In today's world, there are thousands of skincare brands claiming to be “clean,” “green,” or “organic,” making it hard to pick out the ones who truly care about sustainability and keeping the earth clean. As consumers, we often focus on the price point of products, although it's just as important to consider what impact our choices have on the environment and invest in sustainability. Every cleaner, moisturizer, and serum we buy contributes to something larger, from the ingredients source to the packaging discarded. After doing a fair amount of research on sustainable brands, we are excited to share the ones that stood out to us!
First off, what goes into a brand being sustainable?
It's not just about using “natural” ingredients — true sustainability goes deeper.
Packaging: Products with recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable packaging helps reduce plastic waste. Some products even offer refiller options, allowing customers to keep their containers and simply restock a product — a small change that makes a huge difference over time.
Ingredients: It's key to look for products that use natural, organic, or sustainably sourced ingredients — ones harvested in a way that doesn't harm the planet. Ingredients should also be free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, which not only damage your skin but can also pollute waterways when washed down the drain.
Ethical Practices: Just as importantly, sustainability includes how companies treat people and animals. Supporting businesses that are cruelty-free, vegan, and transparent about their labor practices ensures that your purchase aligns with values of fairness, compassion, and responsibility.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Lastly, sustainable brands often go beyond their products — many work to reduce their overall carbon footprint by conserving water, using renewable energy in production, and offsetting emissions through reforestation or recycling programs.
Now that we know what makes a brand sustainable, here are a few that stand out.
Tata Harper is a skincare brand born out of frustration and passion. Founder Tata Harper wanted beauty products that didn't compromise health or ethics — so she created them herself. Every formula is made from natural, high-performance ingredients sourced from over 68 countries, with a strong focus on quality and purity. Her brand became a leader in the green beauty movement, showing that you don't have to choose between effectiveness and sustainability.
Juice Beauty takes a science-backed approach to clean beauty. All their products are cruelty-free, vegan skincare, and made with organic ingredients. The company philosophy centers on “embracing nature's life cycles and aging gracefully,” promoting the idea that taking care of your skin should go hand-in-hand taking care of the planet.
Credo Beauty acts as a hub for sustainable beauty, curating brands that meet strict clean and ethical standards. They champion transparency and ingredient safety while helping consumers navigate which products align with their personal values. By supporting small, environmentally conscious brands, Credo is helping reshape the entire beauty industry.
Although it can sometimes be costly to support brands like these, investing in products that are not only bound to make a better impact on your skin, but also the environment, is definitely worthwhile.
