From ingredients that pose a risk to our health and the environment to the mountains of plastic packaging waste, conventional beauty brands are dirtying the planet and our bodies. So in this article, we share some of the best sustainable beauty brands that address these issues AND provide products that customers actually love.
Opting for clean beauty products that are also sustainable means considering functionality as well as ethics. In other words, those designed for minimal negative environmental and social impact but also for doing the job really well.
For this list, we looked for (and tested) beauty brands that prioritize non-toxic and natural ingredients as well as low impact packaging like refillable glass jars, recycled materials, and minimal compostable paper packaging. We also looked for brands who are just that bit extra when it comes to sustainability.
Note: Our brand rating system assesses brands based on multiple sustainability-related criteria, including things like product safety, chemical use, biodiversity impact, and ethics in the supply chain. Brands need to opt in to be rated. Look out for rated brands below and find others in our directory.
We independently research all featured brands, and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
The Best Ethical & Green Beauty Brands
River Organics’ collection of vegan, plastic-free cosmetics includes mascara, blush, concealer, tinted lip balms, and more. Made with mostly organic ingredients, customers generally review River Organics’ cosmetics 5/5 stars. River Organics has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Oway harvests most of their ingredients from their own biodynamic farm in Northern Italy. They make luxury sustainable beauty products including skincare, body care, and haircare, all of which exclude any harmful ingredients. Oway is certified by PETA and ECOCERT Cosmos, and is carbon neutral. Oway has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Delicate Daisys makes a curated range of ethical beauty products in small batches in Europe including skincare and haircare. They use mostly organic, non-GMO, and plant-based ingredients, and are certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA. Delicate Daisys has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Index: Eco-Friendly Beauty Brands
- River Organics Jump to brand
- Oway Jump to brand
- Delicate Daisys Botanical Beauty Jump to brand
- Fat and the Moon Jump to brand
- Axiology Jump to brand
- One Love Organics Jump to brand
- ĀTHR Beauty Jump to brand
- EcoRoots Jump to brand
- Butter Me Up Organics Jump to brand
River Organics
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at home
Cruelty-free
Products are not test on animals at any stage in their production.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Organic
Products are made from organic materials.
Plastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-free
Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materials
Small business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 people
Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
Zero Waste
Products are made with a low or zero waste approach where ideally no or limited waste is created throughout the production process or at the end of life.
Certified Vegan
Leaping Bunny
Certified Vegan
The Certified Vegan logo, managed by the Vegan Awareness Foundation (Vegan Action), ensures that products contain no animal ingredients or by-products and have not been tested on animals. It’s one of the most recognized vegan certifications, helping consumers identify items that meet strict vegan and cruelty-free standards across food, cosmetics, clothing, and household products.Leaping Bunny
The Leaping Bunny certification, managed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), is the globally recognized gold standard for cruelty-free products. It ensures that neither a company’s finished products nor their ingredients are tested on animals at any stage of development. Brands must also agree to independent audits and supplier monitoring, guaranteeing genuine cruelty-free commitment across their entire supply chain.River Organics is a woman-owned ethical beauty brand, founded by Corinne Lefebvre in 2016. Based in Wilmington, NC, they offer a full collection of vegan, plastic-free cosmetics including mascara, blush, concealer, highlighter, tinted lip balms and stains, and brow wax. All products are certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and vegan by The Vegan Society.
Each formula is made in small batches with a short list of gentle, nourishing ingredients—75% of which are certified organic. Key ingredients include shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, blended with natural mineral pigments. River Organics also uses lab-created, conflict-free mica to avoid ethical mining concerns.
Their sustainable beauty products come in FSC-certified compostable paper tubes, biodegradable sugarcane labels, and plastic-free outer packaging. Customers consistently rate River Organics’ products 5/5 stars, praising their subtle natural finish, moisturizing texture, and non-irritating formulas.
River Organics has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
Oway
Carbon Neutral
Brand has been certified as Carbon Neutral.Cruelty-free
Products are not test on animals at any stage in their production.
