Posts by Jyotika Bindra

Pucker up for the Planet with these 10 Sustainable Lip Balms (2024)

image: Elate
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

The Best Sustainable & Non-Toxic Lip Balms

An effective lip balm is a must-have in your arsenal of beauty and wellness products — we always like to keep one handy in our purses and dressers. But like most things, all lip balms are not created equal. Some contain nasty toxins like petroleum, many come in non-recyclable plastic tubes, and others just don’t provide long-lasting moisturization. We don’t know about you, but we’re definitely tired of constantly having to apply a coat to dry, chapped lips, only to have to apply it again shortly after.

So, we put together a list of ten of our favorite planet-friendly lip balms that will keep your lips supple and moisturized for that perfect pucker.

Note: Not all the lip balms in this list are vegan. Some products may contain beeswax — if they do, this has been clearly noted.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A SUSTAINABLE LIP BALM:

Petroleum-free. Many brands (including Vaseline, Aquaphor, and Neutrogena) use petroleum jelly in their lip balms. Did you know that this petroleum jelly is literally a by-product of the oil refining industry? It doesn’t get dirtier than that. Stay away from lip balms that contain petroleum jelly as it is a potentially toxic, carcinogenic chemical.
Free of other nasties. On that note, also stay away from products that contain other toxins like parabens, chemical dyes, and synthetic fragrances and preservatives.
Plant-based or cruelty-free. Opt for products using 100% plant-based ingredients where possible. For products that contain beeswax, you want to make sure it’s organic and cruelty-free.
Sustainable packaging. Can the container be reused, recycled, or composted? As always, go for plastic-free when that’s an option.
Certifications. Look out for third-party certifications like B-Corp, Leaping Bunny, ECOCERT, and USDA Organic that back up claims made by the brand.
Worker welfare. Is the brand paying its workers a fair wage? Does it have stringent policies in place regarding ethical worker conditions? Fair Trade, FLOCERT, or SA8000 are good certifications to keep an eye out for.
Diversity in leadership. Bonus points if the brand is BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or woman-owned!

OUR TOP PICKS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIP BALMS:

1. MyMatcha Moisture Stick

Brand: Cocokind

Price: $9

We’re big fans of Cocokind’s multipurpose Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick.

Incredibly nourishing for dry lips, it’s also super effective in reducing dark circles and puffiness.

It’s made primarily of two simple ingredients: The organic coconut oil is packed with Vitamin E and amino acids, perfect for deep moisturization, and the caffeine- and antioxidant-rich matcha powder is magically rejuvenating. They have also recently changed the formula to make this lip balm vegan!

Shop Cocokind's MyMatcha Moisture Stick

2. Nectar Unscented Lip Balm

Brand: Ethique

Price: $8.50

The Nectar Unscented Lip Balm from Ethique checks all the boxes for an effective, basic lip balm. This no-fuss vegan balm is perfect for everyday use. It contains castor seed, moringa, and jojoba oils, as well as Fair Trade cocoa butter.

Packed with fatty acids and Vitamin E, this hardcore combination of moisturizers hydrates your lips and locks it all in for long-lasting protection. And don’t worry, the formulation isn’t sticky at all and glides on super smoothly.

Ethique sources its Fair Trade ingredients from Rwanda, Ghana, and Samoa, supporting local farming cooperatives (most of which are owned by women!). Finally, the lip balms are 100% plastic-free and come in a compostable tube (suitable for your home composts)

Shop Ethique's Nectar Unscented Lip Balm

use code **SUSTAINABLYCHIC** for 10% off your purchase

3. Better Balm

Brand: Elate

Price: $30

If you’re on the lookout for a tinted lip balm for everyday use, Elate’s Better Balm is another great option. We like the Bloom tint one because of how subtle the sheer rose color is. The lightweight texture and glossy shine make it perfect for when you need a quick pick-me-up. The balm contains castor, olive, and sunflower oils for nourishment and antioxidants like carrot root oil, vitamins A, C, and E, and rosehip oil for protection against environmental pollutants. The conditioning balm comes in a recyclable glass jar with a compostable bamboo lid — we always love to see brands use zero-waste packaging!

