When it comes to choosing skincare products that are both effective and environmentally responsible, Ursa Major Skincare from Vermont stands out as a leading name. With a strong commitment to clean beauty, sustainability, and plant-powered ingredients, Ursa Major offers a refreshing alternative to mainstream skincare brands.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the brand’s story, core values, product offerings, and why it continues to attract conscious consumers looking for high-performance, eco-friendly skincare.
What is Ursa Major Skincare?
Ursa Major is a clean skincare brand founded in Waterbury, Vermont. The company was launched by Oliver and Emily, a couple who left their hectic New York City lives in search of a more natural and balanced lifestyle. Inspired by the pristine beauty of the Green Mountains, they created Ursa Major to deliver forest-infused skincare for people seeking healthier options for their skin—and the planet.
Unlike many other beauty brands, Ursa Major emphasizes transparency, natural ingredients, and minimalism in both its formulations and its environmental footprint.
Why Vermont Matters in Ursa Major’s Identity
Ursa Major isn’t just “based in Vermont”—it’s of Vermont. The state’s clean air, abundant forests, and environmentally conscious culture deeply influence the brand. Vermont is a state known for sustainable living, organic farming, and eco-conscious values, all of which are reflected in Ursa Major’s approach to skincare.
The connection to nature is central to their ethos. Every Ursa Major product is designed to bring the therapeutic power of the outdoors into your daily skincare routine.
Ursa Major’s Core Values
Ursa Major has built a loyal following not just because their products work, but because they hold strong values that resonate with today’s conscious consumers:
- Clean Ingredients: All products are free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, silicones, and petrochemicals.
- Sustainability: Packaging is recyclable, and the company works to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan: No animal testing and 100% vegan-friendly formulas.
- Inclusivity: Gender-neutral branding and products that work across different skin types and tones.
- Giveback Programs: Ursa Major partners with organizations like 1% for the Planet, Outward Bound, and more.
These values align with the rising consumer demand for eco-friendly skincare that doesn’t compromise on results.
Popular Ursa Major Skincare Products
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best-selling Ursa Major products that have earned cult status in the clean beauty world.
1. Fantastic Face Wash
This sulfate-free cleanser combines aloe, white tea, and rice seed to gently cleanse without stripping skin of moisture. It’s great for normal, oily, or combination skin types.
2. Golden Hour Recovery Cream
A deeply nourishing yet lightweight moisturizer perfect for dry, sensitive, or stressed skin. The blend of calendula, sea buckthorn, and black currant restores hydration and reduces redness.
3. Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
An aluminum-free natural deodorant that actually works. It features eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint for a fresh, clean scent with antibacterial properties.
4. Fortifying Face Balm
Ideal for post-shave care or hydration on the go. This lightweight balm includes carrot, birch sap, and willow bark to calm and protect skin.
5. Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
One of their most advanced products, this serum uses a stable form of Vitamin C along with edelweiss and rosehip to brighten skin tone, boost collagen, and fight free radicals.
Natural Ingredients That Work
Ursa Major prides itself on using plant-powered ingredients that deliver real results. Here are some hero ingredients they frequently use:
- Aloe Vera – Soothes and hydrates
- Willow Bark – Natural source of salicylic acid for exfoliation
- Vitamin C – Boosts collagen, brightens skin
- Sea Buckthorn – Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids
- Eucalyptus – Provides a refreshing scent and antibacterial benefits
The brand maintains a “no-compromise” list of over 1,500 ingredients they refuse to use, ensuring full transparency and safety.
Eco-Friendly Packaging and Practices
Ursa Major takes sustainability seriously. Their packaging is:
- Made from post-consumer recycled materials
- Fully recyclable
- Minimalist to reduce waste
In addition, Ursa Major offsets their carbon footprint by supporting reforestation and clean energy projects. They’ve earned Plastic Negative certification, meaning they remove more plastic waste from the environment than they produce.
The company also uses biodegradable formulas that are safe for waterways and aquatic life.
Who Should Use Ursa Major Skincare?
Ursa Major products are designed to be gender-neutral, skin-type inclusive, and suitable for a variety of skincare needs. Whether you have oily skin, sensitive skin, or mature skin, there’s likely an Ursa Major product that fits.
Their routines are often minimalist—cleansing, moisturizing, protecting—which appeals to busy individuals who still want to make ethical skincare choices.
Why Ursa Major Skincare Stands Out
Here are a few reasons why Ursa Major has carved out a loyal following in the competitive skincare market:
- Backed by Nature, Informed by Science – Combining ancient plant wisdom with modern research.
- Transparency – Every ingredient is listed and explained clearly.
- Authentic Brand Story – No greenwashing. Real founders, real mission.
- High Performance – Clean doesn’t mean ineffective. Ursa Major products deliver real results.
How to Build a Skincare Routine with Ursa Major
If you’re new to the brand, here’s a sample routine you can follow using their products:
Morning:
- Cleanse with Fantastic Face Wash
- Apply Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
- Moisturize with Fortifying Face Balm
- Apply SPF (Ursa Major does not currently make SPF)
Evening:
- Cleanse again
- Apply Golden Hour Recovery Cream
- Use Essential Face Wipes if you’re on the go
Final Thoughts
Ursa Major Skincare truly embodies the essence of what it means to care for both your skin and the planet. With its eco-friendly approach, natural ingredients, and commitment to sustainability, the brand stands as a shining example of how skincare can be effective, ethical, and environmentally responsible.
From their Fantastic Face Wash to the Golden Hour Recovery Cream, each product is thoughtfully designed to deliver visible results while ensuring that every step of the process—from sourcing to packaging—is done with the earth in mind. Whether you’re looking to simplify your skincare routine or make more conscious choices, Ursa Major provides a line of products that not only nourish your skin but also align with your values.
Choosing Ursa Major Skincare means choosing products that are as good for the planet as they are for your skin. In a world where conscious consumerism is becoming increasingly important, Ursa Major offers a path toward healthier, more sustainable beauty—without compromise.
If you’re ready to make the switch to skincare that reflects your commitment to both self-care and environmental responsibility, Ursa Major is the brand you’ve been waiting for. Embrace clean beauty, embrace sustainability—Ursa Major is here to help you shine naturally.