14 Zero Waste Makeup Brands Creating Plastic Free Cosmetics Image by Sustainable Jungle #zerowastemakeup
Image by Sustainable Jungle
13 Zero Waste Makeup Brands Creating Plastic Free Cosmetics Image by Sustainable Jungle #zerowastemakeup
Image by Sustainable Jungle
14 Zero Waste Makeup Brands Creating Plastic Free Cosmetics Image by Sustainable Jungle #zerowastemakeup #zerowastecosmetics #plasticfreemakeup #sustainablejungle
Image by Sustainable Jungle

13 Zero Waste Makeup Brands Creating Plastic Free Cosmetics


If you like changing up your look while also changing the status quo, zero waste makeup brands can help you do both.

Commercial makeup is filled with (let’s be frank) junk, including chemicals, preservatives, and other things you don’t want on or in your body.

Especially since there are a growing number of excellent sustainable makeup brands offering healthy alternatives.

The brands on this list take that to the next level by creating zero waste cosmetics and in some cases, refillable and reusable makeup.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here.

Axiology offers one type of product, but with 3-in-1 uses and simple paper wrapping, it’s ideal for minimal and multipurpose makeup users.

With an abundance of zero waste makeup on Etsy, picking a favorite is like achieving the perfectly symmetrical eyeliner. Impossible. But Dab Herb’s complete range of natural options shines pretty bright.

If you prefer to watch the makeup tutorial before breaking out the bronzer, jump to the bottom of the article to see our selection criteria.

1. DAB HERB MAKEUP

13 Zero Waste Makeup Brands Creating Plastic Free Cosmetics Image by Sustainable Jungle #zerowastemakeup
Image by Sustainable Jungle
About Dab Herb’s Affordable Zero Waste Makeup

Dab Herb Makeup offers a wide range of zero waste makeup options

For eyes (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, and eyebrow grower), face (natural foundation, concealer, luminizer, primer, contour powder, blush, organic moisturizer, color corrector), lips (gloss, tint, balm), and makeup tools (including vegan brushes).

All products are vegan friendly, cruelty-free, food-grade, and palm oil-free.

Ingredients include herb and plant oils that promote healing of the epidermis itself, not just conceal it.

Most products come in glass or tin containers and have discounted refill options for affordable zero waste cosmetics.

About Dab Herb

Dab Herb is a “Nature to Nurture” beauty and skincare company that uses mostly organic ingredients sourced from fair trade certified farmers and suppliers.

They often ship their plastic free makeup products in materials re-used from ingredient supplier shipments.

Dab Herb supports Made In A Free World which focuses on developing and implementing solutions to human trafficking as well as providing rescue and care for victims.


2. AXIOLOGY

14 Zero Waste Makeup Brands Creating Plastic Free Cosmetics Image by Sustainable Jungle #zerowastemakeup
Image by Sustainable Jungle
About Axiology’s Zero Waste Makeup

Axiology is a luxury organic lipstick specialist.

No surprise then that ~70% of the ingredients (e.g. avocado oil and butter, orange essential oil, elderberry extract, coconut oil, and grape seed oil) are organic.

Having fully transitioned away from traditional plastic tubes, their “Balmies” 3-in-1 lipstick, eye tint, and cheek tint take the form of paper-wrapped crayons.

Including the outer boxes, they use fully compostable makeup packaging.

About Axiology

One of the best zero waste beauty brands, Axiology is certified by PETA as cruelty free and completely vegan.

Aside from not endangering them further by using no palm oil, they also provide financial support to the Orangutan Foundation International.

Their shea butter and moringa oil are purchased through fair trade channels.

They source all compostable outer packaging from a woman-owned recycled paper boutique in Indonesia.

Also available on All Natural Collection and The V Spot (Aus)


3. FLAVEDO & ALBEDO

Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat, because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, being often comprised of composite materials and components Image by Flavedo & Albedo #zerowastemakeup #zerowastecosmetics #plasticfreemakeup #sustainablejungle
Image by Flavedo & Albedo

*Note: All products except one eyeshadow color are vegan.

About Flavedo & Albedo’s Zero Waste Cosmetics Products

Flavedo & Albedo isn’t just fun to say; it’s clearly fun to wear too.

With bright, popping colors, their minimalist makeup line includes the essentials: zero waste eyeliner, eyeshadow, highlighter, and lip and cheek tint. 