Shop Elate's Better Balm

4. Vegan Lip Balm

Brand: Axiology

Price: $14

This lip balm from Axiology is not only Vegan and Cruelty-Free, but it's also Plastic-Free and Handmade in the U.S.A. You can choose from unscented or peppermint varieties. This luscious balm is rich with meadowfoam and cocoa butter, providing a soft, creamy texture that deeply nourishes and loves your lips. While all ingredients are non-toxic, a few are even certified organic.

Axiology is also a BIPOC-owned and Woman-Run beauty brand.

Shop Axiology's Vegan Lip Balm

5. Lip Wrap Overnight Mask

Brand: Ilia

Price: $26

An overnight mask that assists in uncovering your smoothest, softest lips!

Acting as a facial for your lips, the powerful, two-fold formula eradicates dry, flaky skin while attracting moisture to visibly refresh and rejuvenate.

Note: This product is not vegan due to a small amount of ethically-sourced beeswax.

Shop Ilia's Lip Wrap Overnight Mask

6. Vegan Lip Balm

Brand: River Organics

Price: $12.99

We love this tinted lip balm from River Organics. The tint is very subtle and gives your lips a natural warm flush for the perfect ‘no makeup’ makeup look.

It’s made with nourishing cacao and mango butters, which keep your lips moisturized for a long time. Plus, the balm comes in an eco-friendly compostable tube.

Shop River Organics Vegan Lip Balm

7. Vegan Lip Balm

Brand: Meow Meow Tweet

Price: $9.99

This creamy lip balm is made with olive and coconut oils, cocoa seed butter, and candelilla wax. You can also use it on your hands or other areas of your skin to prevent and repair dryness.

The rosemary, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils in the balm help with concentration and focus and are also great for respiratory relief.

Apply this balm on your lips (or under your nostrils for a boost) for a little aromatherapy pick-me-up! Bonus: It comes in a compostable tube.

Shop Meow Meow Tweet's Vegan Lip Balm

8. All Good Lips – SPF Lip Balm

Brand: All Good

Price: $5.59 - 6.99 (pack of 3)

If you’re looking for an effective, affordable option, this sunscreen lip balm from All Goods is a solid choice. It is broad-spectrum SPF 20 and provides blue light protection as well — your lips need protection from all that screen time too! The balm is free of parabens and oxybenzone and contains zinc oxide for UVA and UVB protection, making it reef-safe. The ultra-nourishing combination of extra virgin olive oil, Vitamin E, & pure beeswax results in long-lasting, much-needed moisturization for those dry, chapped lips.

The balm is effective on cracked skin and cuticles too. And the brand has all the certifications: Certified B Corporation, 1% for the Planet, Leaping Bunny Certified, and Climate Neutral Certified. This one’s the real deal! The tubes could be better, but it is at least made from 50% Post Industrial plastic.

Shop All Good's SPF Lip Balm

9. Organic Beeswax Lip Balm

Brand: Zambeezi

Price: $13 (pack of 4)

Zambeezi’s Lip Balm is another great cost-effective choice. The organic Fair Trade beeswax is produced in Zambia. The balm also contains organic coconut, sunflower, jojoba, and mongongo oils, making it ultra-healing. Find their lip balms in 4 different flavors!

Note: This product is not vegan because of beeswax and could come in better tubes - but we love that it is Fair Trade!

Shop Zambeezi's Organic Beeswax Lip Balm

10. Lip Salve

Brand: Fat and the Moon

Price: $10

The lip salve from Fat and the Moon is super soft and light, making it ideal for sensitive lips. If you’re looking to moisturize your lips but don’t want that glossy finish, this one is perfect for you. It’s made with all-natural, organic ingredients, including mango butter for protection, and rosemary essential oil for that fresh, clarifying feel. The balm comes in a cute aluminum tin which can be washed out and recycled after use. The shipping boxes and cartons are made from post-consumer waste paper & also recyclable.

