Shampoo, lotion, lipstick — they are products we use every day, and yet, as part of the massive $500 billion personal care market, they wield enormous power for good. Or, sometimes, not-so-good.
And if you’ve ever dared to look at the ingredients list, you know that these things are usually rife with hard-to-pronounce chemicals that have been tested on animals. They’re sold in plastics that pile up in landfills and oceans around the world, and could be dangerous to humans — making them not so beautiful, when viewed holistically.
But in recent years, a few brands have put emphasis on creating products that not only make you look great, but are also great for the planet.
Global Citizen scouted the beauty aisles for products that look good, feel good, and do good. So next time you’re deciding between mascaras, you’ll know which brand to support with your dollars.
Suki
Suki products are produced on such a small scale, by owner Suki Kramer, that the company says there is virtually no carbon output from the products’ processing. They are made, poured, labeled, and shipped from the company’s facility in western Massachusetts using glass instead of plastic and organic cornstarch and unbleached newsprint paper for packaging. As an added bonus, they also support forest stewardship and wind power.
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Casile Soap
The classic. You can’t beat Dr. Bronner’s soap for its ability to clean anything — your skin, hair, pet, house — and be kind to the earth and people in the process. The company shares profits with its workers in a “constructive capitalism” program; bans synthetic preservatives and foaming agents; and is committed to building an equitable supply chain with fair labor, community development projects to support local farmers and economies, and regenerative agricultural practices. The goal is to “treat the Earth like home,” the company says.
Korres
The Greek skincare company Korres has a long history of using natural remedies in its products, including its famed Wild Rose 24-Hour Cream. The company prohibits animal testing and won’t sell to countries that require it, packages all of its products in recyclable material (and uses recycled material where possible), and says that the vast majority of its products are safe for vegans and vegetarians (apart from its well-known Greek yogurt moisturizer).
Ecco Bella
This beauty brand, which calls itself an “activist company,” was founded as a protest against animal testing. From there, the company made a commitment to ethical suppliers and products made from organic and natural materials. It offers an array of skincare essentials and makeup, including a line of vitamin-infused toners to boost complexion, as well as one of the hardest all-natural products to find: moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners.
Beauty Without Cruelty
The name says it all: this brand, founded by an ardent animal lover in England in 1963, offers a wide array of products that are guaranteed to be animal-friendly. The products are never tested on animals, contain no animal ingredients, and are 100% vegan. The company makes everything from aromatherapy skincare and haircare products to eco-friendly makeup brushes and perfumes.
Kiss My Face
Two vegetarians living on an organic farm in New York founded this earth-friendly company in the 1980s. The company's mission is to have a “360 degree view of how our products… affect our planet.” They use only sustainable, plant-based ingredients and incorporate recycled material into all of their packaging and marketing materials. Their line goes beyond just skincare, too: they offer sunscreen, toothpaste, shaving cream, and products specially-made for kids.
YESto
The ethos of this high-end company is to say “yes to” creating products that are free of toxins, use organic fruits and vegetables (did you know how great carrots are for skincare?), are at least 95% natural, and are made with recyclable material. The company gives a portion of its profits to the “YES TO Seed Fund,” which helps fund school and community gardens around the world.
Credo Beauty
Credo offers 100+ eco-conscious brands that make cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and more, all while guaranteeing an eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and organic experience. The all-natural ingredients in the anti-aging products, bath products, and even deodorants ensure that looking good can also mean feeling good, and not worrying about the effects of harmful chemicals. They also offer a "clean swap" program in their retail locations where customers can talk to makeup artists about what products they currently use and what "cleaner" healthier alternatives might exist.
What happens when a makeup artist, dermatologist, and treehugger collaborate to found a beauty product company? W3LL People happens. The company's all-natural makeup products are light-bodied but soothing to sensitive skin, and look great. They offer both powder- and cream-based foundations, eye shadows, and concealer, along with all-natural mascara and lip color.
Burt’s Bees
The classically crunchy line of lip balms, hand salves, and earth-friendly soaps is still churning out some of the best skin and haircare products from 99% all natural ingredients. They don’t test on animals, don’t use harsh chemicals, and are committed to helping the community.
Juice Beauty
You might know that drinking organic juice can be good for your health, but did you know incorporating juice into your skincare routine can be good for your skin as well? Juice Beauty uses organic ingredients from just two farms in order to limit pesticide and fertilizer use in its products and to enhance the power of its antioxidants. It doesn’t test on animals, it’s totally vegan, and it doesn’t use harsh, hard-to-pronounce chemicals. If that weren’t enough, the company also uses solar power and sets aside profits every year to donate to organizations that research links between conventional cosmetic chemicals and cancer.