Eco-Friendly and Ethical Skincare for Sustainable Self-Care
If you’re anything like me, finding eco-friendly skincare that works for you is not easy. Looking for ethically sourced ingredients, non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable beauty products can be a little… overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re new to eco-conscious living, or a well-practiced treehugger, we can help you create an epic eco-friendly and ethical skincare routine.
Jump ahead
Canadian Eco-Friendly Skincare Brands
U.S. Based Ethical and Non-Toxic Skincare Brands
Planet Friendly Skincare from the U.K.
This post contains affiliate links. Learn more about this here.
what makes skincare eco-friendly and ethical?
No one skincare brand is perfect (because that doesn’t exist), but there are a lot of factors to consider when searching for responsibly made, planet-friendly skincare. This is why we’ve broken down our recommendations into the following categories:
- Packaging: Does the brand use biodegradable packaging, refillable skincare containers, zero plastic, or other eco-conscious packaging?
- Ingredients: Do they create products that are vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil free , organic and non-toxic, with ethically sourced ingredients?
- Certifications: Although these are good indicators of sustainability, their presence or absence shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. You can learn more about sustainable beauty certifications in our article.
- Social Responsibility: Do they pay their employees fairly and is their work environment safe? Are products made in a certified facility? Do they contribute to meaningful charitable organizations?
What to avoid when looking for low waste skincare products
If we want to make conscious consumer choices regarding our skin health and sustainability, there are some things we should always avoid.
Some plastics may have been made from recycled materials, and there are now bioplastics and compostable plastics out there. But without investigating further, skipping products that appear to be in plastic packaging is your safest bet. Opt for paper packaging, reusable or refillable glass or metal, or other eco-conscious packaging.
When it comes to ingredients, creating an eco-friendly and ethical skincare routine also leads us to bypass products with certain contents. If we want to be ethical with our choice, animal products and testing should be a no-go. When it comes to the health and safety of our skin and the environment, there are many chemicals and toxins that should also be avoided. You can learn more about these in our Ultimate Guide: Sustainable Health and Beauty.
Canadian zero waste Skincare Brands
Join the slow beauty movement while supporting these fantastic Canadian small batch skincare brands. From sustainable travel essentials to luxury items and skin condition solutions, they have it all. Start building your Canadian clean beauty sustainable skincare routine today!
Tanit
Founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife, TANIT Botanics is a Montreal-based company passionate about scientific research and the environment. All of their products are manufactured in a factory in Saint-Léonard, QC in the greater Montréal Area.
Products sold: Face Scrub, SPF, Water Mist, & Face Oil
Certifications: None stated.
Ingredients: Free from fillers, synthetic fragrances, and harsh chemicals, or animal derived ingredients. Skincare products primarily feature plant and mineral-based components.
Packaging: Shipping boxes, glass bottles, and jars are recyclable, but are intended for reuse. Tablet wrappers, pouches and sunscreen tubes are compostable.
Social Responsibility: Nothing specific found.
Use code TANITANDSS for 20% off!
Cocoon apothecary
Cocoon Apothecary was started in Kitchener, Ontario in 2003 by Aromatherapy student Jessica Burman. In 2011 they were awarded Champion Status with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of 150 non-profits who worked to eliminate dangerous chemicals from personal care.
Products sold: Serums, Creams, Toners, Cleansers, Oils, Masks, & Acne Solutions
Certifications: ECOCERT COSMOS Natural and Organic certified
Ingredients: Products are formulated with ingredients that are at least 95% natural or of natural origin, with focus on botanicals, essential oils, and natural extracts. No parabens, phenoxyethanol, GMO ingredients, perfumes or synthetic colorants.
Packaging: Recyclable materials like glass, aluminum, and paperboard. Bottle Back Program – return bottles to store or partners or request a shipping label and earn a $0.75 credit towards your next Cocoon Apothecary purchase.
