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15 Organic Vitamin C Serums For Bright, Glowing Skin
 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the beauty industry a better place!

THE BEST ORGANIC VITAMIN C SERUMS

No matter their skin type or age, many women see vitamin C serums as a must-have in their everyday skincare routines. Indeed, these serums provide many health benefits to the skin and are seen as some of the best products for pro-aging support. 

Packed with antioxidants, they help reduce redness and hyperpigmentation, brighten our skin, improve collagen and elastin production, and protect against free radicals that cause oxidative damage. They also hydrate the skin and boost our skin’s healing time. 

Unfortunately, these potent treatments are often formulated with toxic chemicals we do not want to be in contact with. So if we want healthy skin without sacrificing our overall health, choosing a non-toxic, organic option is our best bet.  

In this article, we share with you 15 organic vitamin C serums for bright, glowing skin!

WHY SHOULD WE OPT FOR AN ORGANIC VITAMIN C SERUM?

There are many reasons why we should opt for an organic vitamin C serum as opposed to its conventional counterparts. 

Organic serums are formulated with healthier ingredients that are produced using organic farming practices. This means they are grown without harmful synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides. Organic farming reduces soil and water pollution and helps preserve ecosystems and biodiversity. 

An organic serum is also a much healthier option for us because it is made without potentially harmful chemicals such as parabens, toxic fragrances, phthalates, silicones, or sulfates. 

What’s more, it is usually made using sustainable practices and sold in eco-friendly packaging. It is also a more ethical option because these brands usually support fair labor practices and workers in the supply chain are not exposed to toxic chemicals. 

Last but not least, organic vitamin C serums are often the best in terms of purity and quality! 

WHAT NON-TOXIC INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Make sure to buy a vitamin C serum that is not formulated with harmful ingredients such as those mentioned earlier. Instead, opt for products made with non-toxic, organic ingredients. 

To guarantee the ingredients are grown organically, look for products that are certified organic by USDA or Ecocert. You can also look for EWG Verified products or ones that contain only 100% natural ingredients. 

Most of the serums mentioned in this article are formulated with sustainably sourced, plant-based ingredients such as organic aloe vera juice, plant extracts, or natural oils. You will also find many options that are both vegan and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.

OUR TOP PICKS FOR ORGANIC VITAMIN C SERUMS

1. Cocokind

Price: $22

Cocokind’s vitamin C serum features a stable formula that helps firm, brighten, and defend the skin against environmental stressors.

Made with ascorbyl glucoside, it will boost your collagen production and even your skin tone. 

This ingredient is paired with azelaic acid to refine the skin texture and sodium hyaluronate to plump the skin with hydration and soften it over time.

You will also find organic aloe vera leaf juice and sustainably harvested sea grape caviar extract, which is a nutrient-rich algae that improves water retention. 

Unlike most other brands on the market, Cocokind transparently shares the carbon emissions generated by each of its products. Its vitamin C serum is made in California and comes packaged in a glass bottle and an FSC-certified box. 


2. Glitz Soap Co.

Price: $27

This Vitamin C Brightening Serum helps to protect against free radicals and is an excellent addition to your morning skincare routine - after a toner and before your moisturizer! This Vitamin C (10%) serum is mixed with Ferulic Acid to improve skin tone and texture, along with four types of Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and lock in moisture. 

Pair this with their Green Tea + Rose Hydrosol Toner & Kelp + Cucumber Hydrating Face Cream!

Glitz Soap Co is a Pennsylvania-based bath and beauty brand on a mission to help you indulge in bubbly and eco-conscious personal care rituals.


3. Andalou Naturals

Price: $29

Infused with a nourishing blend of natural ingredients for antioxidant protection, this Vitamin C Serum will help target uneven skin tone and dark spots and combat signs of aging. 

This gluten-free formula combines key ingredients such as turmeric, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate vitamin C, heirloom apple, and grape stem cells. Many of them are certified organic and/or fair trade, and they are all 100% non-GMO, vegan, and cruelty-free

The brand packages its products using BPA-free, recyclable bottles. It also donates a portion of its yearly proceeds to different nonprofit organizations promoting women's and girls’ empowerment and education like Vital Voices and SHE-CAN! 


4. The Organic Skin Co.

Price: $35

The Organic Skin Co. is an organic beauty brand offering a vegan vitamin C face serum. Its “Vitamin Sea” serum is formulated to help manage aging, replenish collagen, and rejuvenate the skin. 

It is made with 88% certified organic ingredients, including New Zealand native red seaweed and black fern. Packed with antioxidants, it will help guard the skin against external elements! 

The brand’s serum is also produced using supercritical CO2 extraction technology, which means it contains purer and more concentrated plant extracts compared to its conventional counterparts. This extraction method is also more sustainable as it is certified organic and produces zero waste!

The Vitamin Sea serum smells like honeysuckle with some citrus highlights, and it is packaged in a beautiful glass bottle with a bamboo lid and a compostable box. The Organic Skin Co. also plants a tree for every purchase. 


5. Ursa Major

Price: $56

Ursa Major is a vegan and cruelty-free brand selling skincare products made with clean ingredients. 

Its Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is a lightweight, layerable brightening treatment that contains a potent and long-lasting form of vitamin C. It is designed to target hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone, lighten dark spots, and give dull skin an extra boost of radiance. 

The serum is formulated with ascorbic acid polypeptide, aloe vera, rosehip seed extract, edelweiss, rose oil, and aspen bark. It smells like freshly squeezed citrus topped with herbaceous rosehip and a hint of sour rose.

Some of its ingredients are certified organic, and it does not contain any petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, or other toxic substances. 

Not to mention the brand is a certified B Corporation and a Plastic Negative company as it removes two plastic bottles from the environment for every bottle it sells!


6. 100% PURE

Price: $58

100% PURE is committed to creating only pure, non-toxic beauty products that are completely free of harmful chemicals. Its lightweight vitamin C serum helps firm and brighten the skin tone while boosting elastin and collagen production. It will also deeply hydrate and soothe your skin thanks to its organic aloe vera gel base. The formula is also made with radiance-boosting grape and green apple, and alpha lipoic acid for fighting oxidative damage. 

This serum is gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, and can be used on all skin types. 

100% PURE uses a stabilized form of vitamin C to ensure the product has a longer shelf life. 

What’s more, for every order, the brand either donates the cost of a tree to the charity Trees For The Future or a bowl of vegan dog food to local shelter dogs! You get to choose which at checkout. 


7. Oil Divine

Price: $58

Clean beauty brand Oil Divine has a dark spot corrector that contains 15% oil-soluble vitamin C. This serum is designed to address hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and post-acne marks while supporting a healthy skin barrier. It also prevents signs of aging and boosts collagen production.  

