Think about this: every plastic bottle of shampoo, tub of cream or mascara tube you have every had in your life is still here with us on the planet. Another sobering thought: there are some 171 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the ocean, and beauty products are thought to make up a large part. There is clearly much work to be done.
Thankfully, though, there are beauty brands that put sustainability first. That means closing the production loop, having positive carbon footprints, making products that don’t pollute, and ending single use plastics by using recycled material (known as PCR). Here, we applaud the brands working for a better planet.
JVN
Founded by Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness, JVN Hair prides itself on being an environmentally conscious brand. It uses recyclable bottles, jars and tubes, and their vegan and cruelty-free formulas use sustainable ingredients such as clean hemisqualane to ensure products are ocean safe.
JVN Complete Hydrating Air Dry Cream, $39 at Sephora
Fekkai
An early adopter of saying no to virgin plastic, this haircare brand by lauded session stylist Frédéric Fekkai has had its sights set on reducing plastic waste since 2019. Its products are packaged in 30-95 per cent PCR plastic. In a single year the brand bought 64,000kg of PCR and it also recycles milk containers for its bottles and jars.
FEKKAI Brilliant Gloss Shine & Anti-Frizz Shampoo, $36 at Sephora
Sans [ceuticals]
The plant-derived brand operates with the ethos that what it leaves out of its formulas is just as important as what it chooses to put in. Its lineup of multipurpose products uses active ingredients to help relieve sensitive skin, encourage growth and nourish damaged hair, all while ensuring the way it manufactures its products keeps the health of our planet front of mind.
![Sans [ceuticals] Balancing Hair Hydratant, $38 at Mecca](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/111266/sans-ceuticals-balancing-hair-hydratant-38-at-mecca.jpg)
Sans [ceuticals] Balancing Hair Hydratant, $38 at Mecca
Abhati Suisse
Influenced by its Indian heritage, the ethical ayurvedic brand has created shampoo and body products in bar form, eliminating excess packaging and waste. The B Corp certified company has also helped contribute $270 million to charities championing a range of environmental issues.
Abhati Suisse Tanu Family Hair & Body Bar, $41 at Mecca
Heartwood
Heartwood’s hero ingredient, Indian sandalwood, is harvested at its WA plantation, one of the world’s only sustainable sources of the sacred tree. Once harvested, the sapwood is carefully removed by hand, which reduces waste and has lowered energy consumption by 70 per cent and water usage by 33 per cent.
Heartwood Royal Oil Body + Hair Sandalwood Hydrating Perfume Oil, 100ml, $95 at Heartwood Natural Harmony
OGX
This accessible haircare brand develops kind-to-hair formulations without added nasties such as sulfates. The brand has pledged to make every bottle 100 per cent recyclable by 2025. It will begin launching bottles with PCR this year, with an aspiration to get to 100 per cent PCR bottles by 2030.
OGX Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner, $23 each at Woolworths
OWAY
With formulations based on advanced green and clean chemistry, Italian brand Oway ticks all the sustainability boxes. Beautifully packaged in highly recyclable brown glass (or infinitely reusable aluminium), this organic and vegan range also practises fair trade in all the developing nations that provide its raw ingredients.
OWAY Daily Act Frequent Use Hair & Scalp Bath, $52.70 at OWAY Australia
Airyday
This Australian brand’s range of sunscreens are packaged in a fully recycled, closed loop aluminium tube made of 95 per cent post-consumer and 5 per cent post-industrial waste. Did you know nearly three-quarters of all aluminium produced is still in use?
Airyday Clear as Day SPF50+ Dreamscreen, $46.95 at Airyday
Emma Lewisham
The cool-girl (and climate-positive certified) skincare brand leads with its global circularity program, Beauty Circle. It takes back all used packaging to be refilled or recycled. With 37,000 refills purchased since October 2021, it has tracked a sizeable 29,415kg of carbon emissions saved, averaging a tonne a month. It also boasts an impressive B Corp certified score of 90.
Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Face Cleanser, $76, and 3 SkinReset Serum, $143 at Emma Lewisham
REN Clean Skincare
An original warrior in the fight for the planet, Ren’s zero waste policy has seen it repurpose 40 tonnes of plastic waste into packaging, save 14 tonnes of waste from entering landfill with Infinity Recycling technology, and remove masses of litter from waterways though its partnership with Surfrider Foundation, an initiative that helps keep oceans clean and beaches healthy.
REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, $53 at Mecca
Votary
Founded by makeup artist Arabella Preston, this British skincare line (loved for its oil-based solutions) enlists only natural and organic ingredients, houses all of its product in recyclable green bottles and jars, and boxes everything in sustainable forest paper and cardboard boxes.
Votary Daily Apple Toner, $70 at Cult Beauty
Mother SPF
Based on a love of mother nature, this Aussie sunscreen brand is sustainably sourced, reef friendly and organic. Production uses solar power and all tubes are made from recycled plastic diverted from landfill. The new niacinamide and aloe vera-dosed hydrating tinted SPF can be refilled many times over.
Mother SPF Tinted Skin Touch Up Mineral SPF 50, $52 at Mother SPF
Caudalíe
With products based on the antioxidant powers of the grape seed, Bordeaux brand Caudalíe has deep ties with nature. The company has planted more than 10 million trees in eight countries since launching in 1995, and says it is the world’s top contributor to 1% for the Planet (handing over 1 per cent of its worldwide turnover to organisations doing good for the earth).
Caudalíe Premier Cru the Serum, $175 at Sephora
Clarins
Clarins has released its iconic Double Serum formula in a new texture: Double Serum Light. The smooth, lightweight blend contains myriad powerful plant extracts to deliver exceptional anti-ageing results. This launch coincides with its latest sustainability initiative, the T.R.U.S.T Program. Clarins aims to guarantee a fully sustainable supply chain by 2025.
Clarins Double Serum Light Texture, 50ml, $170 at Clarins
L’Occitane
There’s no empty talk with this brand, which is aiming for 100 per cent recycled plastic in all products by 2025 and has partnered with recycling initiative TerraCycle since 2016. Many of the products are available in ecorefills, which use 60-90 per cent less plastic than a regular bottle, and more refills are planned for the future.
L’Occitane Immortelle Shea Youth Hand Cream, $49 at L’occitane
Lanolips
Australia’s cult lip line Lanolips uses sustainable and cruelty-free lanolin from both Australia and New Zealand. The brand has just released sustainable packaging for the new Glossy Balms using 80 per cent sugarcane bioplastic tubes, which are also recyclable.
Lanolips Glossy Balm, $14.95 at Adore Beauty
L’Oréal
Parent company L’Oréal has pledged that by 2030 it will reduce its carbon footprint by 50 per cent, packaging all products in PCR or bio-based materials. One of its most sustainable brands, Garnier, has begun including recycled glass in packaging and also produces formulations in carbon neutral factories.
Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $13.47 at Amazon
Vanessa Megan
Committed to clean, synthetic-free skincare, this Australian natural skincare brand offers up vegan, cruelty-free, certified organic and sustainable solutions for skin concerns.
Vanessa Megan Aether 100% Natural Mood Enhancing Perfume, 50ml, $89.95 at Vanessa Megan
Sunday Riley
A pioneer of sustainable beauty, Sunday Riley has teamed with Green Worms, an organisation that keeps plastic out of the ocean and creates jobs. As part of this, Sunday Riley provides employment for women in the global south to collect and recycle plastic. Since September it’s gathered almost 30,000kg of plastic and created more than 300 jobs for waste workers.
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, 30ml, $141 at Mecca
Neutrogena
By avoiding harsh ingredients, Neutrogena prioritises both your skin and the planet. It’s increasing the percentage of PCR plastic it uses in packaging, with a goal of 100 per cent by 2025. Currently, it’s working on upgrading the entire makeup remover wipes range with a home-compostable, plant-based alternative and will be rolling out refills and single-dose products soon.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel, $32.99 at Priceline
Susanne Kaufmann
From the alps of Switzerland and Austria, this beautiful brand has long championed leaving a light footprint. Their processes involve sustainable sourcing of ingredients, responsible manufacturing and infinitely refillable glass packaging.
Susanne Kaufmann Enzyme Exfoliator, $101 at Mecca
Payot
France’s Payot has a new certified organic body and skincare line, Herbier. Recyclably packaged, each product uses sustainably sourced essential oils and botanicals (and nothing else). The five vegan products have been formulated with the fewest ingredients for minimal impact.
Payot Herbier Face Beauty Oil, 30ml, $99 at Payot
Chantecaille
Founder Sylvie Chantecaille’s passion for philanthropy has inspired the launch of many special-edition collections dedicated to supporting endangered species and spaces. Since 2006, the company has donated more than $US3 million from these collections, globally.
