Image: Cocokind

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated, so we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in.

Our Favorite Natural Face Serums that are Also Sustainable!

A solid face serum can soothe inflammation, protect from the sun, and provide quick-absorbing moisture. But like any skincare products, not all serums are created equal. Here, we share what to look for in an effective, eco-friendly serum, what kind of results to expect, and 10 of the best sustainable serums to try.

How to Choose a Sustainable Serum

A face serum is a topical liquid treatment that delivers active ingredients directly to the skin. They’re designed to be used right after cleansing and before moisturizing (a face lotion can help seal in the serum, making it more effective). 

Since serums are water-based, they’re much lighter than the average moisturizer. This results in faster absorption and a more potent delivery of the serum’s ingredients. Since serums can help treat a range of skin concerns, it’s a good idea to get clear on what your goals are for using a serum.

Brightening 

Whether it’s lightening up dark marks or boosting overall appearance, brightening serums include Vitamin C, plus hydroxy acids and other ingredients to make your skin glow.

Hydrating

All types of skin can benefit from a hydrating serum, which provides an extra boost of moisture for dry skin. Hydrating serums may include ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.

Anti-Aging

Loss of skin elasticity is normal over time, but ingredients like retinoids, peptides, hydroxy acids, and Vitamin C foster collagen formation and promote healthy-looking skin. 

Soothing

Inflammation, redness, and acne are all soothed by niacinamide and ceramides. Soothing serums help calm the skin and restore its natural radiance.

Protecting

Sun and pollution don’t stand a chance with an antioxidant serum. These serums might include ingredients like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, though the former can be slightly irritating for sensitive skin. Niacinamide and retinoids also protect your skin from free radicals.

Clarifying

Salicylic acid, zinc, and willow bark are a few ingredients found in clarifying serums, which minimize pores, fight breakouts, and reduce inflammation for clearer skin.

Now, 11 Face Serums worth the hype:

1. Activist Skincare, Calming Force Clear Skin Serum, $64

Ingredients: Niacinamide, licorice root extract, salicylic acid, MSM, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid.

Why we like it: Inflammation is at the root of most skin problems, and this serum is inflammation’s worst enemy.

With impressive active ingredients including 5% niacinamide, this hydration serum wards off premature aging, fights blemishes, calms redness, and prevents and reduces dark spots including sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

We love that it’s packaged in glass and super-convenient to get a refill. Activist’s refill pouches come in the mail and reduce CO2 emissions by 99% and plastic waste by 75% compared to recycling. You can subscribe to refills to save 15% and get free shipping on each order.

It’s also vegan and cruelty free, and 1% of all profits go toward environmental non-profit organizations through their 1% For the Planet membership.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off your purchase

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2. Oil Divine, Age-Delay Lifting Serum, $135

Ingredients: Baobab Oil, Argan Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Borage Oil, Chia Seed Oil, & more

Why we like it: It's rich in vitamins, organic acids, and amino acids, supporting natural skin cell renewal and strengthening the skin's natural barrier. It's also made right here in the US. Oil Divine is a skincare brand focusing only on vegan, clean, organic, and cruelty-free products.

All products are made of high-quality bioactive ingredients sustainably sourced from wild plants or organic farming. The company minimized the use of plastic and only chose highly recyclable packaging like glass and FSC cardboard packaging.

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3. Ethique, Saving Face Serum, $30.00

Ingredients: shea, kokum, and cupuacu butters; rosehip and pomegranate oils, antioxidants, phytosterols, polyphenols, fatty acids and more.

Why we like it: Saving Face Serum delivers on its name, helping boost moisture not only for your face, but also for your lips and cuticles.

This all-in-one serum goes a long way, which makes it a great investment, too. 

Ethique is known for being a sustainability-first brand, with its compostable packaging and carbon neutral operations. They also plant one tree for every order, which only adds to the positive impact of avoiding plastic (and saving water in the process). Lastly, saving face serum is made with rosehip oil, which is an all-around skin saver that smells naturally great.

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4. Cocokind, Ceramide Barrier Serum, $20

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, ceramide NP, calcium gluconate, ceramide NS, ceramide AP, ceramide EOS, ceramide EOP, lactic acid, and squalane, among others

Why we like it: Ceramides are lipids designed to restore the skin’s natural functioning, and they’re great for protecting against dehydration and general irritation. 

Cocokind’s Ceramide Barrier Serum has five of these moisture-boosting ceramides, plus lipids that quickly make your skin feel soft, replenished and healthy. Since this formula is easily absorbed, it’s a great everyday serum for underneath makeup. We also love that Cocokind is so transparent about the sustainability facts of each product. This serum, for example, was made with ethical labor in Vermont and has a flint glass bottle that’s 100% recyclable.

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5. The Ordinary, Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%, $30.90

Ingredients: Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, among others.

Why we like it: The Ordinary has a cult following, and with this serum, it’s easy to see why. This product is called a “buffet” because it’s like a feast for your skin. The Copper Peptides are naturally found in human plasma, and they support a wide range of normal skin function.

As a result, they support collagen synthesis, fibroblast production, and anti-inflammatory responses, all while boosting immune function. This serum is meant to be applied to the entire face, both in the morning and at night, after cleansing, to see the best results.

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6. Grace & Stella, Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $30

Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer,Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Panthenol, Glycerin

Why We Like It: It's like water for your skin! This serum helps efficacy of moisturizing creams, alleviating dryness and reducing the appearance of fine lines for glass-like, brighter skin.