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Green Energy
Brand exclusively uses green energy to power their headquarters.Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxicOrganic
Products are made from organic materials.Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materialsSustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Upcycled
Products have been upcycled from an unusable or undesirable form into new products.Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
ECOCERT Cosmos
PETA
ECOCERT Cosmos
The ECOCERT COSMOS certification is an internationally recognized standard for natural and organic cosmetics. Overseen by ECOCERT, it ensures that products are made with sustainably sourced, biodegradable ingredients, use environmentally friendly manufacturing and packaging, and avoid GMOs, parabens, phenoxyethanol, and synthetic fragrances or dyes. The COSMOS label (either Organic or Natural) guarantees transparency and integrity throughout the entire production process.PETA
The PETA-Approved Vegan certification verifies that a brand’s certified products are completely free from animal-derived materials and that no animal testing is conducted at any stage of production. Managed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the label helps consumers easily identify fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products that align with a fully vegan and cruelty-free standard.Oway (Organic Way) is a luxury Italian beauty brand that merges biodynamic farming, green chemistry, and refined design to create low-impact skincare, body care, and haircare. From face creams to body lotions and hand treatments, every formula is crafted with 90–95% plant-based ingredients—many of which are grown on Oway’s own certified biodynamic farm, Ortofficina, in the hills of Bologna.
Their products are all packaged in recyclable aluminum tubes or glass jars, with minimal use of plastic (such as small caps or pumps). Each product avoids synthetic fragrance, parabens, sulfates, silicones, PEGs, and other petroleum-based ingredients. Instead, they rely on botanicals like hazelnut oil, chia seed extract, and biodynamic lavender to deliver effective hydration and nourishment for sensitive skin.
Beyond formulas, Oway is deeply committed to environmental responsibility. The brand is carbon-neutral and uses 100% renewable energy for production. Packaging is plastic-free wherever possible and shipped in upcycled, tree-free boxes made from agricultural waste. Oway is also certified by PETA and ECOCERT Cosmos.
Oway has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
Delicate Daisys Botanical Beauty
Cruelty-free
Products are not test on animals at any stage in their production.Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Minority Owned
Brand is owned by Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color.Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxicOrganic
Products are made from organic materials.
Palm Oil Free
Products contain no palm oil or palm oil derivatives.Small business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 peopleSustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their productsWoman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
Leaping Bunny
MBE
PETA
WBENC
Leaping Bunny
The Leaping Bunny certification, managed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), is the globally recognized gold standard for cruelty-free products. It ensures that neither a company’s finished products nor their ingredients are tested on animals at any stage of development. Brands must also agree to independent audits and supplier monitoring, guaranteeing genuine cruelty-free commitment across their entire supply chain.MBE
The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification recognizes businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority individuals. Issued by organizations like the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) in the U.S., the certification helps connect minority-owned businesses with corporate and government contracting opportunities.PETA
The PETA-Approved Vegan certification verifies that a brand’s certified products are completely free from animal-derived materials and that no animal testing is conducted at any stage of production. Managed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the label helps consumers easily identify fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products that align with a fully vegan and cruelty-free standard.WBENC
The Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification, issued by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), verifies that a business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women. It’s one of the most widely recognized certifications for women-owned businesses in the U.S.Delicate Daisys is a woman- and minority-owned ethical beauty brand based in the US, offering a carefully curated range of face, body, and hair care products. Formulated and produced in small batches in Europe, their skincare line includes rich creams, masks, and scrubs—each crafted with a focus on skin health and ingredient integrity. Best sellers include the Rejuvenating Night Face Cream with Bulgarian Rose and the Herbal Hair Mask Probiotics.
The brand’s non-toxic formulations use mostly organic, non-GMO, and plant-based ingredients, while steering clear of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and other commonly flagged chemicals. All products are certified cruelty-free and vegan by Leaping Bunny and PETA.
Delicate Daisys uses BPA-free recycled plastic for packaging to reduce weight and shipping emissions, and ships orders in FSC-certified recycled paper. Their entire range is made under Europe’s strict cosmetic safety and labor standards, and customers consistently praise the clean formulations, subtle natural scents, and skin-soothing performance.
Fat and the Moon
Fat and the Moon has not been rated.
