10 Sustainable Beauty Brands We Love
With Earth Day just around the corner, what better time to round up some of our most-loved beauty brands that are all making a conscious effort to ensure we have a greener future…
By Sarah London
Founded by sisters, Sarah and Lauren, here in the UK in 2017, By Sarah London set out to deliver a minimalistic skincare line which not only offered skin-loving, organic, vegan and cruelty-free formulas but that were also packaged in an eco-friendly manner. “Every decision from formulating to packaging is driven by our commitment to collectively minimise our carbon footprint, support local farming communities and boost the overall health of both people and planet,” says Sarah Murrell, Co-Founder of By Sarah London. “We were in fact the first UK skincare brand to innovate with up-cycled hemp seed oil which is grown on UK soil.” We love their Organic Facial Oil for really giving skin a boost thanks to its nutrient-rich formula.
www.bysarahlondon.com
PHB Ethical Beauty
This pioneering, family-run British brand also brings a revolutionary range of sustainable skin, hair and body products to the table - all of which are handmade here in the UK (hence the name PHB - Pure, Handmade, British). They really are championing the power of plant-based and their collection is so pure it’s ideal for those with sensitive skin and concerns such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. What’s more, they donate 20% of all of their net profits to charity to help improve the lives of people and animals in the UK and around the world. Their standout product for us? The Organic Rosehip Lipsticks as they give a great pop of colour and are packed with vitamin E to banish any dryness.
www.phbethicalbeauty.co.uk
NEOM Organics
Using only 100% natural fragrances, NEOM produce some of our favourite mood-boosting products that really do help you to sleep better, stress less and increase energy. Every single one of the products is made ethically and sustainably here in the UK and every year they’re making further steps to becoming even better. “By 2025 we are aiming for zero waste, meaning all our packaging will either be recyclable, refillable, reusable, compostable or made with 100% recycled components and to be carbon neutral - our aim is to fully offset our greenhouse gases,” says Founder, Nicola Elliott. If you’re yet to experience the NEOM magic, the Real Luxury Scented Candles are pure bliss - hand-poured and they’ll burn for over 50 hours.
www.neomorganics.com
Skin + Tonic
After suffering from endometriosis after the stress of losing her father, Sarah (the founder behind the brand), decided there was a gap in the market for natural skincare that worked to combat stress and hormones and so retrained in aromatherapy, skincare formulations and essential oil science and launched Skin + Tonic. Each product is produced entirely ethically here in the UK, is certified organic and cruelty-free and uses as little ingredients as possible. These minimal and kind-to-skin formulas really deliver results too. For stress-induced breakouts or if you’re battling the more recent concern of maskne, try their Detox Beauty Oil which is packed full of antioxidants to calm inflammation and tackle pesky blemishes.
www.skinandtoniclondon.com
Love Beauty + Planet
Just as the name suggests, this brand is all about quality beauty products that are also kind to our planet. This not only involves sustainably-sourced ingredients from certified sources and using 100% recycled packaging methods, but they are also continually reducing their carbon footprint and supporting environmental activists. One of their stand-out achievements was the fact they created the first-ever Dry Shampoo using a nitrogen aerosol instead of the standard versions which are fuelled by liquified petroleum gas and therefore emit harmful greenhouse gases. The aluminium packaging is also able to be recycled over and over.
www.lovebeautyandplanet.com
Aveda
This high-performance, plant-powered haircare was founded by a world-class hairstylist, environmentalist and activist so it’s no wonder they place sustainability as a priority. Each product is made ethically from 100% vegan ingredients with absolutely no nasties, as well as being manufactured and packaged in a responsible and eco-friendly way. They've even released a limited-edition Shampoo Bar this month to help raise funds for charity: water. Not only will you be contributing to this worthy cause, you’ll also be saving on packaging. Not tried a shampoo bar before? This one’s a great place to start as it gives long-lasting nourishment and as with all of Aveda products, it smells divine too.
www.aveda.co.uk
BYBI
This British skincare brand (which gets in name from the fact it was founded by two beauty insiders - By Beauty Insiders) launched in 2017 and boasts an impressive collection of products with 100% natural formulations. They believe active beauty should impact your skin and not the planet which is why all of their products give real results and are climate-conscious. They’re also really affordable too at around £10-£20. Every item (apart from a few glass bottles which are infinitely recyclable) is packaged in sugarcane and made with solar and windy energy only. For a lightweight, non-greasy SPF that gives no white cast at all and sits well under makeup, try their Day Defence SPF30 Day Cream.
www.bybi.com
REN Clean Skincare
Renowned globally for their extensive and efficacious skin and body care range that’s packed full of naturally-derived ingredients and that also respects the planet, sustainability is at the core of what REN stands for. “We’ve always been sustainably-focused but we knew that we needed to lead the prestige in the beauty industry to take action towards a waste-free future through 100% recyclable packaging and reusable and refillable solutions,” says David Delport, the brand’s Clean Skincare Global Ambassador. “We are on track to reach our zero waste mission by the end of 2021 as we now have access to the best packaging engineers in the world thanks to being a part of Unilever,” he adds. If you’re new to the brand, their Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is worth a try. It’s packed with lactic acid, azelaic acid and willow bark acid for an instantly brighter and smoother complexion.
www.renskincare.com
Ohana
When Jasmine Thomas was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015 she knew she needed a natural way of dealing with it and began making hand-made balms infused with cannabidiol or CBD as it’s better known. Word soon spread and she now has her own brand selling four completely natural and incredibly soothing CBD products. They're backed by science and infused with plant-based ingredients only so expect no synthetics at all. Harness the healing powers for yourself with their All-In-One Wonder Balm which not only helps to calm your skin, but your mind too.
www.ohanaskin.com
Weleda
Having placed sustainability at their core since they launched in 1921, Weleda is undeniably one of the greenest beauty brands there is. In fact, they are the first in Europe to be given the UEBT Sourcing With Respect award which is an eco-certification that verifies all your ingredients are sustainably sourced and are respectful to the environment in every way possible. ‘Sustainability is about people, planet and profit,” says the brand’s Managing Director, Jayn Sterland. “At Weleda we balance profit against what is good for the planet – it’s built into our DNA. When we make a decision we ask: is it profitable? Is it right for the planet? Is it right for people?” Their Skin Food natural moisturiser is a desert island must-have for many and rightly so - this little green tube is a universal saviour for dryness and irritation.
www.weleda.co.uk
