20 Best Sustainable Makeup Brands For A Clean Beauty Routine

eco friendly cosmetics

10/18/2023

Konstantina Antoniadou

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Are you on the hunt for the best sustainable makeup brands that work just as well (and even better) than their unsustainable counterparts? 

Look no further, we have rounded up 20 of the most environmentally friendly makeup companies that use the purest and most natural ingredients in 2024.

Cheers to the best clean beauty brands that the cosmetics industry has ever seen!

The Best Eco-Friendly Makeup Brands For A Natural Beauty Routine!

eco friendly makeup

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Looking at the majority of labels and packaging in the makeup industry makes us here at SKL cringe.

The ingredient lists usually contain some toxic chemicals such as phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), and more. They are also wrapped up in the infamous single-use plastic packaging.

These hard-to-pronounce harmful chemicals are notorious for causing a slew of health issues – from irritations to fertility issues. That’s exactly why we solely trust clean beauty brands that are sustainable, natural, and clean!

Whether you’re a makeup lover or an occasional wearer, having some trusted sustainable cosmetic products ready for grabs can make our beauty routines a whole lot easier. 

2024’s best eco friendly and zero waste makeup brands bring on the glam without the icky stuff, giving you a guilt-free glow that’s oh-so-natural.

On top of that, environmentally friendly makeup brands use ethical practices, plant-based ingredients, ethically sourced ingredients,  and, best of all, they’re almost always vegan and cruelty-free! So you can slay that cat-eye knowing no fur babies were harmed in the making of your fave liner.

Extra bonus to reduce the cosmetic industry’s carbon footprint and carbon emissions? The top sustainable beauty brands use reusable packaging, compostable packaging, glass bottles, and/or recyclable packaging to “dress” their non toxic formulas.

Why is sustainability important in cosmetic products?

Conventional makeup often comes with a dark side of single-use plastics waste and harmful ingredients that not only affect the environment, but human health. Sustainable cosmetics aim to minimize these impacts by utilizing renewable resources, reducing packaging waste, and employing eco-friendly production processes. 

What’s more, sustainable makeup brands ensure that products are not tested on animals, preventing unnecessary harm and promoting a compassionate approach to beauty that puts animal welfare before profits. 

Sustainability in cosmetics extends to fair labor practices. Ethical brands often prioritize fair wages, small batches, safe working conditions, and respect for workers’ rights throughout the supply chain, promoting social responsibility and supporting communities.

How can makeup be sustainable?

First and foremost, sustainable makeup products primarily use natural, organic, or responsibly sourced ingredients. These ingredients are often obtained in an eco-friendly and ethical manner, ensuring they have a minimal impact on the environment and communities. 

What’s more, sustainable and eco-friendly makeup brands prioritize responsibly sourcing ingredients, ensuring they are acquired in a way that respects workers’ rights, supports local communities, and does not exploit vulnerable populations. 

Plus, in most cases, sustainable makeup is not tested on animals (cruelty-free) and does not contain animal-derived ingredients (vegan). Last, but not least, sustainable responsible makeup brands focus on reducing packaging waste. This includes using recyclable, biodegradable, or refillable packaging options to minimize the overall environmental impact.

What is the most sustainable packaging for cosmetics? 

Glass Bottles: Glass is highly recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality. It’s a great option for products like serums, creams, and foundations.

Aluminum: Aluminum packaging is lightweight, recyclable, and has a high recycling rate. It’s commonly used for products like powders, deodorants, and some skincare items.

Paper and Cardboard: Recycled paper or cardboard packaging is biodegradable and recyclable. Brands can use it for outer packaging, boxes, or even for pressed powder products.

Refillable Packaging: Packaging that allows customers to refill their product containers helps reduce overall waste. Refill stations or refillable cartridges can be used for various cosmetics.

Biodegradable Plastics: Certain bioplastics made from renewable resources or plant-based materials are biodegradable and compostable. However, ensuring they end up in the appropriate waste streams is crucial for their eco-friendliness.

