As an everyday environmental advocate, I’ve grown accustomed to the immense challenge of locating and purchasing sustainable beauty products. Oftentimes, these items are ridiculously expensive, very small in size, and rare to find. Out of convenience, many of us just pick up the cheapest and biggest bottle of face cleanser and shampoo that we can. However, this reckless behavior harms both our skin and the planet. When we impulsively purchase products we know nothing about, we are unconsciously committing warfare on our face with unnatural ingredients, and simultaneously contributing to America’s waste with non-recyclable packaging. Overly accessible brands are not always healthy or sustainable.
Recently, the beauty industry has adapted and embraced many eco-friendly decisions. Some of these changes include the use of ethical and recyclable packaging, incorporation of natural ingredients, and commitment to finally end animal testing. Here are five of my favorite brands and a recommended product from each:
- Mad Hippie – Cream Cleanser
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Originating in the United States, Mad Hippie Skin Care and Cosmetics is a beautiful company. They call themselves “hippies on a mission,” committed to locating natural solutions to all skin care struggles for all people regardless of age, race, gender, orientation, and economic status. In their creed, they state their passion for simple joys, safe ingredients, terracyclable packaging, and no animal testing. $1 from every online purchase is immediately donated to global conservation efforts.
My personal favorite is their Cream Cleanser from their advanced skin care line. This contains 13 active ingredients, including jojoba, green tea, macadamia oil, and orchid extract. What are active ingredients? Great question! Active ingredients are antioxidants that help rejuvenate skin and clean pores. Rich in minerals, orchid extract helps moisturize extremely dry skin. Jojoba oil closely resembles natural oil and sebum. When paired with other actives, this oil helps soothe and hydrate without stripping the face of its natural oils. Need another reason to love this product? This cleanser is vegan and cruelty free.
The directions are simple: dampen your skin, pump a dime-size of cleanser onto your fingertips, and gently massage the product on your skin for 20 seconds. Then, rinse completely with warm water and pat dry. For best results, I’d recommend using this product twice a day: once in the morning, and once in the evening.
- The Body Shop – Drops of Youth Concentrate Serum
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The Body Shop is devoted to searching the globe for the finest natural oils and extracts to include in their ingredients. Several of their products are vegan and enriched with community trade seed oil. Every single skincare serum is dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. Like Mad Hippie, they’re also forever against animal testing.
During my last trip to Ulta, I snagged a bottle of their Youth Concentrate Skin Serum, which is their best-selling serum for fresher looking skin. The gel is incredibly light-weight, making it quickly absorbent and highly protective. As our skin’s moisture is replenished, our pores are left with a layer of extra protection from both indoor and outdoor pollution. It’s enriched with three plant stem cells: edelweiss, criste marine, and fair trade moringa seed oil. Edelweiss is known for its protective properties, while criste marine and sea holly are known for their renewing properties.
For daily use, start with a freshly cleaned face. Then, apply 3-4 drops across your forehead and cheeks. Gently rub the serum over the entire surface area, and use a rose quartz roller to help evenly spread its goodness into every crevice. Lucky for you, there’s a recommendation for a roller down below ? Seal the deal with your favorite moisturizer and you’re good to go!
- EcoTools – Rose Quartz Mini Roller
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EcoTools is a vegan, cruelty free, and eco-friendly collection aimed to give back to the planet. Out of their mantra “clean beauty, clean planet” came the invention of plant-able seed paper. Most products are packaged in 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging that can actually be planted. The instructions are simple: remove and recycle the plastic window, plant the remaining paper packaging into the ground, and water the soil to grow wildflowers. Pretty cool, huh!?
My favorite product of theirs is the mini rose quartz roller made out of 100% rose quartz. Thanks to its compact size, this roller is perfect for de-puffing on the go. To use, apply your favorite moisturizer or serum. Starting at the chin, gently roll upwards and outwards towards the hairline. The key word here is gently: do not press firmly against your skin, for you may break the tool and/or damage your pores. Continue this same movement throughout your face and neck. For a cooling effect, store the tool in the refrigerator. To help open the pores, run it under warm water.
If you haven’t noticed recently, gemstone facial rollers are everywhere. While jade rollers help warm the skin and boost microcirculation, rose quartz rollers relax tension and reduce wrinkles. There are two primary methods for rolling our face and neck: downward and upward. Downward movement detoxifies pores and stimulates lymphatic drainage. Upward movement is more rejuvenating as it stimulates circulation and oxygenation
- Lush – Mask of Magnaminty
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In the beginning, this sustainable beauty company was known as Cosmetics to Go: a mail-order only cosmetic company. They sold creative bath bombs, solid shampoo bars, and other unique products made with fresh ingredients. After an unsuccessful business venture, they developed a new creed and started fresh as Lush while keeping their creative ideas, colorful products, and positive attitudes. They utilize fresh fruits, organic veggies, and essential oils, dubbing them a 100% vegetarian company. Every product is made by hand, and they even put a sticker with a picture of its maker on the label. They test their unique skin care and body care on humans only.
In my humble opinion, their best skin care product is the Mask of Magnaminty. This is an excellent, minty clay mask that leaves all skin types feeling thoroughly cleansed and gently exfoliated. Both Kaolin oil and peppermint oil clean the pores, while ground aduki beans exfoliate dry skin. After extracting impurities from your pores, vanilla calms redness while honey – directly from British Columbia – soothes and moisturizes post-exfoliation.
For optimal results, apply a thin layer of the mask all over your skin. Note that this can be used on both your face and body! Leave the product on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. After removal, your skin will feel tight and appear glowing. Don’t be concerned if your face experiences a slight break out the next day: this is completely normal as the natural ingredients removed a bunch of gunk from your pores. The affected area will clear up on its own.
- Cannuka – CBD Skin Balm
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I have to admit: I’m a sucker for CBD products. My mind instantly convinces itself that if something includes CBD, it must be good. This certainly isn’t accurate, and I’ve found myself often disappointed with various companies; however, one company that I’m continuously impressed with is Cannuka.
Based right here in Ohio, Cannuka is a skin and wellness company that relies upon the healing properties of two precious ingredients: cannabis, and Manuka honey from New Zealand. Every single product is cruelty free and sustainably sourced, making everything safe for all customers and the environment. For over 20 years, Cannuka has been committed to harvesting honey directly from both local and global farms, which supports dozens of agriculturalists world-wide.
Their skin balm has been one of my life-savers for various reasons: it helps eliminate stretch marks, alleviate centralized pain (especially from period cramps and COVID vaccines) and repair cracked, post-winter skin. It’s rich in hydration, which helps calm and correct dry skin. You can use the balm all over your body from your face to your feet.
I’ve heard it said that “if it doesn’t nourish your skin or soul, let it go.” This simple mentality can help influence your skin care routines. Get into the habit of reading everything you can. Double check your beauty products before slathering them on. Get to know your skin and your body; determine what you need to stay happy and healthy. Make a conscious effort to reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating waste as much as possible. Continue to take care of yourself and the planet.
*This is NOT a sponsored article.