Did you know that an average woman uses 12 personal care products daily? This adds up to an average of 168 products per year or over 2,000 in one’s lifetime. And chances are, we are not recycling the packaging or using products with harsh chemicals.
Today, as we have become more aware of the harmful effects of toxic ingredients on the environment and ourselves, we’re seeing a positive change in the beauty industry by introducing sustainable and cruelty-free skincare products.
10 Sustainable skincare products for soft and smooth skin
You don’t have to sacrifice your beauty routine to practice eco-friendly skincare. Plenty of clean, sustainable, and cruelty-free skincare brands are just as good for the environment as they are for your skin. Here are 10 of the best sustainable and cruelty-free skincare products you must immediately include in your beauty routine.
1. Dew Mighty’s Bloom Jelly Serum Bar
Don’t you love it when one product can replace eight skincare products? Oh! And the amount of extra space you get in your beauty pouch. This jelly serum bar is exactly what we’re talking about.
What exactly is a solid skin serum? It is a bar made of natural ingredients with vitamins, antioxidants, nourishing elements, and calming compounds. This bar is vegan and cruelty-free. One single serum bar and immaculate duo kit purchase can save millions of pounds of needless water from being shipped around the world and two bottles of “the other guy’s stuff” from going to the landfill. It’s like doing good for the planet while caring for yourself.
Dewy mighty, striving to be a zerowaste skincare brand, brings you unbottled slow beauty. The brand makes plastic free skincare with the lowest carbon footprint possible, composed of undiluted pure ingredients, that is effective for all skin types.
What’s good?
- Calms redness.
- Smooths roughness and build collagen.
- Delivers powerful antioxidants.
- Replenishes omegas to rebalance oily skin.
- Promotes better barrier and healthy glow.
- Evens spots while brightening the tone.
- Adds long-lasting moisture and hydration.
2. Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisture Refill Pod
Cheers to the joy of finding a sustainable and cruelty-free skincare product that closely follows the two important Rs of sustainability. Enter Tata Harper’s water-lock moisturizer. This comes with a refill pod that lets you moisturize your skin and refill the moisturizer when you run out of it.
The Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisture Refill Pod is designed to be used with the reusable components in the starter kit itself. We give this brand a brownie point for acing the low waste skincare game.
Tata harper, a nontoxic skincare brand, will never make you choose between health and results or between natural and high-performance. They pack their non chemical ingredients at the highest levels of concentration to deliver maximum results.
How to use?
The refill pod locks into your refillable jar. Peel off the foil, then assemble immediately. Do not touch the product to avoid contamination. Massage 1 to 2 pumps onto your face and neck. We recommend using one in the morning and one at night.
What’s good?
- Refillable jar.
- Lightweight, silicone-free hydrator.
- Smoothes the skin.
- Best for roughness/ uneven texture, dryness, or dullness.
3. Circumference Daily Regenerative Gel Cleanser
The brand’s Waste-Not Sourcing Initiative gave birth to this formulation. The Daily Regenerative Gel Cleanser is a delicate, everyday cleanser that is infused with important bioactive olive and grape leaf extracts. Active ingredients and antioxidants gently cleanse, heal, strengthen, and restore, preparing the body for other skincare steps.
In their waste-not-sourcing initiative, the natural skincare brand collaborates with cult favorite Brightland Olive Oil to upcycle their organic leftovers (olive leaf) into opulent, slow-extracted botanicals. This initiative provides key bioactive components, and all the nutrients that support skin without any waste.
Cicumferencenyc’s skincare products are powered with lush, native-grown botanicals, backed by leading science. The eco-friendly skincare brand is committed to creating a more balanced world—from soil to skin, and back again.
What’s good?
- Gently removes pollutants without drying out the skin.
- Restores the moisture level lost during cleaning.
- Calms and manages inflammation to give skin relief.
- Supports skin regeneration for beautiful skin.
- Brightens complexion.
4. 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
Ready to say goodbye to puffy eyes? Because we have found one of the best clean, sustainable, and cruelty-free skincare products for you. This coffee bean caffeine eye cream contains the goodness of green tea and caffeine that de-puffs, boosts circulation, and brightens those dark circles. Rosehip and anti-aging vitamins in this eye cream will give you a youthful and softer eye area.