In addition, it contains ingredients that promote cell regeneration, which is crucial for dark spots, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation problems.

Grace & Stella specializes in vegan and cruelty-free beauty products with no sulfates or parabens.

use code CHIC for 10% off your purchase

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7. Mad Hippie, Vitamin C Serum, $33.99

Ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic acid, Konjac Root, Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile Extract Clary Sage

Why we like it: Mad Hippie is known for making some of the most natural, effective, and eco-friendly skincare products out there. Proceeds from every purchase support a charity, including those doing good for the environment.

Their Vitamin C Serum reduces wrinkles and discoloration and makes the skin look more plump and energized. Instead of using the Vitamin C extracts traditionally used in skincare, Mad Hippie’s serum uses an antioxidant-rich derivative called sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), which is more stable and suited for acne-prone skin. This serum has a light, gentle aroma that’s natural, not overbearing.

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8. Herbivore Botanicals, NOVA 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum, $64.00

Ingredients: 15% THD Vitamin C, Turmeric, Arbutin, among others

Why we like it: Herbivore Botanicals puts sustainability at the center.

They focus on avoiding synthetic ingredients, using glass and paper instead of plastic, and using plastic only when necessary.

The NOVA 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum is a potent vegan product that leaves the skin brighter and more balanced. Gentle, yet powerful, we love that this serum is proven to have a visible difference in just one week. This serum also keeps breakouts at bay and reduces irritation. Plus, it's made without synthetic fragrances, but maintains a light ginger smell that’s fresh and zingy.

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9. Maya Chia, The Super Couple, Ultra Luxe Face Oil Serum, $86.00 

Ingredients: Supercritical Chia Seed Oil, Haematococcus Pluvialis Algal Extract, Frankincense Essential Oil, Myrrh Essential Oil, Patchouli Essential Oil, among others.

Why we like it: This serum has a cult following and is known to improve skin texture in just a few days. The Super Couple is packed with chia, which is a superfood that helps bring moisture to the skin naturally. It also has fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals that nourish the skin while improving appearance and texture.

Lastly, Astaxanthin is an anti-aging powerhouse that combats the appearance of dull, tired, aging skin.

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10. The Organic Skin Co, The Good Oil $34.95

Ingredients: Turmeric, Calendula, Honeysuckle, Rosemary, Jojoba Seed, Almond Seed, Apricot Seed, Sunflower Seed.

Why We Like It: The Good Oil is made with supercritical CO2 extraction technology.

This makes the extracts more whole and pure.

It also helps calm the skin and maintain pH balance and is infused with natural antioxidants.

The face oil also comes sustainably packaged in a compostable eco-pulp box, 100% recyclable and upcyclable glass container, & biodegradable bamboo lid. Plus, it smells SO good!

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11. Marie Veronique, Gentle Retinol Serum, $110

Ingredients: Retinol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Photoaging Repair Complex, Sodium Salicylate, Ceramide complex, Coenzyme, among others.

Why we like it: Marie Veronique is a small-batch skincare brand focused on skin health and healing, and their team of expert chemists and dermatologists know how to create the ideal formulas for all-around skin health. While retinoids can be harsh on the skin—especially when used daily or in summertime on sensitive skin—this retinol is specifically formulated to be gentle.

This product helps clear pores to prevent breakouts, but it also speeds up cell turnover to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. This is a night-only cream, so it should be paired with another daytime serum.

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12. KORA Organics, Noni Bright Vitamin C, $68

Ingredients: Vitamin C Superfruit Complex, Olive Leaf Extract, Red Pepper, Organic Kakadu Plum, Acerola Cherry, among others.

Why we like it: This serum contains the most stable form of Vitamin C, meaning it has the most powerful impact on your skin. You can use it daily, since it’s gentle enough for all skin types, and it adds a bright, glowing appearance to your face. Kora has the statistics to prove this product’s impact, too. 

For one, 80% of people reported brighter, more radiant, and more toned skin. Additionally, 90% of people said their skin was visibly smoother. This product is also cruelty-free, climate-neutral, and made without artificial colors or fragrances.

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13. Biossance, Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum, $62 

Ingredients: Squalane, White Shiitake Mushrooms

Why we like it: Cruelty-free and made without parabens and other harmful or toxic ingredients, Biossance is one of the best skincare companies on the market today.

This serum is designed to brighten while helping fake dark spots from acne scars and hyperpigmentations. 

While traditional Vitamin C serums can be irritating to the skin, this one is specifically designed to be soothing. In addition to helping fade dark spots right away, this serum works to prevent the development of dark spots over time. That’s thanks to the white shiitake mushrooms, which have naturally-occurring compounds that fight discoloration.

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14. Blue Lagoon, BL+ The Serum, $180 

Ingredients: BL+ Complex, made with microalgae and silica, Blue Lagoon Seawater, Vitamin C, Three Hyaluronic Acids, and more. 

Why we like it: Improve your skin health and appearance over time with Blue Lagoon BL+ The Serum. With active ingredients that hydrate, promote collagen growth and ward off environmental threats like UV rays and pollution, this is a powerhouse serum that strengthens and firms your skin. 

One reason we love it is because it’s oil free, but it also is extremely lightweight and blendable. Lastly, it works for all skin types and won’t irritate skin (thanks to being non-comedogenic and fragrance-free). All ingredients are traceable.

