There’s no win-win (er, skin-skin) like sustainable skincare products.
Sans toxic chemicals and (almost all) plastic, the brands we’ve curated in this list are creating products that keep both far away from your pores and our planet.
Because they know that natural, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients allow your skin to do what it does best.
At the same time, their eco-friendly skincare packaging innovations protect the environment by cutting down the beauty industry’s annual production of 120 billion units of plastic.
Soon we’ll be rolling out our new Brand Rating System, which will assess brands across an expanded array of sustainability-related criteria, including their climate impact and chemical use. Here’s our explainer if you want to know how the system works.
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. Learn more here.
Our Top Epidermis & Eco-Friendly Skincare Brands
Sensitive skin can find solace in Activist Skincare’s eco-friendly face products. We’ve tested them, and not only are their natural products effective for all skin types, but they also reduce waste and emissions and support environmental organizations in the process.
With inspiring philanthropy efforts and some of the best eco-friendly skincare, women-owned Shine Skincare is another SJ go-to brand whose products we use and love. Part of the profits support children experiencing domestic violence.
For the best vegan sustainable skincare, we recommend Meow Meow Tweet. The plastic-free and eclectic brand has claw-some multi-purpose beauty products that will save you money and space in your zero waste bathroom.
Index: Best Eco-Friendly Skincare Brands
- Activist Skincare Jump to brand
- Shine Skincare Co. Jump to brand
- 100% Pure Jump to brand
- Meow Meow Tweet Jump to brand
- Andrea’s Organic Market Jump to brand
- Ethique Jump to brand
- Wildling Jump to brand
- My Valley Mist Smile Jump to brand
- Dew Mighty Jump to brand
Activist Skincare
Activist Skincare
Price Range: $$
Is vegan skin care sustainable?
Looking at Activist Skincare’s conscious business practices, we’d say so.
Their natural and sustainable skin care products are made with gentle and effective ingredients that don’t harm ecosystems (your skin’s, or the planet’s).
Each ingredient is sourced from individual producers with ethics, sustainability, and quality in mind. Like caprylic triglycerides from non-GMO and palm-oil free sources, and certified organic hydrosols wildcrafted by small growers.
Among their eco skincare wonders you’ll find makeup removing cleansers, face oils, skin serums, compostable sunscreens, and more.
If you want to test all seven of their refillable products, go for their Trial & Travel Kit which offers serious bite-sized value.
About Activist Skincare
Activist Skincare’s secret to minimalist skin care is making refills available in thin, lightweight pouches that generate 99% less CO2 and 75% less plastic waste than normal recycled glass containers.
The fact that we only have to buy their glass packaging once, and refill the bottles at home — which is made even easier with their discount subscription service to get pouches delivered per our schedule, makes this brand a beauty no-brainer.
Did we mention they’re also members of 1% For The Planet (i.e. 1% of all revenue is donated to environmental advocacy organizations)?
My Personal Review of Activist’s Sea To Skin Cleansing Gel & Precious Oil Active Infusion:
“A standout in my own beauty routine is the ocean-inspired Sea to Skin Cleansing Gel. The gel gets its vibrant blue color from natural spirulina extract and its cleansing power from cold-pressed botanical oils. I love the balance this product strikes between gently cleansing away dirt and makeup while also hydrating my skin.
“But if you need extra moisture, I can’t recommend Precious Oil Active Infusion enough. Suitable for all skin types, the dewy skin oil manages oil production and protects against free radical damage through a formulation of coenzyme Q10, bisabolol, and a blend of plant-based antioxidants. I mainly use it to moisturize my face in the morning, but I’ve also successfully used it on my scalp when it’s been a little dry and flakey.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Shine Skincare Co.
Shine Skincare Co.
Price Range: $–$$
Let your inner beauty shine with Shine Skincare Co.’s natural, sustainable skincare products.
Nourishing body serum, shea butter face balm, rose water shimmer spray, and turmeric and other botanical-infused natural toners—to name a few.
In each, you’ll find only natural ingredients, like aloe vera, willow bark extract, tea tree oil, and witch hazel.
About Shine Skincare
Nothing is more beautiful than a beauty brand with a cause.
