This year, being stuck inside a lot more than usual, we’re starting to discover a renewed appreciation for the beauty of nature and our Earth. We are reminded that the outside world is precious and magical. Beauty brands are recognizing this as well with their commitments to making more sustainable brand choices.
Whether it’s regularly donating to environmental causes, taking steps to provide less wasteful packaging, or using sustainable ingredients, in recent years the beauty industry has made great strides in reducing its environmental impact. While we still have a long way to go, you can feel good knowing that brands are doing more to make better choices when it comes to sustainability.
In honor of Earth Day, here are some eco-conscious brands and brands that are giving back to environmental causes to help you be more environmentally-friendly when making beauty purchases:
Aether Beauty’s
eyeshadow palettes are sustainably packaged. With the removal of eyeshadow pans and elastic, the paper palettes are fully recyclable and zero-waste. The brand also uses natural and non-toxic sustainable ingredients.
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By using only botanically-based, 100% vegetarian ingredients, Alba Botanica consistently "does beautiful" by reducing its environmental footprint whenever possible.
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Alder New York is a vegan skincare and haircare line based in Brooklyn. The brand’s founders Nina Zilka & David J. Krause are longtime best friends who have worked in the beauty and design industry together for the past 11 years. Everything Alder New York makes is vegan and cruelty-free, locally manufactured, and ethically made. From travel-friendly sizes to synergistic formulas, everything they make is designed to be efficient and —above all—enjoyable. For every $100 spent on their website on 4/22, the brand is planting one tree in New York State where the company calls home.
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Makeup sponges and brushes that easily deteriorate are bad for the environment, which is why
Artis, the one-of-its-kind brush line, is the perfect solution to combating wastefulness in your makeup routine. Incredibly long lasting, Artis brushes are durable and cut down on waste even more when using their
Brush Cleansing Foam and
Brush Cleaning Pad in lieu of disposable wipes.
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Avalon Organics believes in using certified-organic ingredients from trusted sources that are safe, effective, and conscious of the greater good. This means no GMOs, no parabens, no synthetic fragrances or colors, and products free of sulfates! All Avalon Organics shampoo and conditioner formulas are now Environmental Working Group Verified, which means the product avoids EWG’s ingredients of concern, is committed to full transparency, and operates under good manufacturing practices. They are Leaping Bunny-certified, vegan, and biodegradable!
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85% of Aveda’s packaging for skin care and haircare products is made from 100% recycled materials. Learn more about Aveda’s commitment to responsible packaging
here.
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San Francisco-based bath and body brand
Bathing Culture is designed for the adventurous, the design-driven, and the sustainably-minded. Founded by childhood friends Tim Hollinger and Spencer Arnold, the duo was searching for a non-toxic body wash that could hold up to their active lifestyles. Enter Bathing Culture: an homage to the joyful act of bathing and its centuries-old influence uniting cultures around the globe and across generations.
While it was an admittedly expensive investment for a young brand, Spencer and Tim have pledged to use #NoNewPlastic —from their packaging to shipping materials. They're one of the few companies to use bottles made from 100% pre-existing recycled material sourced locally in California. Every day is Earth Day at Bathing Culture! The carbon neutral brand makes it an ongoing mission to plant one native plant or tree for every five gallons sold of their biodegradable, organic
Mind & Body Wash. Bathing Culture also also just launched
Mind & Body Wash Home Refill Kits, so you can save on packaging.
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The Better Skin Co. focuses on clean, multi-tasking formulations that mix natural and organic ingredients boosted with a bit of science. All of The Better Skin Co. products are Vegan, Paraben Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free and made in the USA. From April 20-24, Better Skin Co products will be 25% off on
TheBetterSkinco.com and Amazon. (Use code ED2020 on
Thebetterskinco.com) For every product purchased, The Better Skin Co. will donate one tree to American Forests in your name.
THE BETTER SKIN CO.
The “Living Lighter” box from Beauty Heroes is a sustainable supply kit packed with natural beauty and home products in elegant, reusable and biodegradable packaging that will seamlessly ease you into a new way of living. Along with helping to minimize your personal approach to a more conscious lifestyle, Earth Day and every day, Beauty Heroes is proud to feature forward-thinking brands that are planet-positive and give back to the communities that sustain them in a meaningful way.
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Burt’s Bees is committed to making the world a little greener and a little cleaner. The brand has a policy of sending zero waste to landfill. Each month, employees diligently volunteer to check over 200 recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy bins, ensuring everything is sorted properly. Burt’s Bees has also outfitted its facilities with energy-efficient lighting, resource management software, and efficient production equipment. You can read more about Burt’s Bees commitment to sustainability
here.
