When it comes to talking about sustainability in makeup, it’s a multifaceted issue because it includes the makeup’s packaging, ingredients, manufacturing methods and longevity. Below I have listed some sustainable companies worth looking into if you’re considering making a full switch.
Axiology
Started by a young woman upset by the lack of vegan, cruelty-free, and natural products on the market, Axiology is a lipstick brand trying to create change. Although started in a kitchen, the brand is now in 90 stores nationwide and launched in Sephora this summer. The outer packaging boxes come from a woman-run, woman-owned recycled paper company in Bali, and the 10 major ingredients in Axiology’s lipsticks are all pronounceable and even recognizable like organic coconut and avocado oil, candelilla wax, and elderberry extract. They work with companies to find farms that are fair traders and ethical. The company is palm-oil free and PETA certified as being cruelty-free and completely vegan.
Dab Herb Makeup
Dab Herb Makeup has a wide range of offerings, enough for a full face of makeup. They advertise using only food-grade, certified organic and vegan ingredients so that their products don’t just mask your skin, but heal it. A good portion of their products also come in refillable metal tins and glass jars, meaning you can reorder your makeup for the refiller option at a lower price. Good for the environment and good for your wallet. They’re also a cruelty-free company and focus on only doing business with fair trade farmers and suppliers.
Elate Cosmetics
Centering their brand on their 5 Conscious Beauty Principles, Elate believes in only offering “products that don’t compromise the health of any person, animal or the planet.” Similar to the brands above, Elate is cruelty-free and PETA certified vegan, as well as gluten free. They still use some palm oil in their products, however they specify that it is derived from Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil certified sources. They also have refillable, bamboo based packaging and those refills come in seed paper pouches, which can be planted once empty, resulting in natural wildflowers.
LUSH
I wanted to include one on the list that was more well-known and, by now, LUSH has become a pretty popular brand in the US and UK, although they’re not exactly known for their makeup but rather their brighter than life bath bombs. But the brand does carry makeup products, the range of which varies based on your geographic location. LUSH boasts ethical packaging and ingredient sourcing and most of their products are vegan friendly. However, not everything is natural and palm oil can be found in their products.
While natural and sustainable makeup is a change you can make to your life, reusable makeup tins are not going to change the world. Remember that if a sustainable way of life is the future you want to get involved and make your voice heard, because more needs to change than just your foundation shade.