The cosmetic industry is changing. More and more beauty brands, from premium skincare to everyday makeup, are approaching their processes, ingredient choice and packaging in new ways – they’re going green.

Did you know? We produce approximately 300 million tonnes of plastic every year, with about 60% ending up in natural environments or landfills, according to a report by the United Nations*.

Single-use plastic products really are everywhere, including the beauty industry. Think about all the products you may use on a daily basis. Toothpaste, shampoo, moisturiser. Deodorant, hand soap, lipstick. Conditioner, exfoliator, bronzer.

There’s also the issue of draining one of our most important – if not the most important – natural resource (water), which is an ingredient used in almost all beauty products. And then there’s air pollution, caused by some scented sprays and formulas in the market. And how ingredients are sourced – this can lead to deforestation and affect animal life.

Gradually (and fortunately), cosmetic companies are taking steps towards reducing their carbon footprint on the planet, and becoming environmentally friendly. We’ve rounded up some #gorgeous choices of sustainable beauty brands. Presenting REN, Green People and Balance Me:

Brand #1 REN: The Power of Infinity Recycling Technology

REN are committed to becoming a zero-waste skincare brand by 2021, meaning their packaging will all be recycled, recyclable and reusable.

‘Clean’ is at the heart of everything REN do – clean for the skin and clean for the planet. Teaming up with partners such as Plastic Patrol, SABIC and Surfers Against Sewage, the brand packages its products with the environment in mind.

Meet the REN Evercalm™ Global Protection Day Cream’s new packaging – it’s infinitely recyclable & due to debut soon.

This is the first time Infinity Recycling Technology is being used in the beauty scene. The groundbreaking packaging is made from certified recycled plastic and can be recycled without losing its quality, forever, thus facilitating the circular reuse of natural resources.

Although more costly, this process won’t make the best-selling cream more expensive. After all, great skincare shouldn’t cost the earth.

Other existing REN products are made mostly from recycled plastic & are recyclable, including:

REN Skincare Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser: a rich formula that dissolves waterproof makeup, pollution and SPF. A recyclable makeup remover.

REN Skincare Non-Drying Spot Treatment 15ml: a non-drying spot treatment which harnesses the power of willow bark to reduce redness and spot size. A recyclable spot treatment.

Brand #2 Green People: Recyclable, Vegan Beauty Products

At Green People, environmental responsibility is taken seriously. From the ingredients that make up their products to their packaging, Green People promote an organic lifestyle while making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

Green People’s packaging is 100% recyclable, apart from that of their toothpaste and sachets. All packaging materials are carefully assessed and approved by the Organic Food Federation, the EcoCert and the Soil Association – Green People are the only cosmetics company to be certified by these three internationally recognised entities.

Discover: Vegan, recyclable skincare products from Green People.                                             

All of Green People’s formulas are made from natural ingredients too. They’re all free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances.

Brand #3 Balance Me: Promoting a Circular Economy Through Conscious Packaging Choices

Balance Me strives to make their packaging as planet-friendly as possible, opting for more sustainable local materials and suppliers.

The skincare brand makes its packaging from either glass or from a minimum of 50% PCR (post-consumer recycled plastic), encouraging a circular economy.

Balance Me consciously craft their decorative cartons from FSC-approved card, harvested only from well-managed, sustainable forests.

Discover: face serums in eco-friendly packaging.

+ On Sustainable Beauty Brands – Keep Reading:

Pureology on Being Vegan and Environmentally Friendly

Eco-Friendly Beauty – Sustainability in Beauty Series

*United Nations, Our Planet is Drowning in Plastic Pollution, Accessed March 2020