100% pure is what it is – 100% pure. The brand is committed to producing the purest, healthiest products. Not only that, the brand is also striving to be environmentally sustainable and to improve the lives of 6 billion people and animals. While also being charitable and giving back to the global community.
How to use?
And using this cream is easy-peasy! Squeeze a dime-sized amount of the product and apply it to the eye area, including the upper and lower lids. Use it twice a day for an optimum result.
What’s good?
- Natural.
- Cruelty-free.
- Improves skin hydration and moisture.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improves skin firmness.
5. Sunbutter SPF50 Water Resistant Sunscreen
We all know applying sunscreen is one of the most important skincare routine steps. And while we follow this step daily, we also pollute our oceans. Sounds shocking, right? Microplastics in your sunscreen can wash away and mix with water, polluting the oceans. Using ocean-friendly sunscreen is the best way to ensure that you are doing good for your skin and the planet.
The broad-spectrum UVA and UVB mineral blocker zinc oxide in SunButter sunscreen will provide outstanding regenerating and nurturing properties to your skin. This sunscreen is for all skin types, including sensitive and/or damaged skin. Your skin will feel smooth, soft, and weatherproof after using this moisturizing sunscreen.
SunButter is the brain child of marine biologist and conservation ecologist team Sacha Guggenheimer and Tom Hiney. The ocean friendly sunscreen is Australia’s first reef safe sunscreen packaged in reusbale and recyclable tins. It is Australia’s first vegan surf zinc. Their spf is meant to keep you protected from the UV rays, while protecting the marine lives.
What’s good?
- SPF 50.
- Reef safe.
- Palm oil-free certified (POFCAP).
- No Sunspheres (nano plastic particles) Certified.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- Safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and suitable for babies’ skin.
6. Herbivore Botanicals Moon Fruit Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alt. Serum
Discover the magic of 1% bakuchiol, nature’s plant-based, non-irritating retinol substitute. With effects similar to traditional retinol, this clinically proven serum significantly reduces fine lines and wrinkles. All without causing irritation, dryness, or redness. If you have dry skin, wrinkles, or fine lines, or your skin has lost its firmness; then this is just what you need!
Founded by Julia Wills and Alexander Kummerow in 2011, this non toxic skincare brand brings you safe and truly natural products. The founders believe in the power of nature to bring tangible results that you can see and feel. Their natural skincare line will make you feel and smell amazing and add enjoyment to your daily routine.
How to use?
Apply one or two pumps to the skin at night after cleansing and before moisturizing. Use two to three drops of PHOENIX face oil as the last step for additional anti-aging benefits.
What’s good?
- Doesn’t irritate the skin.
- Makes skin smoother.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Recyclable packaging.
7. Reed + Gwen Grounding Dry Body Oil
Ground yourself with a thin, non-greasy, and quickly absorbing dry body oil. This skincare product moisturizes parched skin with its potent antioxidants, relaxing maracuja seed oil, and revitalizing ingredients.
This body oil’s pleasant, plant-based fragrance conditions, softens, and locks in moisture with chamomile flower and moringa oil. Essential fatty acids and vitamins A, C, D, and E are provided to the skin by avocado oil to give it that undeniable, lit-from-within glow.
Reed + Gwen® beauty is an eco skincare line byAvcad green brand. The natural skincare line goes beyond clean. Their beauty products are sustainable and transparent, and obsessively safe, formulated made in the USA with the very best ingredients picked from around the world.
What’s good?
- Cruelty-free.
- Vegan and made safe certified.
- Nourishing and soothing.
- Rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E.
- Lightweight formula that sinks into your skin barrier in seconds.
- Makes your skin soft.
- Intensely moisturizes your skin.
8. Activist Skincare Sea To Skin Cleansing Gel Refill Pouch
The superfood spirulina extract, which is rich in amino acids and nutrients, is what gives this magnificent blue beauty its hue. Beyond its luscious appearance and fresh, breezy aroma inspired by the ocean, this cleanser’s benefits are numerous. Sea to Skin is ideal for all skin types and effectively removes dirt, oil, extra makeup, and sunscreen without over-drying the skin.