Your makeover will make an impact, but the sustainably harvested timber pencils, aluminium tins, and glass jars with cork liners sure won’t.

All products are paraben and cruelty free and most (except the Sky Velvet Eyeshadow) are vegan.

About Flavedo & Albedo

Being an entirely plastic free makeup brand means your Flavedo & Albedo products may not look like the makeup products you’re used to—and that’s a beautiful thing.

Right down to the FSC-certified tissue paper and recycled boxes printed with soy inks, you’ll find no pesky films and secret plastic seals.

Because they don’t use third parties to test their products, they can guarantee no animal testing was involved. 

They actually don’t have an office; orders are fulfilled from home, with recycling and composting available, so they keep their footprint small.


4. VYANA

Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat, because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, being often comprised of composite materials and components Image by Vyana Plant Beauty #zerowastemakeup
Image by Vyana Plant Beauty
About Vyana’s Plastic Free Makeup

Vyana Plant Beauty makes a large range of zero waste cosmetics, like lipsticks, organic eyeshadow, blush, skincare products, and eco-friendly concealer.

The ingredient lists are clean and simple having only about 5-8 items in each product, like hibiscus powder, organic beet powder, organic rosehips, organic clay, organic kaolin clay, Mica, and iron oxide. 

Everything is plant or mineral-based, including tints.

Vyana’s natural zero waste makeup is also now entirely palm oil-free.

As for containers, they’re making strides as one of the few legit refillable cosmetics brands. Their packaging is mostly recycled plastic tins, metal tins, or cardboard tubes. Their lipsticks come in 100% recycled plastic refillable tubes.

As per their refill program, you can order a refill of any powdered product at a 25% discount which will arrive in a compostable cello bag. For liquids, send back the whole container for a refill.

About Vyana Plant Beauty

Vyana is a female-founded Swedish vegan zero waste makeup brand.

They were founded to harness “all the richness the earth has to offer”, by means of healing, sustainably-sourced ingredients.

They offer totally zero waste product packaging and shipping. Your waste free makeup will arrive in compostable envelopes with corn-starch dissolvable packing peanuts.


5. ALL EARTH MINERAL COSMETICS

Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat, because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, being often comprised of composite materials and components Image by All Earth Mineral Makeup #zerowastemakeup #zerowastecosmetics #plasticfreemakeup #sustainablejungle
Image by All Earth Mineral Makeup

*Note: We are confirming policies directly with this brand.

About All Earth Mineral Cosmetics’ Zero Waste Cosmetics Products UK

With all manner of face makeup (foundation to illuminator) as well as lip and eye tint, All Earth Mineral Cosmetics has all you need for your zero waste makeup routine.

Plant and non-nano mineral-based, the line is free of parabens, alcohol, sulfates, gluten, and synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and binders.

Their plastic free cosmetic packaging includes recyclable and reusable glass or aluminum, though refills come in compostable tubes.

You can also add on a “Pot for Life” reusable makeup tin made from recycled finished nets.

About All Earth Mineral Cosmetics

An award-winning UK-based zero waste makeup brand, All Mineral Cosmetics handmakes all products in either Kent or Cornwall.

They prioritize ethical ingredient sourcing, especially with regards to their minerals, which are sourced through child-labor-free channels.

Aside from offering refillable and reusable cosmetics packaging, their Eco Swap lets customers send back unwanted containers for recycling through TerraCycle.

Your order will arrive in biodegradable materials.


6. ECO MINERALS

Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat, because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, being often comprised of composite materials and components Image by Eco Minerals #zerowastemakeup
Image by Eco Minerals
About Eco Minerals’ Zero Waste Cosmetics

Eco Minerals has a range of makeup options including foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, illuminate, eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick.

Made with safe ingredients, the range is sans parabens, talc, magnesium stearate, bismuth oxychloride, nano-particle, fillers, dyes, or coated mica.

It can thus be considered pregnancy safe makeup.

They offer zero waste make up refills in kraft paper envelopes for some powder products as well as their BB cream (which comes in a 40% reduced plastic cartridge for a low waste makeup solution).

About Eco Minerals

Founded by Lulu, Austria-based zero waste makeup brand Eco Minerals is 100% natural, vegan, cruelty free, and palm oil-free.

