Meet the beauty brands making serious strides in sustainability
Do you want to clean up your beauty routine, but you're not sure where to start? Sustainability is an issue on most people's minds, as we all look for ways to make our lifestyles more environmentally friendly. When it comes to beauty routines, making your daily ritual more ethical is easier than you think, thanks to the sustainable beauty brands creating change.
There are small ways you can help to combat plastic waste by making more ethical choices, taking steps towards a greener future. We've curated a list of the brands that have impressed us most with their commitment to change. From innovative packaging methods that repurpose ocean waste to impactful humanitarian initiatives, meet the beauty brands that are making serious strides in sustainability.
L'Occitane
One of the latest brands to join the LOOKFANTASTIC family, L’OCCITANE is built on a story of fairness, respect for the planet, generosity, emancipation, vision and talent. From its beginnings in 1976, the brand has been committed to protecting nature and prioritising people and the planet in equal measure.
We spoke to Millie Lloyd, senior education and experience manager, who told us more about L’OCCITANE’s recent sustainability endeavours, “A huge milestone in our sustainability journey and one that formally recognises our efforts, L’OCCITANE’s B Corp™ Certification is a testament to its ongoing dedication to sustainability, ethical practices, and making a positive impact on the world through its dedication to causes such as supporting local communities, sustainable ingredient procurement, biodiversity and fighting climate change”.
Traceability of ingredients
From extracting and sourcing raw ingredients to developing innovative formulas in the laboratory, L'OCCITANE prides itself on ensuring smooth operations and maximum sustainability. Millie explained, “It is important to us to maintain the traceability of our ingredients, therefore we have a dedicated team to maintain our relationships with local producers. We strive to purchase local produce whenever possible and have complete control over the traceability of extracts, from the seeds right up to the finished product.”
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We Are Paradoxx
This sustainable beauty brand has slowly gained a cult following, loved for its high-performance hair products, and admired for its conscious approach to business. As well as being vegan and cruelty-free, We Are Paradoxx does a so much more for the environment. From the moment of design, through production, right down to profits and packaging - We Are Paradoxx makes ethical choices each step of the way.
Plastic-free
Although 90% of their products are already plastic-free, the brand is working to reduce its usage further, aiming to get to 100%. Designing out waste is key to this, and the brand uses aluminium packaging instead of plastic, even though it costs them more to produce. Aluminium can be infinitely recycled, unlike plastic, making it a much better choice for the planet.
Working from both ends, the brand also ensures its supply chain is as environmentally friendly as possible. We Are Paradoxx's manufacturing partner is COSMOS-certified for its responsible production, making environmental choices each step of the way. This includes using low energy lighting for production, as well as installing calibrated water meters to ensure minimal waste.
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So Eco
You'll definitely recognise this brand from its line of iconic wooden brushes, but did you know that they're also waste warriors? So Eco is cruelty-free, vegan and was honoured with Sublime Magazine's prestigious ‘Good Brand’ award for 2018.
If you've ever used one of their brushes, you'll be familiar with the ridiculously soft bristles and ergonomically shaped wooden handles that sit so comfortably in the hand. What you might not know is that the handles are hand-made from bamboo, the ferules from recycled aluminium, and that the cruelty-free bristles are in fact synthetic.
Even the product packaging is made in the most sustainable way possible. Printed using vegetable inks, rather than chemical dyes which can harm ecosystems, the product packaging is made without using any solvents.
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Ren Clean Skincare
Ren is loved for its gentle formulas, soothing cleansers and ultra-hydrating formulas. Fuelled by naturally derived ingredients, the 100% vegan and cruelty-free formulas are a favourite amongst those with sensitive skin types. Delivering real results, the botanical formulas do not compromise on efficiency, working hard to leave the skin cleansed, moisturised, smooth and nourished.
Zero Waste
The brand is also known for its pledge to sustainability, as Ren continues on its journey to becoming zero waste. This ambition means the packaging is not only made from recycled material but is also 100% recyclable. The brand focuses on the production process, working to combat the environmental waste and damage caused by beauty products.
Taking things even further, Ren is working to clean up plastic waste in the ocean and has removed 1.5 tons so far. Giving waste new life, the brand uses this plastic to package its products. Teaming up with TerraCycle, Ren created a bottle made from 80% recycled plastic and 20% plastic debris, which had been reclaimed from the ocean. Through this project, Ren has repurposed microplastics to create 150,000 new bottles.
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My large family of mainly women has made me passionate about all things beauty from a young age: from routines passed down from my grandmother, to trying the latest products and trends. After training as an MUA at MAC Cosmetics, my love for makeup has now evolved into making sure my skincare creates the perfect canvas for any look. I love anything that can make my base feel fresh & bright while accentuating my features – Bobbi Brown's Face Base is my holy grail at the moment!
