The Best Zero Waste Makeup Brands Out There

Top 10 Zero Waste Makeup Brands to Help the Environment and Gift to Makeup Lovers

Drawing of a heart made with lipstick

Even though the idea of fast fashion has become a part of mainstream culture and more people are becoming aware of its harmful effects and changing their ways, little is known about the existence of fast beauty

Therefore, just like fast fashion brands, fast beauty brands often do not care for the environment,are not sustainable whatsoever, indulge in animal cruelty to test their products, aim to produce makeup products at a large scale, and--unlikethe clothing industry-- for the most part,costumers often pay a high price for the products which are filled with toxins and junk. With all of this in mind, how can you continue to support makeup brands which not only are causing harm to your skin but also to the environment?

The truth is that we are living in a time when we must open up our eyes to the truth, change the status quo, and do whatever it takes to make sure that we can save the Earth and stop its destruction as much as we can. Consequently, there is nothing like the feeling of purchasing high quality products which are proved to be eco friendly and toxin free. Even though these makeup products may be more expensive than drugstore products, it is worth paying extra for something which you thought that it is the best for you and for the environment in the long run. This is why we have compiled a list of zero waste makeup brands to help you find the right type for you but, most importantly, to allow you to be guilt-free every time you put on lipstick. 

In case you are wondering, here are some approaches to what may constitute as zero waste makeup

  • Vegan 
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-toxic
  • Palm oil free 
  • Ethical policies 
  • Sustainable packaging 

However, you should be aware that it is okay if you cannot find a brand that falls under all the categories as zero waste makeup brands are just emerging and there is still a long way to go. 

During the holidays, you should not be afraid of taking an eco-friendly approach and presenting yourself and someone you love with zero waste makeup that will make a difference in your life and that the Earth will be thankful for. Therefore, without further ado, here are ten of the best zero waste makeup brands for you to check out today:

1. River Organics

Zero waste lip balm
Lip Balm Set of 2. Image courtesy of River Organics


River Organics is a sustainable and inclusive beauty company. They take packaging very seriously and they are adept of the idea that less is more. Their products are shipped using 100% recycled padded mailers and they use fewer packaging as possible. Moreover, they take the packaging of their products very seriously and they believe in the importance of staying true to the quantity of their products. 

They include a small selection of makeup products such as lip balms, concealers, blushes, and more. However, the best part about their products is that they are all produced using natural ingredients and they are extremely affordable. This brand is perfect for those who are continuously buying makeup essentials in order to eliminate their waste and get high quality products. 

2. 100% PURE 

Zero waste eyeshadow
Fruit Pigmented Ultra Length Mascara. Image courtesy of 100% PURE


100% PURE is a beauty company which believes in the importance of creating the purest and healthiest products, as well as the necessity of educating others about why turning to a sustainable approach is crucial to their lives and, therefore, the environment. Their products are completely cruelty free, they are guaranteed to be 100% pure, and they are naturally pigmented. 

They have a wide range of makeup products from fae, eye, and lip makeup to nail polish and makeup tools. The best part is that they make sure that each and every single ingredient used within their products is naturally sourced and you can find an ingredient glossary within their website. This way, you can make sure that what you are getting is 100% pure. 

3. Elate Beauty

Zero waste blush
Creme Blush. Image courtesy of Elate Beauty.

 

Elate Beauty is a beauty company whose products are made of around 75% organic ingredients. However, before you get worried about it, Elate Beauty uses the fair trade approach whenever they cannot get organic ingredients. They are also palm oil free and cruelty free. Their products are often shipped using recycled packaging and a reusable aluminum jar. This company is crystal clear and you basically find everything about it within their website. 

Elate Beauty is a very inclusive and ethical brand which you can purchase without worrying about any sort of unfairness taking place behind the scenes. They provide a range of products for the face, the eyes, the lips, and even the skin. The best part is that it is possible to find products for all types of skin and without any sort of discrimination towards race, class, and gender. 

4. Axiology Beauty

Zero waste lipstick
Crayon Lipstick. Image courtesy of Axiology Beauty


Axiology Beauty is a beauty brand which started from the desire of being able to purchase makeup without contributing to the destruction of the environment and/or animal cruelty. Therefore, Axiology Beauty joins quality with sustainability to create amazing makeup products that are hard to believe to be zero waste. They offer gluten free, palm oil free, soy free, fragrance free, and preservatives free. Moreover, their packaging is completely recyclable and it is recycled as well. 

Even though the prices of Axiology Beauty products are a little higher than other brands, they are totally worth it as you are paying not only for the quality, but also for the possibility of products which do not harm your skin or the environment. They have a wide range of products and merchandise that you must check out! 