Chantecaille Vital Essence, $208 at Mecca
Youth To The People
LA-based brand Youth to the People is vegan and cruelty free, opting to source ingredients from local suppliers when possible. Glass components and recyclable packaging are just the start, as it supports an impressive résumé of non-profits in the climate space.
Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream, $82 at Sephora
Alcapoc
With a mission to protect the future supply of precious land resources, Alcapoc’s clean formulas are free from the 29 undesirable ingredients recognised by global skincare authorities as harmful. Alcapoc donates a percentage of its profits to support carbon dioxide reduction and land regeneration efforts.
Alcapoc Jorá Face Oil, $103 at Alcapoc
Raaie
This natural skincare brand showcases ethically sourced New Zealand botanicals. Using Tikanga Ma¯ ori, a traditional harvesting practice, it is able to deliver high-potency bioactives while respecting the land and water the ingredients come from. Raaie offers a thorough recycling program and a 20 per cent off next order incentive.
Raaie Morning Dew Vitamin C Serum, $153 at Raaie
Antipodes
Kiwi skincare brand Antipodes, known for its natural vegan formulas, recently launched a Lime Caviar cream with new aluminium lids, making the packaging 100 per cent recyclable. By the end of 2023, it is hoping the whole range will be totally plastic-free.
Antipodes Lime Caviar Collagen-Rich Firming Cream, $56 at Priceline
Innisfree
Korean brand Innisfree is helping to reduce waste with its packaging recycling program. Partnered with Close the Loop, you can take your empties into store for points (which translate to Innisfree dollars later) and to ensure every bit of packaging is recycled or remanufactured into other products.
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2x, $24 at Adore Beauty
RMS Beauty
Since 2009, innovative makeup brand RMS Beauty has set itself apart by incorporating raw, food-grade organic ingredients into its creamy formulas. The range includes refillable products (such as the lightweight primer) and multipurpose products (hello Lip2Cheek duo) designed to help reduce product waste.
RMS Beauty Liplights Lip Gloss, $42.30 at
ILIA
In 2011, vegan-friendly cosmetic brand ILIA set out with the goal of challenging industry conventions by using a considered mix of plant derived and synthetic ingredients that are just as effective as they are sustainable. It’s also striving for completely sustainable packaging, with recycled aluminium, glass and paper.
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara, $47 at Mecca
Ere Perez
This Australian brand takes inspiration from its founder Ere’s Mexican heritage and passion for naturopathy. Formulated with botanicals and superfood ingredients, the range is clean, sustainable and cruelty free.
Ere Perez Makeup-Wheel and Corn Setting Powder, $56 at The Iconic
Ellis Brooklyn
When it launched in 2015, Ellis Brooklyn was one of the first luxury fragrance brands to offer ingredients that are safe for both humans and the environment. So you won’t find any toxins in its clean formulations, just responsible ingredient sourcing and recyclable packaging.
Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Milk EDP, $180 at Mecca
Recreation Beauty
Clean, natural and cruelty free, this Bondi fragrance company recently introduced sustainable bamboo pulp packaging.
Recreation Beauty Stardust EDP, 50ml, $112 at Adore Beauty
St. Rose
Ingredient transparency and traceability is at the core of this New York-based brand. The Juliet in White scent is an irresistible composition of sweet florals and spiced woods. The clean formulation is gentle on skin and earth, with packaging produced using green electricity and 100 per cent post-consumer fibre.
St. Rose Juliet in White EDP, $275 at Lume Sydney
Maison Tahité
Paying attention to its environmental footprint, this fragrance brand uses recycled cardboard, vegetable glue and paper made from almond shells for packaging. Its fragrance Cacao2 celebrates the raw ingredient with notes of toasted cinnamon, cedar, amber and vanilla.
Maison Tahité Cacao2 EDP, 100ml, $239 at Libertine Parfumerie
Guerlain
The French company has long been committed to sustainability and preserving biodiversity, especially bees. Its entire Aqua Allegoria fragrance line is made from more than 90 per cent natural origin ingredients and responsibly farmed beetroot alcohol.
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Forte Nerolia Vetiver EDP, 125ml, $292 at David Jones
Rochas
This pretty bottle is made from 40 per cent recycled glass and has a cap made of partially recycled plastic. Inside you’ll find a vegan formula with 90 per cent natural origin ingredients.
Rochas Girl Blooming Edition EDT, 100ml, $155 at David Jones
By/ Rosie Jane
Cruelty free, vegan and climate neutral, By Rosie Jane offers seven amazing smelling non-toxic scents in bottles that are 100 per cent recyclable. The brand is a member of 1% for the Planet.