They also choose not to source ingredients from Africa, India, or Asia, given concerns about child labor.

All packing and shipping is re-used or biodegradable, including biodegradable shipping bags and plastic free sample sachets.


7. PLANT MAKEUP

Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat, because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, being often comprised of composite materials and components Image by Plant Makeup #zerowastemakeup
Image by Plant Makeup

*Note: Some products contain beeswax however, vegan options are widely available.

About Plant Makeup’s Zero Plastic Cosmetics

If you’re looking for something bright and a little shimmery, Plant Makeup is your one-stop botanical shop

The range includes foundation, zero waste lip balm, eye shadows, shimmer sticks, mascara, highlighter, and primer, made with love and wholesome ingredients in small batches.

While all products are never tested on animals, not everything is vegan. Some contain organic USA-sourced beeswax or honey.

They are, however, made without mineral oil, nanoparticles, synthetics, toxins, or animal-derived carmine for coloration.

All products are packaged in either glass pot minis or compostable cardboard tubes.

About Plant Makeup

Plant Makeup was founded by Jes and her passion for plants. What started with blending herbal teas grew into something much bigger.

Aside from made-in-the-USA zero waste makeup, they offer skin and hair care, ethical and sustainable perfume, and incense cones.

Everything is comprised of local or sustainably sourced organic ingredients, all of which are non-GMO, cruelty-free, and palm oil-free.

They use purely recycled and compostable materials for product housing and shipping.


8. ELATE BEAUTY

Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat, because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, being often comprised of composite materials and components Image by Elate Cosmetics #zerowastemakeup
Image by Elate Cosmetics
About Elate Beauty’s Natural Zero Waste Makeup Canada

Elate Beauty offers a large range of organic zero waste makeup – “products that don’t compromise the health of any person, animal or the planet.

This includes eye makeup (pressed and loose powder, zero waste mascara, eyeliner, and brow balm), face makeup (foundation, powder, concealer, blush, highlighter, bronzer), lipstick, lip gloss, palettes, and kits.

All are Cruelty-free International certified, PETA certified vegan, gluten-free, and almost entirely organic.

They do use some RSPO-certified palm oil derivatives.

For packaging these zero plastic cosmetics use bamboo in their palettes, frosted glass bottle lids, and vegan makeup brush handles.

For non-liquids, these reusable cosmetics packages can be refilled. Refills are packaged in plantable wildflower seed paper pouches.

About Elate Beauty

For zero waste cosmetics from Canada, Elate is at the forefront of the conscious beauty movement, mostly recently upping their percentage of organic ingredients and moving to zero waste packaging.

They prioritize ethical sourcing and distribution (including refusing to sell into China) and are carbon neutral through Bullfrog Power.

Because makeup can mean more than a pretty face, they give back to multiple local and women’s-based charities, like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust through which they sponsor three elephants. 


9. NUDI GOODS

Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat, because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, being often comprised of composite materials and components Image by Nudi Goods #zerowastemakeup
Image by Nudi Goods

*Note: Most Nudi Goods contain beeswax.

About Nudi Goods’ Makeup without Plastic Packaging

Nudi Goods is an Etsy-based zero waste makeup brand that uses natural and non-toxic ingredients that are cruelty-free and palm-oil free. 

Their line includes lip balms, mascara, highlighter sticks, and brow taming wax, either packaged in compact metal slide tins or cardboard tubes.

While not everything is certified organic, it is all-natural.

They prefer to support smaller suppliers that still adhere to organic practices but maybe can’t afford to pay for the official certification.

About Nudi Goods

Female-founded Nudi Goods aims to give people an affordable way to start voting with their wallets.

Founder Jaime Boddorff started developing products while working at a wildlife hospital and ocean conservation non-profit. Today, she is the main makeup maker.

They source only from low waste, ethical companies.

For instance, since they use mineral pigments and mica in makeup, they ensure they’re either USA-made via high-pressure mineral creating technology (no mining involved) or “purchased from suppliers providing a child-labor free guarantee”. 

Beeswax comes from a small, family-run apiary that follows organic practices. No hormones, chemicals, or antibiotics, and nothing potentially stressful for the bees, like moving hives.  

As a company, they use no plastic, in either packaging or shipping, and reuse all components for as long as possible.