As someone who has experienced domestic abuse firsthand, owner Kathleen created Shine Skincare Co. to empower women to break past abuse and trauma through self-love.
The Etsy star-seller not only makes incredible products but also donates a portion of all sales to WEAVE youth and community services, a non-profit providing support to children in difficult home situations.
All products come courtesy of reusable glass containers, though some are not plastic-free due to the lids.
My Personal Review of Shine Skincare’s Clear + Balance Oil & Firm + Hydrate Facial Toner:
If you have an oily skin type, you can rejoice in their SJ tried and tested Clear + Balance face oil. The oil is carefully formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients that increase circulation and ease breakouts while still providing the adequate moisture we need living in a dry, high-altitude mountainous climate. It’s rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids naturally found in red raspberry, cucumber, grapeseed, and hemp oils. I really like that despite it being oil-based, it doesn’t feel too thick, and the oil absorbs really quickly.
Another firm favorite of mine is the Firm + Hydrate Facial Toner that I use every morning after showering or washing my face. Packed with plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid and algae extract, it truly lives up to its name. While I like to think my fine lines have been fading (though that might be wishful thinking), I definitely enjoy the dewy, glowing effect it gives me as I start my day.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
100% Pure
100% Pure’s Skincare
Price Range: $–$$
With a name like 100% Pure, it should come as no surprise that this clean cosmetics brand also makes some of the best sustainable skin care products.
What makes their skincare eco-friendly?
All of their products are cruelty-free, and contain zero synthetic fragrances, mineral oils, synthetic colors, or harmful chemicals.
Rather, some of their common sustainable skincare ingredients include Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Bakuchiol, Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil, and more.
You can browse through 10 full pages of planet-friendly cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and more.
About 100% Pure
100% Pure’s business practices are as clear as your skin will be after using their sustainable face products.
The natural skincare brand is committed to making a lasting positive impact on local and global communities through their sustainability and philanthropy efforts.
All of their formulas are non-toxic and biodegradable, meaning they won’t be giving our planet an unneeded makeover.
While not plastic-free yet, in efforts to combat the ever present plastic problem, the brand vows to reduce all petro-chemical based packaging by 75% and replace all packaging with PCR materials by 2024.
Remaining true to their core mission, part of every order will either plant a tree for a community in need or donate a meal to a shelter dog.
My Personal Review of 100% Pure’s Vitamin C Face Mask:
“If you don’t know where to start with 100% Pure’s massive range, I recommend their Vitamin C Face Mask. Formulated with both Vitamin C and B3, your face will appreciate the natural collagen boost. It’s my go-to for a little skin self-care, and unlike some masks I’ve tried where you can hardly grin without feeling like your face wants to shatter, this one is much less uncomfortable and noticeable during wear.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet’s Skin Care
Price Range: $
With a huge range of items made with clean and certified organic ingredients, we’re pawsitive that Meow Meow Tweet has the products to support your sustainable skincare routine.
That includes (but is certainly not limited to) body and face oils, exfoliant masks, cleansers, sunscreen, serums, skin cream and balms, toner, and more.
Our personal favorite being their Tea Tree Charcoal facial bar made from hydrating cocoa butter and coconut oil.
Though technically a natural face wash, it can also be used as a sustainable body wash bar for those who like to keep their skincare simple.
All items are vegan and packed with skin-rejuvenating ingredients like cold-pressed essential oils and organic unrefined plant oils.
They’re also all palm oil and gluten-free.
Your new favorite products will come in plastic-free, compostable sustainable skin care packaging that’s so adorable you may want to keep it out of the compost bin.
About Meow Meow Tweet
Taking a slow food approach to skincare, Meow Meow Tweet makes preservative-free small-batch products—as close to fresh as possible—in a California microfactory.
Their products are backed with their Certified B Corp status and Climate Neutral, Leaping Bunny, and Plastic Negative certifications.
Many are refillable beauty products, or at least come in conscious plastic-free packaging, like glass bottles or aluminum with recycled, recyclable, and compostable boxes.
While they haven’t found a solution to plastic spray nozzles and pumps (yet), you can return them post-use to be recycled with TerraCycle.