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The new packaging is eco-friendly by removing unnecessary printing, PVC plastics, and cutting down production and shipping to save energy. The new quick rinse formula also cuts down on rinsing time to save water!
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C’est Moi products are clean, gentle, effective, Vegan, Cruelty Free, Hypo-Allergenic, Dermatologist Tested, made with natural & organic ingredients and do not contain any Synthetic Fragrances, Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Silicone or Dyes. From April 13-26, all EWG-verified skincare & color-cosmetics products from C’est Moi will be 20% off on
Cestmoi.com with code SPRINGCLEAN. All C’est Moi items purchased on Amazon between April 22-April 30 will be 15% off.
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Coola is committed to improving the health and safety of our communities, waterways, and habitats through responsible ingredient sourcing and sustainable packaging year-round. Through the various sun care, skincare and sunless tan offerings this innovative brand utilizes sustainable ingredients while working to reduce waste and increase recyclability. Currently over 75% of the brands product packaging is fully recyclable, with the goal of increasing that number to 100% by 2023.
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Davines makes it part of their mission to create packaging that is as environmentally friendly as possible. You can read more about the steps they take
here.
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Eminence Organic Skin Care is the first skin care brand to plant 10 million trees. The brand plants a tree in a developing country for every product purchased. The company is a Certified B Corporation, which means it’s committed to business practices that benefit the planet and make a lasting impact on the world. Through its
Forests For The Future initiative, and in partnership with global tree-planting organization Trees for the Future, Eminence has planted trees in developing countries worldwide.
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eos is an active member of the Global Shea Alliance (GSA)—a non-profit industry association that promotes industry sustainability, quality practices and standards, and demand for shea in food and cosmetics. Also a part of GSA’s Sustainability Working Group, eos products support the use of Shea from registered cooperatives in West Africa, as well as assist in the development of sustainable practices and women’s empowerment by providing a critical source of jobs and income for women Shea collectors.
Additionally, Eos is partnered with TerraCycle, the global leader in recycling complex materials, to make recycling eos products less complex while substantially reducing the amount of waste contributed by the products.
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The dermatologist-founded, plant-powered skin care brand has established their business with the earth in mind, making major strides in reducing their carbon footprint by eliminating or transitioning. The brand utilizes packaging that contains over 70% of recycled plastics and are 100% recyclable, while all of their boxes are made from 40% recycled paper and are 100% recyclable.
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The Farmhouse Fresh Ranch also serves as a sanctuary for animal rescues. Their creed is “Life is Short. Save Something Furry.” Sales from purchases go towards caring for forgotten, neglected, and abused farm animals at the FHF Ranch and Sanctuary. They also fund, transport, and actively support other rescues.
Fur proves that botanical beauty isn't just for your face. With their beautiful lineup of natural body and hair products (for hair everywhere), Fur extends its commitment to sustainability in the most thoughtful details, like in their
Bath Drops.
Unlike bath beads from the 90s, Fur's Bath Drops are biodegradable, nourishing the skin without gelatin and using only the highest quality natural ingredients, like Red Seaweed and Jojoba Oil.
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Garnier pledges to continue to introduce measures to reduce plastic usage by committing to 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) waste for shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner bottles in its #1 selling hair care collection—Fructis Sleek & Shine—by the end of 2019. Presently, Garnier Fructis hair care products are produced in a zero-waste facility. The current packaging contains 50% post-consumer recycled waste, and the Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine formula uses sustainably-sourced Argan Oil from Southwest Morocco.
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This is Target's first COSMOS-certified brand—the gold standard for verifying the integrity and sustainability of natural and organic cosmetics. Products are free from parabens, artificial colors, GMOs, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, and mineral oil.
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With an awareness for social and environmental responsibilities, Guerlain integrated sustainable development into its company strategy back in 2007. Steps they are taking include developing eco-friendly packaging and becoming “the leading house in bee protection.” Learn more about Guerlain’s commitment to the environment
here.
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The leader in 100% natural skincare,
Herbivore is the perfect choice when curating your Earth Day beauty arsenal. Made with recyclable and reusable glass packaging and food-grade plant-based ingredients, Herbivore bridges the gap between effective, luxury, high-impact skincare and crunchy clean beauty.
Their newest release,
Prism 20% AHA + 5% BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial, is made from willow bark BHA, naturally derived AHAs, rose, and aloe vera to transform and smooth skin in the way nature intended.
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Hey Dewy is a portable humidifier that works to replenish moisture that is lost throughout the day without all the hassle of using a traditional humidifier and can simply be plugged into the USB port from your laptop. 10% of every purchase is dedicated to initiatives that make an impact through water, starting with
The Water Project.
