It’s the 21st century—shoppers disapprove when cosmetics companies pay for their products or ingredients to be dripped into the eyes of terrified animals, force-fed or pumped into their stomachs in massive amounts, and rubbed onto their raw, shaved skin. Testing on animals is wrong, and we all know it. But while we’re saving animals, we consumers also want to save the planet as a whole by using less plastic and living greener (while still looking fabulous, of course).
For all you eco-friendly animal liberators out there, here’s a list of low-waste and animal test-free cosmetics:
Secret
Personal-care brand Secret released its first plastic-free packaging with a deodorant stick made from 90% post-consumer recycled paper. The product inside is just as good for you as it is for the environment. This aluminum-free deodorant is made with essential oils, and it’s paraben- and dye-free, too!
Lush
Lush is already a household name, but the hot retailer has released a new package-free skincare line appropriately named Naked Skincare. You can find Naked cleansing balms, facial oils, and more in stores now. If there’s no store near you, no worries! Online orders of Naked products are wrapped in 100 percent biodegradable materials, so you can still have glowing skin without compromising your eco-warrior status.
EcoTools
EcoTools’ makeup brushes have cruelty-free Taklon bristles and sustainable bamboo handles, and they’re made of other natural and recyclable materials to keep you and the Earth looking beautiful. Plus, the packaging is made of cotton and bamboo, meaning that no trees—or animals—had to die for your daily beauty routine.
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s vegan soaps have been popular for decades—to dread-head hippies and hardline conservationists alike. The company uses exclusively 100 percent post-consumer recycled bottles and has taken huge initiatives to reduce energy, material, and water waste in its production line. And here’s a huge plus—Dr. Bronner’s sustainable beauty products can be found at refill shops all over the world!
Axiology
Axiology is a “100% Evil Free” cosmetics company that believes makeup should be safe—not only for those rocking it but also for the planet, for animals, and for the people who make the stuff. All of its lipstick tubes are made of recyclable aluminum, and its boxes are recyclable and compostable.
Ethique
Ethique claims the title of the “world’s first zero waste full range beauty brand.” Its clever beauty bars—ranging from shampoo to facial scrubs to moisturizers—are plastic-free and cruelty-free. According to the company, its sustainable beauty products have prevented over 400,000 plastic bottles from ending up in landfills—how cool is that?
ECO Minerals
ECO Minerals is a vegan cosmetics brand that—like PETA—is on a mission to liberate animals. The company is a huge advocate of animal liberation and eco-friendly packaging.
Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet (awesome name, right?) offers vegan skin-care products “made with spirit.” This fun, vibrant company is committed to using the least amount of plastic packaging possible, and all its goods are either hand-wrapped in post-consumer waste paper or put into glass containers.
Elate Cosmetics
All of Elate‘s compacts, tools, and palettes are vegan, cruelty-free, and made from bamboo—making them good for you, for animals, and for the environment. Plus, every refill purchased is enclosed in “seed paper” that you can wet, plant, and water to grow something gorgeous!
Tata Harper Skincare
Beauty without compromise: Tata Harper is 100 percent natural, nontoxic, and cruelty-free. The Vermont-based company creates most of its packaging out of glass, which is highly recyclable and can be reused again and again. The little plastic it does use is derived from renewable sources such as corn. Oh, and it uses soy ink! Those are clutch vegan moves right there.
The Humble Co.
Find more than a humble toothbrush here. Cruelty-free, vegan, FDA-approved, organic—it’s hard to find a certification that The Humble Co. hasn’t scooped up. Its products may be good for you, but they’re also great for the planet. Feel even better knowing that every purchase goes toward funding projects for the benefit of children in need.
Alima Pure
Minimal ingredients, maximum impact: Alima Pure has been carbon neutral for a decade. And the company sells refillable compacts that feature magnetic pans for easy on-the-go application.
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Every time you shop, you have the opportunity to vote against testing on animals. Need help finding more cruelty-free beauty products? We’ve got you covered:
