Healthy skin and a healthy planet are not mutually exclusive. With zero waste lotion, you can replenish your largest organ while leaving plastic out of the planet’s pores.
There are plenty of ingredients to avoid in skincare and plenty of reasons to avoid plastic skincare products. Like the fact by 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Or that up to 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine animals are killed by plastic waste every year.
Thankfully, sustainable lotion alternatives can help. To find the best zero waste lotion brands, we considered ingredients, ingredient sourcing, plastic-free packaging, and sustainable business practices.
Our new Brand Rating System will extend this to 22 criteria ranging from animal welfare to product performance and responsible marketing. To learn more about how this system works and what you can expect from the next iteration of this list, have a read of our explainer and stay tuned for article updates.
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.
The Best Eco-Friendly Lotion For Better Buttered Skin
We’ve tested the bars and creams from EcoRoots and we can safely say, that apart from keeping plastic out of the oceans, they set a high bar for quality, chemical-free skincare.
For a zero waste lotion refill that swaps out palm oil and synthetic fragrance for sustainable plant butters and essential oils, Plaine Products is, well, just plain awesome. We love it’s light consistency and how a little goes a way.
For sustainably sourced tropical goodness, we love Tap Tap Organics’ organic and wild-harvested formulations that effectively moisturize our skin and leave us daydreaming of palm trees and sunny beaches.
Index: Plastic-Free Lotions
- EcoRoots Jump to brand
- Butter Me Up Organics Jump to brand
- Plaine Products Jump to brand
- Meow Meow Tweet Jump to brand
- Public Goods Jump to brand
- EmpireSquid Organics Jump to brand
- Ethique Jump to brand
- Tap Tap Organics Jump to brand
- Natural Wisdom Spa Jump to brand
EcoRoots
EcoRoots’s Zero Waste Body Lotion USA
Price Range: $20–$24
EcoRoots’ Everything Balm is a plastic-free vegan lotion for, well, everything.
It’s not just one of the best plastic-free hand lotions, but can be used on the face, body, and feet thanks to a gentle formula of all-natural ingredients, including grapeseed oil, candelilla wax, calendula flowers, and olive oil.
We love how gentle it is and how we can use it on any area—even as a zero waste face lotion, which is historically pretty finicky for irritation. You’ll just need to apply a bit of pressure, rubbing, and heat (from your hand) as it is a fairly solid balm, which also means it lasts an age.
For a lotion that’s a little more portable, their shea butter and cocoa butter-based Zero Waste Bar is high in vitamins A and E to aid in regenerating skin cells and supports skin elasticity.
The former comes packaged in a reusable glass jar with a metal lid, while the latter comes in a reusable metal tin that pops right in your pocket.
These bioegradable lotions are free of petroleum, parabens, silicones, phthalates, and synthetic colors.
About EcoRoots
Colorado-based EcoRoots is a zero waste online store carrying a range of ethical and sustainable bath and beauty products—like lip balm for those who need lotion for the lips.
All of their products are vegan, cruelty-free, handmade in small batches in the USA, and shipped using biodegradable and recyclable packaging.
Although the majority of EcoRoots’ products are palm oil free, the eco-friendly face lotion contains palm-derived ascorbyl palmitate.
1% of profits are donated to Ocean Conservancy.
My Personal Review of EcoRoot’s Lotion Bar:
“This is one of my favorite creams. Between Joy and I using it twice daily, it lasted an entire winter for face, elbows, knees, and hands. I did find that it was a bit on the greasy side, so maybe if you have very oily skin it might not be your first choice. Having said that, I have slightly oily skin and so long as I gave it a decent rub to even out the oils and help with absorption, I thought it was fine. The packaging is travel safe, and TSA proof too.”
Review by Lyall Mabin, SJ’s Co-founder
Butter Me Up Organics
Butter Me Up Organics’ No Plastic Lotion Alternatives
Price Range: $16–$30
If the name doesn’t clue you into the fact that Butter Me Up Organics makes some of the best products to butter up your skin, we will.
Their Magnesium Lotion is one of our all-time favorite BMUO products (and we’ve tried a lot of them).
Why magnesium?
Because it’s needed for 300 biochemical reactions in the body, yet the American diet is woefully deficient in it. And according to the brand, “it is more readily absorbed by the skin than internal supplements”.
The glass jar is completely reusable, but if you want even more sustainable lotion packaging (but no magnesium unfortunately), check out their Organic Lotion Bar, which comes in a compostable paperboard tube.
That’s just the start of their zero waste lotions. You’ll also find eco-friendly body lotion, cream, butter, and oil, along with mini zero waste bars.
About Butter Me Up Organics
Butter Me Up Organics is the name, and sustainable skincare is their game.
With a complete line-up of everyday skin and personal hygiene essentials—like natural toothpaste and deodorant—founder Jillian is out to clean up just about every aspect of your bathroom cabinets using all-natural and mostly organic ingredients.
Plus, they clean up the planet by being free of plastic, palm oil, and animal byproducts (except beeswax, which they source from local, ethical channels).