This vitamin C serum is infused with papaya oil, lemon oil, castor oil, turmeric oil, and rosehip oil and also contains vitamin E.

89% of the ingredients are organic, and the formula is all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free

It is made in the USA without toxic chemicals such as petroleum-based ingredients, GMOs, parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, and more. 

Oil Divine’s vitamin C serum is suitable for all skin types and has a refreshing turmeric and lemon aroma! 


8. Herbivore Botanicals

Price: $65

Herbivore Botanicals sells clean, plant-based skincare products that are made with the planet in mind. Its NOVA vitamin C serum is a potent brightening formula combining 15% THD vitamin C with turmeric, an organic super root packed with antioxidants

This product visibly improves dark spots and hyperpigmentation and evens the skin tone while being gentle even on the most sensitive skin. 

It also contains arbutin naturally derived from bearberries, which helps with discoloration and tightens the look of pores. 

The serum has a ginger-like smell and a silky, creamy texture. All-natural, it is made without added fragrances, synthetic ingredients, or other toxic chemicals. 

Herbivore Botanicals’ products are also 100% vegan and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny


9. Juice Beauty

Price: $65

Juice Beauty is a sustainable beauty brand offering skincare and plant-based makeup products formulated with USDA-certified organic ingredients. Its vitamin C serum contains 20% active vitamin C to help protect the skin from oxidative damage and correct blemishes, age spots, and hyperpigmentation.

Packed with antioxidants, the formula will also help smooth your complexion and fight against daily stressors while providing hydration. 

The serum is also formulated with hyaluronic acid, organic aloe vera leaf juice, and vitamin E. It is also 100% vegan and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny, and the brand sources some of its organic ingredients from its own organic farm based in California

Plus, Juice Beauty uses sustainable packaging as its serum comes packaged in a glass bottle and an FSC-certified box. 


10. KORA Organics

Price: $75

KORA Organics offers an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum made to improve your skin tone and protect it from environmental damage. 

It is powered by some of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, including ascorbyl glucoside, Kakadu plum, and acerola cherry. This gentle formula is also blended with hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture.  The ingredients are gluten-free and non-GMO and 70% of them are also certified organic by ECOCERT Greenlife.

The formula is cruelty-free and packaged in a bottle with an airless pump so that you can get every last drop.  

The brand is also Climate-Neutral certified and its serum won the Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2019! Not to mention KORA Organics has implemented different sustainable harvesting practices, resulting in less waste and no harmful chemicals. 


11. Maya Chia

Price: $110

Maya Chia creates non-toxic skincare from chia seed oil and other superfoods that support skin health. 

Its Super Lift vitamin C serum is a concentrated formula that deploys different types of shelf-stable vitamin C. 

Not only will it brighten your skin tone, but it will also smooth the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles & act as a primer to help your makeup last longer. 

Many of its ingredients are either wildcrafted or certified organic, and it does not contain any parabens, synthetic fragrances, PEGs, SLSs, or phthalates. 

This serum was even named the “best ferulic acid serum” by Allure and one of the “best serums for skin over 50” by New Beauty!

Maya Chia is also the corporate sponsor of a nonprofit that provides children and families in Guatemala with education and training so that they can improve their economic condition. 


12. Fleur & Bee

Price: $38

Fleur & Bee is a vegan, cruelty-free skincare brand selling a vitamin C serum that will brighten and even your skin tone.

It will also diminish the look of wrinkles and dark spots and promote collagen production.  

Its formula is packed with powerful yet gentle antioxidants and contains key ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and squalane.

Some of its ingredients are organic, and the serum is free of toxic substances such as parabens, artificial fragrances, sulfates, and silicones. 

We also like that the serum comes in a recyclable glass bottle and the packaging boxes are made from recycled, FSC-certified paper. 

Not only that but Fleur & Bee also offers carbon-neutral shipping and produces its products using 100% renewable energy. It even donates 1% of its sales to a nonprofit providing menstrual care and education to women in need! 


13. Josh Rosebrook

Price: $65

Josh Rosebrook’s C Complex Serum is designed to fortify and renew the skin’s surface and help offset damage from UV light. The fast absorption formula also improves and brightens the skin tone and increases its luminosity.

It is made with two stabilized and biomimetic vitamin C complexes and various natural and organic ingredients such as aloe vera leaf juice, tamanu oil, avocado oil, and licorice root. It also contains vitamin E, ferulic acid, & azelaic acid. 

The brand’s serum features a lightweight, non-sticky texture and a soft citrus scent. The ingredients are cruelty-free, biodegradable, fair trade, and produced using sustainable practices.


14. One Love Organics

Price: $75

One Love Organics has a cruelty-free, vitamin C facial serum that deeply hydrates the skin, leaving it supple, soft, and dewy.

You can use it on all skin types, but especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. 

Its plant-based formula uses two potent sources of vitamin C, which are a vitamin C ester and a plant-powered C complex of rosehip, acerola, baobab, and sea buckthorn oils.

The brand also combines vitamin E with green tea to naturally boost their effectiveness and adds a botanical extract of hops to increase luminosity and nourish the skin. 

The serum does not contain any synthetic fragrances and is certified natural and organic by ECOCERT. One Love Organics also makes everything in small batches. 


15. Eminence Organic Skin Care

Price: $118

Eminence Organic Skin Care creates USDA-certified organic skincare products and cosmetics using sustainable practices. It has a lightweight vitamin C serum that helps any skin type appear bright, firm, and plumped. It also improves the appearance of dry, red skin and reduces any visible signs of aging. The brand combines a stabilized form of vitamin C with botanical ferulic acid, vitamin E, citrus fruit oils, leafy greens, avocado, and botanical hyaluronic acid. 

This potent serum won different awards, including the Aestheticians’ Choice Awards (by Dermascope) in 2016 and 2020 and the Natural Beauty Awards (by Nature & Health) in 2016. 

Eminence Organic Skin Care is also B Corp certified and cruelty-free, plants a tree for every product sold, and regularly supports different nonprofit organizations!


About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle.

She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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9 Sustainable Toothbrushes For a Healthy Smile & Planet
 

Image: SURI

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make the beauty industry a better place!

Best Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes

Brushing your teeth daily is essential to maintaining dental health but can also harm the environment. It all depends on what you use, like a standard toothbrush made with non-biodegradable materials. Using sustainable toothbrushes can better support the planet. You could adopt new brushing habits to protect the environment without sacrificing your teeth.

How Do Toothbrushes Harm the Environment?

