley, California

Vintner’s Daughter

Website: vintnersdaughter.com

Our favorite product: Active Botanical Serum

What it is:
A concentrated botanical face oil formulated with 22 plant ingredients.

Why we love it:
This is definitely the splurge of the group. Inspired by the slow, detail-oriented traditions of Napa Valley winemaking, Vintner’s Daughter produces only a small number of carefully formulated products. The Active Botanical Serum is rich, aromatic, and designed to moisturize, soften, and brighten the appearance of the skin.

Where they’re located: Napa Valley, California

Benedetta

Website: benedetta.com

Our favorite product: Crème Cleanser

What it is:
A creamy botanical cleanser available in versions suited to different skin types.

Why we love it:
Benedetta has been making skincare since 1996, long before “clean beauty” became standard marketing language. The products are made in small batches using certified organic and biodynamic ingredients, and the cleanser leaves the skin feeling clean without that tight, squeaky feeling.

Where they’re located: Petaluma, California

Shop a Little Closer to Home

You certainly do not need nine new serums in your bathroom, and your bathroom counter would probably like a word if you tried! But the next time you need to replace something in your skincare routine, consider looking a little closer to home.

Northern California has no shortage of thoughtful makers creating beautiful products with carefully chosen ingredients. Supporting them is a simple way to discover something new while keeping more of your money in the communities around us.

Zach Stahlecker, CMT, CAMTC #41331

Zach Stahlecker is an experienced bodyworker in Sacramento and owner of Sacramento Massage Studio. Over the years, he has created a thriving practice and an environment that unites serenity with healing. He prides himself on providing professional therapeutic services in a warm and comfortable manner.

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Tag: Northern California Skincare Brands