10 Innovative Zero Waste Beauty Brands

Is there a true balance between beauty and sustainability? I know that we’ve all grown to look for that leaping bunny that means no animals were harmed testing the product, but what about the plastic seals, bubble wrap, and boxes and bags that just seem to pile up in our trash? How can we do more to be mindful consumers in a world obsessed with instant gratification and pretty packaging?

While the pursuit of sustainability may never end, the beauty of the increase in eco-conscientious consumerism in the last decade is that companies are starting to realize the marketability of sustainable packaging. We want post-consumer and recycled bottles and boxes; we care if the plastic seal on our eye cream is going to end up in a landfill.

So if you’ve been meaning to transition your skincare and beauty routine to support more eco-friendly companies, here are 10 innovative zero waste beauty brands you can check out today.

10 zero & low-waste makeup & skincare companies

Axiology

As much as we joke about men’s infamous 3-1 soap, Axiology has made multipurpose sexy with their Zero Waste Balmies. Perfect for eyes, lips, and cheeks, Axiology uses recycled paper that can be recycled or composted in their packaging. (Their lipstick tubes do use recycled plastic that keeps plastic out of landfills, but require finding a company like Credo that is willing to recycle your empties once you’re done.)

DEW MIGHTY

One of the coolest concepts I’ve seen brought to life, DEW MIGHTY has created a serum that’s in bar form. They also emphasis a zero-waste approach to sustainability and offer packaging that is metal (i.e. reusable) or recyclable/ compostable via their “exclusive natural based veggie coated paper […] printed with plant based inks that was created specifically for DEW MIGHTY.”

River Organics

Founded with a purely paper-based packaging strategy, River Organics uses recycled envelopes that are plastic free and compostable. While they do carry some items in glass bottles and metal tins, this vegan and palm-oil free company emphasizes building a zero-waste and ingredient transparent brand.

Blue Heron Botanicals

Dedicated to a holistic approach to healing and beauty, Blue Heron Botanicals uses eco-tubes for their lip therapy sticks, balms, and salves. Their packaging is 100% compostable, recyclable or reusable, and on the rare occasion they launch a limited-edition product in tins or glass jars, they encourage reusing the containers over recycling as a more sustainable practice.

Josie Maran

One of the more recognizable brands on this list, Josie Maran fully converted to 100% post-consumer recycled materials last year. They also partner with TerraCycle to offer a free and easy way to recycle their packaging, and the bulk of their items come in reusable glass containers.

Activist

Like the name suggests, Activist focuses on building opportunities for social activism by “prioritize women and people of color when selecting our partners and vendors” while building an environmentally friendly skincare brand. They use a refill pouch system to cut down on unnecessary waste. While pouches are not compostable, they are recyclable through TerraCycle, and they cut down on carbon emissions versus shipping heavy containers.

Fat and the Moon

Ferociously eco-conscious, Fat and the Moon has built a business around closing the loop. They source all their ingredients from local and transparently identified farmers, and “see packaging as an ingredient.” They have an adorable Regeneration Guide on their site to direct consumers on how to reuse, recycle or compost their various packaging materials, and ship all orders plastic-free in recyclable or biodegradable boxes paper and tape.

Ethique

Proudly 100% plastic-free, Ethique sells all their products as either bars or sticks in compostable tubes. They ship all orders in “a cardboard box, with paper ‘bubble wrap’, all sealed with paper tape.” They also plant a tree in partnership with Ecologi for every order made!

Osea

Based in California, Osea packages most of their goods in glass (though their body scrubs are packaged in PP plastic for safety reasons.) In an effort to promote recycling, they also offer the chance for locals to bring empty OSEA products to their Venice Studio, with a $40 credit incentive for every every 6 full size or 1oz travel size products returned. For non-locals, they recommend TerraCycle. Lastly, they are Climate Neutral Certified.

Meow Meow Tweet

With one of the best company names I’ve ever come across, Meow Meow Tweet packages all their products in glass, metal, or compostable paper. They boast a bulk program that’s a closed loop refill system and 100% zero waste, and offer vegan and palm-oil free beauty products aimed at inclusivity.

To see more beauty brands making waves in the low-waste community, check out our sustainable directory.