The key active ingredients like grapeseed, sunflower, and other cold-pressed plant oils remove makeup, pollutants, and excessive oiliness without removing any natural oils from the skin. Thanks to the mild emulsifier di-PPG-2 myreth-10 adipate, the oils can be rinsed away without the need for a hot cloth or a second cleaning.
Taking care of your skin shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. That’s what this eco-friendly skincare brand is all about. Although, creating incredible skincare products is the brand’s primary obsession, the brand is idealist at heart. Evey aspect of the business is an opportunity for the natural beauty brand to be the change. That’s how the brand gets its name – active ingredients + advocating for change = Activist Skincare.
How to use?
Scoop a little with your fingertips from the container, and massage it into your skin. The gel will melt into an oil, which will then change when you rinse it off or wipe it off. This gel will result in clean, supple, and dewy skin.
What’s good?
- Naturally scented.
- Simple to rinse away.
- Leaves skin soft and dewy.
9. Fenty Skin Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen With Niacinamide
This reusable, lightweight, oil-free, and noncomedogenic sunscreen moisturizer can be your next skincare staple.
All-day hydration that is as light as air meets universal SPF 30 protection. With no pilling or flashback, this pink cream blends seamlessly into all skin tones and is compatible with makeup. Both immediately and over time, it makes skin look brighter, minimizes the appearance of pores and dark spots, and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Fenty skincare by the one and only Rihanna is a smart skincare line with clear mission: treat, smooth, and tighten the look of pores. The zero waste skincare brand abide by the 3Rs – reuse, recycle, and reduce by opting for a sustainable packaging.
What’s good?
- Softens the skin.
- Doesn’t pill under makeup.
- Blends easily.
- Hyaluronic acid and aloe help hydrate and soothe the skin.
- Niacinamide helps reduce dark spots, evens skin tone, and fights excess shine.
Psst! Want to know more about the ingredient niacinamide? Then check out our blog – Is Niacinamide Good Your Skin?
10. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer
If you have dry and dull skin, then this firming moisturizer is what you need. It is a protein moisturizer that combines the goodness of pygmy waterlily, growth factors, signal peptides, and amino acids to improve your skin tone, texture, and firmness.
Your skin will start looking younger and fresh after using this product. As the ingredient Protini here works its magic. This sustainable beauty brand’s products are free of silicones and fragrances. With this firming moisturizer, you no longer have to worry about putting your skin through harsh chemicals.
The clean skincare brand brings you products that are made without the 6 suspicious ingredients –
1. essential oils
2. drying alcohols
3. silicones
4. chemical sunscreens
5. fragrances/dyes, and
6. SLS
You can trust your skin with this drunk elephant’s chemical free skin care that acts like smoothie for your skin when mixed with any other skincare products
What’s good?
- Restores revived, younger-looking skin.
- Reduces lines and wrinkles
- Minimizes signs of sun damage.
- Strengthens and moisturizes the skin.
Your skin deserves to be pampered. It should always look and feel amazing. We’re sure these sustainable and cruelty-free skincare products will give you the glowing skin you desire. If you prefer to make skincare products yourself, read our blog about making DIY products at home.
FAQs On Sustainable Skincare Products
1. What are sustainable beauty products?
Sustainable beauty products meet our beauty needs without negatively impacting the environment.
2. Are cruelty-free products sustainable?
That’s not always true. However, there is a connection between brands that avoid animal testing and harm done to the planet. Because avoiding the exploitation of animals is one way to show they care for the planet.
3. Why do people buy cruelty-free products?
Usually, sustainable and cruelty-free skincare products are made with organic and natural ingredients that don’t require any animal testing. These products tend to be healthier, safer, and work more effectively (because of natural ingredients) than non-cruelty-free products.
4. How to make your skincare routine sustainable?
- Use sustainable products.
- Simplify your daily beauty routine.
- Use multipurpose products.
- Buy products from brands that focus on sustainable packaging (made of plastic-free or recycled materials/
- Try homemade skincare products.