Toothbrushes aren’t meant to last forever. The American Dental Association recommends replacing them every three to four months, which adds up when you think about global communities brushing their teeth. It’s one reason toothbrushes are one of the top 10 littered items found on beaches worldwide.

Anyone living a sustainable lifestyle can keep up with the recommended toothbrush replacement schedule without adding trash to the environment. Look for options made with eco-friendly materials so your brushes don’t sit in landfills or biomes for years without breaking down.

What Makes a Toothbrush Sustainable?

Understanding if a toothbrush is sustainable doesn’t have to be challenging. Look for packaging indicating sustainable manufacturing, eco-friendly materials and long-term use. You can also research sustainable toothbrush brands when you’re ready to buy an eco-friendly replacement.

Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Toothbrushes

Start your search for a sustainable toothbrush by considering the leading options. Once you know how they support the environment, making your dental routine better for the planet will feel effortless.

1.  EcoRoots

Price: $14.90 for a four-pack

Anyone interested in supporting a women-owned small business should consider getting their next toothbrush from EcoRoots. The company makes toothbrushes with biodegradable bamboo handles that minimize bacterial growth and break down in compost bins. They keep people and the planet healthy simultaneously.

Shoppers who prefer buying from vegan brands should note that EcoRoots doesn’t use animal testing on its products. You can also recycle the packaging after your toothbrush arrives, so nothing about your purchase litters the planet.


2. SURI

Price: $92

SURI’s bushes might appeal to you if you’re into electric bushes but don’t care for the bamboo aesthetic. The electric toothbrushes use aluminum bodies to remain recyclable while utilizing plant-based bristle heads. You can compost the heads every few months while recharging your bush in its UV-cleaning case.

The ultra-quiet brush even features a timer in the handle. You’ll never miss the full two-minute brushing recommendation by leading dental experts. Pick a model from the four available colors to start your upgraded brushing routine.


3. Etee

Price: $5

Etee makes bamboo brushes meant for long-lasting dental hygiene.

Just replace the biodegradable brush heads every three to four months to maintain a healthy smile.

The company also supports community-building organizations to make life better for plants and people.

Consumers might try the brush for its lightweight ergonomic grip or castor bean oil bristles, but they also stay for the eco-friendly manufacturing process.


4. ZWS Essentials

Price: $3.99

Frequent travelers and compositing fans should check out the bamboo toothbrushes available at ZWS Essentials. The company makes its bristles with all-natural castor bean oil harvested from sustainable farms. Each brush breaks down into eco-friendly materials in landfills and composting bins as part of the company’s multifaceted approach to improving the planet. You’ll get firm bristles that last as long as traditional brushes without compromising your sustainable lifestyle. There’s even an easy subscription service that sends new brushes in compostable packaging so you never forget to upgrade your dental routine.


5. Foreo Issa

Price: $189

Foreo Issa makes silicone toothbrushes for sustainably-minded individuals of all ages. It’s a great option to explore if you don’t prefer the look or feel of bamboo material. Silicone isn’t biodegradable, but it’s easily recyclable, so it still prevents landfill waste. The high-tech Foreo Issa sonic electric brush comes in four colors and gently removes plaque without traditional bristles that may bother sensitive gums. Choose from the 16 sensitivity settings to find one that’s right for you. If you’re worried about how often you’ll need to recharge this brush, schedule a reminder once a year. A single recharging session makes each brush last 365 days.


6. Georganics

Price: $5.60

The U.K.-based team at Georganics offers toothbrushes made with an alternative material to bamboo. Each brush base contains Swiss beechwood from FSC-certified regions along the Swiss Alps. When the company fells a tree for brush manufacturing, it automatically replants a sapling in the same forest to avoid disrupting the local environment.

You’ll notice a visual difference between the wood since Swiss beechwood has less grain than bamboo. When you’re done using the leaf-imprinted handle, snap the head off to compost it and recycle the head.

Georganics also offers a recycling program for interested consumers. It sends packaging with a return label for used toothbrushes and lets customers compost excess packing materials due to the vegetable ink used in its printing process.

It also offers liquid, powder and tablet toothpaste that earned a Soil Association certification because the ingredients are safe for the environment. If you love your new sustainable dental routine, upgrading your toothpaste could be your next move.


7. Me Mother Earth

Price: $3.49

Anyone who’s ever been interested in whitening their teeth knows how costly dental hygiene supplies can get. Skip the expensive price tags on whitening gels and strips for Me Mother Earth’s eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes.

Each brush uses charcoal fibers that whiten teeth naturally and avoid animal cruelty testing without compromising the brush’s quality. When it’s time for a replacement, use pliers to send the bristles to landfills, where they decompose into nutrients for the soil. The handle can go to a compost bin or facility.

Me Mother Earth also makes electronic toothbrush heads for adults and kids. The children’s versions feature fun colors to compete with conventional alternatives showcasing popular cartoon characters. Research shows electric toothbrushes reduce gingivitis by 11%, so they’re a powerful tool for your dental routine at any age.


8. The Humble Co.

Price: $4.29+

Families should consider The Humble Co. toothbrushes because the company makes them for kids and adults. Select a model that matches the bristle strength your teeth need to add a bamboo toothbrush subscription to your bathroom routine. Humble Co. bristles don’t contain BPA, which is a harmful chemical that disrupts biomes and reproductive organs in animals and humans. The brand also creates brushes with numerous colors and nontoxic wax to protect the bamboo handles from water damage over time. There’s no need to worry about bacterial growth if the bamboo has wax over its naturally porous surfaces.


9. PearlBar

Price: $120

PearlBar’s eco-friendly electric toothbrushes come with three bristle heads for nine months of sustainable dental hygiene use. The five brushing modes guarantee a pleasant experience for anyone who’s tried an electric brush and felt it was too strong for their gumline. When you’re ready for a new brush head, toss the old one in a recycling bin. They contain mostly bamboo, so they’re easy to recycle at most processing facilities. You could also add your nonplastic toothbrush heads to a compost bin if you already have one at home. Watch how the sonic brushing speed whisks plaque away without harming your gums or the planet.


Is There a Sustainable Way to Brush Your Teeth?

Getting a sustainable toothbrush could encourage you to live an even more eco-friendly lifestyle. When you want your dental routine to delve deeper into green oral care, find a toothpaste made with organic ingredients. It will clean your teeth and avoid harming the environment when it washes down your drain.

You can also instantly improve your planetary impact by turning the faucet off while brushing. The simple act saves 3,000 gallons of water annually, even without low-flow plumbing.

However, you can always install a low-flow faucet to further minimize how much of the limited natural resource you use while brushing twice daily. Each effort protects the planet while supporting your health.

