Beauty may be skin deep, but sustainability isn’t. Supporting an epic epidermis layer can come with minimal cost to the planet, and these zero waste skincare brands and products deliver.
Whether you are building a low waste skincare routine from scratch or switching one product at a time, these plastic-free skincare brands are worth a look, and many have been personally tested by us and or rated by us (more on this below).
Why Zero Waste Skincare Matters
Plastic should be as worrisome as pimples. The environmental cost of conventional skincare goes well beyond the product itself. Single-use plastic bottles, pumps, tubes, and caps make up the bulk of bathroom waste, and most of it cannot be effectively recycled (think pumps, droppers or multi-material packaging). The beauty and personal care industry pumps out billions of dollars worth of plastic packaging annually, contributing enormous volumes of plastic pollution, with skincare products representing a significant share.
Beyond packaging, many mainstream skincare products contain synthetic chemicals, petroleum-derived ingredients, and microplastics (yes, they are in some exfoliants and formulas) that wash down the drain and into waterways. Choosing plastic-free skincare brands that prioritize refillable containers, compostable tubes, glass jars, and aluminum bottles directly reduces the volume of waste entering the system.
Low waste skincare is also better for your body. Brands that care about their environmental footprint tend to care about what goes into their formulas too, favoring organic, plant-based, safe, natural skincare ingredients over synthetic fillers, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances.
Our Testing, Ratings and Research
When looking for the best zero waste skincare brands, we defined “zero waste” as skincare with packaging that is either compostable or refillable. Beyond packaging, we looked for brands that are vegan or cruelty-free (at a minimum), use safe and non-toxic ingredients, source ethically, and avoid palm oil where possible. You can read the full breakdown of our criteria in our How We Chose section below.
In many cases, we used these products in our own lives for several weeks or months, assessing hydration, skin comfort, ease of use, and overall value. Where we have personally tested a product, you will see a performance review box alongside the brand listing.
You may notice “rated” brands on the list below. These are brands who have opted in to be rated using our Brand Rating System which evaluates their initiatives across 22 sustainability criteria including supply chain practices, labor standards, climate action, waste management, and chemical use. Look out for rated skincare brands below and find more our sustainable brand directory.
For brands we didn’t test directly or rate, we conducted careful research to bring you the safest and most effective zero waste skincare options available.
Related Guides: Sustainable Skincare Brands, Zero Waste Beauty Products, Zero Waste Lotion, Sustainable Face Moisturizers, Natural Skin Care Brands, Natural Serums
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 Zero Waste Skincare Brands
Best Refillable Skincare With Science Led Active Ingredients: Activist Skincare | Refillable glass packaging, 75% less plastic waste per refill, 1% for the Planet member, Leaping Bunny certified | Rated by SJ
Best Plastic-Free Packaging (also refillable): Plaine Products | Infinitely refillable aluminum bottles, Certified B Corp, carbon neutral, and vegan | Rated by SJ
Best Zero Waste Store for Skincare: A Drop in the Ocean | Refillable glass jars, circular take-back program, woman-owned, 64% local sourcing | Rated by SJ
Best Luxury Low Waste Skincare: Oway | Biodynamic farm-grown botanicals, recyclable glass and aluminum, ECOCERT Cosmos certified, carbon neutral | Rated by SJ
Best for Sensitive Skin: Bee You Organics | Certified organic, non-GMO, 100% natural ingredients, glass and aluminum packaging
Best Budget: Fat and the Moon | Handmade to order, glass jars, mostly organic and ethically harvested ingredients, palm oil free
Table Of Contents: Plastic-free Skincare Brands
- Activist Skincare Jump to section
- Plaine Products Jump to section
- A Drop In The Ocean Jump to section
- Oway Jump to section
- Meow Meow Tweet Jump to section
- Tap Tap Organics Jump to section
- Fat and the Moon Jump to section
- Rainwater Botanicals Jump to section
- Natural Wisdom Spa Jump to section
- EmpireSquid Organics Jump to section
- Bee You Organics Jump to section
- Savonnerie des Diligences Jump to section
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.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.Activist Skincare offers a low-waste skincare line centered around refillable, glass-packaged products designed to reduce plastic and emissions. Their core collection includes cleansers, toners, serums, and face oils—all of which can be purchased once in durable glass bottles and then refilled using lightweight pouches that generate 75% less plastic waste and 99% lower transport emissions compared to typical recycled glass refills.