10. DIRTY HIPPIE COSMETICS

14 Zero Waste Makeup Brands Creating Plastic Free Cosmetics Image by Sustainable Jungle #zerowastemakeup
Image by Sustainable Jungle

*Note: One of Dirty Hippie’s suppliers no longer guarantees palm oil-free ingredients. See below for more info.

About Dirty Hippie’s Organic Zero Waste Makeup Australia

Dirty Hippie offers a large range of plastic free makeup and zero waste cosmetics.

These include foundation, blemish cream, primer, liquid eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, brow powders, blush, lipstick pots, and cheek tint.

All 100% cruelty-free and vegan.

Unfortunately, their supplier of cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate emulsifying wax no longer guarantees them to be palm oil-free. 

Dirty Hippie is searching for a new supplier, but in the meantime, that affects their Hydrating Hempseed and Red Raspberry Facial Primer moisturizing creams, cream concealers, mascaras, and eyeliners.

Some products comes in compostable makeup packaging (cardboard tubes) while others live in aluminum makeup tins and glass bottles.

About Dirty Hippie 

Based in a zero waste community in Bywong, Australia, Dirty Hippie Cosmetics takes care of just about every personal care category: makeup, hair care, skincare, and more.

From zero waste sunscreen to zero waste deodorant, they have it in a handmade, organic formula.

They purchase ingredients through fair trade channels, buy locally, or grow their own, even making use of naturally collected rainwater.

Their labels are printed with refillable veg-ink and their operations have a 50% carbon offset and utilize renewable solar power.

Finally, they’re involved in a number of charitable initiatives, from raising awareness for suicide prevention to animal rescue to support for cancer sufferers.


11. FAT AND THE MOON

14 Zero Waste Makeup Brands Creating Plastic Free Cosmetics Image by Sustainable Jungle #zerowastemakeup
Image by Sustainable Jungle

*Note: Not all products are vegan but there are many vegan options

About Fat and the Moon’s Zero Plastic Cosmetics

Fat and the Moon has an impressive selection of some of the best zero waste makeup.

Their “adornment” collection contains highlighters, eye coals (which is pretty much like eyeliner but less waxy and in pot form), and tinted lip/cheek stains.

All Fat and the Moon products are palm oil-free and cruelty-free, but not entirely vegan as the eye coals and lip stains contain beeswax.

Their tin and glass jar packaging is reusable, and they “encourage customers to find fun and creative ways of reusing our jars. We design packaging to be a joy to reuse and a breeze to recycle.

About Fat and the Moon

Drawing inspiration from herbalists and natural healers, women-owned Fat and the Moon creates all natural, mostly organic “potions” that prioritize healing and “empowerment through self-care”.

From zero waste skin care to non toxic perfume, all products are hand-made fresh to order with ethically sourced ingredients.

Aside from low waste cosmetics packaging, they ship things sans superfluous packaging.

They also support various charities and causes in their community.


12. BEE YOU ORGANICS

Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat, because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, being often comprised of composite materials and components Image by Bee You Organics #zerowastemakeup #zerowastecosmetics #plasticfreemakeup #sustainablejungle
Image by Bee You Organics

*Note: Many products are not suitable for vegans but there are vegan options available

About Bee You Organics’ Waste Free Makeup

Bee You Organics specializes in eco personal care products for the face and body.

This Etsy zero waste makeup brand offers organic sun-protective bb creams, face powders, mineral eye-shadows, eyeliner, and mascara.

All products are 100% cruelty-free and palm oil-free, but not entirely vegan. Some BB cremes contain beeswax and some face serums and moisturizers include emu oil.

For zero waste makeup packaging, they offer tin, glass, or paperboard, though some products, like mineral eye and face powders, come in tins with plastic sifters, swappable upon request.

They also accept returns of used containers for recycling/reuse.

About Bee You Organics

Bee You Organics was funded by a Pacific Northwest-based mother who was raised all-natural and holistic from a young age.

Everything she uses is ethically sourced from reputable supplies, non-GMO, cruelty-free, alcohol-free, and preservative-free (no SLS) to handmade products in small batches.

They source beeswax from local bee farmers and claim to harm no bees in the process. They also own their own apiary and support local university bee research projects.

Their packages are all ship in entirely recycled, recyclable, and sometimes compostable packaging.