Make Your Dental Routine More Sustainable

Sustainable toothbrushes benefit the planet and anyone interested in upgrading their dental hygiene. Your future brushes could minimize waste, avoid adding chemicals to the environment and come from sustainably sourced manufacturing processes if you trust your dental routine to brands like these. There’s an eco-friendly toothbrush with unique features waiting for you if you start comparing models to find your favorite.


About the Author

Mia Barnes is a health and beauty writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online publication that covers healthy and eco-friendly living. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on Twitter and LinkedIn


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12 Organic Cotton Tampons for a Non-Toxic Period (2024)
 

Image: Natracare

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make the beauty industry a better place!

The Best Non-Toxic, Organic Cotton Tampons

Welcome to the ultimate guide to organic tampons!

If you're looking to switch to a healthier and more sustainable feminine hygiene option, you've come to the right place.

I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about zero-waste periods, but I understand not always wanting to use a menstrual cup or reusable pads. Some pads can be uncomfortable and menstrual cups can be hard to deal with in public restrooms. Also, if you have had children before, what may have worked for you pre-baby may not work as well post-baby, so you must try new things to find the perfect comfort.

Why Should You Use a Non-Toxic, Organic Tampon?

I've spent most of my menstrual years using Pearl Tampons, but I had no idea how toxic conventional tampons truly were. Most tampons you find today can have these toxic chemicals: aluminum, alcohols, bleach, fragrance additives, dioxin and BPA. Naturally, your vagina doesn’t want that and we don’t want our bodies absorbing these chemicals. So, let’s have a happier period with brands that care about what you put in your body and leave all that nasty stuff to the waste side.

Common Misconceptions About Organic Tampons

Despite the many benefits of organic tampons, there are still some misconceptions that surround them. Let's address a few of the common misconceptions:

1. Organic tampons are less effective: Organic tampons are just as effective as conventional tampons in terms of absorbency and leak protection. The difference lies in the materials used, with organic tampons offering a safer and more sustainable option.

2. Organic tampons are more expensive: While organic tampons may have a slightly higher price tag compared to conventional tampons, the difference in cost is typically minimal. The health and environmental benefits they provide make them a worthwhile investment.

3. Organic tampons are hard to find: With the increasing demand for organic products, including tampons, many brands now offer organic options. They can be found in health food stores, online retailers, and even some mainstream supermarkets.

By debunking these misconceptions, we hope to encourage more women to consider making the switch to organic tampons.

Our Favorite Non-Toxic, Organic Tampons:

1. Cora

Price | $10 for 16

Sizes | Light, Regular, Super, Super Plus

BPA-Free Plastic Applicators & Non-Applicators (to reduce your waste*)

Cora offers customizable boxes delivered right to your door every month so you don’t have to worry about how many tampons you have for the next cycle. Plus, with every Cora purchase, they provide pads & health education to a girl in need.


2. Rael

Price | $9 for 16

Sizes | Regular, Super

BPA-Free Plastic Applicators & Biodegradable Cardboard Applicators

These tampons are scientifically formulated with responsibly-sourced organic cotton that conforms to your body and absorbs quickly. In addition, they are crafted with Leak Locker technology and provide up to 8 hours of leak-free confidence.


3. Daye

Price | $11 for 18

Sizes | Regular, Super

Sugarcane Applicator

Daye is a female-founded gynae health start-up on a mission to close the gender health gap for good. They started with the invention of the world's first CBD tampon, designed for when your period is cramping your style. Since then, they've created bamboo-fiber pads, microbiome-boosting ProViotics, and an at-home diagnostic screening kit to help you take control of your sexual and reproductive health outcomes.


4. Lola

Price | $10 for 18

Sizes | Light, Regular, Super, Super Plus

BPA-Free Plastic Applicator

These pocket-sized tampons are made with 100% organic cotton and expand in all directions to prevent leaks. LOLA’s period protection is always free from synthetic fibers, fragrance, chlorine bleach, chemical additives, and dyes. Plus, you can customize you order on Thrive Market and receive a discount.


5. Natracare

Price | $7 for 16

Sizes | Regular, Super, Super Plus

Chlorine-Free Biodegradable Cardboard Applicators & Non-Applicators (to reduce waste)

Their pads, tampons, and wipes are made from renewable, biodegradable, and compostable materials. Natracare knows how bad the plastic problem is regarding menstrual products, so they made sure their products won’t pollute the earth for the next 500 years.


6. Oi

Price | $15 for 32

Sizes | Regular, Super, Super Plus

BioCompact Applicators, Cardboard Applicators & Non-Applicators (to reduce waste)

Oi stands for the Organic Initiative. They created this brand to help remove plastics, synthetics, toxins, and chemicals from hygiene products, starting with feminine hygiene. There is nothing to hide here!


7. Seventh Generation

Price | $8 for 18

Sizes | Regular, Super

BPA-Free Plant-Based Plastic Applicators

More than just a tampon, this is period care on a mission. Seventh Generation donates 43¢ for every pack of tampons and pads they sell in the U.S. to nonprofits helping make period care more equitable. They are also Certified B-Corp and have been offering non-toxic, green household and self-care products for over 30 years.


8. Tampax Pure

Price | $8 for 24

Sizes | Regular, Super

Plant-Based Plastic Applicators

These tampons have a smooth 90% plant-based plastic applicator with an anti-slip grip for easy insertion. They also believe no girl should have to miss school because she has her period. With each specially marked Pure pack of tampons or pads, they will donate one for a girl in need.


9. The Honey Pot

Price | $8 for 18

Sizes | Regular, Super

Bio-Plastic (Sugarcane) Applicators

The Honey Pot, A Black-owned brand, was founded by a woman who had been suffering from bacterial vaginosis for 8 months. She says, “an ancestor came to me in a dream and gifted me with a vision to heal myself.” - and thus, The Honey Pot was born!


10. Emerita

Price | $12 for 16

Sizes | Regular, Super, Super Plus

Biodegradable Cardboard Applicators

Their tampons are made of 100% certified organic cotton making them free from pesticide residues.  It’s also chlorine-free because they wash the cotton with a mild hydrogen peroxide solution. I like that the applicator is made from cardboard, too.


11. My Box Shop

Price | $16 for 32

Sizes | Regular, Super, Super Plus

BPA-Free Plastic Applicators, Non-Applicators

Created by moms of teens, My Box Shop’s slogan is ‘No Toxins. Period’. They wanted to create a period line that was fun, transparent, and, most of all, clean. Their tampons are made from 100% organic cotton, are FDA and GOTS approved, and are free from chemicals, toxins & fragrance.