Fat and the Moon offers some of the best sustainable beauty products including face and body lotion, face masks, exfoliating paste, eye coal, highlighter cream, tinted lip balm, and much more, all made in small batches from nourishing plant-based ingredients. All products are palm oil free.
This women-owned zero waste beauty brand makes all its products in-house using (mostly) organic and ethically harvested ingredients. With glass jars and bottles, cartons made from post-consumer recycled paper, and paper sifters, they’ve thought carefully about their sustainable packaging.
Their Regenerative Packaging Guide explains how to responsibly deal with your empties. Fat and the Moon gives back via donations to several charity partners.
My Personal Review of Fat and the Moon’s Ruby Red Tinted Balm:
“I’ve been wearing this tinted balm for a few years now and I truly love it. It does not dry out my lips and leaves such a subtle but still fancy hue that I think works really well for me personally (I’m not the full face of heavy makeup type). It feels nourishing and it hardly looks used – I use it once twice a week or so so I think this is going to las a long time.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-founder
Axiology
Axiology has not been rated.
Axiology is one of the OG brands for ethical beauty products. They tackle plastic waste with their signature range: Balmies and Multisticks—AKA plastic-free 3-in-1 crayons that can be used for eyes, cheeks, and lips. Containing minimal simple ingredients, including castor oil, sunflower oil, and hemp seed oil, they come in many different colors to add a vegan and cruelty-free glow to your beauty routine.
They also now offer foundation (“Fungdation”) which is made from reishi mushrooms. The minimal paper wrapping or cardboard push tubes used for all their products ensures no more plastic lipstick tubes, bottles or pumps end up in landfill or littering the environment.
Axiology is one of our favorite zero waste makeup brands. They partner with a women’s cooperative in Bali who recycle the island’s paper trash for the brand’s outer packaging. And multifunctional products like their beauty crayons help minimize our makeup bag which is inherently more sustainable than buying multiple products – and this multi-functionality makes Axiology a much more affordable sustainable beauty brand than most.
My Personal Review of Axiology’s Balmies & Multi-Sticks:
“I’m totally obsessed with Axiology’s 3-in-1 makeup crayons. These cute, colorful lipsticks are not just for my lips—they work on my cheeks and eyes too – who doesn’t love a product that does it all? With only nine simple ingredients (or ten for the Multi-Sticks), I can feel good about putting them on my skin, and they fit perfectly in my bag for quick touch-ups on-the-go.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
One Love Organics
One Love Organics has not been rated.
One Love Organics offer a range of balms, cleansers, creams, mists, moisturizers, oils, scrubs, and serums, all handmade in small batches from high-quality ingredients designed to keep skin pH at an optimal level. Dermatologist tested through and through, you won’t find any common skin irritants or allergens, like synthetic fragrances.
Blending science and nature, founder Suzanne LaRoux combines knowledge from her pharmacist father with her passion for aromatherapy and herbal medicine. The result? A green beauty brand that offers high-quality, Leaping Bunny and PETA-certified cruelty-free products.
OLO is also a Green America certified-Gold business. Products are made in small batches in their ECOCERT-certified organic laboratory in Georgia. Palm oil is minimally used and RSPO-certified. They use glass containers for product packaging, but they do contain a plastic pump.
My Personal Review of One Love Organics’ Skin Savior Multi-tasking Wonder Balm:
“For one balm that does it all, their Skin Savior Multi-Tasking Wonder Balm is a certified organic, well, wonder. I’ve tested it out in all their suggested uses, including trying it as a makeup remover, face moisturizer, and full-body moisturizer, and find it really does work for all these purposes.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
ĀTHR Beauty
ĀTHR Beauty has not been rated.
ĀTHR Beauty is a gem among luxury sustainable beauty brands. From mascara made with crushed black diamonds to crystal-infused eyeshadow palettes and lip stains made with organic cactus flower extract, this brand brings the power of nature to your beauty routine.
The plant-based formulas are free from over 3000 banned harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients. The Rose Quartz Crystal Gemstone Palette features ten desert-inspired shades made from moringa seed oil, organic shea butter, organic cocoa butter, and rose quartz.