They also work with rePurpose global to offset their plastic use.
Every month, they donate to a new small, grassroots, BIPOC- or queer-led organization.
Andrea’s Organic Market
Andrea’s Organic Market’s Skin Care Products
Price Range: $–$$
As one of the most sustainable skincare brands on Etsy, Andrea’s Organic Market is the place for pure and raw body scrubs, balms, facial scrubs, masks, astringent, skin oils, salves, makeup remover, and organic baby skin care.
100% non-GMO and certified organic ingredients are chosen to support your skin and our shared home.
Think raw butters, cold-pressed unrefined plant oils, and herbal infusions.
Some products contain honey and/or goat milk, but the latter can be substituted with coconut milk for vegan shoppers.
For those of you who need to show your lips a little love, we recommend the one drop remedy for cracked lips and cold sores: the Organic Lip Serum.
Made with herb infused olive oil and pure beeswax, you can literally kiss your skin problems goodbye with this natural lip balm.
About Andrea’s Organic Market
Skincare aside, cold-pressed shampoo, bath salts, tea, honey, and other culinary delicacies are also on offer at Andrea’s Organic Market.
Created by a self-confessed “label reader”, the shop only uses non-toxic herb-based formulations.
Everything is handmade in Indiana and is free of palm oil. In some cases, the certified organic ingredients are also Fair Trade.
Glass bottles with aluminum lids are used across the mostly plastic-free product line.
For some bottles, you can choose to receive a plastic pump on your first order, then omit it on replacement orders so you can keep reusing the same pump.
Ethique
Ethique’s Skincare
Price Range: $
We can’t talk about eco-friendly packaging for skincare without mentioning one of the first zero waste beauty brands.
Ethique’s minimally wrapped bars and cardboard tubes support the planet while their lineup supports skin of all types with zero waste lotion, cleansers, face creams, makeup remover, and more.
Dry skin darlings especially can benefit from their Quench Lightweight Solid face moisturizer.
Consciously selected certified organic ingredients mean that Ethique will never expose your skin to those associated with health risks: PEGs, FD&C dyes, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, and parabens.
They’re biodegradable, certified cruelty free, vegan, palm oil-free, and always plastic-free.
About Ethique
New Zealand may be Ethique’s origin, but now they’re a global household name.
Plastic-free products aside, they’re an excellent source of everything plastic-free, from zero waste shampoo and conditioner to cleaning products.
Not only does the Certified B Corp use sustainably produced, minimally processed ingredients, but they’re often directly traded, meaning farmers and workers benefit from better pay and supportive partnerships.
They are climate positive by offsetting 120% of their carbon emissions and plant one tree for every order.
An additional 2% of all sales go to organizations supporting conservation, animal welfare, and the environment.
Wildling
Wildling’s Skincare
Price Range: $$–$$$
If you enjoy a minimal, eco-friendly skincare routine, Wildling has got the goods.
Body oils, face tonics, face oils, and gua sha stones for natural, anti-aging skin care.
The herbalist-formulated products use organic and wild active certified organic ingredients to increase circulation and detoxify skin of all types.
The Empress Barrier Repair Oil is “like gua sha in a bottle”. It’s designed to not only soothe and moisturize, but to lift, plump, tighten and tone the skin with one carefully crafted sustainable anti-aging skincare formula.
Everything is essential oil-free, cruelty free, gluten-free, vegan, palm oil free, and Fair Trade.
Combined with the traditional Chinese Medicine practices of cupping and gua sha, Wildling provides a noninvasive way to turn back the clock and help skin appear firmer, healthier, and more youthful.
About Wildling
Wildling uses ingredients that come from family-owned organic and biodynamic farms and seasonal foraging trips.
Harvested at peak potency, they’re selected for their time-tested ability to rejuvenate skin and support radiant health.
Products are made in small batches and housed in recyclable, reusable glass packaging.
Shipping materials are biodegradable and compostable.
My Valley Mist Smile
My Valley Mist Smile’s Skincare UK
Price Range: $–$$
When it comes to sustainable skincare for sensitive skin, My Valley Mist Smile is no hit-or-mist.
All of their products are equally incredible, including their facial and beard oils, lip balms, toners, and much more.