Social Responsibility: Living Wage Employer
Save 10% with coupon code SUCCESSFULLYSUSTAINABLE
wekusko wild
Canadian owned and operated, Wekusko Wild is truly a one woman show. The practicing professional biologist with a research-based Master of Science degree in botany gathers from the boreal forests of Wekusko Lake located within the traditional territory of the Swampy Cree. She personally formulates, creates, packages, and inspects every product.
Products sold: Balms, Ointments, Moisturizers, Cleansers, Masks, Shave Products, Eczema and Psoriasis Support
Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified, FSC Certified labels
Ingredients: Features simple, clean & effective northern Canadian plant actives
Packaging: Recyclable and reusable packaging – plastic free paper tubes and metal tins and glass containers. Labels have GreenGuard Eco Inks printed with low VOC methods and FSC certified stock.
Social Responsibility: Nothing specific found, but dare we say working conditions seem ideal!
the eco alchemist
Launched in 2021, The Eco Alchemist is 100% woman owned and self funded. They operate and manufacture in Squamish, British Columbia. They offer free shipping in Canada and to the U.S. on all orders over $99 before taxes and fees.
Products sold: Cleansers, Oils, Serums, Bars, Deodorants, Soaps
Certifications: None stated.
Ingredients: Naturally derived, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. Products are free from sulphates, silicones, hormone disruptors, and formaldehyde releasers.
Packaging: Aluminum shaker bottles and white or black glass to reduce UV exposure and maintain the integrity of the ingredients. Pouches and sachets are made from renewable plant materials. They offer refills for liquid products. Recyclable and compostable paperboard packaging. Containers from any brand can be brought to the store and will be sent to TerraCycle.
Social Responsibility: Products are handcrafted in small batches to ensure that everything is made with ethical manufacturing processes.
Pure heart essentials
Started by Debbie Schinzel in 2013, Pure Heart Essentials is woman-owned, and products are manufactured in their shop in Kanata, Ontario. Their products are perfect for travel-friendly eco beauty.
Products sold: Bars, Mists, Balms, Spray, Scrubs, Butters, Soap, Deodorant, Lotion Bars, Oils, Shaving, Cleansers, Beard Oil, Masks, Serums, Cream, Toner
Certifications: Leaping Bunny and CertClean Certified
Ingredients: Free from harmful parabens, phthalates, sulfates, artificial scents and colours. All products are gluten free except the oatmeal soap.
Packaging: Eco-friendly cardboard and glass containers.
Social Responsibility: Nothing specific found.
Looking for outdoor skincare tips? Check out our recommendations for the best eco-friendly sunscreens on the market.
Clean and Cruelty-free skincare from the U.S.
These U.S. based companies can easily help you establish your clean beauty sustainable skincare routine. From fair trade beauty brands to ethical skincare for travellers, they have it all!
Activist
Activist is woman owned, and products are made in small batches in Los Angeles. A minimum 1% of every purchase goes to actual activism work. Activist is perfect for minimalist travel skincare, too!
Products sold: Toners, Serums, Oils, Sunscreen
Certifications: 1% for the Planet, Leaping Bunny Certified
Ingredients: Made with high-performance active ingredients and organic botanicals. All products and ingredients are 100% vegan, aside from the sunscreens, which contain responsibly sourced organic beeswax. See a full list of ingredients that are NOT used here.
Packaging: Bottles and jars are made from recyclable and refillable glass, and product boxes are made from post-consumer recycled content. Refill pouches can be recycled at any TerraCycle drop off point, or you can ship them back to Activist and they’ll send them to TerraCycle.
Social Responsibility: Prioritize women and people of colour when selecting partners and vendors. Employ a small team who is paid a living wage with health benefits, paid holidays, PTO and sick days.
J&L Naturals
All J & L Naturals products are made by their own hands in the United States. For every set sold they plant a tree, and for every 10 Instagram followers they will remove one pound of Ocean Waste. Orders are shipped carbon neutral and 100% plastic-free.