12. o.b. Organic Tampon

Price | $21 for 24

Sizes | Regular, Super

Plant-Based Plastic Applicator & Non-Applicators

These tampons are made with 100% certified organic cotton from tip to string and are free from chlorine, fragrances, and dyes. In addition, they feature a True-Comfort applicator which is up to 92% plant-based and made from renewable resources, but if you prefer to reduce your waste even more, go for the non-applicator!


Tips for Using Organic Tampons Safely and Effectively

Using organic tampons is relatively straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure you use them safely and effectively:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing a tampon to minimize the risk of infection.

2. Change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours to prevent the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

3. Start with the lowest absorbency level and adjust as needed. Using a higher absorbency tampon than necessary can increase the risk of TSS.

4. If you experience discomfort or irritation, consider trying a different brand or type of tampon.

5. Avoid using tampons overnight to give your body a break and reduce the risk of TSS.

6. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.

Following these tips will help ensure a safe and comfortable experience when using organic tampons.

Alternatives to Organic Tampons

While organic tampons are an excellent choice for many women, they may not be suitable for everyone. Fortunately, there are alternative menstrual products available that offer similar health and environmental benefits. Here are a few popular alternatives:

1. Menstrual Cups: Menstrual cups are reusable silicone or rubber cups that collect menstrual fluid. They are inserted into the vagina and can be worn for up to 12 hours. Menstrual cups are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and can last for several years with proper care.

2. Organic Cotton Pads: If you prefer pads over tampons, organic cotton pads are a great alternative. They are made from organic cotton and are free from harmful chemicals. Organic cotton pads are biodegradable and offer a comfortable and eco-friendly option.

3. Period Panties: Period panties are reusable underwear designed to absorb menstrual flow. They are made with absorbent layers that prevent leaks and can be washed and reused. Period panties are a convenient and sustainable option for those who prefer not to use tampons or pads.

These alternatives provide choices for women with different preferences and needs. Exploring these options can help you find the menstrual product that suits you best.

In conclusion, organic tampons offer a healthier and more sustainable alternative to conventional tampons. They are made from organic cotton, free from harmful chemicals, and biodegradable. By choosing organic tampons, you reduce your exposure to potential risks associated with conventional tampons and contribute to a greener future.


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10 Zero-Waste, Cruelty-Free & Vegan Makeup Brands For Ethical Beauty
 

image: Ilia 

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The Best Zero-Waste, Cruelty-Free and Vegan Beauty Brands

Coloring your lips with the perfect red, painting a wing along your lash line, adding a warm glow to your cheeks or experimenting with playful eyeshadow tones can be fun, confidence-boosting and expressive. At the same time, so many cosmetics companies aren’t exactly known for their protection of the planet and those living on it, so it can be tough to make ourselves up without feeling a little ethically compromised. To remedy these troubles, learn what brands are vegan and cruelty-free…

What’s zero-waste makeup, and why’s it matter? 

In 2018, some 120 billion units of cosmetics packaging were produced around the globe. Most beauty packaging is made of virgin plastic, derived from fossil fuels and largely unrecyclable. Most cosmetics don’t even come with the details we see printed and embossed onto other plastics, which help with effective recycling. 

This is a massive problem, as we need to stop mining for fossil fuels, and while just 6% of global plastics are recycled, 275 million tonnes of plastic is wasted each year. That’s as much plastic as the weight of over 4.3 million heavy commercial airplanes. Potentially, some 100,000 tonnes of plastic have made their way into the ocean, polluting this critically important ecosystem and killing marine life. 

In response to this crisis, a growing number of beauty brands are making changes: packaging their lipsticks, mascaras, contouring palettes, sticks and other makeup products in compostable, recycled and reusable materials.

Before we get further into this, though, what do these terms mean?

Recycled beauty packaging:

Some beauty brands talk about their use of ‘recyclable’ packaging, which shouldn’t be confused with ‘recycled’ packaging. The former means plastic (which is likely brand new, if not labeled otherwise), which has the potential to be recycled (even if a brand hasn’t set up a system to ensure this), while the latter means the plastic has been recycled and reproduced from another plastic product. That’s a lot better.

Materials like glass and metals like aluminum are particularly valuable and more likely to be recycled than plastics, so watch out for these when looking for zero-waste beauty products. 

Compostable beauty packaging: 

Packaging which can completely biodegrade and transform into non-toxic components like water, carbon and biomass, which return to the Earth as ‘food’. We often talk about composting food scraps, but materials like cotton, cardboard, wood and some newly created plant-based packaging materials used in the beauty industry can be composted in the right conditions, too. 

Recycling materials can require a lot of energy, so home compostable materials can be a positive solution to that concern. 

Reusable beauty packaging:

Packaging which can be refilled and reused avoids the need to buy more plastic filled products. Some brands claim their product packaging is ‘reusable’ because, say, a glass foundation bottle could be cleaned out and used as a vase for flowers. This sort of ‘upcycling’ is positive to encourage, but it’s a little misleading for brands to use the term ‘reusable’ unless they ensure their packaging can be ‘reused’ in the same context again, by offering refills for that packaging, so it can house foundation again. 

LCA Centre in the Netherlands found that if all cosmetics containers in the industry were refillable, an incredible 70% of carbon emissions tied to the beauty industry could be cut back. 

What’s cruelty-free makeup, and why’s it worth looking out for? 

The term ‘cruelty-free’ in relation to cosmetics specifically means ‘free from animal testing’. While many brands have moved away from all cruel cosmetics tests on animals, unfortunately, many still have not. While the major progress made is worth celebrating, it’s important not to let our guard down and assume all makeup is free from such cruelty. 

Today, animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and rats are still cruelly experimented on; forced to consume cosmetics ingredients until they die to test for toxicity. Some are left with blinded, red and bleeding eyes after eye irritation tests, while others are shaved for skin tests which can cause inflammation, ulcers and gaping wounds. An estimated more than 192 million animals, including dogs, cats and monkeys continue to be tested on, around the world. 

Animal tests are often ineffective, as our bodies work uniquely to other animals. Fortunately, there are numerous scientifically advanced and superior testing methods available which do not require animals. However, some ingredients cannot be tested using these methods. Brands dedicated to protecting animals from testing use already approved ingredients which do not require further testing, or ingredients which can legally be tested through non-animal methods. 

What’s vegan makeup, is it different from ‘cruelty-free’?

Cosmetics that are labeled as ‘cruelty-free’ can be misleading, as ‘cruelty-free’ implies no cruelty involved in making that lipstick, concealer or brow gel, rather than no cruelty tied to animal testing specifically. But it’s not only animal testing which harms our furry friends exploited in the cosmetics industry, but the use of animal-derived ingredients, too. 