Shop Fat & The Moon Lip Salve

About the Author

Jyotika is a writer based in New Delhi. She writes about sustainable living and eco-friendly brands, covering fashion, food, travel, and wellness. Previously, she was the fashion manager at her family's bespoke fashion business, where in addition to her other responsibilities she worked on improving textile sourcing from local artisans to encourage grassroots production, as well as conducting sustainability workshops with employees regarding the eco-friendly disposal of fashion materials.

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

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.

Shop the Sustainable Brand Directory

Asian-Owned Sustainable Clothing & Beauty Brands

At Sustainably Chic, we believe that true sustainability must encompass intersectionality, and we are deeply committed to uplifting and supporting communities of color. Today, we are thrilled to showcase a selection of our top picks for Asian-owned sustainable fashion and wellness brands, all of which are based in the US and Canada.

As part of our dedication to promoting women's empowerment, each of these outstanding brands is owned and operated by remarkable women. It's a celebration of women's strength and ingenuity in shaping a more sustainable future. What's particularly inspiring is that many of these female entrepreneurs draw upon their heritage and personal experiences to influence their work.

After careful consideration from a wide array of exceptional brands, we've curated a list of ten favorites to introduce to you today. We encourage you to show these brands your support and admiration, as we are confident that you will be delighted by their exceptional products and inspiring stories.

What makes these brands sustainable?

You can be confident that all the brands in this list are genuinely sustainable (trust us, we’ve done the research for you — no greenwashers here!). Here are some of the questions we asked and factors we considered:

Fabrics/ingredients they use: Where are they sourced from, are they certified by national or international organizations (GOTS, Oeko-Tex, USDA)?
Are they plant-based and cruelty-free?
What materials do they use for packaging: Is it biodegradable or recyclable?
Are their products designed to last? No fast fashion, please!
Do they pay their makers a fair wage, and have ethical worker conditions?
Do they credit and give back to the communities where their products have originated from?

We’ve only chosen brands whose values and missions we truly align with. And, of course, we’re in love with the products ;)

our top picks for sustainable Asian-owned fashion & Beauty brands:

1. Valani

For: Dresses

Founder: Vanni Leung

Are you in need of a fresh and stylish outfit for your upcoming brunch party?

Valani's stunning assortment of flowy tops and dresses is not only fashionable but also exudes a playful and flirty vibe.

Their classic designs are versatile, allowing you to effortlessly transition from casual gatherings to more formal events.

All their pieces are crafted from eco-friendly and plant-based materials such as hemp, Tencel, and banana fiber with non-toxic dyes, ensuring that your fashion choices are environmentally conscious.

In an effort to minimize waste, Valani ingeniously repurposes leftover fabric scraps to create charming Tencel scrunchies priced at USD 14. Not only that, but these fabric scraps are also utilized as fillings for toys and pillows, showcasing the brand's innovative approach to reducing textile waste.

While it's true that Valani's collection may come with a slightly higher price tag, ranging from USD 298 to 348 for their dresses, the investment is indeed worthwhile.

Shop Valani

2. Cocokind

For: Skincare

Founder: Priscilla Tsai

Sustainable skincare with Asian-inspired flavors, like matcha and turmeric, is what Cocokind is all about.

Sea kale clay mask (USD 19), vitamin C serum with sea grape caviar (USD 22), or a sake body lotion (USD 22)? Um, YES, please!

One of their all-time bestsellers is their daily SPF sunscreen (USD 25) — made with zinc oxide, microalgae, and blue phytoplankton; it’s super gentle, mineral-based, and reef-safe leaves your skin with a dewy (but not sticky!) finish.

Also, their (mostly plastic-free) packaging is so, so beautiful.

Shop Cocokind

3. Wyld

For: Skincare

Founder: Joy Yap

Wyld is an all-natural and plant-based personal care brand that is gentle on your skin and the planet.

They make konjac sponges, exfoliating sponges for your face and body made from the konjac plant, known for its medicinal properties.

The sponges are biodegradable and will gently exfoliate your skin with or without a cleanser.

If you have sensitive skin and struggle to find an exfoliator that works for you, check out their french pink clay konjac sponge (USD 18).

The clay gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils and contains natural calming properties that soothe and nourish your skin.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off

Shop Wyld

4. Blume

For: Skin/Body Care

Founders: Taran and Bunny Ghatrora

Blume is a skin, body, and period care brand that’s all about self-care and acceptance.