They’re moving towards sustainable beauty packaging with the first zero waste palettes for their eyeshadow. No mirrors and magnets means they are easily recyclable—just remove the aluminum eye pans from the paper palette for separate recycling. Their lip and cheek stain containers are made from post-consumer recycled materials and recyclable via a partnership with Pact Collective.
All products are vegan and cruelty-free, as certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny.
They are based in Tuscan, Arizona, and use desert-derived ingredients and crystal infusions for their unique range of sustainable cosmetics. Raw materials and ingredients are ethically sourced and fair trade where possible. They only work with factories in the US, Canada, and Europe that can ensure safe and ethical working conditions.
EcoRoots
EcoRoots has not been rated.
EcoRoots takes care of all your bath and beauty needs, including soap bars, razors, lip balm, lotion bars, facial cream, masks, and moisturizers. Their nourishing Rosehip Facial Cream is made with organic coconut oil, rosehip seed oil, and hibiscus extract, meaning it’s high in antioxidants and vitamin C for a sustainable skin glow.
All products are cruelty-free, vegan, and non-toxic, though some products (like the aforementioned face cream) contain palm oil derivatives. Colorado-based EcoRoots is a one-stop store for ethical online shopping. Packaging is either cardboard or glass jars with aluminum lids and all orders are shipped plastic-free.
My Personal Review of EcoRoots’ Rosehip Facial Cream:
“The rosehip scent in this cream hits just the right level of fragrance, unlike a lot of conventional moisturizers, this is subtle. Because it’s fairly lightweight, I used it as a day cream in the winter, but it was a little too heavy during the summer when it’s better as a night cream. It’s not greasy, very easy to apply, and absorbs really fast. FYI – my skin is slightly oily, otherwise I don’t have problematic or combination skin I can use most creams without too much of an issue. “
Review by Lyall Mabin, SJ’s Co-founder
Butter Me Up Organics
Butter Me Up Organics has not been rated.
Butter Me Up Organics is a “modern-day apothecary” offering a huge range of eco-friendly beauty products for skin and hair, including beard balm, facial cleansing bars, makeup remover, lip balms, sea salt hairspray, hair wax, and much more.
They use high-quality, natural ingredients that include oils and clays. Most ingredients are organic, and all are certified cruelty-free. All of this brand’s formulas are non-toxic, in line with their advice: “Don’t put anything on your body that you wouldn’t put in it”. Naturally, that means that you won’t find any synthetic ingredients, including dyes and fragrances.
Butter Me Up Organics takes a zero waste approach to their sustainable beauty line, using glass bottles, paper bar wrapping, aluminum tins, and paperboard lip balm tubes. All orders are shipped plastic-free.
My Personal Review of Butter Me Up Organics’ Facial Cleansing Bar:
“For facial cleansing, this brand offers a range of solid bars, including The Facial Cleansing Bar with French green sea clay that I sampled. Suitable for all skin types, the clay draws out oils and impurities without drying my skin. At least in my experience, which I was happy to discover because I’m typically a water-only type of face wash person, as surfactants make my skin dry out very easily.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
How We Found The Best Sustainable Beauty Brands
Clean beauty, clean conscience.
Getting super picky about the products we use is an important part of sustainable living.
We used our ethical and sustainable beauty criteria to choose the most sustainable beauty brands leading the way with sustainable cosmetics.
- Non-toxic: This means knowing which ingredients to avoid in skin care and which ingredients are a better choice for our bodies and the planet. All the better if they’re organically grown or certified by Ecocert COSMOS or USDA Organic.
- Cruelty Free and Vegan: Not every environmentally friendly beauty brand on this list is vegan, but they make it clear which products contain animal-derived ingredients and only use those that can be harvested without animal harm, such as beeswax. No animal testing, ever.
- Palm oil free: When palm oil is used it should be ethically sourced, (i.e. RSPO-certified).
- Ethical ingredient sourcing: Brands that consider the supply chain and carefully source their raw materials from sustainable sources get the thumbs up.
Thoughtful packaging: We’re ideally looking for zero waste or plastic-free packaging that is reusable, refillable, or compostable.