5. ILIA Beauty

Zero waste eyeshadow palette
The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette. Image courtesy of ILIA Beauty.


ILIA Beauty is a beauty company that aims to create radical beauty in order to fight for what they believe that is right and push boundaries regarding sustainable beauty. Therefore, they do everything possible in order to make sure that the products which you are applying are safe both for yourself and the planet. The most interesting thing about them is that they ask Americans to send them five empty beauty products per month so they can repurpose it rather than allow it to further harm the planet. 

It is a very crystal clear and inclusive company which invites you to learn everything about it. They have a wide range of products that are inclusive to all types of skin, race, and gender. Therefore, if you believe in such ideals, you should definitely check out ILIA and the chances are that you will end up finding something that you will love. 

6. NOTO Botanics

Zero waste lip balm
Multi-Benne Stain Stick. Image courtesy of NOTO Botanics


NOTO Botanics is a beauty company that believes in the importance of creating impact through action. Therefore, NOTO Botanics adheres to the ideas of sustainable, cruelty free, vegan, and natural products. They are extremely focused on how their products can represent their customers identity as well as help their activism towards a better world. Their products come in recyclable and biodegradable packaging and most of their ingredients are locally sourced.

The best part about NOTO Botanics is that they show support towards several foundations and are not afraid to use their products in order to change their world. Even though they do not have a wide range of makeup products or  skincare products, the company is very true to their mission statement and you are able to get products which are good for you, the environment, and others. 

7. Zao Organic Makeup 

Zero waste BB cream
BB Cream. Image courtesy of Zao Organic Makeup.


Zao Organic Makeup is what is considered to be an eco-luxury beauty brand. Their products are 100% natural, organic, toxic free, cruelty free, gluten free, and vegan. Moreover, their packaging is made from organic bamboo which they harvest themselves and is completely recyclable as well as every part of it is utilized in the production of several of their products. They follow an ethical and sustainable approach which allows for them to make the best products while respecting the environment and the lives of others. 

They have a variety of products for the face, eyes, and lips which you can sample in order to find out what best suits your needs. They also have a refill system where most of their regular sized products can be refilled after the first purchase. It is totally worth it to check it out as Zao Organic Makeup is a great way to approach zero waste makeup

8. EcoTools

Eco friendly blender
Color perfecting mini blenders. Image courtesy of EcoTools


EcoTools is a beauty brand, but unlike  all the brands present here it is not a makeup brand. The truth is that makeup is nothing without its tools, and this is why EcoTools is the perfect place to find sustainable beauty tools that are perfect for each and every need of makeup lovers and/or artists. Their products are ethically sourced and manufactured as they require their suppliers to adhere to fair labor practices. They are also vegan and cruelty free which is extremely important as several makeup brushes are still produced using animal fur. 

EcoTools has a variety of makeup tools such as brushes, blenders, facial rollers, and more. Their products are very high quality and anyone who loves makeup knows the importance of having the right makeup tools; especially if they are sustainable. 

9. Eco Minerals 

Zero waste highlighter
White Light Illuminate. Image courtesy of Eco Minerals


Eco Minerals is an Australian beauty brand which believes that cruelty is not beautiful. As such,their products are completely cruelty free and vegan. They also believe in the importance of a 100% organic approach which means that their products are free of toxins and palm oil. More importantly, their products are ethically sourced which means that nobody has to suffer in order to make their products and they adhere to the idea of thoughtful packaging. 

The best thing about Eco Minerals is that they offer completely zero waste refills which only shows how determined they are to adhere to sustainability. They have a large variety of sustainable and ethical products which you can sample in order to determine whether or not they suit your needs. 

10. Dab Herb Makeup and Skincare 

Zero waste eyeshadow
Herb Eyeshadow. Image courtesy of Dab


Dab Herb Makeup and Skincare is a beauty brand that, even though it is not certified organic, offers several sustainable and natural makeup options. For instance, all their products are certified cruelty free, gluten free, and vegan. Moreover, they are ethically sourced and believe in the importance of fighting against child and forced labor. Likewise, they highlight the importance of having suppliers which share the same values and beliefs as they do. Their shipping materials are all plastic free and they make sure to only use paper mailers. 

Despite the fact that they do not have a large variety of products, all the products that they have are extremely cute and unique. The best part about Dab is that they are not afraid of being transparent and continuously establishing communication with their customers. They consider themselves to be a holistic approach to makeup and you should definitely give them a chance!

When approaching zero waste makeup products, remember to always look for their FAQ and make sure that you are not using or giving to someone you love a product that may contain allergens. Although the path towards the end of the fast beauty industry is still a long one, it is important to start somewhere. Do not be afraid to be a part of the change!


Camila do Nascimento

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