While ‘cruelty-free’ and ‘animal testing free’ have become synonymous, it’s important to look out for cosmetics that are also labelled ‘vegan’, if we want to protect animals. If not, a number of animal-based ingredients are likely to be hiding in your beauty bag:

Tallow: Hardened animal fat from slaughtered animals like cows and sheep, found in lipsticks, foundations and many other makeup products

Lanolin: A kind of grease extracted from wool, produced in an industry which unfortunately mutilates and slaughters sheep. This one pops up in lots of products like eyeshadows, lip liners and more

Guanine: Sparkly highlighters, bronzers, lip glosses and other makeup is often made with this ingredient, derived from fish scales scraped off their bodies

Shellac: This ingredient is secreted by female lac bugs, killed in the scraping process which collects the ‘resin’ like substance used in mascara, eye liner and nail polish, to name a few

The best brands to get sustainable and ethical beauty products

To offer you the best variety, some of these brands use more sustainable packaging but aren’t totally zero-waste, while others go the whole way. All of these brands are doing far better than the industry standard, which should be applauded. 

1. Axiology 

Your new go-to for lipstick, Axiology has a range of shimmery, rich and creamy, sheer and soft textures, in a variety of gorgeous colors. Their lipstick tubes are made from recycled aluminum, and arrive to you boxed in recycled card that can be either composted or recycled, depending on what’s available to you. The brand is not only free from animal testing and ingredients, but from palm oil too, working to use natural ingredients as much as possible. 


2. Ilia 

This brand – not entirely vegan but largely so, with a clearly labeled vegan collection – offers serum highlighters, lipsticks, foundations, cheek and lip tints, gorgeous eyeshadow palettes, brow gels, lip liners, finishing powders and more. Free from animal testing, the label runs a recycling program so that your empties never see landfill. Even letting you send empties from other brands, Ilia doesn’t over complicate their formulas with lots of different ingredients, and they use packaging materials like recycled aluminum and glass when suitable. 


3. Micellar Oil Cleansing Wipes by Fig.1

These new cleansing wipes from Fig.1 are derm-developed and dissolvable! They are great for taking off your makeup, leave your skin feeling soft & smooth, and easily wash away with water. The packets they come in are also at-home compostable. These are perfect for traveling and on-the-go! & of course, they are vegan, cruelty-free AND gluten-free!


4. Stack the Odds Refillable by Alleyoop

Save space with this beautiful, refillable blush, bronzer & highlighter! Not only is this convenient for travel, but you will cut back on plastic waste by having all your essentials in one compact. Refilling is the future of the beauty industry, and seeing more vegan makeup brands adopt the concept makes us so happy!


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5. Elate

A totally vegan and animal testing free brand, Elate sells refillable blush and eye shadow compacts. Refills are sent out in seed paper envelopes that grow flowers when planted – super cute. The brand also offers lipsticks and other makeup with less plastic packaging, made from Forest Stewardship Certified bamboo and glass. Their packaging materials can be sent back to be effectively recycled – something that often isn’t possible for cosmetics through home recycling systems.


6. NOTO

This genderless beauty brand is based in Los Angeles, where you can refill their products in store. Using locally sourced vegan ingredients to produce animal testing free products that are also fair trade certified (ticking all those boxes!), NOTO makes multi-purpose products. Sticks and pots of color to use on your lips, eyelids and cheeks, the need to buy fewer products helps to reduce overconsumption and waste. All of their packaging is either glass, metal, biodegradable or made from recycled plastics. 


7. Trestique

Another brand using refillable packaging, Trestique uses recycled materials for their 2-in-1 products, which are designed to be endlessly refillable with all kinds of products like blush and concealer sticks, highlighters and bronzers, brow pencils and gels, mascara and lip crayons. The vegan brand is transparent about the percentage of recycled materials they use (as much as 98% in their packaging materials – many ‘recycled plastics’ are only slightly so), and anything that isn’t going to be refilled for any reason can be returned to them for proper recycling. 


8. Flavedo & Albedo

An almost entirely vegan brand that’s free from animal testing (just check the labels, only a few products aren’t totally animal friendly), Flavedo & Albedo prides itself on creating ‘high-performance makeup’ with ‘plastic-free packaging’. With playful colors and shades, the label offers eye, lip and cheek cosmetics. This is one of few brands which can state that they have ‘zero plastic, anywhere. No tubs, no lids, no seals, no nothing.’. Nice.


9. Izzy

Check out Izzy for the world’s first zero-waste mascara (& they recently have launched lip gloss and brow gel) . It comes with no outer packaging and is shipped in reusable mailers which have been made with upcycled materials. The tube doesn’t contain any plastic and is made from stainless steel. It’s designed to be cleaned and refilled over 10,000 times — so you basically never have to throw away another mascara for the rest of your life! And of course, Izzy only uses certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, and paraben-free ingredients. 


10. Sienna

Byron Bay based with a US-specific website, this certified B Corp uses a plant-focussed formula to create nail polish which is manufactured in a system that recycles waste and wastewater – something so many brands don’t even touch on. Totally traceable, these nail polishes – free from all the nastier substances found in some polishes, like formaldehyde – are vegan, animal testing free, and bottled in glass, with a non-native weed wood bottle cap that can be composted. The brand also supports a number of charitable causes. 


About the Author
Emma Håkansson is the founder and director of Collective Fashion Justice which seeks to create a total ethics fashion system that prioritizes the life and wellbeing of non-human & human animals, as well as the planet, before profit & production. She has written countless articles on ethics, sustainability, and fashion, and has two books due out over the next two years.


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12 Organic & Natural Foundation Brands For Healthy, Flawless Skin
 

Image: Elate Cosmetics

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The Best ORGANIC & NATURAL FOUNDATIONS

Whether we choose to use it every day or occasionally, foundation is a must-have for many of us who wear makeup. It helps blur imperfections and cover blemishes, and it creates an even base for the rest of our makeup. 

Unfortunately, most foundations we can find at the store or online are full of toxic chemicals that are bad for our skin, health, and the planet. 

But thankfully, we do not have to buy those to have healthy-looking, flawless skin. Organic and natural foundations are a great alternative to chemical-laden ones, and the good news is that they are becoming more and more popular and easy to find. 

In this article, we have rounded up 12 clean beauty brands offering organic and natural foundations made with non-toxic ingredients! 

WHY CHOOSE AN ORGANIC & NATURAL FOUNDATION?

