Zero waste makeup is more than just a plant-based product; the packaging also has to be sustainable. We’ll share our top five US-based brands that offer natural products in eco-friendly packaging.
The multibillion-dollar cosmetic industry makes money by convincing us we need synthetic products to make ourselves beautiful. Beauty is natural, but if makeup gives you that little self-confidence boost — go for it! Just be mindful of the products you’re purchasing and the impacts they may have on our planet. Sustainability is sexy: make your beauty routine meaningful by choosing zero waste makeup products that are good for your skin, and the environment!
Making the Switch to Zero Waste Makeup
Certain zero waste swaps are easy to integrate into your daily life: using a bamboo toothbrush instead of your old plastic one, washing with homemade bar soap instead of body wash, or using stainless steel straws instead of disposable plastic ones. However, when it comes to our makeup routine, some of us are a bit more hesitant, spending years trying to find the right combination of products that work for us.
Most zero waste makeup brands don’t skimp when it comes to quality. They’re just as focused on creating a great product as they are on reducing their packaging waste. In an industry that is estimated to produce approximately 120 billion units of packaging every year, it’s a good thing some companies are prioritizing a circular economy.
On top of all that, zero waste makeup products are often ethical and cruelty-free. Make sure to choose brands that use all natural, responsibly sourced ingredients. By choosing these products instead of conventional ones, you can reduce your carbon footprint and avoid harsh chemicals in one go.
We’ve decided to highlight some US-based brands because supporting local is always a good thing!
Nudi Goods: Makeup in Tins and Paper Tubes
California-based and female-owned Nudi Goods believes in accessible, ocean-friendly, plastic-free living. Their zero waste makeup is made up of only a few ingredients and is sustainably packaged. Their tinted lip balms come in biodegradable paper push-up tubes and their shimmer powder in a glass bottle. Both their eyeshadow and solid mascara are sold in biodegradable containers (you can also get the mascara in a tin). You can also purchase lip brushes, eyebrow sponges, and spoolies with bamboo handles for easier application.
Where to buy: Nudi Goods products are available to purchase through the Nudi Goods website, their Esty shop, or in a few select brick and mortar shops in North America.
Vegan and Zero Waste: Makeup by Sea Witch Botanicals
You could say that family owned, Washington-based Sea Witch Botanicals takes ethical and sustainable business seriously — just look at their long list of credibility. They’re a certified B Corporation, a 1% For the Planet member, Certified Vegan, and Towards Zero Waste certified.
Sea Witch Botanicals carries a very limited range of zero waste makeup products, including vegan lip balms, lip tints, and solid perfumes, sold in recyclable tins. Plus, the company also has a zero waste home range, vegan soaps, candles, and incense.
Where to buy: If you want to purchase their products, you can find them on the Sea Witch Botanicals website, their Etsy shop, or use their store locator to find local stockists near you.
For Dry Skin: River Organics
This Canadian/French wife-husband duo set up their beauty company in North Carolina, and focus on oil-based skincare. Plant oils are the basis of all their zero waste makeup products and they’re designed to naturally hydrate skin.
River Organics makeup product range includes concealer, highlighter, bronzer, blush, lip balm/stain, and eyebrow wax. All products are packaged in post-consumer recycled paperboard and are shipped as low-waste as possible. In addition, they are a proud sponsor of the Plastic Ocean Project.
Where to buy: These products are available for purchase through the River Organics website, select stockists throughout the country, and a few of their products are even available on Amazon**.
Zero Waste Makeup by Bee You Organics
This Washington-based, female-owned skincare brand sells not only cruelty-free, zero waste makeup, but their products are also gluten-free. All of the items in their large product range are created by hand and from scratch in the Pacific Northwest. Bee You Organics has nearly all your natural makeup needs covered:
- BB Cream and Face Powder
- Eyeliner (liquid and pencil)
- Eyeshadow (over 20 colors)
- Lip Balms
- Cheek Stains and Blush
- Mascara
- Bamboo Brushes
And that’s just their makeup line. They also sell other skincare products including face masks, ocean-safe sunscreen, and scar cream to name a few!
Where to buy: If you want to purchase any of their products, head on over to the Bee You Organics website. If you’re in the Spokane area, you can check out their brick-and-mortar store on South Perry Street.
Handcrafted and Herbal: Fat and the Moon
Fat and the Moon is a small, made-to-order business based in Northern California, that offers handcrafted, herbal body care products as effective alternatives to chemical-filled ones. The founder comes from a family of herbalists and natural healers, so you know these products are environmentally friendly!
In terms of zero waste makeup, they offer lip paint, eye coal, highlighters and lip/cheek stains, packaged in glass containers with aluminum lids. The most impressive feature of their products is how short the ingredients list is. Their makeup range is one small portion of their total offerings: baby products, haircare, first aid, and bath products are also available.
Where to buy: Fat and the Moon products are available to purchase through the Fat and the Moon website, stockists worldwide, and on Amazon**
Zero Waste Makeup Extras
Every step counts when it comes to conscientious consumerism, no matter how big or small. If you’re making the switch to zero waste makeup and skincare, consider also switching out single-use makeup applicators and removers to their sustainable counterparts. Here are some suggestions to make your beauty routine more green:
- Sustainable Makeup Brushes (eg. by EcoTools, available on Amazon**)
- Grapeseed or Hempseed Oil as Makeup Remover
- Reusable Bamboo Pads (eg. by Greenzla, available on Amazon**)
- Make your own products, like homemade lip balm or DIY Facial toner
Also check out:
- Zero Waste Bathroom: Tips for Using Less Plastic
- Zero Waste Products: 9 Waste-free Gift Ideas
- Zero Waste Toothpaste: The Growing Trend Towards No-Waste Pastes
- Zero Waste Deodorant: 5 Brands to Check Out
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