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.
You may notice that “rated brands” are starting to appear in many of our guides. These brands have opted into be rated using our Brand Rating System across a range of criteria like waste management, chemical use, packaging, climate action, and more. Look out for rated makeup brands on the list below and find others here.
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.
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. Activist Skincare has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Delicate Daisys is a woman- and minority-owned brand offering small-batch skincare and haircare made under strict European cosmetic safety standards. Their skincare line features rich creams, scrubs, and masks crafted with mostly organic, non-GMO, and plant-based ingredients—free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances. Delicate Daisys has been comprehensively rated by us.
Oway is a luxury Italian skincare brand rooted in biodynamic farming and sustainable production. Their skincare products—ranging from face creams to serums and body lotions—are formulated with 90–95% botanical ingredients, many grown on their own certified biodynamic farm in Northern Italy. Packaging is designed for minimal environmental impact, using recyclable glass jars and aluminum tubes with limited plastic components. See Oway’s rating here.
Index: Best Eco-Friendly Skincare Brands
- Activist Skincare Jump to brand
- Delicate Daisys Botanical Beauty Jump to brand
- Oway 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
Activist Skincare
Circular
All or some products are circular in nature - such that no part of the product needs to end up in landfill at the end of its life
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.
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
Refillable
Product packaging can be refilled with more product, either at a physical store or via a return program.
Take Back Program
Brand offers a take back program for their products and responsibly manages returned items.
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.
1% for the planet
Leaping Bunny
1% for the planet
Certified Environmental Giving — Businesses give 1% of their annual sales directly to vetted environmental partners.Activist Skincare’s 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 line 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.
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 — 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)?
Activist Skincare has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
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
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-toxic
Organic
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 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 productsWoman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
Leaping Bunny
MBE
PETA
WBENC
MBE
Minority Business Enterprise CertifiedWBENC
Women's Business Enterprise National Council CertifiedDelicate Daisys is a woman- and minority-owned skincare brand based in the US, with all products formulated and manufactured in small batches in Europe. Their sustainable skincare line includes nourishing night creams, botanical face masks, and exfoliating scrubs—each made with mostly organic, non-GMO, and plant-based ingredients, and designed to support skin health without relying on synthetic additives.
All formulations are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, and are certified vegan and cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and PETA. Packaging is kept low-impact using BPA-free recycled plastic to reduce emissions during shipping, and orders are sent in FSC-certified recycled paper.
Delicate Daisys has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
My Personal Review of Delicate Daisys Firming and Toning Body Cream:
“It’s a body cream—so I wasn’t expecting anything super innovative—but this one smells like a tropical vacation and actually makes my skin feel super smooth. I use it a few times a week, mostly on my hands, feet, legs, and arms which get pretty dry and battered in summer season, and I swear things are looking a little firmer (or maybe that’s the power of positive thinking?). Either way, it feels good, smells amazing, and leaves my skin feeling like I didn’t spend the entire day baking it in the sun.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ Head Of Content
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
Oway (Organic Way) offers a sustainable skincare range rooted in biodynamic formulas. Their face creams, serums, body lotions, and hand treatments are packaged in recyclable glass jars or aluminum tubes, with plastic used only for caps or reusable pumps. All orders ship plastic-free, using tree-free boxes made from upcycled agricultural waste.
Each product is crafted with 90–95% botanical ingredients, many of which are grown on Oway’s own farm in Northern Italy. You won’t find synthetic fragrance, PEGs, parabens, sulfates, silicones, and other petrochemical-derived ingredients, instead botanicals like biodynamic lavender, hazelnut oil, and chia seed extract.
Oway is certified vegan and cruelty-free by PETA and produces everything using 100% renewable energy. As a certified carbon-neutral brand, Oway integrates sustainability into every step of its skincare production and packaging process.
Oway has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
My Personal Review of Oway’s Scalp Bath & Frequent Use Conditioner:
“After trying Oway’s Frequent Use Hair & Scalp Bath paired with their Frequent Use Conditioner, I was impressed by their gentle yet effective cleansing properties. The subtle, natural scent—a blend of lemon, orange, grapefruit, and the surprisingly spicy yet pleasant underlying notes of pepper—is refreshing without being overpowering. While the shampoo doesn’t produce much foam, it still cleanses thoroughly, leaving my hair feeling clean and hydrated. The conditioner complements it well, detangling and moisturizing without weighing down my very fine hair strands.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Shine Skincare Co.
Shine Skincare Co. has not been rated.
Price Range: $–$$
Let your inner beauty shine with Shine Skincare Co.’s colorful products.
Nourishing body serum, shea butter face balm, rose water shimmer spray, and turmeric and other botanical-infused natural toners—to name but a few. In each, you’ll find only natural ingredients, like aloe vera, willow bark extract, tea tree oil, and witch hazel.
The Etsy star-seller not only makes incredible products but also donates a portion of all sales to WEAVE youth and community services, a non-profit providing support to children in difficult home situations. All products come courtesy of reusable glass containers, though some are not plastic-free due to the lids.
My Personal Review of Shine Skincare’s Clear + Balance Oil & Firm + Hydrate Facial Toner:
If you have an oily skin type, you can rejoice in their SJ tried and tested Clear + Balance face oil. The oil is carefully formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients that increase circulation and ease breakouts while still providing the adequate moisture we need living in a dry, high-altitude mountainous climate. It’s rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids naturally found in red raspberry, cucumber, grapeseed, and hemp oils. I really like that despite it being oil-based, it doesn’t feel too thick, and the oil absorbs really quickly.
Another firm favorite of mine is the Firm + Hydrate Facial Toner that I use every morning after showering or washing my face. Packed with plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid and algae extract, it truly lives up to its name. While I like to think my fine lines have been fading (though that might be wishful thinking), I definitely enjoy the dewy, glowing effect it gives me as I start my day.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
100% Pure
100% Pure has not been rated.
Price Range: $–$$
100% Pure’s products are cruelty-free, and contain zero synthetic fragrances, mineral oils, synthetic colors, or harmful chemicals. Rather, some of their common 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 other body care products. All of their formulas are non-toxic and biodegradable.
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 combating the ever present plastic problem, by reducing all petro-chemical based packaging by 75% and replace all packaging with PCR materials.
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 has not been rated.
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.
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 has not been rated.
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.
Everything is handmade in Indiana using 100% non-GMO, palm oil free and certified organic ingredients: 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.
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. 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 has not been rated.
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.
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 has not been rated.
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 harvested ingredients from biodynamic farms 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.
Products are made in small batches and housed in recyclable, reusable glass packaging. Shipping materials are biodegradable and compostable.
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.
Hailey is a full-time world traveler and a part-time content writer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida.
She loves exploring the world by participating in local sustainability projects. Her project highlights include volunteering at a farm animal sanctuary in Hawaii, a butterfly biodiversity garden in Laos, and an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand. All experiences which have further developed her passion for universal animal welfare and advocacy.
In her free time you might find her cuddling stray animals, hand crafting, café hopping, and literally hugging trees.