By/ Rosie Jane Rosie EDP, 50ml, $114 at Sephora
endota
One of Australia’s leading wellness and beauty brands, endota has been focused on protecting both the planet and our bodies since it began in 2000. Its COSMOS-certified, cruelty-free Organics range and refillable Clean range offer high-quality formulations that are great for you and the earth.
endota Rose & Tasmanian Lavender Hand & Body Wash, 500ml, $35 at endota
Costa Brazil
This premium bodycare brand takes inspiration from the natural wonders of the Amazon rainforest and its native ingredients. A partner of Conservation International, Costa Brazil works closely with the organisation to follow best-practice sustainability measures from procurement and production to packaging. All ingredients are vegan and cruelty free.
Costa Brazil Óleo Para Corpo Kaya Jungle Firming Oil, 100ml, $163 at Mecca
Flamingo Estate
Championing slow ways and ancient practices, this decadent bath and body line hails from an orchard in the Californian hills. Started in the 1940s, Flamingo Estate has evolved to become a collective of more than 100 regenerative farmers, who adhere to strict agricultural practices to enrich the soil and preserve species.
Flamingo Estate Euphoria Body Scrub, $100 at Mecca
Ikkari
This new beauty brand launched with a promise of 100 per cent recyclable, clean beauty and wellness products. Offering the TerraCycle recycling program in stores, the company is also plastic neutral.
Ikkari Instant Hydration Serum, $98 at Ikkari
Jurlique
From seed to shelf, Jurlique takes a holistic approach to natural skincare. Its unique biodynamic farm in the Adelaide Hills allows it to harvest powerful farm-grown botanical ingredients while supporting the health and vitality of the land.
Jurlique Aloe Vera Mist, 100ml, $55 at Jurlique
Nontre.Co
Sydney wellness brand Nontre.Co has added sustainable, clean and active botanical extracts into its products.
Nontre.Co Miracle Glow Body Milk, $35 at Nontre.Co
Davines
Thoughtfully crafted in the heart of Parma, Italy, Davines haircare are a stand out on the sustainability front. Their formulations favour the use of natural origin ingredients, are generated with renewable electric energy and adhere to a Zero Impact policy meaning carbon neutral packaging. They strive to change and elevate the conversation around regenerative organic agriculture. To cast a spotlight on their regenerative practices they’ve launched a limited edition Shampoo and Body Wash, which features both regenerative organic and Slow Food Presidium ingredients.
Davines WE STAND/for regeneration Hair & Body Wash, $40.95 at Luxe Concept Salon
Kerasilk
Established haircare brand Kerasilk have made a splash with their recent relaunch as it’s own masterbrand. The new collection, which includes reformulations of Kerasilk cult-favourites, are now completely vegan and formulated with sustainably sourced ingredients. Where possible, the climate neutral brand endeavour to use ingredients of natural origins with the highest possible ratios of biodegradability. Pioneers of using silk in hair care when it launched 40 years ago, today they use exclusive Biomimetic Silk, for hair as strong as it is beautiful.
Kerasilk Restorative Balm, $48 at OZ Hair And Beauty
Take It One Step Further with TerraCycle
With billions of beauty products ending up in landfill, here are a few tips from TerraCycle, which has several free recycling programs with Sephora, Mecca and more.
1. Prep your beauty containers for recycling by making sure they are empty. Foundation bottles, compacts, mascara tubes, skin and haircare products can all be recycled free through TerraCycle programs.
2. Gain rewards for recycling! You can visit any Sephora store, recycle your beauty empties and earn points that go towards purchases in store. You can also join the Schwarzkopf free recycling program, which accepts empty packaging from all brands of haircare products, and earn TerraCycle Points that can be redeemed and donated to the not-for-profit organisation of your choice.
3. TerraCycle has in-store recycling and refill programs with L’Occitane and Kiehl’s, giving customers the ability to start reusing containers by refilling them in-store.
Learn Your Logos
Unsure what all the symbols mean? Here’s an explainer.
Leaping Bunny
Since 1996, the Leaping Bunny Program has been the signifier for cruelty-free companies that have pledged to end animal testing at all stages of product development. They must recommit annually.
Carbon Trust
This ensures that a company has reduced its carbon waste in the production of its beauty products.
B Corp
This rigorously tested standard of verification certifies that a business is meeting a high level of practice across social and environmental markers.
♻ Recyclable
Widely used on products, this logo may indicate recyclability of some or all of the packaging.
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