Slowly but surely, each industry is coming to a reckoning with its role in perpetuating climate change. Now, it’s Big Beauty’s turn. According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, the beauty industry produces more than 120 billion units of plastic packaging each year, most of which is not recyclable. With the United States generating more than 30 million tons of plastic annually, this waste problem’s exacerbation of climate change is predicted to surpass that of coal-fired power by 2030. And packaging isn’t the only challenge when it comes to beauty products. Ethical production pipelines, sustainable ingredient sourcing, and the use of clean energy can all contribute to the creation of a truly sustainable product.
Luckily, the health of our planet need not be sacrificed for the health of our skin, or vice versa. According to a survey of over 10,000 beauty consumers from across the U.S., 76% are now seeking out sustainable, ethical products, precipitating an industry-wide shift. In 2024, there will be more sustainable, high-quality beauty options than ever before. However, the problem still remains: How are consumers to know which products are indeed an ethical, sustainable choice and which are only marketed as such?
These 10 products and brands take the guesswork out of finding quality, eco-friendly skincare.
1. Regenerating Cleanser from Tata Harper
$88
This daily cleansing and exfoliating treatment helps to refine dull, congested skin. Made of all-natural ingredients including pomegranate enzymes, crystalline exfoliants, coconut, and kimchi ferment, this best seller gently exfoliates the skin with both apricot microspheres and BHA from white willow bark.
All of Tata Harper’s manufacturing is done on the company’s farm in Vermont, one of the states with the largest share of renewable electricity generation. Because Tata Harper doesn’t rely on subcontractors for manufacturing or shipping, it is able to keep its carbon footprint to a minimum and limit any excess or expired inventory. Additionally, the company is certified by ECOcert and is committed to working exclusively with natural ingredient suppliers that are certified for natural processes and respect human and animal welfare.
2. Ocuwake Eye Cream EYE1 from Facetheory
$30
This specialty eye cream contains a blend of vitamin C, ferulic acid, licorice, and chamomile to help reduce the presence of dark circles, swelling, and eye bags. Formulated specifically to help boost, smooth, and firm the delicate skin around your eyes, this eye cream works to inhibit melanin production, therefore minimizing hyperpigmentation and making your eyes brighter and more luminous.
Facetheory’s B Corp Certification requires an extremely thorough assessment of a company’s overall approach and impact. Through their commitment to vegan ingredients, plastic-free and sustainable packages, carbon-neutral shipping, and more, Facetheory works to ensure that neither the health of your skin nor the health of the planet is compromised.
3. Active Hydration Vitamin C+ Antioxidant Serum from Activist Skincare
$64
Formulated for visibly brighter skin, this serum works to both energize and smooth your skin while simultaneously working to protect it from free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution. Including vitamins C and B5, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol, this serum can ameliorate hyperpigmentation, redness, and dryness.
Activist Skincare is a women-led brand committed to sustainability across the board, from ethically sourcing eco-friendly ingredients to partnering with sustainably-minded suppliers. Their signature packaging system comprises one chic glass container that you can refill from their low-waste pouches, allowing you to effectively meet your skin’s needs without damaging the environment.
4. Ceramide Barrier Serum from CoCoKind
$22
CoCoKind has taken social media by storm, and for good reason. Amidst the massive skincare market, this hydration-locking serum stands out as the best of its kind in terms of sustainability, affordability, and accessibility. Offered at Target, the Ceramide Barrier Serum is developed with a blend of five ceramides and lipids, which minimize transepidermal water loss and diminish signs of irritation, resulting in visibly moisturized, glossy skin.
As a brand, CoCoKind is committed to environmental accountability, measuring its carbon footprint annually. Every label features a QR code that links to the company’s latest sustainability figure. CoCoKind states that they are committed to finding new ways to reduce their carbon footprint while keeping their product prices affordable. The company has also developed its own Impact Foundation, which offers a financial grant to one female-identifying entrepreneur per year in the health, wellness, or sustainability sectors who are dedicated to fostering social impact through business.
5. Immortelle Divine Youth Oil from L’Occitane en Provence
$118
The Immortelle Divine Youth Oil is designed to boost your skin’s radiance and texture while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin firmness. Rich in both omega 6 and 9, the Immortelle essential oil is a naturally derived retinol alternative.