This post is about the best sustainable cosmetic brands.


The Most Sustainable Makeup Brands on the Eco Market!


1. River Organics

makeup brands with sustainable packaging

River Organics is a fantastic natural, vegan, cruelty-free, zero-waste makeup brand based in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Founder, Corinne Lefebvre, takes a simplified and transparent approach to her formulation process; with the majority of her natural makeup products created using only a few ingredients, most of which are certified organic. No harsh chemicals in these gorgeous cruelty-free products!

Corinne prides herself on the fact that 99% of the ingredients she uses have names that Customers will recognise – something we love!

Price: From $11.99+  

Discount CodeSKL15 for 15% off

Free From: Parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances 

Ethics: Eco-friendly packaging, compostable packaging, 100% vegan ingredients, Leaping Bunny Certified, certified organic products, conflict free ingredients 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


Best Sustainable Makeup from River Organics:


2. Ilia Beauty

eco friendly makeup packaging

Ilia’s sustainable makeup products are designed to instantly rejuvenate your look. Ilia uses a great formulation that has high levels of skincare ingredients to act as a defense against environmental stressors. 

Moreover, this brand is produced organically and is vegan and cruelty-free. Clean beauty is what they aim for. 

Try their Limitless Mascara, a lightweight and nourishing mascara that conditions your eyelashes while giving the gorgeous feather look!

Price: From $24+ 

Free From: Fragrance, silicone, gluten 

Ethics: 1% for the planet, Leaping Bunny Certified, makeup recycling program, natural & safe botanicals, safe synthetics when necessary, vegan 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


Zero Waste Makeup from Ilia Beauty:


3. Axiology

top sustainable beauty brands

This sustainable makeup brand was founded by Ericka Rodriguez. Ericka aimed to build a brand with the safest and most ethical lipstick ever created. 

Axiology’s lipstick and lip crayons are formulated with organic botanical oils and pigment minerals that are ethically sourced. 

In addition, the lipsticks and lip crayons are vegan, certified cruelty-free by PETA, gluten-free, soy-free, and fragrance-free. 

Try their 3 in 1 lip-to-lid Balmies! This beauty cult favorite will make your eyes, cheeks, and lips look their best.

Price: From $15+ 

Free From: Palm oil, fragrance, alcohol, gluten, synthetic preservatives 

Ethics: Vegan, cruelty free, certified organic, 100% plastic free, 50% post-consumer recycled plastic 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


Sustainable Makeup Products from Axiology:


4. Elate Cosmetics

sustainable makeup brands

Elate is a low waste and sustainable make-up brand that puts people and the planet at the forefront of their decision-making.

Because of this, hundreds of thousands of packages have been saved out of landfills due to their refillable products. 

Moreover, more than one hundred thousand gardens have grown from their seed paper packaging. Elate is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. 

Our favorites from Elate Cosmetics:

Price: From $21+ 

Free From: Parabens, sulfates, phthalates

Ethics: B Corporation Certified, sustainable packaging, cruelty free, vegan, carbon neutral, safe & fair labor 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada 


5. Kjaer Weis

zero waste makeup brands

Kjaer Weis believes that being conscious of your beauty product should not sacrifice quality.

That is why this sustainable makeup brand formulated a prime makeup uses certified natural and organic products, but they also make sure to achieve the standards of luxury beauty.

One of their best sellers is their Liquid Foundation. It is the next-generation foundation that is packed with mighty clean ingredients. This foundation will keep your skin hydrated, even the skin tone, and nourish and smooth your skin with the help of its organic ingredients.

Our favorites from Kjaer Weis: 

Price: From $17+ 

Free From: Gluten, fragrance, parabens, sulfates, phthalates

Ethics: Sustainable packaging, refillable, certified organic ingredients, cruelty free, ethically sourced ingredients

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


6. Zakiella

ecofriendly makeup brands

Handcrafted with care in Canada, Zakiella stands out for its commitment to vibrant, natural makeup. Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free, child-labor, and mica-free, their vibrant offerings are extremely sustainable! 

