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!
Why does it matter?
Chemicals coupled with synthetics, the traditional skincare industry’s negative impact also pumps out more than 120 billion units of plastic packaging annually.
Simply put, plastic should be as worrisome as pimples.
When looking for plastic-free skincare, we defined “zero waste” as skincare with packaging that is either compostable or refillable. We also looked for vegan (or cruelty-free at a minimum) brands who use non-toxic, ethically sourced ingredients.
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 extends our consideration set to include a range of sustainability related criteria including climate action, waste management, chemical use, and much more. Look out for rated skincare brands below and find more 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 Picks: Zero Waste Skincare Products
California based Activist Skincare’s low-waste skincare range comes in refillable glass packaging. Refills for their cleansers, toners, serums, and face oils generate far less plastic waste and refills vs recycled glass refills. Activist Skincare has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
If truly minimal skincare packaging is what you’re after, Plaine Products’ infinitely refillable and recyclable aluminum bottles mean one bottle can literally last a lifetime. We found that their body lotion goes a long way, too, while providing superior skin hydration. Plaine Products has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Oway’s luxury Italian based skincare line is packaged in recyclable glass jars or aluminum tubes, with minimal plastic used only where necessary. Their products are crafted with 90–95% botanical ingredients, most of which are grown on their own certified biodynamic farm. We’ve comprehensively rated Oway (which you can find here) and personally tested a range of their products which we absolutely loved!
Index: Plastic-free Skincare Brands
- Activist Skincare Jump to section
- Plaine Products 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. Find the full rating here.
My Personal 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. Find the full rating here.
My Personal 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
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 materials
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.
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. 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
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.
Also available on EarthHero
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.
My Personal Review Tap Tap Organics’ Regenerate Rose & Neroli Oil 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.
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.
Want To Do More? Consider A Minimalist Zero Waste Skincare Routine
The best zero waste skincare is zero skincare.
But that’s not always possible. There’s nothing wrong with nourishing and treating your skin as needed, but we’re made to believe our skin needs all this STUFF: cold cream, day cream, night cream, anti-aging cream…and that’s just the creams.
Let’s not get started on multistep clarifying treatments, serums, toners, and masks.
When it comes to the skin (and other things), less is best.
While your skin will have different needs from someone else’s, a minimalist zero waste skin care routine can solve even the most problematic skin by preserving its own natural oils.
Buying fewer products equals less shipping, ingredient sourcing impact, and packaging—not to mention less money!
As you’re discovering the best plastic-free skin care, remember you don’t need them all.
It’s up to us to ensure our beauty routine doesn’t continue to encourage the mountain of plastic waste that comes from conventional cosmetics and skincare.
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!
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/
Thanks for sharing this amazing data about the Hair Ingredients and Products.