The Etsy-seller offers three different vegan toners specially crafted for different skin types: neroli lavender for normal to dry skin, witch hazel and lemon for combination skin, and tea tree for oily skin.
All products are formulated with plant oils and organic botanicals. It’s important to note that eco-certified palm oil derivatives are used in some products.
Some are also registered with the Vegan Society, but all appear to be free from animal byproducts.
About My Valley Mist Smile
For simple, eco-friendly skincare, UK-based My Valley Mist Smile is sure to make users of any skin type smile.
The founder, Jo, wants to make it easy for you to practice a zero waste lifestyle, which is why products come in reusable/recyclable amber glass jars and bottles with optional droppers.
Purchasing gift sets and certain other products provides a donation to organizations such as the World Land Trust.
If you’re in the UK, you can visit their brick-and-mortar location in Leyland, Lancashire.
Dew Mighty
Dew Mighty’s Skin Care
Price Range: $–$$
Eco-friendly skincare packaging, clean ingredients, and refillable products?
When it comes to environmentally-friendly skincare, Dew Mighty sure knows what they are dew-ing.
The beauty brand raises the bar with their one-of-a-kind face serum bars—you read that right: bars.
Both carbon neutral and travel-friendly thanks to the handy tin container your first order will come with, these super innovative mess-free jellies are designed for two months’ worth of use.
When you’re ready for a new one, refill jellies come in plastic-free cardboard boxes.
Alongside a powdered enzyme cleanser, which also works as a zero waste makeup remover, there are three different jelly serums to choose from, each formulated with a slightly different combination of plant-based oils and butter.
If you aren’t sure which one is right for you, we recommend starting with their Trio Deluxe Sample Bundle.
About Dew Mighty
As members of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, sustainable skincare packaging is what Dew Mighty is all about.
They openly call out the irony of carbon neutral credits and tree planting schemes for “clean companies” that still use single use plastics (even the PCR type).
While it may not be complete greenwashing, it definitely is a bit counter productive.
In addition to offering plastic-free products, Dew Mighty offsets what little carbon footprint they create.
They are also involved in numerous charitable initiatives, including donations to projects building wells in water-restricted areas, providing meals to those in need, and providing self-sufficiency to people experiencing homelessness.
My Personal Review of Dew Mighty’s Jelly Serums:
“The Nova Jelly Serum has some of my favorite skincare ingredients, including hyaluronic acid to fight those early signs of aging I’m starting to see (😭) and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate. I also appreciate the addition of sea buckthorn oil, which is antioxidant-rich. As such, I like to use this before and after a lot of sun exposure to help fight off free radical damage and promote healing.
The beautiful Bloom Jelly Serum bar is filled with healthy amino acids that work hard to reduce redness, brighten skin tone, and strengthen the skin barrier. The completely solid and waterless gel bars are also perfect for travel. I can just throw them in my suitcase and never have to worry about TSA trouble.
For those of you who struggle to find cleansers that don’t dry out your skin, I can recommend Dew Mighty’s Lucid Enzyme Cleansing Powder. Gentle ingredients like rice powder, kaolin clay, and butterfly peas give those pores a good clean without stripping my skin’s natural oils. One refill—which comes as a powder in a paper envelope to be poured into the travel-ready metal tube your first order comes in—gave me enough product for a month’s worth of daily cleansing, as only a bit is needed.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
How To Create A Sustainable Skincare Routine
The best sustainable skin care routine is doing…nothing.
It feels a bit counter-intuitive but taking a minimal approach to supporting your body’s largest organ will help your skin retain more of its natural oils.
If you can get away with just water or the occasional use of a serum or moisturizer, your skin and the planet will thank you.
Next time you catch some magazine head-liner promoting a 10-step skincare routine ask yourself:
Do I really need all of these products?
Have you tried “skin fasting”?
This means cutting out all (including sustainable) skin care products and then reintroducing them one-by-one to find those that are really needed.
You can save money and space in your sustainable makeup bag by swapping fancy products for kitchen staples, like apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and olive oil.
Give it a few weeks, and you may be surprised at your new dewy, glowy skin—without the environmental impact.