The eyeshadow palettes feature a layout of 3 matte shades—ranging from light, medium to deep tones—paired harmoniously with 3 metallic shades. 

You can also find amazing matte lipsticks that are comfortable, non-drying, and long-lasting. 

Plus, you can try their Lip Radiances, providing a mask-like feel and an enticing natural scent. Or, get yourself a creamy balm-like texture Satin Lipstick for extra moisturization.

Price: From $16+ 

Free From: Talc, PFAS, silicones, microplastic ingredients, aluminium, parabens

Ethics: Leaping Bunny Certified, cruelty free, child-labor free mica, certified organic ingredients 

Location/Shipping: Canada, ships to USA, Australia, UK, New Zealand &  South Africa


Best Eco Friendly Makeup from Zakiella:


7. 100% Pure

beauty brands that are sustainable

Touted as one of the best affordable sustainable makeup brands, 100% Pure prioritizes natural and organic ingredients, ensuring your makeup routine is both safe and vibrant. 

Their vegan cosmetics are carefully crafted with antioxidants, essential oils, and naturally occurring vitamins, providing your skin with the nourishment it deserves. 

It’s not just makeup either. They offer an extensive collection, which also includes soaps, shampoos, and conditioners for a complete, non-toxic beauty routine.

100% Pure Best Sellers:

Price: From $20+ 

Free From: Gluten, parabens, sulfates, phthalates

Ethics: 100% PURE™ formulas are biodegradable, conscious packaging, eco friendly shipping, vegan, cruelty free 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


8. La Bouche Rouge 

best makeup brands

If you love zero waste makeup brands, La Bouche Rouge is for you! 

The French company offers a wide range of premium lipsticks encased in refillable and easily recyclable packaging, all meticulously crafted without a trace of plastic. 

You can choose from the 38 long-lasting, highly pigmented shades! Plus, all the ingredients are free from petrochemical derivatives, silicones and microplastic.

La Bouche Rouge Best Sellers: 

Price: From $34+ 

Free From: Microplastics, Parabens, aluminum powder, EDTA, palm oil, silicones, talc, phenoxyethanol, phthalates 

Ethics: Vegan, cruelty free, sustainable packaging, refillable, free from plastic, 

Location/Shipping: France, ships to USA 


9. Well People

makeup brands with sustainable packaging

Well People offers a slew of sustainable makeup products, delicately formulated to pamper and rejuvenate your skin while providing the desired color and coverage. 

What’s even more impressive? An astounding 35+ products have earned the coveted EWG verification! 

Vegan-friendly, non toxic, and affordable – exactly what we love to see from our favorite eco friendly makeup brands.

Best Sellers from Well People:

Price: From $15+ 

Free From: Parabens, avobenzone, oxybenzone, GMOs, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, phenoxyethanol, dimethicone, petrolatum, PEG, propylene glycol, mineral oil, talc, nanoparticles

Ethics: Ethically sourced & renewable botanicals, EWG Verified, plant powered, cruelty free, Leaping Bunny Certified 

Location/Shipping: United States


10. Mob Beauty

Sustainable makeup brands affordable

Pro-quality, affordable sustainable makeup? Yes, please! 

This innovative brand pioneers refillable makeup, advocating for sustainable practices through the use of biodegradable, ethically sourced, cruelty-free, and vegan ingredients. 

Mascaras, bronzers, eyeshadows, highlighters – you name it, they have it.

Heck, you can even create your own infinitely customizable, refillable, and reusable palette.

Best Selling Makeup from MOB Beauty: 

Price: From $16+ 

Free From: Silicone, parabens, gluten, talc, nylon, styrene 

Ethics: Refillable packaging, 50% post-consumer recycled, FSC Certified, Leaping Bunny Certified, vegan, 

Location/Shipping: Canada, ships to USA 


11. Cheekbone

sustainable makeup foundation

Cheekbone is not just one of the most sustainable makeup brands. They are one of the very few Indigenous owned cosmetic companies in the world! 

