by Orianna
This article contains affiliate links.
I'm going to talk about brands and products I love, but before I get to that, you may be wondering -
What makes a make-up brand sustainable?
A sustainable makeup brand is a company that incorporates environmentally conscious practices throughout its entire production process, from sourcing ingredients to packaging and distribution. These brands prioritize reducing their environmental impact, promoting ethical sourcing, and often have a commitment to social responsibility.
These are some key aspects that make a makeup brand sustainable:
Ingredient Sourcing: Sustainable makeup brands prioritize using natural, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients. They may work with suppliers who follow sustainable farming practices, support fair trade, or prioritize biodiversity conservation.
Clean Formulations: Sustainable makeup brands often formulate their products without harmful chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. They aim to create products that are safe for both people and the environment.
Cruelty-Free: Sustainable makeup brands typically avoid animal testing and offer cruelty-free products. They do not conduct tests on animals themselves and may obtain certifications to verify their cruelty-free statuses, such as Leaping Bunny or PETA certification.
Ethical Labor Practices: Sustainable makeup brands value fair labor practices and may ensure that their products are manufactured in facilities that provide safe working conditions and fair wages.
Packaging and Waste Reduction: These brands focus on minimizing packaging waste and often opt for sustainable packaging materials, such as recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable containers. Some brands also offer refillable options to reduce the overall waste generated. (Suzanne wrote this article about clean beauty brand sustainable packaging if you want more information.)
Social and Environmental Initiatives: Many sustainable makeup brands actively engage in social and environmental initiatives. They may donate a portion of their profits to charities or organizations dedicated to environmental conservation, community development, or other relevant causes.
By considering these factors, brands strive to create products that are not only safe and effective but also have a lower impact on the planet and promote a more sustainable beauty industry.
So...what brands do we like??
Top Sustainable Make-up Brands to Try
There are several sustainable makeup brands that prioritize environmentally friendly practices and ingredients. Below are some of the best-known brands and a few of their products that are sustainable:
RMS Beauty: RMS Beauty offers a range of clean, organic, and natural makeup products that are free from harmful chemicals and are packaged in minimal, recyclable materials. This lip2cheeck cream makeup is a popular item.
Ilia Beauty: Ilia Beauty is committed to creating high-quality makeup using clean, non-toxic ingredients. They prioritize sustainable packaging and strive to minimize waste throughout their production process. I have several of their products, including this clean line gel liner, this multi-stick for lips and cheeks (Tenderly), and this eyeshadow palette.
Kjaer Weis: Kjaer Weis is a luxury makeup brand that focuses on sustainable packaging. Their products are refillable, reducing waste and encouraging reuse. The brand also emphasizes using organic and natural ingredients.
Kjaer Weis is known for its luxurious and sustainable makeup offerings, and their Cream Foundation has been highly regarded for its high-quality formulation and performance. The foundation is known for its buildable coverage, nourishing ingredients, and natural, radiant finish. It comes in a sleek, refillable compact that reflects the brand's commitment to sustainability.
ATHR Beauty: ATHR Beauty specializes in eyeshadow palettes that are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with sustainably sourced ingredients. They use recyclable and reusable packaging, and they also donate a portion of their profits to environmental charities.
Check out ATHR Beauty's rose quartz crystal eyeshadow quad.
EcoTools: EcoTools is a popular brand for sustainable makeup brushes and tools. They use recycled materials for their brush handles and packaging. Additionally, they are committed to creating cruelty-free and vegan products.
Antonym Cosmetics: Antonym Cosmetics offers a range of natural and organic makeup products. They prioritize sustainable packaging and are certified cruelty-free.
100% Pure: 100% Pure is known for its natural and fruit-pigmented makeup products. They avoid using synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes. The brand is committed to sustainable practices and uses eco-friendly packaging. I tried their water foundation and it wasn't for me because it is a little too thin (I like a CC cream like this one), but their products are still great.
PYT Beauty: This is one of my favorites! PYT Beauty is a cosmetics brand that focuses on creating clean, sustainable, and inclusive makeup products. The name "PYT" stands for "Pretty Young Thing," reflecting the brand's mission to empower individuals to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
Some of PYT Beauty's most popular products include their Hydrating Face Primer and this eyeshadow palette.
I wrote an article dedicated to this brand – check it out here!
The makeup industry is constantly evolving, and there are many more brands that are not included on this list. I try to keep my audience informed of great new brands and products that are sustainable, so read the blog regularly and subscribe to my newsletter for news about evolving brands and sustainability trends!
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