The cosmetics industry generates a lot of waste — we’re talking about 120 billion units of packaging every year. Fortunately, people are becoming more aware of their plastic waste than ever before and are choosing more sustainable, low-waste or zero-waste alternatives. Explore these cruelty-free companies that are reimagining the beauty industry with innovative eco-friendly products that you’ll want to add to your beauty routine immediately.
Which brands are reducing their use of plastic?
Single-use plastics come in many forms, from bottles and shopping bags to product packaging and beauty containers. But most of it is recyclable and cannot be turned into something new. In fact, according to the United Nations, less than 10 percent of the 7 billion tons of plastic waste generated worldwide is actually recycled. That’s why plastic, in all its forms, is quite literally, everywhere—it’s in our rivers, oceans, lakes, beaches, and more. But many brands are working to solve this problem.
Dubai-based accessories brand Veganologie has launched a line of vegan leather and faux suede handbags made entirely from recycled materials. Each part of the handbag, wallet and cardholders is made from 100 percent recycled materials that are GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified, including PU leather and faux suede lining that are both made from recycled plastic bottles.
In fact, New York State passed legislation that would remove millions of single-use plastic toiletry bottles from hotels by 2021. Bills S543 and A5082 prohibit hotels and motels from providing single-use plastic toiletry bottles smaller than 12 ounces in guest rooms. Effective January 2024.
Eco-friendly vegan products for your beauty routine
the bite
1 Bite the toothpaste bit
Swap plastic tubes of squeezable toothpaste for these long-lasting teething bits made with vegan-friendly ingredients like zinc citrate to fight bad breath and xylitol to kill cavity-causing bacteria. Each supply comes in a recycled glass jar that can be refilled with each re-up to the toothpaste bits.
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LUSH
2 LUSH Shampoo Bar
Trade in shampoo bottles for a luxury shampoo bar. Not only are they sold with zero packaging, each bar saves up to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo (that’s 80 washes!) and saves money to boot. Choose from more than a dozen different options, from seaweed-infused Scenic Bars to lemon lime-scented Jumping Juniper Bars. Pro tip: Buy one of LUSH’s aluminum tins to store shampoo bars
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onion
3 Anihana Raspberry and Lime Shower Bar
This little gem is like a blast of summer in every wash. The vibrant combination of juicy raspberry and zesty lime creates a vibrant and refreshing experience that leaves us feeling energized and ready to take on the day. Each shower bar replaces 3 standard body wash bottles, making it easier on our wallets and the planet.
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i want to say
4 OSEA Malibu Andria Argan Oil
Give yourself a plump and youthful glow with this seaweed-based facial oil. Andaria seaweed—an invasive species in the region—is harvested responsibly by hand on the Patagonian coast, so small harvests benefit the local ecosystem. Glassware can be creatively upcycled or recycled.
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@vibing.vegan/Instagram
5 Marley’s Monsters Reusable Facial Rounds
If your makeup removal routine involves grabbing a single-use cotton round and a bottle of cleanser, you’ll be happy to know there’s a super simple zero-waste solution. These 100-percent cotton reusable rounds can be washed and cleaned with laundry and then reused over and over again.
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Mew Meow Tweet
6 Miu Miu Tweet’s Lip Balm
Housed in a biodegradable paper tube, these eco-friendly balms are versatile and can be used on lips, hands or anywhere else that needs a little extra TLC. Moisturizing plant oils and butters are the base of the ultra-luxe balms, and the super cute packaging covered in cartoon animals makes us even bigger fans.
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morality
7 Ethix Solid Face Moisturizer
Formulated with a blend of moisturizing butters like shea butter and cocoa butter, this solid, plastic-free, moisturizer-in-a-tube delivers deep hydration to skin, leaving it soft, supple and revitalized. Packaged in a compact, recyclable, and compostable paperboard container, this moisturizer minimizes waste and can help reduce your carbon footprint.
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That’s The People
8 OUI People’s Safety Razor
Say goodbye to those plastic single-use razors and say hello to this smooth, single-blade razor Safety razors are quickly becoming popular for the zero-waste movement, and with this beautiful gold alternative, we’re here for it. Keep this long-lasting razor forever, just switching out the blades whenever they start to dull.
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Konjac sponge
9 Konjac Bath Sponge with Pink French Clay
Konjac potato is a perennial plant native to Asia and has been used as a medicine, food, dieting aid and beauty product for over 1,500 years. These 100-percent biodegradable, pollution-free bath sponges make a much more sustainable alternative to those plastic poufs hanging in your shower.
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Elite Cosmetics
10 Ellet Cosmetics Pressed Blush Palette
Each elegantly carved bamboo palette from this environmentally minded company comes with a mini magnet, so when you run out of compacts you can easily order a new one to pop into your palette. Wood compacts are placed in small, recyclable tins. You can help eliminate wasteful packaging while keeping your beauty box camera-ready.
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Sarah McLaughlin (@sarahmclaughlin) is VegNews’ New Products Editor and is always on the lookout for new innovations in plant-based foods.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the vegan lifestyle, and only recommend products that we believe make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may contain shopping links where we may receive a small commission. This in no way affects the editorial integrity of VegNews.