Conventional foundations contain many harmful chemicals and substances that clog our pores and cause our skin to break out. Even worse, exposure to those chemicals can lead to serious health issues in the long run as many of them are carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, or allergens.  

On the other hand, an organic and natural foundation is made with plant-based, non-toxic ingredients that are harmless to our skin and health. Not only that, their formulas even support skin health thanks to their moisturizing and nourishing ingredients. 

An organic and natural foundation is also a better choice for the planet because fewer chemicals are released into the environment, air, and water. It is also often cruelty-free and vegan, and some are even refillable and packaged using sustainable materials! 

WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Always buy from a brand that discloses all its ingredients. Once you see the ingredient list, make sure it does not contain any parabens, phthalates, fragrances, formaldehyde, talc, silicones, sulfates, synthetic fillers, preservatives, artificial dyes, or any other toxic chemicals. 

An organic and natural foundation is usually formulated with clean ingredients such as fruit, vegetable, tea, or flower extracts, aloe vera, natural clay and waxes, corn starch, vegetable squalane, or different plant-based oils like jojoba, coconut, argan, or castor seed oils. 

If you can, buy a foundation made with USDA-certified organic ingredients. 

OUR TOP PICKS FOR ORGANIC & NATURAL FOUNDATIONS

1. ILIA’s True Skin Serum Foundation

Vegan / Dermatologist-tested / Safe For Sensitive Skin

Price: $54

ILIA is a clean beauty brand offering cruelty-free products, including a medium-coverage foundation available in 30 different shades. This foundation will give you a natural finish; you will not even know you are wearing it once it melds with your skin! It features potent skincare actives such as niacinamide, which helps smooth skin texture and refine uneven tone, & allantoin to soothe skin.

Both ingredients also visibly improve how your skin looks and minimize redness, pores, and lines. 

ILIA’s breathable formula also contains aloe vera, which hydrates and nourishes your skin, and other natural ingredients like jojoba oil and jasmine flower extract. Made for sensitive skin, it is formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, petroleum, or other harmful chemicals. 

The foundation was even named “Best Multi-Tasking Foundation” in PureWow Editors’ Pick in 2022! 

The brand is a member of 1% For The Planet, and its bottle is made of recyclable glass. You can also have the pump and cap recycled by ILIA’s partner, the Pact Collective, which provides you with a prepaid shipping label.


2. Elate Cosmetics

Vegan / Refillable / Carbon Neutral

Price: $32-37

Elate Cosmetics is a certified B Corporation that thoughtfully designs low-waste beauty products. You can choose between a liquid and pressed powder foundation, both of which are available in 10 different shades. 

The Refresh liquid foundation offers buildable, lightweight sheer coverage but is tinted enough to even out your skin tone. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and bamboo stem extract to restore elasticity.

It also contains argan shell powder, a 100% natural pigment, and radish root ferment filtrate, which is a natural antimicrobial preservative. 

We love that this foundation is refillable and packaged in a glass bottle with a recyclable plastic pump and ashwood lid!

You can also buy Elate Cosmetics’ pressed foundation formulated with bentonite clay, jojoba oil, and Vitis vinifera. It delivers medium coverage with a semi-matte finish and is designed to moisturize, protect the skin, and repair collagen while mattifying and absorbing the skin’s oils. 

Elate Cosmetics plants a tree for every order and donates 2% of its profits to social and environmental causes! 


3. RMS Beauty

Refillable / Water-Resistant (ReEvolve)

Price: $52-58

RMS Beauty uses non-toxic, skin-loving ingredients to create makeup and skincare essentials that nourish the skin & enhance your natural beauty. 

The brand has two liquid foundations available in 16 different shades.

Its Uncoverup foundation provides medium to full coverage with a luminous, dewy finish while smoothing, nourishing, and blurring imperfections. 

Very hydrating, it is formulated with wild-crafted buriti oil, organic coconut oil, and RMS Beauty’s signature herbal blend. Silica also boosts the coverage of dark spots and redness. Plus, it is contained in a glass jar with a recycled plastic cap. 

You can also buy the company’s ReEvolve water-resistant, anti-aging foundation, which delivers smooth, long-lasting medium coverage with a satin, natural finish. Made with moisture-rich vegetable squalane, organic aloe vera, and an herbal blend, it will firm, tone, hydrate, and soften your skin. Non-comedogenic, it won’t clog your pores. 

We also love that this foundation is refillable and its outer carton is made of 100% post-consumer recycled waste! 


4. Fitglow Beauty

Vegan / Gluten-Free

Price: $55

Fitglow Beauty is a small woman-owned company selling skincare products and treatment makeup formulated with plant-based ingredients that are free of silicones, waxes, and heavy oils. 

Its products are particularly made for skin facing challenges such as redness, premature aging, dehydration, and sun damage. The brand’s foundation sold in 18 shades is a lightweight and buildable foundation that seamlessly blends on your skin. It provides medium coverage while creating a natural, skin-like finish.  

Fitglow Beauty’s foundation contains organic ingredients and an herbal blend of skin superfoods, which helps target loss of elasticity and radiance. It detoxifies and clarifies the skin while soothing and protecting it from environmental pollution. 

The foundation is also formulated with vitamin C, heartleaf, artemisia as well as licorice and bearberry extract, which brighten and even out skin complexion. It comes with a practical built-in doe foot wand applicator, and it is ethically made in small batches in the USA. 

The brand is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and gives back to charities like environmental nonprofits and local women’s shelters.  


5. INIKA Organic

Vegan / Organic / SPF

Price: $45-55

INIKA Organic offers natural and organic skincare and makeup products that are effective and completely free of synthetic and nasty chemicals. Its makeup is infused with rich mineral pigments and pure botanical extracts to provide skincare benefits to the skin. 

The brand has different vegan foundations, from a classic liquid foundation with hyaluronic acid to a loose mineral foundation in powder form.

They are made with certified organic and natural ingredients such as magnolia bark, hectorite, and sugarcane extracts, green tea, or argan oil. 

Some of the mineral foundations even provide chemical-free SPF 25 sun protection to protect your skin against harmful UV rays. 

INIKA Organic does not test on animals, and it won many awards in the clean beauty industry in the past few years! It is also certified plastic-neutral, meaning that for every kilo of plastic it uses, a kilo is collected and recycled. The plastic is turned into fence posts to help rebuild devastated farming communities.


6. 100% PURE

Vegan / Gluten-Free / Fruit Pigmented / Made in USA

Price: $46-48

100% PURE is a California-based company providing organic and natural skincare and cosmetics. It has five non-toxic, fruit-pigmented foundations that deliver medium to full coverage and a variety of different finishes, from satin to matte to dewy. 