In addition to using all-natural, organic, and pure ingredients, Cheekbone’s formulas are also encased in thoughtfully crafted, biodegradable packaging that echoes the brand’s commitment to sustainability. 

Recently, they expanded their sustainable makeup products lineup to include a lengthening and volumizing mascara, adding another feather to their cap of conscious cosmetics. 

Not stopping at just makeup, the brand demonstrates its dedication to uplifting Indigenous communities through both financial contributions and project-based initiatives. 

Best Refillable Makeup from Cheekbone: 

Price: From $20+ 

Free From: Sulfates, parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, talc, oxybenzone, coal tar 

Ethics: Certified B Corporation, 1% for the planet, fair trade, vegan, cruelty free, sustainable packaging, PACT member, refillable 

Location/Shipping: Canada, ships to USA, Italy, Australia, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, UK 


12. Alima Pure

environmentally friendly makeup companies

Known for their amazing sustainable makeup foundation and nourishing primers, Alima Pure uses the purest ingredients, shunning synthetic dyes, and never conducting animal testing. 

From eyeshadows to liquid primers, the product range showcases a diverse array of shades, inviting everyone to find their perfect match. 

Also, Alima Pure proudly bears the B Corp seal, giving back annually to various green initiatives and proudly boasting a carbon-neutral footprint.

Our Favorites from Alima Pure: 

Price: From $18+ 

Free From: Parabens, sulfates, phthalates, dimethicone, petroleum, talc, bismuth oxychloride, nanoparticles

Ethics: Certified B Corporation, 1% for the planet, 100% CO2 neutral, refillable, Leaping Bunny Certified 

Location/Shipping: United States


13. Exa Beauty

sustainable makeup packaging

Exa Beauty is known for offering a first-of-its-kind clean foundation that’s long on wear and high on standards. 

Available in 40+ shades, it’s a ridiculously amazing buildable foundation with a semi-satin finish and perfecting pigments that wear light and last long. 

You can also find lip pencils, primers, color correctors, and more affordable sustainable makeup for your vegan beauty routine.

Our Favorites from Exa Beauty:  

Price: From $15+ 

Free From: Gluten, parabens, sulfates, phthalates

Ethics: Gives back, clean & sustainable, eco-as-possible packaging, cruelty free, vegan

Location/Shipping: United States


14. Iris & Romeo

environmentally friendly makeup brands

Next up is another one of our favorite affordable sustainable makeup brands, Iris & Romeo

For them, beauty should be clean and minimalist. 

Take their star product, Best Skin Days, for instance—a multitasking marvel that’s a foundation, sunscreen, serum, and blue light/pollution protector all in one. 

This epitomizes their approach, offering versatile solutions that replace multiple products, simplifying your morning ritual. 

On top of that, they use recyclable packaging to “dress” their USA-made products. 

Price: From $26+ 

Free From: PEGS, parabens, phthalates, EDTA, toluene, sulfates, coal tar dyes 

Ethics: Vegan cruelty free, recyclable packaging 

Location/Shipping: United States


Best Affordable Sustainable Makeup from Iris & Romeo:


15. Westman Atelier Makeup

sustainable makeup products

On the hunt for environmentally friendly makeup brands with sustainable packaging? 

Gucci Westman, a renowned makeup artist, curated Westman Atelier with a vision of combining opulence with purity. 

Key ingredients like jojoba oil and coconut oil are incorporated into their sustainable makeup products, aiming to keep the skin well-moisturized while wearing makeup. 

Their top-sellers include the Vital foundation which is known for its soothing and calming properties. 

More Sustainable Westman Makeup: 

Price: From $34+ 

Free From: Parabens, sulfates, PEGs, phthalates, formaldehyde donors, mineral oil 

Ethics: Member of PACT, sustainable packaging, cruelty free 

Location/Shipping: United States


16. Tower 28

best sustainable makeup

Tower 28 offers an array of dermatologist-tested, hypo-allergenic, non-comedogenic, and gluten-free formulations. 