Whenever possible, she donates extra earnings to charitable organizations, like animal rescues.
My Personal Review of Butter Me Up Organics’ Magnesium Lotion:
“As a holistic health nut, I think this brand’s magnesium lotion is, hands down, one of the best zero waste hand lotions available. It’s a unique combination of pure magnesium oil, beeswax, shea butter, lavender essential oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil that smells and feels divine. I love that it boosts my magnesium levels while keeping my skin happy. Internal and external nourishment aside, it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave my hands feeling oily (a sensation I just can’t stand!).”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Plaine Products
Plaine Products’ Zero Waste Lotion Refills
Price Range: $7–$35
If you like the idea of zero waste lotion refills, then this is plain(e)ly your best bet.
With their non-toxic formulas housed in refillable bottles, Plaine Products has you covered from head to toe.
Their Body Lotion is hypoallergenic and baby-safe, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
It’s currently available in Citrus Lavender & Rosemary (our personal favorite for a little morning moisturizing wake-me-up for all the senses), Mint, & Vanilla, or unscented.
It comes in 16oz aluminum bottles (or a travel-size option) and when the time comes for a refill, just send back the container in the box it came in.
About Plaine Products
Founded by sisters Lindsey and Alison Delaplaine, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council-certified Plaine Products specializes in vegan, cruelty-free, chemical-free, palm oil-free, and plastic-free beauty products.
In addition to zero waste lotions, their collection includes refillable organic shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and more.
Every ingredient is checked for toxicity by running it through the Environmental Working Group database—meaning no parabens, sulfates, dyes, or synthetic fragrances.
All products are certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny, and everything (including the aluminum bottles) is made in the USA.
They’re a Certified B Corp and members of the Plastic Pollution Coalition and 1% for the Planet.
My Personal Review of Plaine Products’ Body Lotion:
“Packed with organic aloe, safflower oil, and rosehip oil, Plaine Product’s Body Lotion is super moisturizing. It’s lightweight, so you don’t need a ton of product to cover a big area. What I really love, though, is how quickly it soaks in. I’m all for soft skin, but I can’t stand that gross, oily feeling some lotions leave behind.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet’s Zero Waste Vegan Body Lotion
Price Range: $5–$28
Meow Meow Tweet’s plastic-free All Over Lotion is a purrfect choice for vegans (or those who just don’t see the need for animal byproducts in skincare) with itchy, dry skin.
This aloe lotion is full of nourishing oils, including jojoba and safflower seed oil, that “balances pH, moisturizes, preps and maintains skin”.
Not only is their lotion zero waste, but its list of organic ingredients is also absent parabens, phthalates, palm oil, and gluten.
Suitable for both face and body, it comes in an aluminum bottle with a plastic pump top that can be returned to MMT for recycling.
For more intensive moisturizing power, you can choose skin creams, oil, and repair balms, too.
About Meow Meow Tweet
Certified B Corp Meow Meow Tweet handmakes their products in small batches from certified organic, non-GMO, and responsibly sourced ingredients.
From zero waste deodorant that comes in compostable tubes to sunscreen in reusable aluminum bottles, all Meow Meow Tweet’s products are consciously packaged, vegan, and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.
Orders are shipped carbon neutral in compostable or recyclable packaging.
Meow Meow Tweet offsets its plastic use via a partnership with rePurpose Global.
One percent or more of monthly sales are donated to causes that share their values.
Public Goods
Public Goods’ Eco-Friendly Lotion Bottles
Price Range: $4–$17
Embracing their namesake, Public Goods offers darn good lotion for all.
It’s gender-neutral, kid-friendly, and a suitable and sustainable body lotion for sensitive skin.
You won’t find any parabens, phthalates, SLS, or synthetic fragrances.
What you will find, though, are essential oils, coconut oil, and other non-toxic ingredients. While the ingredients used are not as recognizable, they explain the purpose of each.
It’s also vegan and cruelty-free but does contain palm oil-derived glycerin and cetyl alcohol. We’re not sure if these come from ethical channels and have not received confirmation from the brand yet.
The minimalist, refillable lotion bottles are made from sugarcane bioplastic, which is carbon-neutral and recyclable.
Eco-friendly lotion refills come in plastic pouches, which are currently only recyclable through specialty recycling services like Terracycle.
About Public Goods
Public Goods is a one-stop shop for ethical home essentials, including organic groceries, personal care, cleaning products (both solutions and tools like eco-friendly sponges), pet products, plants, and more.
From tree-free paper products to sugarcane plastic packaging, they’re on a mission to find solutions that tread more gently on the planet.
Their membership model allows you to access an impressive selection of products at below retail prices.
Orders are shipped carbon neutral in 100% recycled packaging.
In partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects, a tree is planted with every order. They also donate money and goods to a range of charities.
