When it comes to natural beauty brands that have stood the test of time, Burt’s Bees remains one of the most trusted names in clean skincare. What started in a humble Maine beehive has grown into a household staple for anyone who values simple, earth-friendly ingredients and time-tested formulas.
Founded in 1984 by Burt Shavitz and Roxanne Quimby, the brand began with beeswax candles and quickly evolved into lip balms, lotions, and skincare products made from the same wholesome ingredients. Even as it expanded, Burt’s Bees kept its “less is more” approach—focusing on transparency, sustainability, and the belief that nature knows best.
Today, Burt’s Bees offers everything from lip balm and moisturizers to body lotion, face wash, and makeup. What ties it all together is a commitment to natural ingredients and responsible sourcing. Most products boast 95%–100% natural origin formulas, packaged in recyclable materials, with no parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS.
It’s not just marketing either. Burt’s Bees’ dedication to ethical production, clean formulas, and cruelty-free testing has helped it remain relevant for decades—even as the natural beauty space has become crowded.
The Natural Philosophy: Why Burt’s Bees Stands Out
Burt’s Bees is more than a skincare line—it’s a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and environmental respect. The brand’s tagline, “True to Nature,” captures everything it represents: plant-based formulations, eco-conscious packaging, and products that genuinely deliver.
Unlike many brands that jumped on the “green” bandwagon, Burt’s Bees built its identity around sustainability from the start. The company’s manufacturing facilities run on renewable energy, and packaging materials are recyclable whenever possible. Their lip balm tubes, for example, use post-consumer recycled plastic, reducing waste without compromising function.
Another part of its charm is accessibility. Burt’s Bees manages to bridge the gap between affordable drugstore products and premium natural skincare. Whether it’s a $4 lip balm or a $20 night cream, the brand offers options that feel high-quality but approachable.
The formulas rely heavily on recognizable, nature-derived ingredients—think beeswax, coconut oil, honey, shea butter, and botanical extracts. For conscious shoppers who actually read ingredient lists, that transparency is refreshing.
Add in the brand’s long-standing cruelty-free commitment (certified by Leaping Bunny) and clear ingredient labeling, and you’ve got one of the few natural beauty brands that has managed to stay genuinely trustworthy.
What’s Worth Buzzing About: Burt’s Bees Bestsellers
Let’s break down the top Burt’s Bees products that customers can’t stop repurchasing.
This is the product that started it all. The Beeswax Lip Balm is a cult favorite—hydrating, refreshing, and just the right amount of tingle. Made with beeswax, vitamin E, and peppermint oil, it locks in moisture while leaving lips smooth and slightly cool. It’s small, simple, and effective. Fans swear by it year-round, though those with sensitive lips may prefer the fragrance-free version.
This lotion is one of Burt’s Bees’ most-loved skincare staples. The Milk & Honey Body Lotion deeply nourishes dry skin using aloe, sunflower seed oil, and honey. It absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft rather than greasy. The light honey scent feels comforting rather than overpowering, making it great for daily use.
A newer addition, the Renewal line focuses on anti-aging benefits without synthetic ingredients. The Firming Moisturizer uses bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative) to smooth fine lines and improve elasticity. It’s gentle enough for daily use and offers noticeable hydration without irritation.
The Sweet Side and the Sticky Bits: Pros and Cons
Pros
Burt’s Bees products consistently feature high-quality, plant-based ingredients with clear sourcing. The formulas balance nature and performance—hydrating lips, calming sensitive skin, or moisturizing deeply without relying on synthetic fillers.
From recyclable packaging to responsible sourcing, sustainability is baked into the brand’s DNA. Their beeswax and honey suppliers follow strict environmental standards, and the brand maintains strong conservation partnerships to protect pollinator populations.
While clean beauty can get expensive fast, Burt’s Bees manages to stay affordable. You can find their bestsellers at major retailers or online, often with discounts and bundles that make switching to natural care realistic for everyday shoppers.
The brand has never tested on animals and is certified cruelty-free. Many formulas are also vegetarian, avoiding ingredients like carmine or lanolin when possible.
From lip balm to lotion, these are products that become part of your daily routine and consistently perform. They’re not flashy—they’re functional, clean, and comfortable.
Cons
While natural, many products include essential oils or botanical extracts that may be too fragrant for extremely sensitive users. Those with fragrance allergies should check ingredient lists carefully.
The Tinted Lip Balm and makeup collections could expand their inclusivity. The color range skews toward lighter tones, leaving deeper complexions wanting more options.
Because formulas avoid silicones and synthetic emollients, some lotions and creams feel thicker or take longer to absorb than conventional ones. For those used to ultra-light textures, this might take adjusting.
Without heavy preservatives, products like creams or lip balms may have shorter shelf lives once opened—especially if stored in warm areas.
More Than Skincare: The Burt’s Bees Lifestyle
Burt’s Bees doesn’t just sell products—it sells peace of mind. The brand’s message of harmony between humans and nature resonates across everything it does. Its parent company, Clorox, has kept Burt’s Bees’ core values intact, supporting sustainability programs and ensuring the brand retains its independent feel.
The company is transparent about ingredient sourcing, community involvement, and environmental commitments. It also invests in bee health through the Burt’s Bees Foundation, which funds pollinator conservation projects around the world.
That authenticity is a big part of why customers stay loyal. The brand’s story feels human—built around care, craft, and a touch of rustic charm. Burt’s cabin-in-the-woods imagery isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a reminder that natural beauty can be humble, honest, and enduring.
Smart Shopping: How to Save on Burt’s Bees
While prices are reasonable, there are plenty of ways to save even more:
- Sign up for the newsletter to get 15% off your first purchase.
- Check the “Special Offers” section on the Burt’s Bees website for bundles or seasonal promotions.
- Look for coupon codes during major holidays—Black Friday, Earth Day, and seasonal sales often feature up to 30% off.
- Buy in value packs, especially for lip balms or lotion sets, to get better cost per item
Combining these deals makes it easy to stay stocked on natural essentials without spending much more than you would on mainstream drugstore alternatives.
Final Thoughts: Is Burt’s Bees Still Worth It?
After decades on the market, Burt’s Bees continues to prove that natural skincare can be simple, effective, and ethical. Its enduring popularity isn’t a coincidence—it’s the result of consistent quality and trust built over time.
The products do what they promise. The lip balm hydrates. The lotion softens. The cleanser calms. And it’s all made with ingredients that feel good for your skin and your conscience.
If you value clean formulas, gentle scents, and brands that care about sustainability, Burt’s Bees is absolutely worth keeping in your daily routine. It might not be the flashiest line in the beauty aisle, but it’s one of the most dependable—like an old friend who always comes through.