Formulated in small batches in California, Activist Skincare’s products use safe, non-GMO, and largely organic botanical ingredients sourced from ethical producers. All formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from synthetic fragrance, parabens, and other harmful chemicals. The brand also offers a Trial & Travel Kit for sampling their full refillable range.
Packaging is kept minimal and low-impact: refill pouches can be returned to Activist for recycling, and shipping is plastic-free. Activist Skincare is a member of 1% for the Planet and operates with a clear commitment to ingredient transparency, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction.
Activist Skincare has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
Performance Review of Activist Skincare Precious Oils Active Infusion:
“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. Activist’s hydrating serums include ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and other effective actives. It’s truly an all-purupose oil-based serum that I use mostly to moisturize my face first thing in the morning, but if I notice my scalp looking a little dry and flaky, I apply it there, too, to great success.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Plaine Products
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 lifeCruelty-free
Products are not test on animals at any stage in their production.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
Palm Oil Free
Products contain no palm oil or palm oil derivatives.
Plastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-freeRefillable
Product packaging can be refilled with more product, either at a physical store or via a return program.
Small business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 peopleTake 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 productsWoman 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
B Corp
Leaping Bunny
PETA
1% for the planet
Certified Environmental Giving — Businesses give 1% of their annual sales directly to vetted environmental partners.B Corp
The B Corp Certification, administered by the nonprofit B Lab, recognizes companies that meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Certified B Corps balance profit with purpose, committing to responsible practices that benefit workers, communities, customers, and the planet while embedding sustainability into their business model.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.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.Price Range: $5–$30
Plaine Products specializes in zero waste, minimal hair and skin care, with a skin-serving product range that includes: face cleanser, toner, body lotion and body wash.
Each one is enriched with natural ingredients, like aloe leaf juice, shea butter, and rosehip oil. Each one is verified non-toxic through the EWG’s Skin Deep database. If you’re looking for body wash refills, Plaine’s (literal) bottle refill scheme is all you need.
All products come in aluminum bottles with an initial plastic pump or spray top. Once empty, transfer this plastic lid into your refill bottle, then send the bottle back via a prepaid return label to be sanitized and reused.
Plaine Products are a sister-owned, a Certified B Corp, Carbon Neutral, and make everything (down to the aluminum bottles) right in the USA. Aside from preventing over 500,000 plastic bottles from hitting the landfill every.single.year, they fight plastic waste further through their 1% for the Planet and Plastic Pollution Coalition memberships.
Plaine Products has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
Performance Review of Plaine Products’ Body Lotion:
“Plaine Products’ Body Lotion is filled with safflower oil, rosehip oil, and organic aloe for a serious hydration boost. It’s got quite a thin consistency, so you don’t need much to cover your whole body. What I love most is how quickly it sinks in—moisturized skin without the sticky, greasy feeling that drives me crazy.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
A Drop In The Ocean
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
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at homeLocally 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-toxicPlastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-freeRefillable
Product packaging can be refilled with more product, either at a physical store or via a return program.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.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.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.
EnviroStars
EnviroStars
The EnviroStars program is a free green business recognition initiative serving Washington State businesses. Members complete a sector-specific checklist of 20 no-to-low-cost environmental actions covering energy conservation, pollution prevention, solid waste management, wastewater, and water conservation.A Drop in the Ocean is a small, woman-owned zero waste store and skincare brand based in Tacoma, Washington, offering refillable personal care and household products made from natural, predominantly plant-based ingredients. Founded in 2019 by Krystina Jarvis, the brand’s circular business model encourages customers to return glass and aluminum containers for repeated refills, reuses shipping materials, and prioritizes minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging.
