The beauty industry is notoriously lagging behind when it comes to sustainable and ethical practices, with excess and non-recyclable plastic packaging being among the biggest issues. In fact, it is reported that more than 120 billion units of packaging are produced in the global cosmetics industry annually – most of which go straight into landfill. UGH.
To help you make more sustainable and ethical choices when it comes to your beauty regime, I have rounded up eight brands that are leading the way for change. All of these brands offer products that are cruelty-free, vegan, non-toxic, and palm oil-free. I also made sure that they source their products ethically and have thoughtful packaging. Many of these companies are also small businesses which is yet another bonus!
1. Bloomtown UK
Product Range | Bath salts & sugar scrubs, candles, infused oils, lip balms, soap
Bloomtown UK was founded after the owners spent two years in Indonesia and witnessed first-hand the devastation caused by palm oil cultivation. They decided to start a palm oil-free and cruelty-free body & skincare company to help others find products that were good for both the body and the environment. Each product is hand-crafted in their workshop in Cornwall, England, and the care that they put into their items has helped them win an array of awards. And, they donate 10% of their profits to environmental and social causes.
SHOP BLOOMTOWN UK
2. Booda Organics
Product Range | Deodorant, laundry soap, moisturizer, soap
If you are looking for beauty products with minimal ingredients, then Booda Organics is for you. With various natural products that are all hand-made in Bellingham, Washington, you can shop knowing that you aren’t buying anything with unnecessary or harmful ingredients inside. They also make lovely eco gift bags and bundles that are perfect for sending as presents. Plus, with free shipping with all U.S. orders over $40 and a 100% happy guarantee, it will be your new favorite place to purchase staple beauty products.
SHOP BOODA ORGANICS
3. Dab Herb Makeup
Product Range | Make-up
One of the best options for zero-waste makeup products, the LA-based vegan makeup store Dab Herb Makeup has almost everything you need to create a sustainable makeup bag. For example, their eyeshadows are made from a blend of real organic petals, roots, seeds, leaves, and detoxifying clays to bring you true earthy shades of color. At the same time, the foundation is formulated with an infusion of frankincense tear and a medicinal blend of herbs and non-clogging oils. You can order sample sizes of all the products to ensure you find the right shades and products for you.
SHOP DAB HERB MAKEUP
4. Empiresquid Organics
Product Range | Body, face, pregnancy, baby, home, men, essential oils
A small, family-run business specializing in products that are made with naturally sourced (mostly organic) ingredients, Empiresquid Organics handcrafts all of their chemical-free bath, body and home products. Despite having so many products, their website is straightforward to navigate, and I love that it allows you to search by skin type. Start with their organic rosewater toner and coconut spice virgin butter, before moving on to the rest of their products.
SHOP EMPIRESQUID ORGANICS
5. Ethique
Product Range | Hair, face, body, deodorant
Founded by a female biologist in New Zealand, Ethique (which is French for ethical) is on a mission to rid the world of plastic waste. And it is succeeding! The international beauty brand was named New Zealand’s most sustainable business. Currently, they have over 40 products on offer, including shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, and deodorants. For the past couple of months, I have been using their Botanica deodorant bar, and I love it!
SHOP ETHIQUE
6. Meow Meow Tweet
Product Range | Hair, body, face, soap, deodorant
A vegan brand that uses no animal-derived ingredients, Meow Meow Tweet, is one of the most popular sustainable and ethical beauty brands in the world. If you are looking to try out some new clean beauty products this year, the Migrator Kit is a selection of some of their best sellers in travel-size. Alternatively, go for the full-size Pink Rose Clay facial soap or everyday sunscreen. As part of their sustainability efforts, they offer a refill program enabling you to return your empty containers to ensure they stay out of the landfill. Giving back is a core part of Meow Meow Tweet’s business. On their website, you can find a long list of organizations that they donate to.
SHOP MEOW MEOW TWEET
7. Plaine Products
Product Range | Hair, body, face
Plaine Products is at the forefront of refillable beauty products – their whole model is based on a refillable packaging system. When your bottle is low, you can order a refill or subscribe to get one automatically. When the new bottle arrives, you switch the pump over and then use the return label to send back the empty bottle. Genius! You can buy products individually or opt to build a custom bundle and set an individualized subscription timeframe.
SHOP PLAINE PRODUCTS
8. Purechimp
Product Range | Skincare, deodorant, matcha tea & accessories
Whether you are looking for feel-good matcha or 100% natural skincare (or both!), Purechimp has you covered. On the beauty front, the brand has natural face cleansers, creams, and oils, as well as a deodorant balm, lip balm, and shampoo, and soap bars. While you are placing your skincare order, grab some of their matcha tea, which is grown without the use of pesticides in Kagoshima, Japan. And, 95% of our packaging is recyclable as they use glass jars and card/paper when packaging your order.
SHOP PURECHIMP
Do you have any other sustainable and ethical beauty brands you like to use?
Let me know in the comments below!