Their impressive range, from vibrant lip glosses to radiant highlights, is created using ingredients selected for their safety, even for the most sensitive consumers. 

In fact, Tower 28 Beauty aligns with the National Eczema Association’s ingredient guidelines—an exceptional and rare practice within the beauty industry. 

Our Favorites from Tower 28: 

Price: From $12+  

Free From: Gluten, Fragrance 

Ethics: PCR packaging, on Earth Days donate 100% of our gross profits to support ocean conservation, 

Location/Shipping: United States 


17. Juice Beauty

best sustainable makeup brands

Juice Beauty is one of the most sustainable makeup brands, best known for their tinted moisturizers that combine the benefits of skincare and makeup seamlessly. 

They solely use natural and USDA-certified organic ingredients and shine by being vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with the values of compassion towards animals. 

Moreover, in addition to eco packaging, Juice is also committed to utilizing sustainable energy sources in production.

Our Favorites from Juice Beauty: 

Price: From $12+ 

Free From: Parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances 

Ethics: Formulated with organic ingredients, cruelty free, Certified Vegan, Leaping Bunny Certified, sustainable packaging 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


18. RMS Organics

affordable sustainable makeup

What makes RMS Organics one of the best environmentally friendly makeup companies? 

Their products are crafted from raw, food-grade, and organic ingredients, elevating makeup into a form that nourishes and hydrates the skin. 

From concealers to highlighters, all formulas aim to redefine makeup by incorporating healing and nourishing elements into their formulations. Non toxic and GMO-free is also a given.

Best Sellers from RMS Organics: 

Price: From $22+ 

Free From: GMOs, Nanos, Parabens, Phthalates, soy, sulfates 

Ethics: 80% post consumer cycled paper, certified organic, quality & transparency, recyclable glass jars, refillable packaging, member of PACT 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide  


19. Inika Organic AUD

examples of sustainable makeup

Next up is one of the most sustainable responsible makeup brands Australia has to offer.

Inika’s makeup is a testament to this ethos, harnessing botanical extracts and rich mineral pigments that offer clinically proven skincare benefits.

From organic primers to mascaras, they’ve curated a comprehensive range catering to every aspect of your beauty routine.

They’re also Vegan Society, Ecocert COSMOS Natural, and PETA, Certified! 

To top it off, as the first certified plastic-neutral makeup brand worldwide, they’re leaving a positive impact by repurposing plastic into valuable resources for communities in need.

Our Favorites from Inika Organic: 

Price: From 42+ 

Free From: Alcohol, silicone, fragrances, sulphates, talc, gluten, parabens 

Ethics: Certified Organic, vegan, Plastic Neutral Certified Product, animal test-free, COSMOS Organic 

Location/Shipping: Australia, ships worldwide 


20. PHB Ethical Beauty UK

most sustainable makeup brands

Last, but not least, one of the UK’s best makeup brands with sustainable packaging.

PHB’s dedication to natural and certified organic ingredients ensures you stay clear of questionable and toxic components. 

The transparency they provide, detailing ingredient breakdowns for each product, exemplifies their commitment to an informed and conscious customer base. 

The certified B Corp also offers an array of zero-waste and reduced-plastic makeup products – all vegan and cruelty-free!

Our Favorites from PHB:  

Price: From £9.95+ 

Free From: Alcohol, gluten, non GMO, palm oil

Ethics: Vegan, cruelty free, plastic free packaging, 20% profit goes to charity, family business, ethical sourcing 

Location/Shipping: UK, ships worldwide 


This post was about the best sustainable makeup brands.

There you have it – the 20 best affordable sustainable makeup brands in 2024. Do your face and the Earth a favor – opt for environmentally friendly makeup companies that make a positive impact. Let’s keep our beauty routines fabulous, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free.  

If you liked this post on eco-friendly makeup brands, you’ll definitely want to check out these other posts from SKL:

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