Their zero waste skin care range includes a Charcoal Face Bar, Daily Facial Moisturizer in refillable glass jars, a Revitalizing Skin Serum with rosehip seed oil and vitamin E, a Nightly Under Eye Cream, organic Witch Hazel Extract, and reusable hemp “cotton” rounds. Products are formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or other harsh chemicals.
The brand prioritizes sourcing from local, small, and women-owned businesses, 64% of which are located within 100 miles of its headquarters. Every purchase contributes to tree planting, and over 1% of total sales is donated to ocean conservation initiatives.
A Drop in the Ocean has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
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-toxic
Organic
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) offers a low-waste skincare line rooted in biodynamic agriculture and green chemistry. Their moisturizers, serums, body creams, and hand treatments are housed in recyclable glass jars or aluminum tubes, with minimal plastic used only for caps or optional pumps. Shipping materials are plastic-free and made from upcycled agricultural waste.
All products are formulated with 90–95% botanical ingredients, many cultivated on Oway’s own certified biodynamic farm in Italy. The brand avoids synthetic fragrance, PEGs, parabens, sulfates, silicones, and petroleum-based ingredients, instead using ethically sourced botanicals like chia seed extract, biodynamic lavender, and hazelnut oil.
Oway is certified vegan and cruelty-free by PETA, and its manufacturing is powered entirely by renewable energy. As a certified carbon-neutral company, Oway demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing environmental impact across both packaging and production.
Oway has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet has not been rated.
Price Range: $4.50–$14
Featuring mild, natural ingredients, Meow Meow Tweet offers skincare products for a routine that has a gentle impact on our world—and on sensitive skin.
They’re the cat’s meow for: cleansing face oils, exfoliant masks, serums, body oils, toners, sunscreen, face wash, balms and creams. Their ingredients feature the likes of organic unrefined plant oils, clays, charcoal, and cold-pressed essential oils.
Most products come in zero waste packaging like glass bottles, compostable cardboard sticks, or aluminum with recycled, recyclable, and compostable boxes. Because some plastic is hard to avoid (spray nozzles or pumps, for instance), they have a program that takes these back to be recycled via TerraCycle.
They also partner with rePurpose Global to reduce, reuse, and offset their plastic use, making them plastic negative and Climate Neutral Certified.
Meow Meow Tweet is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and also makes eco-friendly deodorant and soap in oh-so-many scents.
Tap Tap Organics
Tap Tap Organics has not been rated.
Price Range: $9–$69
Rejuvenate your skin with Tap Tap Organics’ lip balm, beauty butter, beauty balm, and beauty oil—available in singles, sets, and subscription options.
Formulas feature organic wild-harvested ingredients and are always free of harsh chemicals like parabens and petrolatum. They’re all cruelty-free, but beeswax is featured in the beauty balm. Tap Tap Organics is working on switching to plant-based wax instead.
Hailing from Costa Rica – Tap Tap Organics is committed to zero waste luxury skin care. Packaging is recyclable or compostable and you can send the former back to be refilled and recycled with the free return label included in all orders.
Performance Review of Tap Tap Organics’ Regenerate Rose & Neroli Beauty Oil
“All Tap Tap products are multi-functional, which I appreciate from a minimalist standpoint. I especially like the Regenerate Rose & Neroli Beauty Oil, which is designed for use on the face, body, and hair. It combines antioxidant-rich, free radical-fighting green tea leaves with certified organic oils in a light and quick-absorbing serum. I love using this right at the beginning of the day as a base layer for my skin to protect it from all the sun and blue light I expose it to on a daily basis at work.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Fat and the Moon
Fat and the Moon has not been rated.
Price Range: $6–$42
Some of the best zero waste skin care products for sensitive skin are those made by Fat and the Moon.
We’re over the moon for the brand’s: healing salve, bath soak, face mist, face and body lotion and oil, body powder, face cleanser, exfoliating face paste and masks, deodorant, pregnancy and postpartum skincare products.
If face masks are part of your zero waste skin care routine, their concentrated Pimple Mud Bentonite Face Mask won’t overly dry skin as some are prone to do.
Everything is all-natural, mostly organic, think: plant seed oils, hyaluronic acid, clays, botanical roots and seeds, and essential oils support sensitive skin while drawing out impurities and restoring moisture. All products are sans parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or other toxins.