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Highborn is a body care line of naturally derived luxury botanical aromatics based in Brooklyn. The collection consists of 3 fragrance families: Défumé, Salome and Moon Saber. Featuring organic, sustainably sourced and extracted essential oils, reiki charged crystals and high vibes, each distinctive fragrance profile will deepen your self love regimen, helping you discover your moment of bliss. With bees being so crucial to the pollination of the incredible plants and flowers the brand sources, Highborn will donate 10% of sales for the week of 4/20 to the
Honey Bee Conservancy.
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At the heart of Jurlique is an organic and biodynamic farm that offers a sustainable approach to agriculture. Sustainability has always been fundamental to the brand, and any ingredients they don’t grow themselves are sourced from sustainable, fair-trade suppliers.
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This eco-friendly, sustainable skin care brand makes its products with organic ingredients and natural additives ideal for sensitive skin. Their Dry Shampoo is packaged in a non-aerosol, recyclable container, and
Elliot’s Oatmeal Soap is made with certified-organic oats and sustainable palm oil.
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Kelsen offers premium, clean, unisex haircare products that you can feel good about, made with organic ingredients and sustainable packaging. The line is top-rated by
The Good Face Project, Peta cruelty-free and micro-plastic free. Kelsen packaging is eco-conscious (no single use plastics) and made with glass and recyclable squeeze tubes made with 85% plant-based sugarcane. Caps are made with biodegradable/compostable wood composite. The brand was created by pro skaters
Curren Caples and
Sean Malto and pro surfers
Jack Freestone and
Mikey February. Kelsen will donate 1 percent of sales to the
1% For the Planet.
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Kevin.Murphy’s packaging is made from 100% recycled ocean plastic, making it the first-ever beauty brand to implement this practice. This is projected to save the planet over 360 tons of new plastic each year.
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Kiehl’s is committed to sustainability through formulation, packaging, manufacturing and recycling, and community commitments. Through purchases of their Limited Edition Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado*, $50,000 will be donated to Recycle Across America™ to produce 65,000 standardized labels for recycling bins at 650 K-12 schools in the United States.
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The brand offers recyclable, opaque bottles containing clean, conscious, cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainably sourced high-quality eau de parfums. The bottles are made from recyclable glass, using only natural paints with a diffuser and cap that are easily recyclable.
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Brows and lashes aren't exempt from clean, eco-conscious beauty.
LASHFOOD, the natural, safe, and effective line of eyelash and eyebrow enhancing serums and functional makeup products, has been at the forefront of beauty brands committing to a more sustainable world.
Made in a USDA organic certified facility from recyclable packaging, sustainably harvested ingredients, and environmentally conscious waste management, LASHFOOD extends its commitment through partnerships with companies like One Tree Planted, helping to restore balance and honor our home planet.
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In 2009, the luxurious natural beauty line opened its 5500 square-foot headquarters featuring an eco-friendly design in Los Angeles. The brand’s founders found the ideal raw space in an industrial wind tunnel building and hired well-noted designer, Daryl Olesinski of O+ L Design, to bring their vision to life. Constructed of very simple, raw materials with exposed wood ceilings, finished wood cabinetry, and extensive amounts of glass which facilitates the use of natural light—the space is a beautiful, natural environment that echoes LALICIOUS products and the soul of the company.
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Their natural skin care collection is handcrafted using only the finest exotic and nutrient-rich ingredients that are organic, bio-dynamic, wild-crafted, cruelty free, sustainable, and/or harvested with social consciousness in mind. The brand encourages environmental thoughtfulness in every step of production—from the growth, harvesting, and processing of raw ingredients to the packaging of products. Packaging is recyclable and made from recycled ingredients.
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La Mer advocates for ocean protection through charitable donations, awareness-raising initiatives, and supporting ocean conservation projects. La Mer’s Blue Heart Oceans Fund is committed to marine-protected areas in the Azores Islands, Grenada, and the East China Sea.
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One vegan, zero-waste Lunette period cup lasts over two years (the FDA-recommended life of a period cup) and eliminates about 325 tampons or pads from the environment per person.
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Each of Moon Juice's ingredients are sourced from quality-focused, environmentally-conscious organic growers and wildcrafters, and the plants used in juices, Dusts, and skincare are harvested from their native regions. Their newest skincare line is not exempt from their sustainability efforts; packaged in beautiful glass jars and sustainable sugarcane bottles, Moon Juice's cult-favorite lineup of Milk Cleanse, Cosmic Cream, and Plump Jelly harness the best of natural beauty, inspired by and good for the Earth.