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About the Author:

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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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 fashion industry a better place!

sustainable dental brands & Oral Care

Looking to make your dental routine more eco-friendly? Brushing your teeth is probably something a lot of us haven’t thought about making more sustainable, but it’s still possible to get a great clean and take care of those pearly whites more naturally!

why choose sustainable dental products?

With around 2 billion plastic toothbrushes being thrown out annually in the US alone, switching to a sustainable one is more important than ever. Not only are your toothbrushes important, but your toothpaste and floss, as well. Even though a lot of conventional toothpaste is dental-approved, most of it has been harsh on my mouth. I’ve wanted to find an alternative where I wasn’t constantly purchasing plastic tubes with ingredients I knew nothing about. So I switched to natural tablet toothpaste this past year and loved them. I still always have great dental checkups, and I’m cutting back on my plastic waste! It’s a win-win.

THE AVERAGE AMERICAN PRODUCES OVER 280 POUNDS OF PLASTIC WASTE EVERY YEAR

& a lot of that waste can be found within the bathroom. From our mouthwash to toothpaste, almost everything we use for our teeth is packaged in plastic. It can be challenging to eliminate from your bathroom, but a few brands are working to help us with this!

now, our top picks for sustainable oral care:

Nada

Toothbrushes (adults & kids), replacement brush heads, travel cases

Nada’s toothbrush handles are made from aluminum, which is infinitely recyclable. (And they’re available in lots of different colors, too.) The replacement heads are 100% recyclable. In addition, each shipment comes with a self-addressed envelope so that when it’s time to replace your brush head, you can easily ship it back to Nada, and they will pay for it to be commercially recycled. These toothbrushes have other mouth-friendly features, like tapered bristles, a built-in tongue scraper, an elevated brush head, and a smooth surface that will lay flat on your countertop.

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use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC10 for 10% off

Green Eco Dream

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, toothbrush holders, floss

Green Eco Dream is a marketplace where you can find a full collection of non-toxic, eco-friendly, and low- or zero-waste oral care products (in addition to other beauty products and home goods, too!) Whether you prefer traditional toothpaste or toothpaste tablets, they have several different options to choose from, so you can take great care of your teeth without the extra waste! They’re also a Green America Certified Business and a member of 1% For the Planet.

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Nix Mouthwash

Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic Mouthwash

This is honestly the best eco-friendly and non-toxic mouthwash I’ve tried!

It’s made with high-quality ingredients, without any alcohol or toxic chemicals.

The bottle is refillable, too, making it very low waste & the perfect sustainable bathroom swap.

Plus, 10% of profits go toward dental care for underprivileged U.S. children and abroad.

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EcoRoots

Toothpastes, Toothbrushes, Floss

Everything you need for a clean mouth can be found here! EcoRoots is all about lowering your waste at home, and their dental hygiene products make that very easy. Besides their biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes, they have zero-waste vegan floss made from organic and sustainable bamboo fiber with activated charcoal - and it’s compostable! They also always ship plastic-free with compostable, recyclable materials. Plus, they give 1% to Ocean Conservancy to preserve our blue planet.

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Mable

Bamboo Toothbrushes & Floss

This was one of the first bamboo toothbrush brands I ever used. I love their design and how they can sit up on their own. Plus, the colors are fun, and kids like them, too! Mable even has an excellent subscription service, so you don’t need reminders to change your toothbrush every month! Also, for every toothbrush you buy, they give one to a child here in the U.S.

code: SustainablyChic15 for 15% off

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Quip

Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrush, Refillable Floss, Toothpaste, Kids Toothbrush

I’ve been using this toothbrush for months now! While I still use bamboo while we travel, I missed having an electric toothbrush back home. Bamboo is excellent, but to find an eco-alternative for electric is fantastic.

These aluminum-based brushes provide sonic vibrations with a 2-minute timer, 30-second pulses, & multi-use cover, and are meant to last a lifetime. You can even get a solar battery charger!

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by Humankind

Zero-Waste Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash, Toothbrushes

Using Humankind products for just one year will save the planet up to 5 pounds of single-use plastic waste.

They offer almost everything you need in personal care, from deodorants to mouthwash. This is a brand we use at home, & it’s so great.

Once you finish an item, you order a refill, helping you cut down on plastic!!

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Credo Beauty

Their mission is to change the beauty industry for the better since it is one of the least regulated consumer categories. Isn’t it crazy that companies can legally use known harmful chemicals - or ones that have not even been evaluated?!

There is also so much Greenwashing within the beauty industry, but with Credo, you can trust everything is transparent, clean & safe for you to use and enjoy.

One of their best sellers is their coconut oil-infused dental floss, which is vegan & gluten-free!

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The Detox Market

Another amazing beauty marketplace, The Detox Market keeps their ethos simple: no compromises.

You can feel confident purchasing from this place because aesthetics is never the number one factor.

If performance is lacking or questionable ingredients are found, they will not offer it on their site. Their Banned Ingredients List is the strictest in the country, and no product will have any that are listed. If you’ve been interested in oil pulling, their brand Keeko I hear is a great one to try!

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Blk & Grn

This incredible online marketplace is home to all non-toxic, Black-owned brands! Their Black artisans are carefully chosen by Black health experts who know what an authentic all-natural product looks like. Their approval process is rigorous & they don’t add anything; it meets every requirement. They carry products from over 60 Black artisans, ranging from green beauty and skincare to wellness and health.