Woman-owned and operated, Fat and the Moon creates all “potions” under the guidance of traditional healer philosophies in that they’re gentle, non-toxic, and designed to heal. Since “body products, like food, are not meant to last forever”, products are fresh and handmade-to-order.
No waste skincare aside, this zero waste makeup brand also offers cosmetics and hair care, all packaged in reusable tins or recyclable glass bottles.
Performance Review of Fat and the Moon’s Plastic-Free Skincare
“Lyall and I both tested the All Cream and were impressed by how rich and moisturizing it feels without any greasiness or oiliness. It sits on the skin beautifully rather than absorbing and vanishing into nothing, which makes it ideal for nighttime use. I also wore it during the day under some light BB cream and it provided a really smooth base. It is a rare find in that we both agreed it would be a go-to moisturizer for us, regardless of skin type. The only downside is that Fat and the Moon is not readily available where we are, so restocking is not as convenient as we would like.”
Review By Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-founder (tested over several weeks)
Rainwater Botanicals
Rainwater Botanicals has not been rated.
Price Range: $5–$25
Rainwater Botanicals offers an affordable low waste skincare lineup with a wide range of: facial cleansers, soaps, toners, masks, facial serums and creams, eye treatments, skin balms, creams, butters, lotion, and salves.
Most of their range come in compostable cardboard or reusable glass.
If you’re after naturally-scented zero waste lotions, their Ostara Hand & Body Lotion features delectably-scented wild-crafted shea and mango butters. Their sulfate-free ingredients include the likes of organic aloe, plant oils, clay, plant extracts, botanicals, and essential oils.
A certified Safe Cosmetic Business Network member, Rainwater Botanicals has been hand-crafting natural, waste free skincare for 20 years. What started with a single healing balm, expanded to cosmetics, hair care, and perfume.
Natural Wisdom Spa
Natural Wisdom Spa has not been rated.
Price Range: $4–$207
Using raw, undiluted organic seed oils, UK based Natural Wisdom Spa makes mostly organic, food grade products: cleanser, exfoliator, serum, moisturizer, face oil and body butter.
Their Vitamin C Serum nourishes and restores skin thanks to Hyaluronic acid and other antioxidants. All formulations are made to order in fresh batches, and free of parabens, gluten, alcohol, silicones, and animal byproducts.
Their packaging consists of Miron™ violet glass bottles with fully recyclable metal lids or recycled glass jars with cork stops. They also offer affordable sample tins.
Maeve is the founder, curator, and formulator of these products, which are biodegradable, vegan, organic, wild-harvested, food-grade, and nourishing and nurturing.
Everything is cold blended and CO2 extracted to retain more of the nourishing, repairing, and protecting bioactive properties and nutrients.
EmpireSquid Organics
EmpireSquid Organics has not been rated.
Price Range: $16–$72
EmpireSquid has a massive range of handcrafted skin care products, each labeled with what skin types they’re most suitable for: facial oils, facial and body butters, soap, cleansers and toners, masks, skincare for mama and baby, sun care, and massage oils.
Everything is palm oil free, organic, and sans toxic junk or artificial additives. Instead, you’ll find natural clays, fruit and flower powders, essential oils, and organic plant oils. Organic beeswax is found in some products, but they’re able to substitute vegan candelilla wax upon request.
If you’re interested in DIY beauty products, they sell the pure oils needed to get started.
This LA-based family-run brand specializes in “amazingly wholesome” made to order affordable skincare products that are highly reviewed and minimally processed.
Compostable bags, glass bottles and jars, and aluminum tins are used—complete with adorable sketched animal labels.
Bee You Organics
Bee You Organics has not been rated.
Price Range: $11–$119
BeeYou Organics’ makes a range of plastic free skincare.
If you have acne-prone or troubled skin you will definitely benefit from: Body lotion and butter, sugar scrub, sunscreen, soap, serums, face moisturizer, zero waste toner, scar and stretch mark cream, face masks, and baby skin care products (nursing balm and diaper rash balm).