EmpireSquid Organics
EmpireSquid Organic’s Natural Zero Waste Lotions
Price Range: $24–$32
EmpireSquid Organics has dedicated zero waste lotion options for the whole family, including a men’s range, a Mama range of belly butters, and their Cushy Tushy diaper rash cream.
The Triple Body Butter is their “ultra buttery body lotion” made from all-natural, organic ingredients, including coconut oil, jojoba oil, mango butter, grape seed oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter.
If you want a vegan version, minus the beeswax, just ask.
You can choose from Original (with organic essential oils of lavender, geranium, and rosemary), Sage, and Unscented.
EmpireSquid also offers organic face moisturizers for all skin types, including facial oils and anti-aging serum.
Each one comes in a glass jar with a metal lid.
About EmpireSquid Organics
California-based EmpireSquid Organics is a small family business specializing in zero waste skin care, including cleansers, toners, natural acne treatments, soap, and sunscreen.
All products are handcrafted from cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and natural ingredients, about 70% of which are currently organic.
Ethique
Ethique’s Plastic-Free Lotion Bar
Price Range: $10–$17
Ethique is an easy choice for all your zero waste moisturizing needs.
Between compostable cardboard tubes and concentrated zero waste bars, you’ll never need to introduce another plastic lotion bottle into your bathroom again.
While their cardboard pushtubes are perfect for on-the-go use, we absolutely love the Invigorating Hand & Body Lotion Concentrate for at home.
This all-in-one sustainable hand and body lotion magically transforms from a solid bar into 350 ml of liquid just by melting and adding water.
That means it’s perfect for people who still love their liquid lotions but hate the plastic waste usually associated with them.
With simple ingredients like coconut oil, candelilla wax, and antioxidant-rich babassu seed oil, it also has anti-inflammatory benefits for use on irriated or inflamed skin.
It does contain stearic acid, but rest assured it is not palm-derived.
About Ethique
Originally hailing from New Zealand, Ethique is your ethical guru for all things zero waste beauty.
On top of a complete range of all-natural skincare and hair care products, they also carry cleaning essentials to keep your home sustainably spotless.
All without animal testing, animal byproducts, palm oil, or harmful synthetics.
On top of being a gold-standard Certified B Corp, they’re also certified carbon-neutral (though they actually offset 120% of operations) and donate 2% of revenue to nonprofits.
Tap Tap Organics
Tap Tap Organics’ Natural Plastic-Free Lotion
Price Range: $11–$69
Tap Tap Organics creates two varieties of zero waste shea butter lotion.
The Head To Toe Coconut and Cocoa Beauty Butter is the perfect multitasking moisturizer. It contains wild-harvested Costa Rican coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, and avocado oil—all organic and safe for pregnant bellies and children.
For faces, the Radiance Beauty Balm contains organic oils to nourish and restore skin.
Eke out extra moisture from this sustainable lotion for dry skin by using it as an overnight mask.
Their eco-friendly lotion packaging consists of reusable glass jars with metal lids.
About Tap Tap Organics
Latina and woman-founded Tap Tap Organics is based in San Francisco (no surprise considering the many zero waste stores San Francisco has to offer) but inspired by Costa Rica, where founder Patricia grew up.
To create a taste of tropical paradise, Tap Tap Organics uses organic and wild-harvested ingredients responsibly sourced from Costa Rica and Latin America.
They’re on a mission to make clean, conscious skincare, and that includes packaging. It’s reusable, and they operate a take-back scheme for empties.
TTO supports various causes, including beach cleanups and Black Lives Matter.
My Personal Review Tap Tap Organics’ Head To Toe Beauty Butter:
“I tried the Head To Toe Coconut and Cocoa Beauty Butter, and I’m in love! If you’re looking for an all-over body moisturizer that smells amazing, this one’s a winner. It’s made with pure oils and butter—no fillers—so a tiny bit goes a long way, and the light tropical scent is heavenly.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Natural Wisdom Spa
Natural Wisdom Spa’s Plastic-Free Body Lotion UK
Price Range: $21–$64
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly lotion in the UK, the Solace Raw & Organic Cream by Natural Wisdom Spa is suitable for all skin types. It contains raw, organic shea butter along with botanical extracts, vitamin C, and colloidal oatmeal.
Ingredients are either organic or Ecocert COSMOS Approved.
Choose between unscented or Wisdom, an essential oil blend of cedarwood, sweet orange, patchouli & ylang ylang.
If plastic-free moisturizer balms are on your menu, the Fruit & Flower Balm is a soft, solid Shea butter infused with fruit and flower CO2 extracts, which yield superior quality oils rich in antioxidants and fatty acids to nourish the skin.
It’s packed in a gorgeous wooden pod made of cedar root wood.
About Natural Wisdom Spa
Natural Wisdom Spa uses raw, cold-blended oils for their range of natural “superfood skincare”.
The founder is a herbalist, homeopath, and nutritionist who has spent many years researching the best way to nourish our skin.
As well as skincare, they offer haircare products and a range of sustainable perfume and cologne.
Everything is freshly made in small batches and packaged in reusable and recyclable packaging.