Final Thoughts On Ethical Beauty Brands
Why is sustainability important in beauty?
The cosmetics industry has a lot to answer for.
From lab-created synthetic ingredients that pose a risk to our health and the environment, to the mountains of plastic-waste created by shampoo bottles and other single-use plastic containers, conventional cosmetics are responsible for dirtying the planet.
Switching to products that use planet and pregnancy-safe ingredients and minimal packaging creates a better look for all beings. Sustainable beauty practices for the win!
Know someone who could use a hand with cleaning up their beauty routine?
Share this article and help spread the word about the best eco-friendly beauty brands that are shifting the beauty industry for the better.
Joy has been a passionate advocate for the environment since she was a small child. She grew up in South Africa and has been lucky enough to be exposed to the wonders of nature not just in Africa but all over the world. She founded Sustainable Jungle (together with her husband Lyall) back in 2017 after becoming enraged by the devastating impact of palm oil. She then founded the Sustainable Jungle Podcast and together with Lyall interviewed remarkable people from all over the world who were finding ways to create positive impact. Outside of Sustainable Jungle, Joy has always worked in the corporate world, starting out as an auditor and later moving into management consulting. More recently she specialized in Climate Investing for the Asia Pacific region. Given her experience, her current passion is Brand Ratings. She is very much enjoying going deeper on what it really means to drive sustainability performance and true impact through business operations.
Hi there! I’ve been looking to get some tubing mascara and was looking at Thrive Causemetics… I was wondering what you think of them sustainability-wise?
Hi Ally, I’m sorry we haven’t done a deep dive on them yet. Thanks for telling us about them though. If helpful we have an article on zero waste mascara here .
Green & Frugal should be on this list! They are a Canadian brand that makes green bodycare affordable and the quality is amazing. Products are actually natural!
Wow, this was so helpful! My goal in 2022 is to learn more about sustainability and only purchase from companies that make sustainable efforts and ethical sourcing. Thank you for this list!
Hello!
Wow, super informative blogs and great listing such a cool idea – so thank you guys! If you’re still taking submissions, I would add The Solid Bar Company. They are a female founded/owned/run skincare business from near Oxford, UK.
They have cruelty free, 100% vegan, non-toxic, 100% palm oil free, plastic free, zero waste, ethical sourcing, biodegradable packaging so would be good to include if you have the time!
Thanks,
Michelle x
Would you guys be able to add Youth to the People to this list? Thanks in advance!
Hello, I would love to see what you all think of Love Beauty and Planet, they are a ‘green’ company but have been accused of greenwashing
http://www.raspberrythriller.com/2019/03/29/companies-that-are-greenwashing/
Thank you
Thanks Tae, we haven’t heard of them until now! Will keep an eye out!
Hello!
Just came across this list. This is such a great project! If you’re still taking submissions, I would add ILERA Apothecary. They are a Black-owned skincare business from Detroit. They are working towards intentional packaging, but their products are definitely trustworthy and ethically sourced 🙂
Thanks Amanda, they sound awesome!
Hi Joy,
I would add Shea Botanics (sheabotanics.com). They are a new brand who are striving to tick all the boxes for clean beauty, being ethical, sustainable and eco-friendly.
Oh my gosh I have a really great brand you need to add that meets all your criteria! Check out seawitchbotanicals.com!! They’re a B-corp, working towards zero waste, all vegan, no synthetics, no plastics, ethical sourcing, and even all their shipping packaging is recyclable OR TOTALLY COMPOSTABLE. I’d love to see them represented here.
You forgot Avirida.com ! They have compostable packaging & plant a tree for every sale
what is the worst cosmetic brands from a sustainability perspective
Hey Ginny, there are so many that greenwash and just don’t care about their environmental and social impact that I wouldn’t be able to pick one and honestly we spend all our time looking for those doing the right things. This article might help as a start: https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/beauty-brands-that-you-thought-were-cruelty-free-but-arent/
You might look into Altilis Beauty and consider adding to this list!
Thanks for the tip!
Another great sustainable brand based in the UK is Bianca Elgar!
https://www.biancaelgar.com/
Great thanks, we’ll take a look!