All are free from toxins and irritants, like preservatives, water, palm oil, emulsifiers, and alcohol. Instead, ingredients are food-grade, certified organic, non-GMO, sustainable, and Fair Trade when possible. While some products use non-vegan emu oil and organic beeswax, they offer plenty of vegan options that rely on organic shea butter.
Savonnerie des Diligences
Savonnerie des Diligences has not been rated.
Price Range: $9–$13
Using pure ingredients (and love), French Canadian brand Savonnerie des Diligences’ waste free skincare products include: body butter, salve/ ointment, face soap, face serum and moisturizer.
Natural plant oils are combined with essential oils, fair trade Shea butter, and local beeswax—though the liquids like the geranium-infused Serum No. 18 are beeswax free.
Savonnerie des Diligences was founded by a mom looking to support her child with eczema. That’s why only natural and mostly organic ingredients are used in these handmade products, and never artificial fragrances or preservatives.
Everything is sourced ethically, like their Shea butter sourced from a women-led and fairtrade business in Mali.
How We Found These Low Waste Skincare Brands
In order to find each zero waste skin care brand, we referenced our sustainable beauty criteria to find those that could contribute to a better-for-people-and-planet low waste skincare routine. Here is what we prioritized:
- Vegan: Products without animal byproducts are best. However, there were some exceptions made for beeswax and honey.
- Cruelty free: Animal testing is a big “no-no.”
- Safe ingredients: There are a lot of ingredients to avoid in skincare, which makes sense as the skin is the body’s largest organ. That’s why we looked for safe, organic, food-grade, and natural skincare ingredients instead.
- Palm oil free: Occasionally we make exceptions for brands using organic or RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil.
- Ethical ingredient sourcing: Local or fair trade, ideally.
- Thoughtful packaging: In skincare, zero waste means reusable, refillable, or compostable product packaging.
For brands we work with through our sustainability rating system, we evaluated their initiatives across 22 criteria including supply chain, labor practices, and environmental commitments.
For brands we didn’t rate or review directly, we conducted careful research to bring you the safest and most effective zero waste skincare options available.
How to Build a Zero Waste Skincare Routine
Switching to a plastic-free skincare routine does not mean overhauling everything at once. A practical approach is to swap products as they run out, starting with the items you use most frequently. Here is a simple framework for a low waste skincare routine:
Cleanse: A solid face wash bar or a liquid cleanser in a refillable glass bottle replaces plastic-bottled cleansers. Several brands on our list (including Meow Meow Tweet and A Drop in the Ocean) offer bar or refillable options.
Tone: Witch hazel or floral water in refillable glass bottles works as a simple, low waste toner. A Drop in the Ocean offers organic witch hazel in refillable containers.
Treat (Serums and Oils): Glass dropper bottles are the standard for serums and facial oils among zero waste skincare brands. Activist Skincare and Oway both offer high-performance options in refillable or recyclable glass.
Moisturize: From aluminum-bottled lotions (Plaine Products) to glass-jarred face creams (Fat and the Moon, A Drop in the Ocean), there are plastic-free moisturizer options for every skin type and budget.
Extras: For occasional treatments like masks and exfoliants, look for brands that package in glass jars or offer solid bar alternatives. Reusable cotton rounds (like hemp rounds from A Drop in the Ocean) replace disposable cotton pads.
The best zero waste skincare routine is also a minimal one. Your skin often benefits from fewer products with better ingredients rather than a multi-step regimen that generates more packaging waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zero Waste Skincare
What does “zero waste skincare” actually mean?
Zero waste skincare refers to products designed to produce little to no packaging waste. In practice, this means packaging that is compostable, refillable, reusable, or made from materials like glass and aluminum that can be infinitely recycled. It also typically extends to the brand’s broader practices, such as plastic-free shipping and responsible ingredient sourcing.
Is zero waste skincare effective?
Yes. Many zero waste skincare brands use concentrated, high-quality natural ingredients that perform on par with (or better than) conventional products. Brands like Activist Skincare, Oway, and Plaine Products have formulas that have been personally tested and reviewed by our team, and we have found them to be genuinely effective for everyday use.
Are zero waste skincare products more expensive?