One of the oral care brands they carry is Dirt Don’t Hurt, known for its all-natural activated charcoal tooth powder.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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Image: Nebia

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

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Shower Curtains

Whether you’re trying to get your mom on board with sustainable products, but she really loves a familiar brand name (read: my mom and Pottery Barn), or you’re in-the-know about all things OEKO-TEX®, there’s a sustainable shower curtain out there for you. 

Why Should you Buy a Sustainable Shower Curtain?

Most conventional shower curtains are made from plastic (like PVC), which can be very toxic. Chemicals like phthalates, lead, organotins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be released into the air causing harm to our health. Today, we can completely avoid this by purchasing non-toxic shower curtains that are good for the planet and our bodies. 

What to Look for When Shopping Shower Curtains

There are many different eco-friendly fabrics used today for shower curtains. You can choose hemp, cotton, recycled polyesters and PVC-free plastics. I understand aesthetic is always important when designing the rooms in your home, so we made sure to find ones you would love! 

Should You Keep Your Current Shower Curtain? 

As with all things, the most sustainable option is the one you already own (and it’s also the least expensive!), but we totally understand wanting to create a more safe, healthy environment. We also know that when it’s time to usher in a new sustainable product to your life, there are a ton of options. Hopefully, this list can help you narrow it down. 

This roundup features a variety of materials, designs, and prices. Bonus: there’s also a sustainable shower curtain *liner* option at the end of this post!

Now, our top picks for sustainable shower curtains:

1) Nebia Shower Curtain

Brand | Nebia

Price | $119

Material | Recycled Polyester, DWR (durable water repellent) Coating

This might be the last shower curtain you ever buy. The Nebia Shower Curtain was created to last for over ten years! It was tested to simulate a family of three using the curtain by opening, closing, grabbing, and pulling it 21,900 times - and it held up! The curtain itself and the liner are machine washable and anti-shrink; it has anti-billow technology sewn into the fabric and is made from 100% recycled materials. This curtain indeed does the most.

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2) Organic Waffle Shower Curtain

Brand | Coyuchi

Price | $128

Material | 100% Organic Cotton, grown and woven in Turkey

Coyuchi was the first to bring organic cotton bedding to the United States 25 years ago and is GOTS certified. They have also launched their 2nd Home Take Back initiative, which encourages customers to recycle their own Coyuchi products and receive 15% off your next order. These recycled products are then sold through 2nd Home Renewed at discounted prices, helping to close the loop on textile waste.

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3) European Flax Linen Shower Curtain

Brand | West Elm

Price |$90-120

Material | European Flax

For a luxurious upgrade to your bathroom, linen is a great option! We love that West Elm uses many eco-friendly fabrics while also utilizing Fair Trade Certified manufacturing.

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4) Waffle Shower Curtain

Brand | Boll & Branch

Price |$108

Material | Organic Cotton

Inspired by their bestselling Waffle Bed Blanket, the Waffle Shower Curtain adds texture to your bathroom with its micro-waffle design. They use high-quality threads from the finest long-staple, GOTS-certified, 100% organic cotton.

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5) Willow Floral Organic Cotton Shower Curtain

Brand | Pottery Barn

Price | $79

Material | 100% Organic Cotton

For all those ride-or-die Pottery Barn people out there, make sure to use the site's filter options for “organic”, “sustainably sourced”, “certified nontoxic”, and “Fair Trade” as you browse for products! Yay for making it easier to find sustainable products amongst the masses! This shower curtain is GOTS certified.

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6) Loktak Shower Curtain

Brand | The Citizenry

Price | $115

Material | 100% cotton

The Citizenry focuses on  transparency, high standards, and fair-trade practices. They are partners with Kerala Workshop in India, where their products are woven by hand. When you click to buy their shower curtain, you learn about the artisans that worked to create the piece. Thirty-two artisans work at Kerala Workshop, with nearly half being over the age of 50. The Citizenry ensures a fair-trade environment that goes above and beyond, with artisans earning 2x the average fair-trade wage. 

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7) Turkish Shower Curtain

Brand | Parachute Home

Price | $99

Material | 100% Turkish cotton

These shower curtains are Oeko-Tex certified and made in Turkey. In addition to incredible products, Parachute offers an incredible program. Their Home for Dreams initiative is “ a mentorship and grant program designed to support Black-owned businesses.” The program offers $25k grants, brand amplification, and mentorship about a variety of topics. 

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8) The Beacon Shower Curtain

Brand | Quiet Town

Price | $198

Material | 100% Cotton Canvas

This couple-owned brand is sustainably conscious and always working toward portraying that with their products, packaging (which is moving toward being 100% compostable), production, & end of life. Another incredible accomplishment of theirs is that a majority of the shower curtain making process all happens within 200 miles - from growing to dyeing to sewing to fulfilling orders, it’s all happening right here in the USA.

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9) Waterproof Linen Shower Curtain

Brand | Dusty Linen

Price | $150

Material | Linen

This beauty is made from 100% European stonewashed OEKO-TEX-certified linen. It comes with a durable white waterproof lining, and it comes in several different colors and sizes.

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10) Sonny PVC Free Curtain

Brand | Vita Futura

Price | $13.99

Material | PVC free, non-vinyl PEVA

This may not be the most sustainable option on the list, but it’s definitely the most affordable. PEVA, the material of this shower curtain, is PVC-free, non-chlorinated and a highly recyclable plastic; make sure to check with your local recycling facility to see if they’re able to recycle PEVA! PEVA “breaks down more effectively and does not emit the chlorine gases as chlorinated vinyl products sometimes do.” This product is made-to-order bi-weekly in Germany.