A luxury skincare brand from the south of France, L’Occitane has been dedicated to sustainable and Fair for Life practices for years. In 2016, the brand entered into a partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, focusing on reinforcing biodiversity and protecting sustainable harvesting practices. Additionally, the company has been steadily working towards reducing its carbon footprint, with a 14% in emissions decrease from 2010-2016.
6. Atmosphere Protection Cream from OSEA
$54
This everyday, lightweight moisturizer provides essential hydration while also working to protect your skin from environmental aggressors. Formulated with antioxidants such as seaweed, shea butter, and omega oils, the Atmosphere Protection Cream leaves a smooth, radiant finish with a subtle scent of lavender, chamomile, and clary sage.
OSEA’s mission for the past three decades has been to create clean, seaweed-infused skincare. Committed to sustainability from day one, the brand is one of the few that is Climate Neutral Certified and Ocean Positive Certified and has only ever packaged its products in glass and paper. Moreover, it is working to replace any plastic pieces, such as pumps, with alternative materials and has also partnered with TerraCycle to ensure that its bottles are properly recycled.
7. Botanical Kinetics Radiant Skin Refiner from AVEDA
$49
This clay-based exfoliant uses tourmaline, a multicolored gemstone, and bamboo extract to help slough off dead skin or buildup, leaving your face rejuvenated and refined. Designed to be used only twice weekly, the Botanical Kinetics Radiant Skin Refiner provides a deep, sophisticated cleanse.
100% Vegan and B Corp Certified, AVEDA has been a sustainability trailblazer in the skin and hair care industries for over forty years and was one of the first companies to use 100% post-consumer recycled materials in their packaging. Additionally, their manufacturing facilities are powered by both solar and wind energy; and more than 85% of their manufacturing waste is either reused or recycled.
8. Sunglow SPF 35 from Kinfield
$28
No summer skincare routine is complete without a good sunscreen. The trouble is, finding one that layers well with makeup, doesn’t cause you to break out, and isn’t greasy can feel like a near-impossible task. Add sustainability and reef protection to that list, and the pool gets even smaller.
Over the last few years, a few brands have gotten it right. Kinfield Sunglow SPF 35 tops them all and ups the ante. Not only does this SPF play well with makeup, it is safe for sensitive skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue or white cast. Plus, it won’t harm reefs, comes in sustainable packaging, offers SPF 35 rather than the standard 30, and can actually be used to replace your daily illuminator—making it not just a neutral makeup companion but a helpful one.
9. Moon Fruit Retinol Alternative Sleep Mask from Herbivore
$54
This powerful, smoothing sleep mask is formulated with Bakuchiol, an all-natural alternative to retinol, as well as a combination of antioxidant-rich superfruits. Working while you sleep to reduce the appearance of any fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation or dryness, the Moon Fruit Mask will have you waking up to healthier, hydrated skin.
Herbivore, founded in Seattle in 2011, strives to make their products and packaging “as gentle on the planet as they are on our bodies.” With an emphasis on real, natural, high-quality ingredients, the company works to make its offerings as eco-friendly as possible. Additionally, Herbivore packages its products primarily in glass and paper, only using recycled and recyclable plastic when strictly necessary.
10. 3 Minute Facial from Humanrace Skincare
$110
Pharrell’s sustainable skincare line—Humanrace—is an excellent option for those looking for a simple, responsible routine. Backed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), this 3-minute routine is vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free, and is made without any of the 1,300 products deemed unsafe by the EU. Additionally, all the brand’s packaging is made from at least 51% post-consumer recycled plastic. It uses plant-based, non-toxic dyes and employs a foil seal system during production that eliminates the use of over 1,200 single-use plastic caps per hour. Oh, and the containers are refillable.
When it comes to formula, these products are simple, versatile, and effective. The three steps include the Rice Powder Cleanser, Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator, and Humidifying Cream. The cleanser is a powder-to-foam formulation, making it lighter and less bulky than if it were shipped with water. It is made with rice particles, fruit AHAs, and snow mushroom, leaving the skin brightened and cleansed without feeling stripped. The Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator is a triple-acting exfoliator combining 8% glycolic acid, 2% fruit AHAs, and rice particles that all work together to remove dead skin, unclog pores, and even out texture. Finally, the Humidifying Cream works to restore the skin barrier, as it is packed with hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom to effectively locking in moisture.