Some are, and some are not. Refillable systems often save money over time because you only pay for the container once and then purchase lower-cost refills. Brands like A Drop in the Ocean offer skincare starting at $9, while Plaine Products’ refill model keeps ongoing costs down. The upfront investment in a glass jar or aluminum bottle pays for itself after a few refills.
What is the difference between zero waste skincare and plastic-free skincare?
The terms overlap significantly. “Plastic-free skincare” focuses specifically on eliminating plastic from packaging. “Zero waste skincare” is a broader concept that aims to eliminate all waste from the product lifecycle, including shipping materials, production waste, and end-of-life packaging. Both approaches prioritize compostable, reusable, or recyclable alternatives to single-use plastic. We use both terms in this guide because the brands featured here generally meet both standards.
Can I build a complete skincare routine with zero waste products?
Absolutely. From cleansers and toners to serums, moisturizers, and even SPF (see our guide to zero waste sunscreen), there are plastic-free options for every step. Many of the brands on this list offer multiple product categories, making it easier to consolidate your routine with one or two trusted brands.
Are zero waste skincare brands always non-toxic?
Not necessarily, but most are. Brands that invest in sustainable packaging also tend to prioritize clean formulations. All the brands on our list use non-toxic, natural, or organic ingredients and avoid common offenders like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. That said, it is always worth checking the ingredient list, as “zero waste” typically refers to packaging rather than formulation.
What should I do with my current plastic skincare containers?
Finish what you have first. Throwing away a half-used product defeats the purpose. Once empty, check if your local recycling program accepts the specific plastic type. Some brands (like Plaine Products) offer take-back programs where you can return containers for reuse. For containers that cannot be recycled locally, TerraCycle offers free recycling programs for certain beauty packaging.
How do I know if a zero waste skincare brand is genuinely sustainable?
Look for third-party certifications like B Corp, Leaping Bunny, USDA Organic, or PETA Certified Vegan. Brands that have been rated through comprehensive assessment programs (like ours) have been evaluated across multiple sustainability criteria including supply chain practices, labor standards, and environmental commitments. Transparency about ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing is also a strong indicator.
Final Thoughts on Zero Waste and Plastic-Free Skincare Brands
Your skin does not need a 12-step routine housed in 12 plastic tubes to look and feel its best. In fact, many of the brands on this list prove that simpler, cleaner formulations in thoughtful packaging often outperform their conventional counterparts.
The best option depends on your skin type, your budget, and how you want your zero waste skincare routine to look. For a full refillable system with the least packaging waste possible, Plaine Products and Activist Skincare are hard to beat. For a one-stop zero waste shop that covers skincare and beyond, A Drop in the Ocean makes the switch easy. For luxury performance backed by biodynamic farming, Oway delivers. And for budget-friendly, handmade options with personality, Fat and the Moon and Rainwater Botanicals are well worth trying.
Whatever you choose, we hope this guide helps you find products that leave your pores and the planet positively glowing. Spread the word (AKA this article) about how we can do good for our skin and the world by choosing brands with minimal skincare packaging or make your own, like our DIY body butter and homemade face cream!
Editor’s Note: This article on zero waste skincare brands was originally published in 2019 and has been updated several times since. This March 2026 update adds A Drop in the Ocean to the lineup, includes expanded context on why plastic-free skincare matters, and adds new sections on building a zero waste skincare routine, how we chose these brands, and frequently asked questions.
Amber obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in English, Creative Writing, and Psychology from The University of Oxford and Arcadia University. She is an avid crafter, gardener, quail farmer, wannabe novelist, and self-proclaimed eco adventurer. From living in a camper van to living in a tiny house, she is enamored by the small and self-sufficient; and aspires to one day become an off-grid micro-farmer, bridging sustainability with non-toxic living and eating. With a passion for outdoor sports like rock climbing, skiing, and travel, having already backpacked across 30 countries, she is always up for the next big adventure while seeking ways to minimize her impact along the way.
Thanks for this amazing list. I also love HALF HIPPY! They make amazing deodorants and exfoliants and toners and stuff. Worth checking out!
https://www.halfhippy.com/
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