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BONUS - A LINER

The Sun Shower

Brand | Quiet Town

Price | $38

Material | 100% EVA made in China

Quiet Town, take two! This product can be used as a liner or as a curtain itself if you’re into showering in the sunlight. While EVA Vinyl is non-toxic, it is unfortunately not often recycled properly. So while this may not be the “best-ever”, it’s designed to last way longer than normal plastic liners, which keeps waste out of landfills - and that’s a plus. Quiet Town isn’t satisfied with just keeping liners out of landfills, though. They are currently working on a recycling program specifically for their Sun Shower liners.

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About the Author

Paige Annelayne is a freelance writer and digital media specialist currently based in Alabama, who loves to cook, learn about intersectional sustainability, and read a lot of books. Her cat, Gnocchi, her plants, and a good cup of matcha bring her joy. You can connect with Paige on Instagram @vitality.blog and at www.vtltyblog.com

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WANT MORE? VISIT OUR SUSTAINABLE BRAND DIRECTORY!

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Image: Indie Lee

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 fashion industry a better place!

The Best SUSTAINABLE & Non-Toxic SUNSCREENS

Summer usually comes with all the fun outdoor activities, trips to the beach, hikes in nature and picnics in the park. Days are longer, and we can finally absorb some much-needed vitamin D! 

But we should also not forget to take extra precautions when exposed to the sun. Long-term, excessive sun exposure without sunscreen can lead to skin damage and premature aging, and in the worst cases, skin cancer. 

However, most sunscreens on the market are made with harmful chemicals that are very toxic to human health. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin, which means that all their toxic ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream. Many of those are known to cause serious health issues, including hormone disruption, allergies, and organ toxicity. 

If that wasn’t enough, it is estimated that around 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter the ocean each year, contributing to the bleaching and death of coral reefs. Corals have not only been declining at an alarming rate, but this pollution also negatively impacts the fertility and health of all marine ecosystems.

For all those reasons, we should only buy non-toxic and sustainable sunscreens. To help you find safe and eco-friendly SPF, we have compiled a list of 16 brands selling sunscreens you can feel good about purchasing!

WHAT MAKES SUNSCREEN ECO-FRIENDLY?

When buying a product, we often think about the negative impact the packaging has on the environment. While it is something we should look at when choosing sunscreen, we should before anything else make sure the ingredients are sustainable, ocean-friendly, reef-safe and non-toxic.  

Many sustainable brands are selling sunscreens in plastic tubes, but we should still support them if they make their sunscreen with clean ingredients.  

Fortunately, more and more have been incorporating greener packaging: you can now find sunscreen packaged in cardboard, bioplastic, glass, or metal. 

WHAT SUSTAINABLE INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

If you are looking for sustainable SPF, go for mineral sunscreens. These are usually formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, which is a mineral sunscreen agent that protects the skin’s outer barrier by reflecting harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is also safe for human health and doesn’t harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems. 

Eco-friendly sunscreens also contain other ingredients, but all of them are biodegradable and non-toxic, if not organic. These can include coconut oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, plant oils, shea butter, and any other plant-based ingredient. 

In general, always stay away from chemical sunscreens formulated with harmful ingredients like parabens, oxybenzone, benzophenone, avobenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate to name just a few. 

OUR TOP PICKS FOR NON-TOXIC, SUSTAINABLE SUNSCREENS:

1) Activist Skincare

Price: $20

Activist Skincare offers SPF 30 tinted mineral sunscreen that doubles as concealer or tinted moisturizer, with four shades from light to deep. These reef-safe, zinc-based formulas come in low-waste packaging that’s easy on the earth—from compostable sticks to minimalist pouches for the ultimate in sustainability.

Enjoy broad-spectrum protection with 80 minutes of water resistance in a creamy, silky texture that blurs imperfections while protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays that cause premature aging.

Ingredients include red raspberry seed, tamanu and manuka oils and organic beeswax, all cruelty-free.

Activist also makes a line of high-performance, refillable skincare products and is a 1% for the Planet member.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off

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2) Kinfield

Price: $24

An SPF made for your water adventures, Kinfield’s Daily Dew SPF 35 is a water-resistant moisturizer. This unique formula hydrates skin while protecting your face with 100% mineral, broad-spectrum SPF 35. In addition, ingredients like sea kelp helps moisturize, aloe vera soothes, rice bran extract nourishes, glycerin hydrates, and sunflower extra calms.

Kinfield’s products are cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phalate-free, and vegan!

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC15 for 15% off

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3) Green Eco Dream

Price: $10-20

Green Eco Dream is a one-stop shop for everything eco-friendly, from home goods to beauty essentials and zero-waste products for on the go. On the company’s website, you can find SPF 30 and 50 sunscreens sold by sustainable brands like All Good and Raw Elements. 

Whether you choose a sunscreen spray, butter or lotion, all sunscreens are cruelty-free and formulated with organic ingredients including non-nano zinc oxide. They are also reef-friendly and free of harmful chemicals. 

Green Eco Dream is a member of 1% For The Planet, and it is carbon-neutral and certified by Green America. The company also ships its products 100% plastic-free and supports different environmental non-profits like Clean Miami Beach and Plastic Pollution Coalition.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC20 for 20% off

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4) Indie Lee

Price: $42

From cleansers to moisturizers, Indie Lee has everything you may need when looking for natural, eco-friendly skincare products. The brand sells an unscented mineral sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Made with 20% uncoated zinc oxide, this natural sunscreen is also formulated with shea butter, squalane and aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated. 

