April 27, 2020 – By Heleayner Davies
Who said you had to compromise on your beauty routine to be a true eco-warrior?
As a result of eye-opening documentaries such as David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, many of us are becoming incredibly conscious about how our lifestyle affects the environment. Although we may be making small (but mighty) changes in our everyday lifestyles, our beauty routines are a lot more damaging than we thought.
Research by recycling company Terracycle reveals that the beauty industry alone produces a staggering 120 billion units of plastic packaging per year and only 50% of bathroom products are recycled, according to the national recycling campaign for England, Recycle Now.
The truth is, beauty products that are labelled ‘organic,’ ‘sustainable’ or ‘natural’ often come with a hefty price tag, as sourcing ethically responsible materials can be very costly and time consuming. However, we believe that sustainable beauty products should be accessible for everyone, no matter what your income is.
Thanks to the louder than ever consumer demands, many high-street and online beauty brands have listened and are launching products that aren’t just kind to the planet, but kind to your bank balance.
Whether it’s your hair, face or body, here are some of the best beauty brands that are making shopping sustainably a hell of a lot easier.
Hair
1. Love Beauty And Planet
The brand was launched in 2018 in response to the ever-growing consumer demand for beauty products that not only make us look good, but do good too. We love their haircare products as they contain natural, sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients that revitalise and rejuvenate the hair.
Not only are they vegan and cruelty-free, but the bottles are made from post-consumer recycled packaging that is also fully recyclable too. Buy now here.
2. Ethique
Shampoo and conditioner without an ounce of plastic in sight? Yes please! New Zealand brand Ethique is the first of its kind to produce 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free beauty bars that are plastic-free and biodegradable.
Since their launch in 2012, they have prevented over 6 million plastic bottles from being made and disposed of in landfills. Buy now here.
3. Aveda
For over 30 years, Aveda have been developing haircare that is expertly crafted from natural, plant-based extracts. Offering a range of hair styling products containing only the most organic, nourishing and effective ingredients, you can guarantee that you’ll be left with salon-worthy results after each use.
They were the first beauty company to introduce post-consumer recycled packaging, and now more than 85% of their skin and haircare products contain 100% post-consumer recycled materials. Try their best-selling Cherry Almond range for hair that smells so good, you’ll want to eat it. Buy now here.
4. The Conscious Beauty Co.
The CBC are helping us break up with our single use plastic habit, producing refillable beauty products delivered straight to your door. Each kit comes with chic aluminium bottles that are built to last centuries, along with your chosen refill pouches. ‘The Hair Duo’ includes a hand-blended shampoo and conditioner that gently cleanses, nourishes and strengthens all hair types.
Once your bottle is empty, simply head to their online shop and purchase your next desired pouch. When replenished, pop the refill pouch into the post using the recycling bag that comes with your first order. They do all the work, so you don’t have to. Buy now here.
Skin & Body
1. Weleda
Since 1921, Weleda has been a world-leading manufacturer of holistic and natural cosmetics that harness the healing powers of nature, producing ethical skincare for the whole family.
Their cult-product ‘Skin Food’ is a firm favourite among celebrities and is the perfect thick, buttery formula to slather on before bed to provide skin with a serious shot of hydration. Buy now here.
2. Beauty Kitchen
100% natural, effective and plastic-free, Beauty Kitchen create their products with full-circle sustainability in mind. Their return, refill, repeat scheme is the world’s first closed loop solution for zero waste beauty packaging.
Any product marked with the ‘return, refill, repeat’ logo can be returned to any UK or Ireland Holland & Barret store and they will send them to be washed and re-used for the next batch, preventing thousands of products from going to landfill. Buy now here
3. Skin & Tonic
Founded by a woman named Sarah, who was suffering from breakouts, redness and dermatitis due to a stressful and fast-paced lifestyle. She began making her own products using simple, organic ingredients and in no time Skin & Tonic was born.
Made in small batches in the UK, Skin & Tonic practice a ‘less is more’ approach, with each product containing a maximum of only seven ingredients. Free from silicones, preservatives and synthetic fragrances, so you can be sure your skin is getting the TLC it deserves. Buy now here.
4. Boots Botanics
Exclusive to Boots, Botanics believe in the holistic benefits of plant-powered skincare for your mind, body and soul.
Producing a wide range of products formulated with ethically sourced ingredients from around the world, creating effective, natural and sustainable skincare that targets the skin’s specific needs. Buy now here.
Makeup
1. Lily Lolo
Since the launch of their very first product in 2005, a natural mineral foundation, Lily Lolo has gone on to reach cult status among the natural beauty scene. Since then, they have launched a complete range of ethically conscious and natural makeup products, packed-full of nourishing and kind-to-skin ingredients. Buy now here.
2. PHB Ethical Beauty
PHB (standing for Pure Handmade British), is a family run beauty brand that is dedicated to producing organic, ethical and affordable cosmetics.
Their award- winning range is expertly formulated using botanical actives and ethically sourced minerals to create makeup that truly enhances the skin, leaving it feeling healthy, happy and balanced. Buy now here.
3. Lavera
For over 25 years, Lavera have been producing ethically and sustainably sourced cosmetics that are NaTrue certified organic where possible.
Free from artificial fragrances, chemicals and parabens, using only the highest quality herbal ingredients that are effective yet gentle enough for sensitive skin. Buy now here
4. All Earth Mineral Cosmetics
All Earth (formerly Angel Face) was created by professional makeup artist Julie Wieczorek and natural skincare expert Guy Hansen. Born out of their frustration by the lack of natural cosmetic products available in the UK, they produce a range of mineral makeup that is gentle, yet efficacious.
Determined to keep plastic waste to a minimum, they offer 100% biodegradable, recycled and recyclable refills for their bamboo pots. If you want a completely plastic-free alternative, you can opt for one of their eco-pots that you can pop in the compost bin when empty. Buy now here.
From refillable products to biodegradable packaging, these are just a handful of the beauty brands delivering planet-friendly options that won’t break the bank. Sustainable beauty isn’t just as simple as being completely plastic-free. However, as consumer demand for more eco -friendly and naturally sourced cosmetics increases, we predict that we will see more brands launching innovative formulations and packaging solutions very soon. Watch this space.
Heleayner Davies
Heleayner is a beauty writer that is passionate about sustainability and the welfare of our planet. She is a lover of natural beauty alternatives, beauty podcasts, the 70s and coffee. You can find her on Instagram @heleaynerdavies.
