As much as we try, we can’t all become natural cosmetic-making geniuses overnight. While we can learn a lot and try to craft our own beauty products, it will take some time before every beauty product we use is home-made. Of course, that doesn’t mean that we can’t purchase sustainable beauty products as we journey along our natural beauty paths.

Although we acknowledge that the standards for being green keep getting higher and higher, the beauty world is responding. More and more brands are pledging to reduce waste, use better ingredients for the environment, and forgo synthetic chemicals. Below you’ll find a list of sustainable beauty brands that can help make your beauty routine better for the planet.

SUSTAINABLE VS ECO-FRIENDLY

Many are confused about the difference between being eco-friendly and being sustainable. Granted that although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are quite different. Technically speaking, to be eco-friendly means you are not doing something to harm the earth. For instance, purchasing products packaged in plastic but then recycling them would be eco-friendly. However, a lot of plastic out there is non-recyclable and the amount of plastic that is truly recycled is very low.

Sustainability, on the other hand, refers to an action or activity that doesn’t use up too many resources and can be sustained in the future. For example, purchasing products from responsible brands that use packaging that is infinitely recyclable like aluminium or glass or even have their own recycling program in place. This option is sustainable because these materials are 100% recyclable and won’t end up in a landfill if they are disposed of properly.

BEAUTY BRANDS THAT TICK ALL THE BOXES

As the writer Sandra Cisneros once said, “I’m just too intelligent, too powerful, too beautiful, too sure of who I am finally to deserve anything less.” That’s how we feel about switching to natural and sustainable beauty brands. We deserve more and that’s what conscious beauty brands are delivering. Here’s a list of beauty brands we love who are offering more sustainble beauty options.

AXIOLOGY

Besides their gorgeous lipsticks, this beauty brand has impressive stats when it comes to sustainability. All of their lipstick tubes are aluminium which means you’ll have no trouble recycling them. Axiology’s packaging also comes from a boutique recycled paper plant in Bali which is completely run by women. Last, but not least, they use organic and natural ingredients without any palm oil to create lipsticks that are not only cruelty-free but also vegan.

FAT AND THE MOON

This beauty brand makes skincare products, as well as makeup. All of their ingredients are either organic or natural and come from ethical sources. While they are completely cruelty-free, not all of their products are vegan so be warned. Nonetheless, Fat and the Moon packages their products in reusable metal tins with very minimal packaging. They even encourage customers to be creative when reusing their tins. Most importantly, Fat and the Moon’s products are freshly made when you order them!

AMAZINC!

Although summer is over in the northern hemisphere, in the southern hemisphere it’s just warming up. As we mentioned before, finding natural sunscreen can be a challenge. However, with growing concern for the environment and sustainable living, more natural sunscreen brands are emerging. Amazinc! is a natural, zero waste sunscreen brand from the Czech Republic. They strive to provide sun protection that is effective but also doesn’t bleach coral reefs or hurt marine life. Also, all of their products come in aluminium or cardboard containers. Yes, they have a few vegan products, too!

ECOTOOLS

The products we use to put on or remove our makeup should be sustainable, too. Last week, I touched on the importance of reusable cotton pads, but this week I want to highlight makeup brushes. Most makeup brushes use synthetic or animal-derived materials for their bristles. If you are in the market for new makeup brushes, consider EcoTools. They use natural and renewable sources bamboo to make their brushes. Not to mention, they are more affordable than some other sustainable and animal-friendly makeup brush brands.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

• Barefaced Beauty – With ethically sourced raw materials and cosmetics that are free of harsh synthetic chemicals this brand is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. Furthermore, Barefaced Beauty is certified as palm oil free, vegan, and cruelty-free. While their packaging is technically eco-friendly and not sustainable, they use mostly post-consumer plastic for all of their products. So, they’re helping close the circle when it comes to recycling and cosmetic packaging waste.
• Medik8 – This “green chemistry” brand crafts products that are natural, vegan and cruelty-free, all the while using renewable energy to do it. Now, that’s sustainable beauty! This brand is also in the process of switching out components like plastic droppers and lids for more sustainable options.
• Cloud Nine Recycling Service – Have you ever thought about what you’d do with all of your broken or outdated styling tools? Well, Cloud Nine has the answer. You can send them your old hair tools, and they’ll recycle or reuse them for new products. The bonus is that they can be from ANY brand! Finally, you can put those old hair dryers clogging up your cabinet to good use.

THE TAKEAWAY

While we hope to provide some insight to you, we also appreciate that you need to find your personal path towards sustainability. After all, not everyone will take the same path towards living a more natural or sustainable life. Please, let us know if they are any other brands that you think should be on this list! Also, if you are eager to learn more about how to create natural skincare at home, check out WapoBeauty’s recently updated soapmaking e-book. Those interested in learning how to formulate and craft safe and professional skin care products in person may want to sign up for WapoBeauty’s Soapmaking Workshop for Beginners next month.

About our bloggeR

Ashuni Pérez is an American writer based in Valencia, Spain. She has a passion for natural beauty and the environment. Ashuni loves to cycle and drink smoothies in the sun. Follow her on Instagram at @ashuuuuni