Indie Lee’s sunscreen dries down clean and can be used on all skin types and tones.

It is free of 1300+ harmful ingredients like parabens and phthalates, and it is Leaping Bunny certified, meaning that it is 100% cruelty-free.  

The brand also offers carbon-neutral shipping, and it even takes your empties back so that they can get recycled!

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5) Kindhumans

Price: $6-32

Kindhumans is an ethical marketplace where you can find all kinds of sustainable products, including clothing, home goods, and beauty and skincare products. 

The online shop has different types of sunscreens by the brands Raw Elements and MANDA, such as sunscreen lotions, lip balms and sticks.

They are all formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and contain reef-safe, USDA-certified organic ingredients. 

Most sunscreens are plastic-free and packaged in metal, cardboard or bioplastic derived from sugarcane. Kindhumans also donates 3% of each purchase to the cause of your choice, including causes that support humanitarian aid, kids or the environment. 

The company is a certified B Corporation and a member of 1% For The Planet. It is also climate neutral, and it ships its products in packaging made of recycled materials.

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6) Le Prunier

Price: $78

Le Prunier is a sustainable beauty brand that creates skincare products using organic plums. The fruits are grown, harvested and cold-pressed on a 106-year-old family-owned farm in California. 

The brand sells an SPF 31 sunscreen, the Plumscreen®, which combines the skincare benefits of Le Prunier’s beauty oil with broad-spectrum sun protection. The ingredients protect the skin from UV damage, blue light and pollution, and they are all reef-safe. 

The Plumscreen is rich in antioxidants and made using 100% upcycled plum kernels, which are a waste byproduct of the plum production. It also received different awards in 2021, including the Shape Magazine’s award for best SPF and the Oprah Daily’s O-award for best SPF for combo skin!

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7) Cocokind

Price: $25

Cocokind is a skincare brand that sells sustainable products for glowy, happy skin. The brand offers two sunscreens that provide hydration as well as protection against UVA and UVB rays and environmental stressors like pollution. 

Its mineral-based sunscreen lotion with SPF 32 is made using non-nano zinc oxide, microalgae and blue phytoplankton. These natural ingredients help prevent aging, skin damage and sunburns.

This sunscreen is fragrance-free and ideal for everyday use! 

Cocokind also has an SPF 30 hybrid sunscreen, formulated with both mineral and chemical ingredients. This formula works well with blemish-prone skins, and it blends easily into the skin. 

Whichever you choose, both sunscreens leave a soft, dewy finish on the skin. You will love that the brand breaks down the carbon footprint of each product on every packaging!

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8) Biossance

Price: $30-42

Biossance uses innovative, patented biotechnology to create natural skincare products that are safe for humans, animals and the environment.

The brand sells a sheer broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen that can be used for all skin tones. This SPF 30 sunscreen leaves the skin with a non-greasy, dewy finish, and protects it from harmful UV rays.  Biossance’s sunscreen is made using reef-safe and non-toxic ingredients, including 14% non-nano zinc oxide.

It is also formulated with squalane derived from sugarcane to moisturize the skin, as well as water lily which cools and calms the skin after being exposed to the sun.  

This mineral sunscreen is vegan, Leaping Bunny certified and verified by the Environmental Working Group. Plus, Biossance offsets the carbon footprint of its entire shipping process!

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9) 100% Pure

Price: $29-38

100% Pure is a clean beauty brand that makes cruelty-free skincare and makeup pigmented with real fruits. The brand has an SPF 30 sunscreen lotion that protects the skin against UV rays all while nourishing and hydrating it. 

100% Pure’s sunscreen is made with mineral zinc oxide and infused with green tea, which has great anti-aging properties. It also contains other beneficial ingredients like vitamin E, aloe juice, cucumber juice and raspberry seed oil.

The brand also sells an SPF 20 moisturizer made with tomato lycopene, as well as an SPF 30 mist produced using Yerba mate tea. 

100% Pure has been awarded the Green Business Certification, and with each purchase, it donates part of the proceeds to social and environmental organizations.

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10) bioClarity

Price: $30-35

bioClarity is a skincare brand that creates unique products using plant-based formulas.

The company sells two SPF 30 mineral sunscreens, each made with non-nano zinc oxide. 

While they both safeguard skin against UV rays, environmental pollutants and blue light, the SunFilter also doubles as an everyday facial moisturizer to provide lasting hydration. 

Both sunscreens are formulated with bioClarity’s proprietary ingredient Floralux®, a blend of chlorophyllin, copper and antioxidants that has been proven to reduce acne and help minimize premature aging. 

bioClarity’s sunscreens are designed for blemish-prone skin but they work well on all skin types. They are absorbed quickly without leaving a white cast, and they are reef-safe, non-toxic, vegan and Leaping Bunny certified. 

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11) Solara Suncare

Price: $16-64

Solara Suncare is a vegan skincare brand specialized in the production of sunscreens and other suncare products.

It has a large selection of products with SPF 30 or 50 to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. 

Whether you choose a sunscreen lotion, stick, mist or serum, each of them contains Solara's proprietary 10-active botanical blend. 

Formulated with antioxidants, vitamins, omega 3, 6 and 9, as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients, the brand’s sunscreens will boost your skin’s protective barrier and promote cellular level response after sun exposure. 