Bee You supports various charities and small businesses in their community.


13. NEEK SKIN ORGANICS

Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat, because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, being often comprised of composite materials and components Image by Neek Skin Organics #zerowastemakeup
Image by Neek Skin Organics
About Neek Skin Organics Low Waste Makeup Australia

Neek offers a range of lipsticks in a variety of colors.

Certified vegan and Choose Cruelty-Free, these 100% natural lipsticks exclude synthetic dyes, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oils, palm oil, perfume, lead, gluten, carmine, sheep grease, and beeswax.

Not strictly zero waste, their lipstick tubes are made from renewable bamboo which reduces plastic use.

About Neek Skin Organics

Founded in Australia by Angelique, Neek seeks to empower consumers with ethical beauty options.

All products are made in Australia—which reduces their carbon footprint—using ingredients that are certified sustainably sourced and organic grade.

They operate paper-free as much as possible, choosing recycled and recyclable options in everything they do.

Orders are mailed out in plastic-free compostable satchels.


DIY ZERO WASTE MAKEUP OPTIONS

The best zero waste makeup is that which you make yourself.

That way, you can custom create exactly what you need using only the ingredients you want (sans shipping and packaging).

While it can be time-consuming and messy, it’s much simpler than you might think, using mostly ingredients easily found in the bulk or produce sections of your grocery store.

For instance, you can make blush with only dehydrated beet powder and natural eyeliner using a combination of just burnt almond paste and aloe vera gel.

See The Simple Year for an (honest) narrative and recipe for homemade make-up or the wealth of tutorial videos on YouTube.


FINDING THE BEST ZERO WASTE MAKEUP BRANDS

Not everyone has the time to devote to creating a personal cosmetics line themselves (we sure don’t), which is where plastic free makeup brands come in.

Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, often comprised of composite materials and components that would need to be separated to avoid recycling contamination.

Remember, zero waste is an ethos to use only that which can be reused or composted, instead of trashed or burned.

It involves a lot of small steps and incremental changes (just like your zero waste cleaning routine) and sometimes it feels like you’re never quite there.


OUR APPROACH TO PLASTIC FREE MAKEUP

If this is your first time visiting, our approach to sustainable beauty is to look for zero waste makeup brands and products that are:

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-toxic: We only want to put on our body what we would put in it. Ideally, that means all-nature and organic ingredients, but at the very least, we try to steer clear of the many harmful ingredients to avoid in skin care.
  • Palm oil free: If not possible, then we seek brands that use sustainable, RSPO-certified palm oil.
  • Ethical ingredient sourcing policies.
  • Thoughtful packaging: Zero waste packaging means it either has no waste at all or waste that is compostable, refillable, or reusable.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON ZERO WASTE MAKEUP

The beauty industry wants us to believe we need all this synthetic junk to make ourselves pretty and presentable.

We’re not saying you shouldn’t glam up as little or much as you want, but we encourage you to be selective about the products you allow into your (hopefully) zero waste makeup routine.

At its core, low waste living is also a ritual of being more mindful about our consumption in small, everyday ways that overtime make a big difference.

Make your beauty routine meaningful, too, for both yourself and the planet.

Who says you can’t spend Saturday night out and still be sustainable?

Send your girlfriend this list of zero waste makeup brands so together you can go green, get glam, and get down on the town.


Finding zero waste makeup alternatives is no easy feat, because traditional containers are difficult (at best) to recycle, being often comprised of composite materials and components Image by Fat and the Moon #zerowastemakeup

8 thoughts on “13 Zero Waste Makeup Brands Creating Plastic Free Cosmetics”

    • Hi Janice! You’re right it’s not super obvious, we should make that clearer. You can find a detailed description of what we look for here and a good explanation of the key here. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  1. Hi
    I’m also trying to shop local miles and so these brands from west coast usa and Australia don’t fit the bill 🙁 Can you please keep with a list of UK//mainland Europe products, do you think? Thank you for the work you’ve done.

    Reply
    • Thanks for the feedback Lorna, we’ve had quite a few folks asking us for this so will aim to do that in our next refresh of these articles. We started with this article which might help, but not many UK/EU brands yet, we will work on building up that list!

      Reply
    • Thanks Abby! We actually did try reaching out to them to try learn more but never received a response. Good prompt to try again, thanks!

      Reply

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