Given the rise of greenwashing in the sustainable skincare world, finding truly ethical and effective brands can be a daunting task. We’re here to help! We’ve compiled some of our favorite skincare brands that combine environmentally conscious principles and ingredients with high-quality products. These brands are not only vegan and cruelty-free, but also package their ethical skincare in recyclable or zero-waste packaging.
The skincare industry is creating products at a rate akin to the fast fashion industry, and Krave Beauty is on a mission to #SlowdownSkincare for people and the planet. They are doing this by consciously creating a handful of products made with ingredients that are sustainable and ethically sourced. They also have a Waste Me Not line that features pilot batches of products at discounted prices that would otherwise go to waste.
As the name suggests, Activist seeks to be at the intersection of sustainable ingredients and advocacy. As a member of 1% for the Planet, they donate 1-5% of their yearly revenue to environmental nonprofits. The brand’s eco-friendly packaging system includes refillable glass containers and a recyclable pouch-based refill program. This minimizes plastic waste by 75% and CO2 emissions by 99%!
Zero-waste and women own and run. The company’s transparent products are formulated with organic and fair-trade certified ingredients that are sustainably harvested and locally sourced (from their off-grid Californian factory). Even better, their products are biodegradable and home compostable, same for the shipping materials, they are all compostable, recyclable or reusable. Best of all, each purchase supports sea turtle conservation.
Certifications: Leaping Bunny
For ethical and environmentally friendly skincare that doesn’t break the bank, Cocokind is a wonderful option. Every product contains a transparent breakdown of the item’s carbon emissions, packaging content along with its recyclability, and its production location. The company is committed to improving their sustainability with a clear timeline holding them accountable to eco-friendly progress. They are currently conducting product life cycle assessments and measuring their total carbon impact.
Certifications: Leaping Bunny
This zero-waste skincare company creates plastic-free serum bars and cleansing powders. Their plastic-free products are produced in California in micro batches to maintain quality and freshness while minimizing waste. The brand offsets its r carbon emissions with goals to be fully carbon neutral and is a proud member of the Plastic Pollution Coalition.
Certifications: B Corp, Leaping Bunny
Ethique has you covered for all your skincare, haircare, and body care needs. Their naturally derived products are sold in a plastic-free bars which minimizes packaging and reduces carbon emissions by 92% compared to liquid products! Their formulas are also highly concentrated, meaning one bar can replace five bottles of its liquid equivalent. The company is climate positive and offset an admirable 120% of its net carbon emissions.
Certifications: B Corp, Climate Neutral, Leaping Bunny, Plastic Negative Product
With a wide range of skin, hair and body care products, you might be surprised to find out all of Meow Meow Tweet’s products are handmade in small batches in the U.S. This sustainable micro factory keeps waste to a minimum while ensuring only fresh and high-quality ingredients All purchases are transported in compostable packaging or as part of the company’s closed loop refill and reuse system for zero-waste care. Meow Meow Tweet actively supports LGBTQ+ rights, regenerative farming and a variety of BIPOC- and queer-led organizations.
Certifications: B Corp, Climate Neutral, Leaping Bunny, Plastic Neutral
Nécessaire’s products are broken down by their material footprint, relevant certifications, and clear recycling instructions. To top it off, Nécessaire donates 1% of total sales to environmental non-profits as a 1% For The Planet Member.
Certifications: Climate Neutral, Leaping Bunny
Osea’s products are formulated with seaweed and other naturally derived ingredients, which are all ethically sourced. Their glass packaging increases \recyclability and re-usability. Climate-neutral since 2020, the company continues to prioritize sustainability with climate-positive initiatives that go beyond purchasing carbon offsets and directly invest in coastal restoration projects instead.
Certifications: B Corp, Carbon Neutral, Leaping Bunny
Every hair, skin or body care purchased from Plaine Products comes with a circular refill program, so your skincare can be completely zero-waste! With transparent sustainability reports, this carbon-neutral brand emphasizes reusing over recycling to create the lowest carbon footprint possible. These refillable aluminum bottles contain chemical-free, natural products that are just as kind on your skin as they are on the planet.