They are also free of more than 1,500 ingredients banned in the European Union. Solara’s sunscreens are reef-friendly, Leaping Bunny certified and some are even EWG verified!

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12) Banyan Tree Essentials

Price: $33

Banyan Tree was initially founded to host retreats of rest and rejuvenation in one of its resorts and spas. The brand quickly created its own bath and body line and aromatherapy collection. 

Banyan Tree has a natural, non-nano mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 that is formulated to shield skin against sun damage. Made using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the sunscreen also contains coconut oil and red seaweed extract which provide hydration and protect cells from free radicals. 

The sunscreen is reef-safe and made to minimize its impact on the marine environment. The brand also does not test on animals, and it uses eco-friendly packaging, including fabric wraps made of used plastic bottles and gift boxes handcrafted using mulberry paper.

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13) REN Skincare

Price: $40

From moisturizers to shampoos, to serums to toners, REN Skincare has everything you may need for your everyday skincare routine! 

The brand sells a mineral SPF 30 sunscreen made for broad-spectrum sun protection. It can be used on most skin types, including sensitive and oily skins. 

REN’s sunscreen is formulated with natural ingredients like 22% non-nano zinc oxide.

It also contains rice starch to help mattify the skin, and passionfruit seed extract for a boost of antioxidants to protect the skin from free radicals. 

The sunscreen is vegan and made using post-consumer recycled plastic. REN Skincare has been cruelty-free since its creation, and the brand is a partner of the Surfrider Foundation which supports beach cleanups and ocean conservation.

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14) Suntegrity

Price: $24-55

Suntegrity is a brand that creates all kinds of skincare products with SPF 30 and 50. It offers a wide variety of sunscreens that deliver broad-spectrum sun protection: you can choose between sunscreen lotions, sticks and sprays, and it even has several sunscreen moisturizers. 

Suntegrity’s mineral sunscreens are formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and are packed with antioxidants and amino acids to help with skin repair. Most of them also contain organic ingredients, and they are all cruelty-free. 

The brand uses bioplastic tubes derived from sugarcane for some of its sunscreens, and it even has a refillable option! 

Plus, Suntegrity was awarded “Champion” Status by the EWG/Compact for Safe Cosmetics and received an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.

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15) COOLA

Price: $10-52

COOLA is specialized in the creation of suncare and skincare products using sustainably-sourced, plant-derived ingredients. This company should be your go-to brand whenever you are looking for sunscreen! It has various sunscreens available in different forms, including lotions, lip balms, sprays, serums and sticks. 

While most of them have an SPF of 30 or 50, COOLA also has a sunscreen spray and lotion that provide SPF 70 broad-spectrum sun protection. Perfect for long days under the sun! 

The brand makes its formulas using at least 70% certified organic ingredients, and they are all vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe. COOLA’s sunscreens are free of over 1,000 harmful chemicals, and all their tubes are made of sustainably-sourced sugarcane resin.

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16) Larkly

Price: $17-32

Larkly is an American brand that sells refillable, all-natural SPF 30 sunscreen. The company’s sunscreen is a mineral powder that gives you complete protection from UVA and UVB rays. 

It is formulated using natural sunblock ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It also contains green tea, licorice root extract and resveratrol, three antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage. 

Larkly’s sunscreen is reef-safe, vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, it does not leave your skin with a greasy or chalky finish.  

Larkly’s sunscreen comes in a convenient container with a soft, large brush, making applying the powder very easy and fun! The brand also sells the powder alone so that you do not have to repurchase a new brush every time you run out of sunscreen.

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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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Petroleum jelly has been used widely for over 150 years. You can find it everywhere, from hospitals to classrooms, and it’s used for everything from chapped lips to diaper rash.

In fact, it's become such a staple ingredient in personal care products that we’re often slathering it on ourselves without even knowing it.

While the controversy around petroleum jelly isn’t new, it also hasn’t been resolved. Read on to find out why anyone who cares about using safe, sustainable products on their body and in their home should think twice about reaching for a tub of Vaseline. 

What is Petroleum Jelly?

Petroleum jelly is exactly what it sounds like: a gel-like byproduct of petroleum, which is a form of crude oil. In fact, it was first discovered by oil rig workers who noticed it building up on the machinery and in the bottom of empty oil barrels. 

The workers began putting the semi-solid substance on cuts and bruises, noting the sealant-like effect. Word traveled fast about its apparent wonders, and the substance was branded and sold as Vaseline in 1870. 

Also known as petrolatum or soft paraffin, petroleum jelly is found in a wide range of moisturizers, conditioners, lip balms, baby care, and beauty products. In addition to being the main product in Vaseline, it’s also found in products like Aquaphor, Bag Balm, and Neosporin, among others. 

Even when you’re trying to avoid them, petroleum-based products may also be hiding in your favorite products under a hidden name, like mineral oil, toluene, parfum, methanol, and anything that begins with propyl or butyl. It’s a common ingredient in candles, too (look for paraffin wax on the label).

Why is Petroleum Jelly Bad?

To learn why it's bad to put petroleum jelly on your skin, it’s important to understand the process of dermal absorption. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Dermal absorption is the transport of a chemical from the outer surface of the skin both into the skin and into the body.” 

Moreover, the CDC explains that when chemicals are applied to the skin, they can pass into the bloodstream, where they can cause health problems in other areas of the body. 

So what chemicals are in petroleum jelly?

The Dangers of PAHs

In its natural form, petroleum jelly contains high amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemical compounds occur naturally in crude oil and coal, and one of the largest sources of human exposure is in vehicle exhaust. 

