The beauty industry generates a staggering 120 billion units of packaging each year, as reported by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Thankfully, we’re witnessing an increasing number of brands adopting more sustainable practices especially in their production and packaging processes. These initiatives include using recycled materials, minimising packaging, and exploring innovative eco-friendly alternatives.
With Earth Day happening on 22 April, here are six sustainable beauty brands that you can support to contribute to a greener future.
1. Chantecaille
Founded in 1998 by a mother-daughter duo who strongly believed in the healing properties of plants and flowers, Chantecaille has become synonymous with clean beauty. Its products are formulated with pure botanicals and plant-based ingredients that don’t cause harm to the skin. With over 20 years of research experience under its belt, the brand has developed groundbreaking anti-ageing technologies and formulation techniques. Did you know that Chantecaille was one of the first few brands that discovered the anti-ageing properties of plant stem cells? The brand is also a vocal advocate for sustainability, it supported 29 conservation projects and donated over $3 million towards the preservation of endangered species. Recently, it launched a sea turtle collection to support Amazon’s conservation team in protecting sea turtles and coastal marine ecosystems.
2. Gisou
After realising her mother’s homemade honey hair oil worked wonders on her hair, Negin Mirsaleh launched Gisou to share her game-changing formula with the rest of the world. The brand has amassed a cult following on Tiktok, and for good reason. Its award-winning honey-infused oil is clinically proven to control frizz, promote shine and soften hair. The key ingredient behind each Gisou product is its Mirsalehi honey which is sustainably sourced from her family’s bee farms. As part of Gisou’s 2024 sustainability promise, the company has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint, prioritise bee welfare, improve its sustainable packaging, raise awareness for bees, formulate cleaner products and increase brand transparency.
3. Three Ships Beauty
Ever felt unmotivated to do your own skincare? Fret not because Three Ships Beauty has your back. Founders Laura Burget and Connie Lostarted Three Ships Beauty in 2017 after they were frustrated over the greenwashed, overpriced and overcomplicated skincare on the market. The brand firmly believes that a simplified yet effective skincare routine is key to achieving healthy and radiant skin. They offer a three-set kit designed to clear blemishes and radiate skin and a two-step bundle to simplify your nighttime and morning skincare routines. More impressively, the brand has pioneered innovative ways to upcycle discarded resources. Its Brighter Days Red Algae + Avocado Biodegradable Eye Masks are made with damaged avocados that are fully biodegradable in water to reduce plastic waste.
4. Axiology
Axiology is committed to reducing plastic waste on our planet. The brand prides itself in being 100% plastic-free through its innovative sustainable packaging made of island trash. Axiology’s bestselling product is its Zero Waste Balmie which combines lipstick, blush and eyeshadow into one cream stick. What’s special about these balmies is that their crayon texture makes them sturdy enough to stand on their own. Each stick is wrapped in wax paper and contains the same amount of product as a regular lipstick, just without the unnecessary plastic packaging. What’s more? The balmie has received Oprah’s seal of approval.
5. ILIA
Not all makeup is harmful to the skin and ILIA is a testament to that. With a focus on skin-centric beauty, ILIA’s makeup products are formulated with skin-saving ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide and SPF that protect and revive the skin. In an effort to give back to the environment, ILIA has partnered with 1% For The Planet to donate 1% of the profits made from its Super Serum Skin Tint to support reforestation efforts in the Amazon rainforest.
6. Briogeo
Briogeo is plant-based haircare brand tailored for every hair type and texture. Some of its favourite natural ingredients to use are avocado oil, vitamin E, papaya enzyme, algae extract to ensure the highest standards on the market. Its newest product, the Rose Mary Pre-wash Oil is formulated vitamins and natural oils to smoothen and nourish the scalp. Briogeo is currently working towards sustainable packaging, most containers are made with recycled material while its boxes are certified by the Forest Steward Council. In addition, the brand has eliminated unnecessary packaging by removing plastic trays from its haircare kits.
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