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Inspired by the delicate ritual of nature,
natureofthings is a luxury bath and body line that uses the highest quality botanicals and broad-spectrum hemp extract to restore and energize from the inside out, so you feel good today and even better tomorrow.
Rooted in the synchronicity of body, mind, and the natural world, sustainability for
natureofthings is a holistic touchpoint for the brand. Their beautiful packaging was thoughtfully crafted from glass and wood and minimally branded, so that you feel compelled to repurpose and display on your vanity, well after use.
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Naturium, a new plant-sourced, scientist-developed skincare line takes a stunningly contemporary approach to nature-inspired beauty and sustainability. Packaged with minimal plastic and recyclable glass vessels, each of Naturium's products--from their
Virgin Marula Oil to their
Retinol Cream--are formulated with the best, most biocompatible ingredients that Earth has to offer, all at an accessible price point.
Products are formulated, manufactured, and packaged in a high-tech, ECOCERT certified lab on St. Simons Island, Georgia. The small batch manufacturing method ensures superior freshness and quality. The brand’s legendary moisturizing cream uses uses sustainably-sourced sea kelp to help preserve ocean resources.
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Orveda uses less than 5% plastic in their products and uses glass bottles in their packaging. They strive to use sustainable ingredients and are mineral oil-free, plastic bead-free, and vegan.
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Paul Mitchell was the first professional hair care company to take a stand against animal testing. It continues its strong commitment to giving back by supporting a wide range of environmental causes, including Sea Shepherd, California Wildlife Center, Elephant Action League, and Beequilibrium.
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Plaine products was founded to provide natural, quality products in sustainable packaging, making it easier for everyone to use a little less plastic in their lives. The products are refillable and they are shipped in eco-friendly packaging by EcoEnclose.
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Each product is formulated with renewable, plant-based materials that are harvested in nature. They undergo minimal processing and the residual materials are much safer for daily use by consumers. All of the products are made with zero sulfates, zero dyes, zero parabens, zero formaldehyde, zero propylene glycol, zero phthalates, and zero gluten.
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In an effort to eliminate waste in the candle buying and burning cycle,
Siblings created DIY candle kits consisting of eco-friendly coconut-blend wax in a plant-based bag and lead-free cotton wicks. At first you microwave the bag, the wax melts, then you pour into any vessel and top it off with a wick. The process is super easy, under $100 and makes for an amazing DIY project while you’re stuck inside.
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Founder Melissa Medvedich began her education at the renowned
New York Institute of Aromatic Studies, where she became a certified aromatherapist and later continued her studies in botanical beauty formulating. Supernal launched in early 2019 after two years of developing her singular debut product,
Cosmic Glow Oil. This silky and easily absorbed facial oil full of glow-inducing ingredients including organic Camellia Seed Oil, Squalene and organic Baobab Seed Oil. Fortified with Vitamin C and Omega 3, 6, and 9, Cosmic Glow is designed to revitalize the skin’s natural luminosity. On 4/22, 22% of proceeds on Supernal.co will be donated to
Grow NYC, a non-profit that works with communities in New York City to improve the quality of life through environmental programs.
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Crafted from plants grown on founder Shrankhla Holecek's centuries-old family farm in India,
UMA redefines luxury with its gorgeous Ayurvedic inspired skin and wellness oils. Once each plant is processed from the UMA farm, it is distilled in a uniquely self-sufficient and environmentally friendly facility, where any waste product is converted back into reusable fuel and water is cycled back into the farm. Here, oils blend together to become UMA's signature products and are bottled in beautiful glass vessels that can be repurposed well after use.
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Made in Switzerland by luxury skin care brand
Valmont, L’Elixir des Glacier made a commitment to the protection of bees allied with local partners with the launch of this special collection. Valmont partnered with
Pollinator Partnership—a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of bees and their ecosystems, and invested in 50 beehives in Switzerland to help save the bees, promote their awareness, and incorporate them into their skin care products sustainably.
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The brand strives to be as sustainable as possible using recyclable glass bottles and jars. A dollar from each
Limited-Edition Youth To The People Earth Day Cleanser sold will be donated to organizations working to protect the planet.
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The brand consciously made the decision to have the majority of their packaging made from glass. They also use 100% post-consumer materials or recycled paperboard, and they use soy-based ink for printing.
Get your shine on with the new earth-friendly WetBrush Go Green Treatment & Shine Collection. Built-in natural oils distribute nutrients to your hair that instantly moisturize, repair, and restore as you brush. The all-natural biodegradable plant starch handle naturally breaks down in a landfill within 5 years