Cosmetics are another primary source of hydrocarbon contamination, since many cosmetic products contain petroleum. Hydrocarbons have been shown to accumulate in the body over time, meaning that continued exposure can have cumulative, adverse effects. Unsafe levels of hydrocarbon exposure were shown to affect the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the kidneys, and the gastrointestinal system. 

In the same study, researchers outlined the main sources of hydrocarbon exposure as follows: aromatic (glues and paints), halogenated (refrigeration solvents, insecticides, and herbicides), Terpene (turpentine, pine oil, and spray paint), and aliphatic (petroleum distillates like asphalt, jet fuel, mineral oil, and yep, you guessed it, petroleum jelly.) Lastly, PAHs are also a known carcinogenic and have been linked to breast cancer.

Hydrocarbons and Hormones

Further scientific insights reveal that petroleum products and associated PAH’s can have endocrine-disrupting effects, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormones. 

Specifically, petroleum-based products were shown to elevate estrogen levels, which can lead to premature sexual development in people born with female characteristics, and prepubertal gynecomastia (development of breast tissue) in people with male physical characteristics. Endocrine disruptors have also been associated with breast cancer, and have been linked to infertility, endometriosis, nervous system disruption, diabetes, learning challenges, and more, according to the Hormone Health Network.

Proponents of petroleum jelly tout that the cosmetic-grade version of the product has been refined multiple times, thereby eliminating PAHs before they reach the shelves. It’s true that an intensive refinement process can reduce PAHs; however, there’s little transparency into how refined the petroleum jelly in any given product actually is (especially when it’s hiding under a different name). 

Petroleum Jelly and Skin Health

If you’ve been considering slugging—the viral social media trend that involves covering one’s face in petroleum jelly to lock in moisture after cleansing—it might be time to think again.

Why? Because petroleum jelly is considered occlusive, which means products that contain it seal the skin in a barrier layer that prevents moisture from evaporating. This hydrates the skin by keeping in water—but it also keeps in everything else. That means it traps the bacteria and toxins your skin naturally wants to expel. Since Vaseline isn’t breathable, it can exacerbate skin challenges for those with oily or acne-prone skin. 

Another thing to consider is that some of the most common uses for petroleum jelly actually aren’t recommended. For example, Vaseline’s product label denotes it’s for external use only. Yet, many people use it inside their nose to combat dryness. This is likely fine from time to time, but long-term use can lead to lipid pneumonia—a condition marked by lung inflammation, coughing, and shortness of breath. 

Similarly, recent research from the University of Leeds shows that the practice of applying petroleum jelly to wounds and cuts may actually interfere with the body’s natural healing process. Researchers in the study recommend against using petroleum jelly in this manner, since the results showed it may actually increase the risk of infection.

The Best Petroleum Jelly Alternatives

The obvious drawback to using petroleum jelly is that it’s a direct result of natural resources exploitation, meaning it isn’t renewable or sustainable. Yet many people argue that since petroleum jelly is just a byproduct of something that’s being made anyway, it’s better to put the product to use.

The issue with this perspective is that it fails to consider the impact and influence of consumer spending. Buying products like Vaseline, which is owned by Unilever, gives big oil companies more incentives to keep producing petroleum byproducts. 

Now imagine, that in contrast, your hard-earned money could support a company that leverages eco-friendly practices and supports renewable energy, and you’d get better results? 

Here’s a look at the top petroleum jelly alternatives that are healthier for both you and the planet.

1. Waxelene Multi-Purpose Ointment

This is a go-to alternative to Vaseline. Instead of petroleum jelly, Waxelene includes soy oil, beeswax, vitamin E, and Rosemary oil, most of which are organic.

This product can be used to heal dry skin, but it’s also great as diaper cream, massage oil, lip balm, and after-sun, among dozens of other uses. Plus, it comes in a plastic-neutral product that comes in a recyclable glass jar.

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2. Fat and the Moon All Salve

This multi-purpose cream from California-based Fat and the Moon is perfect for softening dry spots and healing scrapes and burns.

It contains a base of sunflower oil and beeswax, along with safely and ethically harvested herbs like Yerba Mansa and Comfrey. It also contains Calendula, which has been shown to support wound healing (along with other medicinal plants like Lavender and Oregano.)

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3. Taspen’s Organics Restore and Revive Salve

Stemming from Colorado, this all-natural salve is perfect for reducing irritation and boosting skin restoration.

Use Restore and Revive Salve on dry skin, bug bites, scrapes, calluses, and baby bottoms (though it isn’t recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding). Blended in a base of coconut oil and olive oil, this product contains herbs like chickweed, St. John’s Wort, Witch Hazel, and more.

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4. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Magic Balm

Dr. Bronner’s is an ethically-sourced, eco-friendly company that’s been around for decades.

Their Organic Magic Balm is perfect for healing dry skin, especially when it’s been exposed to cold or dry weather. It’s made with Avocado oil, Jojoba seed oil, beeswax, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and olive oil.

Use it on hands, cuticles, cheeks, knees, and more. 

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5. Coconut Oil

When you need hydration in a pinch, good-old-fashioned coconut oil is a safe, accessible alternative to petroleum jelly.

The benefits of coconut oil abound, especially since it has anti-inflammatory properties and has proven to improve skin barrier function (meaning it could help with eczema).

Be sure to opt for an organic, unrefined brand in a glass jar.

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About the Author
Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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