You can choose from liquid and pressed powder foundations sold in at least half a dozen shades.

What they have in common is that their formulas are full of beneficial nutrients and made with clean ingredients such as organic aloe vera juice (to soothe and hydrate the skin), turmeric extract, eucalyptus, acai berries, chamomile, or goji berries. 

100% PURE sources its pigments from fruits, tea, and vegetables to avoid commonly used artificial colorants and heavy metal dyes. The formulations are entirely free of harmful chemicals, synthetic preservatives, and artificial fragrances. 

The brand is also certified carbon-neutral and does not test on animals. Plus, at checkout, you get to choose whether you want 100% PURE to donate the cost of a tree to Trees For The Future or a vegan meal to a shelter dog in China.  


7. Rituel de Fille

Vegan / Gluten-Free

Price: $42

Rituel de Fille handcrafts makeup products focusing on uniquely bold, lasting colors. You can buy its 3 Drop Weightless serum foundation in 24 different shades, and you will love it no matter your skin type.

It provides buildable medium coverage but it is so lightweight that you will forget you are even wearing foundation! Its formula is cruelty-free, vegan, and made with natural ingredients like organic marula oil and rosemary leaf extract. 

Rituel de Fille also makes its foundation with JD Phyto-Or 1%, a hyper-potent carotenoid active. This active combines pure fermented phytoene, produced through mycelial fermentation in a zero-waste process, with organic jojoba oil. JD Phyto-Or 1% is proven to protect the skin barrier and support radiance, elasticity, firmness, and evenness of skin tone. 

The brand’s foundation creates the perfect glowy, natural finish! It is also gluten-free and formulated without fragrance, parabens, synthetic dyes, talc, PEGs, and phthalates. 


8. Juice Beauty

Vegan / Certified Organic Ingredients

Price: $45

Juice Beauty sells clinically validated skincare and vibrant plant-based makeup products formulated with organic ingredients.

Its Flawless serum foundation has a weightless texture and provides a long-lasting, buildable medium to full coverage.

It is made with plant-derived phyto-pigments that are infused into a unique base of USDA-certified organic botanicals. 

Its age-defying formula contains smoothing coconut alkanes to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, pores, and lines. Crushed rose phyto-pigments (rich in vitamins and color) are also added in addition to antioxidant-rich, organic grape seed oil, which helps with skin protective benefits. 

Juice Beauty also makes sure to include vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection, and organic aloe vera juice to soothe and hydrate the skin. 

The foundation comes in a glass bottle and is shipped in packaging made from recycled and FSC-certified materials. 

The brand won many awards and its products are cruelty-free, vegan, and approved by the Environmental Working Group. 


9. Ecco Bella

Vegan / Organic Ingredients / Gluten-Free

Price: $27

Ecco Bella is a cruelty-free makeup and skincare brand making beauty products using organic, plant-based ingredients. 

The company sells a natural liquid foundation that provides buildable coverage and a smooth application. Its pure, clean formula contains organic aloe vera, which has anti-aging properties, lightens blemishes, heals, and moisturizes the skin.

Ecco Bella’s foundation also features light-reflecting pigments that help shield your skin from blue light and enhance it with a subtle luminosity. Plus, it is formulated with natural clay, honeysuckle flower extract, and saccharide isomerate, a natural sugar that binds water to the skin, acting as a reservoir for continuous moisture. 

The foundation is long-lasting, non-comedogenic, and helps protect the skin from the aging effects of the environment. It is also free of parabens, talc, gluten, and artificial dyes. 

Ecco Bella sources its ingredients from ethical suppliers and is a Green America-certified business. 


10. Kjaer Weis

Certified Organic Ingredients / Refillable

Price: $46-70

Kjaer Weis is a sustainable beauty brand that makes zero-waste its priority with its refillable and sustainably packaged products. 

It has two natural foundations, both of which come in a variety of different shades. Made to even and smooth the skin, its Invisible Touch liquid foundation offers breathable and buildable coverage from a sheer tint to more medium coverage. It is hydrating and long-lasting and it will give you luminous, bright skin! 

Its lightweight formula contains a blend of cold-pressed oils and natural waxes, hyaluronic acid for sealing in hydration, and certified organic chamomile water to soothe and calm the skin. The foundation is also formulated with Kjaer Weis’ proprietary brightening extract, which builds a dewy glow and gives diffused radiance to your complexion. 

You can also get the brand’s refillable Cream foundation, designed to perfect your complexion and provide buildable, velvety coverage. You can either buy a refill or get it in one of its beautiful cases made from an alloy of metals or leather-looking red card paper. 


11. Well People

Vegan / EWG Verified / Derm Developed

Price: $27

Well People creates clean, cruelty-free makeup and skincare products powered by plants. It sells two vegan foundations made with natural ingredients, both of which are verified by the Environmental Working Group. 

Its Bio pressed powder foundation will hydrate your skin while effectively controlling shine, absorbing oils, and smoothing your complexion.

Its lightweight, talc-free formula is infused with clean ingredients like organic corn starch and olive-derived organic squalane. It also contains ultra-fine pigments that allow you to customize your coverage into a natural, semi-matte finish. 

You can also get Well People’s Bio Stick, a creamy multi-use foundation stick that blends into the skin and lasts all day. It provides a natural, satin finish and is designed to feel weightless on the skin. This foundation is formulated with castor seed oil, rejuvenating vitamin E, and safflower seed oil. Very versatile, you can use it as a foundation, bronzer, or concealer! 

The brand does not use any synthetic fillers, sulfates, fragrances, or preservatives. It also works with a Fair Trade Certified factory, and its boxes are printed on FSC-certified paper. 


12. Laws of Nature Cosmetics

Vegan

Price: $28-38

Laws of Nature Cosmetics is a black-owned cosmetics brand celebrating every shade and color of skin. It sells four foundations in diverse shades for your complexion needs.  

You can choose from two liquid foundations, a powder and a stick. They provide different coverages (from sheer to medium and full) and finishes (natural, semi-matte, and satin).

The brand formulates them with natural and organic ingredients and without silicones, talc, parabens, and artificial fragrances. 

Laws of Nature Cosmetics’ best-selling product is its Crème foundation, which blends easily and provides buildable medium coverage. This breathable, creamy formula contains vitamin E to help reduce UV damage to the skin. 

For a more multi-purpose product, choose the brand’s Complexion stick. You can use it as a foundation, bronzer, concealer, or contour stick! It is made with aloe vera and chamomile extracts and provitamin B5 to moisturize, soothe, and reduce skin inflammation.

Everything the company creates is handcrafted, vegan, and cruelty-free! 


About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle.

She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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