The cosmetics industry creates a lot of waste—we’re talking more than 120 billion units of packaging every year. Luckily, people are becoming more conscious than ever before about their plastic waste and are opting for more sustainable, low-waste, or zero-waste options. Explore these cruelty-free companies that are reimagining the beauty industry with innovative eco-friendly products that you will want to add to your beauty routine immediately.
Which brands are reducing their plastic usage?
Single-use plastic comes in many forms, from bottles and shopping bags to product packaging and beauty containers. But most of this cannot be recycled and turned into something new. In fact, according to the United Nations, of the 7 billion tons of plastic waste generated globally, less than 10 percent has actually been recycled. This is why plastic, in all of its forms, is, quite literally, everywhere—it’s in our rivers, oceans, lakes, beaches, and more. But many brands are working to address this issue.
Dubai-based accessories brand Veganologie launched a line of vegan leather and faux suede handbags made from fully recycled materials. Every part of the handbags, wallets, and cardholders is made from 100 percent recycled materials that are GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified, including PU leather and faux suede lining which are both made from recycled plastic bottles.
Even, the State of New York passed legislation that eliminated millions of single-use plastic toiletry bottles from hotels in 2021. The bills S543 and A5082 prohibit hotels and motels from providing single-use plastic toiletry bottles smaller than 12 ounces in guest rooms and will go into effect in January of 2024.
Eco-friendly vegan products for your beauty routine
1 Bite Toothpaste Bits
Swap out plastic tubes of squeezable toothpaste for these long-lasting tooth bits made with vegan-friendly ingredients such as zinc citrate to fight bad breath and xylitol which repels cavity-causing bacteria. Each supply comes in a recycled glass jar that can be re-filled with each re-up on toothpaste bits.
Find it here
2 LUSH Shampoo Bars
Trade in bottles of shampoo for a luxurious shampoo bar. Not only are these sold with zero packaging, but each bar saves up to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo (that’s 80 washes!), and saves money, to boot. Choose between over a dozen different options from the seaweed-infused Seanik bar to the lemon lime-scented Jumping Juniper bar. Pro tip: purchase one of LUSH’s aluminum tins to store shampoo bars.
Find it here
3 Anihana Raspberry and Lime Shower Bar
This little gem is like a burst of summer in every wash. The vibrant fusion of juicy raspberries and zesty lime creates an invigorating and refreshing experience that leaves us feeling energized and ready to take on the day. Each shower bar replaces 3 standard bottles of body wash, making it easier on our wallets and on the planet.
Find it here
4 OSEA Malibu’s Undaria Argan Oil
Give yourself a plump and youthful glow with this seaweed-based facial oil. The Undaria seaweed—an invasive species to the area—is responsibly hand-foraged off the Patagonian shore, so the small harvests are beneficial to the local ecosystem. The glass container can be creatively upcycled or recycled.
Find it here
5 Marley’s Monsters Reusable Facial Rounds
If your go-to method of makeup removal is to grab a single-use cotton round and a bottle of cleanser, then you’ll be happy to know there’s a super simple zero-waste solution. These 100-percent cotton reusable rounds can be tossed in the wash with laundry to be cleaned and then used over and over again.
Find it here
6 Meow Meow Tweet’s Lip Balm
Housed in a biodegradable paper tube, these eco-friendly balms are multipurpose and can be used for lips, hands, or anywhere else that needs a little extra TLC. Moisturizing plant oils and butters are the base of the ultra-luxe balms, and the super cute packaging covered in cartoon animals makes us an even bigger fan.
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7 Ethique Solid Face Moisturizer
Formulated with a blend of moisturizing butters, such as shea butter and cocoa butter, this solid, plastic-free, moisturizer-in-a-tube delivers deep hydration to the skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and revitalized. Packaged in a compact, recyclable, and compostable paperboard container, this moisturizer minimizes waste and can help reduces your carbon footprint.
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8 OUI the People’s Safety Razor
Say goodbye to those plastic single-use razors and say hello to this sleek, single-blade razor. Safety razors are quickly becoming popular again thanks to the zero-waste movement and with this beautiful gold option, we’re here for it. Hold on to this long-lasting razor forever, by simply switching out the blades whenever they start to dull.
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9 Konjac Bath Sponge with Pink French Clay
The Konjac potato is a perennial plant native to Asia and has been used for over 1,500 years as medicine, food, a dieting aid, and a beauty product. This 100-percent biodegradable, pollutant-free bath sponge makes a much more sustainable alternative to those plastic poufs you may have hanging in your shower.
Find it here
Elate Cosmetics
10 Elate Cosmetics Pressed Blush Palette
Each of this environmentally-minded company’s elegant bamboo palettes comes with a mini magnet, so when your compact runs out you can easily order a new one to pop into your palette. The wooden compacts are housed in small, recyclable tins. You can help eliminate wasteful packaging while still keeping your beauty box looking camera-ready.
Find it here
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