Products sold: Masks, Salves, Oils, Cleansers, Scrubs, Soaps
Certifications: None stated.
Ingredients: 100% cruelty-free and preservative-free. Ingredients are 100% natural plant-based.
Packaging: All shipping materials are 100% biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable. Some product packaging is biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable. In-house recycling program takes your old empties and recycles them into new products again and again.
Social Responsibility: Nothing specific found.
Use code JULIENAVITKA for 10% off!
Naturopathica
Naturopathica’s vegan and cruelty-free skincare products are manufactured in the USA. When to comes to supporting ethical lifestyle brands, you want to jump on Naturopathica’s team!
Products sold: Cleansers, Moisturizers, Serums, Oils, Peels, Masks, Mists, Toners, Lip Care, Mineral SPF
Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified and organic and natural products are audited and certified by Ecocert
Ingredients: Exciting and super-effective ingredients like Vitamin C and Niacinamide, plus herbalist staples like Calendula and Manuka Honey.
Packaging: Everything that they pack, ship and print is made from glass or recycled material whenever possible. Custom glass bottles are recyclable/reusable, tubes are made from 70% post-consumer recycled plastic and cartons come from 100% post-consumer waste recycled fibres.
Social Responsibility: Workers and vendors are paid fair, life-enhancing wages.
earth harbor Naturals
Earth Harbor Natural’s products are crafted in-house in their solar-powered studio in the pristine mountains of Utah. They donate $1 for every product review to a different environmental non-profit each month. Earth Harbor Naturals makes sustainable skincare on the go easy!
Products sold: Cleansers, Toners, Moisturizers, Treatments, Sunscreen, Exfoliants, Body Oil, Soap
Certifications: CLIMATE NEUTRAL, Net Zero Plastic Waste, FSC Certified, PETA Beauty without Bunnies, Leaping Bunny, USDA Organic or Non GMO for individual ingredients, EU Certified
Ingredients: 100% nature-identical ingredients. 100% non-GMO ingredients, focusing on organic and EcoCert-certified.
Packaging: 100% reusable and recyclable packaging. 100% compostable shipping materials. You can ship your empties to Pact (contribute $5 to cover the shipping costs), but you’ll receive a $5 promo code from Earth Harbor to reward your efforts!
Social Responsibility: Partnered with Waterkeeper Alliance® Water For People® Change Climate Project® and Plastic Credit Exchange®
Get 20% off with code SSANDEHN
U.K. based brands for AN eco-friendly and ethical skincare routine
If you’re based in the United Kingdom and looking for natural protection for an active lifestyle, here it is. From zero waste skincare to travel-friendly eco beauty, these U.K. brands have you covered. Let these sustainable beauty brands help you create an eco-friendly and ethical skincare routine!
Evolve
Evolve Organic Beauty launched as an organic and cruelty free, female founded and independent brand in 2009. In 2019, they moved into their Eco Studio, powered by renewable energy, in Hertfordshire, England. All Evolve Organic Beauty products are made in-house.
Products sold: Cleansers, Toners, Mists, Serums & Oils, Moisturizers & Face Creams, Face Masks, Exfoliators, Eye and Lip Care, SPF, Skincare Tools
Certifications: Certified B Corporation, 46 products are COSMOS Organic Certified and 11 are COSMOS Natural Certified
Ingredients: Never use microbeads in products, upcycled particles from coconut shells and organic sugar grains are used instead. No GMO or nano particles in products. Sunscreen is reef-friendly, mineral based zinc oxide.
Packaging: Only PET and PP plastics in packaging, but often use glass. 250ml bottles have been made from 100% Prevented Ocean Plastic (POP). Through the “Dump the Pump” scheme, they offer refills for many products to reuse the pump, which is hard to recycle. Cartons are made of compostable grass paper. 100% of bottles, jars, cartons, and lids are recyclable.
