Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in recent years, and the beauty industry is no exception. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the impact their beauty products have on the environment, and are seeking out sustainable options that align with their values. Kristen Wolf, Ulta Beauty’s Senior Vice President of Enterprise Strategy and Transformation says, “Our guests… are growing more interested in products that align with their beauty needs, values, and lifestyle practices, and brands are evolving to better meet them where they are. This includes evaluating how ingredients are sourced, formulated, packaged, and eventually disposed of — as these are all key factors for conscious-minded beauty enthusiasts.”
Sustainable beauty products are produced and consumed in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment.
This includes using ingredients that are ethically sourced, reducing waste through eco-friendly packaging and manufacturing processes, and ensuring that the product is biodegradable or can be recycled at the end of its life. By choosing products that are produced through sustainable practices, we can support ethical and fair trade practices as well. Furthermore, many sustainable beauty products are made with natural ingredients and are gentler for the skin, therefore less likely to cause irritation.
If you want to make the jump into sustainable beauty, here are a few factors to consider:
- Choose products with eco-friendly packaging, such as recycled paper or glass.
- Seek out brands that support sustainability in their mission. For instance if they use renewable energy in their manufacturing process.
- Find products that are certified by third-party organizations, such as the USDA organic certification or the Leaping Bunny certification. They indicate that the product is free from animal testing.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite sustainable beauty finds available on the market from body bars to sheet masks. By supporting these brands and others like them, we can promote a more eco-friendly beauty industry and create a positive impact on our environment.
Ethique
Skincare Minis
Ethique specializes in solid beauty bars that are a more sustainable alternative to liquid products. Their bars are packaged in compostable materials, and their ingredients are ethically and fairly sourced as well as being cruelty-free. The brand’s heart-shaped and travel-ready Skincare Minis are a great way to try them out to see which is right for you. They also make adorable Haircare and Bodycare Minis to get you covered from head to toe.
Experiment
Avant Guard Reusable Sheet Mask
Experiment Beauty is striving to make science fun by crafting products that are super effective and fun to use. Their neon (yes, neon!) Avant Guard reusable silicone sheet mask allows you to use it with any of your own serums and moisturizers without any of the waste. It also conveniently comes in two sizes to accommodate a range of face shapes.
Sireni
Eye Renaissance Eye Shields
Channel your inner muse with Sireni‘s Eye Renaissance Eye Shields. This pair of silicone under-eye masks are reusable, which allows you to customize them with your favorite skincare. As an added bonus, they come in a chic mirrored compact that slim enough to take on the go.
Masque Bar
Supergreat Natural Beauty Kit
Global-inspired beauty brand Masque Bar has a collection of biodegradable sheet masks with equally-biodegradable packaging. Made from plant cellulose, they come in four types (Green tea, banana, rose, and coconut) that you can purchase separately or as a gift set with a face roller.
Oui the People
Sensitive Skin Safety Razor
Oui the People‘s drive to produce high-quality and sustainable products is evident in their sensitive skin safety razor. Available in Rose Gold and, for a limited time, Brushed Chrome, this weighted single-blade razor is made of durable stainless steel. It also provides a smooth shave that won’t irritate your skin.
Bambu Earth
Everything Balm
Bambu Earth has a variety of natural and organic skincare products with sustainably-sourced and ethically-traded ingredients. Their Everything Balm is a moisturizer that soothes dry and irritated skin with organic EVOO; chamomile, lavender, and calendula flowers; comfrey root; and beeswax.
Prados Beauty
Bamboo Face Pads
We’ve tried a handful of reusuable face pads, but none are as radiant as the Bamboo Face Pads from Indigenous-owned brand Prados Beauty. The 16-pack of bamboo-hemp pads sport colorful lining, and come with their own wash bag and lidded bamboo holder.
Photo: Ron Lach
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