Social Responsibility: Work with projects both in India with Repurpose Global as part of their plastic offsetting and in Indonesia with Earthly as part of their carbon offsetting. Evolve has recently donated over £34K to the NHS and key workers in terms of both money and products.
Fushi
Starting in 2008, Fushi is inspired by Ayurvedic family recipes handed down by the founders grandparents. Their plastic-free beauty products are handcrafted and blended in their workshop in London.
Products sold: Face Wash, Cream, Oil, Eye Cream, Body Oils, Butter, & Wash, Lotion, Body Brushes
Certifications: Soils Association Organic, Leaping Bunny Certified, Vegetarian Society Vegan Approved
Ingredients: Natural, organic, or wild-crafted ingredients. Free from GMOs, harmful chemicals, and preservatives. 100% vegetarian, 99% vegan, and always cruelty-free.
Packaging: Products are thoughtfully packaged in recyclable glass bottles. Paper labels are printed using vegetable ink. All packaging materials in deliveries are completely free of plastic.
Social Responsibility: Fushi collaborates closely with farmers and growers to support sustainable practices and empower their communities, fostering self-reliance, alleviating poverty, and enhancing education and healthcare.
Bramley
Not only does Bramley impress on the ingredients and packaging front, they have taken sustainability to heart at their headquarters as well! They use renewable energy, installed low-flow taps and energy-efficient lighting, and use natural light wherever possible. Their cleaning products are refillable, they use recycled toilet paper, and harvest rainwater for plants and pups. They recycle all waste and follow a digital-first policy to cut down on printing. Their team also uses the Ecosia browser to help plant trees!
Products sold: Cleansers, Toners, Face Creams, Serums, Oils, Masks, Exfoliators, Body Balms and Scrubs, Bubble Bath & Salts, Oils, Skincare Accessories
Certifications: Certified B Corporation
Ingredients: All of the ingredients from essential oils to science-led complexes, are naturally derived, biodegradable and marine-life friendly. Free from synthetic or harmful ingredients. Products are vegan, cruelty free and harmful ingredients such as synthetic colours, fragrances, parabens, petrochemicals, silicones or sulphates are never used.
Packaging: 100% recyclable packaging. For larger containers, they work with a local company to recycle them into garden furniture and other items. Glass or aluminium packaging is used when possible, and where plastic is used, it is biopolymer – meaning sugarcane is used in the manufacturing process rather than fossil fuels. They offer refill options across nearly all of the home, skin, and body care products, including the biodegradable refill pouches.
Social Responsibility: Use local suppliers where possible – in 2023, 55% of purchases were made with suppliers based within 50 miles of Bramley HQ (45% within 30 miles). Their aim was to increase this to 75% by summer 2025.
pai
Pai is female founded and formulates and manufactures all of their products themselves in their London headquarters. This green beauty brand independently patch tests all of their products to ensure they are suitable for sensitive skin.
Products sold: Cleanser, Serum, Mist, Moisturizer, Oil, Masks, Targeted Skin Solutions (rosacea, blemishes, eczema, stretch marks, dermatitis, psoriasis, etc)
Certifications: Soils Association Organic, Vegan Society Certified, Leaping Bunny, Cosmos Natural and Cosmos Organic Certified
Ingredients: A minimum of 98% of ingredients are of natural origin. Products are free from GMOs, chemicals, and synthetic colours and fragrances.
Packaging: The majority of your Pai packaging can be recycled at home, or you can return your packaging components for recycling with a free returns label.
Social Responsibility: ISO 22716 certification – an international standard of Good Manufacturing Practices, which ensures high standards at every stage of the entire supply chain.
Eco-Friendly and Ethical Skincare conclusion
When it comes to low waste skincare products, look for natural, ethically sourced ingredients, small batch skincare, and planet friendly packaging. Make focusing on sustainable self-care a priority – for yourself and the environment. Putting chemicals on your skin and down the drain is so yesterday. Begin your journey to building a sustainable skincare routine today!