They’re destigmatizing periods, acne, puberty, and sex ed, and their focus is on healthy skin, not perfect skin.

They make products that are good for you and for the environment.

Their products range a plant-based period cramp oil made from essential oils like peppermint and bergamot (USD 29) to an all-natural, paraben-free acne oil (USD 28).

Shop Blume

5. Kayu

For: Bags

Founder: Jamie Lim

Straw bags are so in right now, and Kayu has the most beautiful ones.

Their St Tropez Pom Pom Straw Tote (USD 150) is a must-have in your wardrobe — they’re so cute, and the timeless designs will never go out of style.

You can also accessorize your bag with some adorable pom poms (USD 12.50) or a removable liner (USD 34) to make it uniquely yours.

The bags are handcrafted by women cooperatives in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, using indigenous techniques.

Each bag is woven from seagrass straw, a biodegradable, natural weed harvested by hand.

Shop Kayu

6. Orejas

For: Tees and hoodies

Founder: Wenjia Wang

Check out Orejas for some versatile everyday essentials.

Their tees and hoodies are practical, comfy, and super soft and are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and hemp.

Even the buttons they use are made with all-natural and biodegradable materials like corozo nuts and seashells.

We love their classic fitted tee (USD 48), which looks so good tucked into your favorite pair of jeans (check out our guide to our favorite sustainable denim brands here).

Shop Orejas

7. OCIN

For: Swimwear

Founder: Courtney Chew

If you’re on the lookout for a classic bikini or one-piece for your next beach vacation, definitely check out OCIN.

They make sustainable swimwear in bold, vibrant colors, designed to be worn both in and out of the water.

They use regenerated polyester for their collection, made from 100% recycled plastic bottles or fishing nets recovered from the oceans.

The fabrics they use are Standard 100 certified by Oeko-Tex, which means they’re free from harmful chemicals, and have UPF 50+ protection from the sun.

Bonus: They have a recycling program — send them your old swimsuits, and they’ll make sure they’re recycled properly!

Shop OCIN

8. Hathorway

For: Jewelry

Founder: Jessica Phan

Hathorway makes gorgeous (and affordable) sustainable jewelry from ethically sourced, upcycled buffalo horns — a material that has been discarded from deadstock and the food industry in Vietnam.

Their designs are bold and versatile — you can pair their exquisite geometric statement earrings (USD 66) with a flowy dress (like this one from Valani) for a playful summer look or with a silky blouse for a more formal, chic look.

For more sustainable jewelry brands that we love, check out our guide here.

Shop Hathorway

9. Clean Circle

For: Makeup remover pads

Founder: Lena Chao

Clean Circle makes one product, but it makes it well.

If you’re looking to switch to reusable makeup remover pads, look no further.

Their bamboo pads are made with Certified OEKO-Tex bamboo fabric and are super soft and gentle on your skin.

They’re also very easy to clean — just place them inside their GOTS-Certified organic cotton pouch, and throw them in the wash! If you get their reusable bamboo charcoal makeup remover pads (USD 24 for a pack of 5 pads), you don’t even need to use makeup remover — one pad will remove your makeup with just water.

Shop Clean Circle

10. Avre

For: Sneakers

Founders: Julie and Connie Kuo

Chunky sneakers are all the rage right now, and Avre has the comfiest ones in the cutest colors.

Their signature material is made from repurposed plastic bottles (or PET: polyethylene terephthalate) — so not only does each pair of sneakers keep 8-10 bottles from entering the oceans, but the material also has moisture-wicking properties and enhanced flexibility.

In addition, their BLOOM insoles made from algae foam are super cushion-ey and supportive and also remove harmful algae from waterways, generating clean water and reversing the effects of water pollution.

For other sustainable sneakers, check out our guide here.

Shop Avre

About the Author:

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

The Brand Directory features hundreds of sustainable brands approved by us!

We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

Browse the Sustainable Brand Directory

Zero Waste Bath & Beauty Brands

When it comes to waste, your bathroom is the crappiest (pun intended) room in the house. Bath and beauty products are one of the biggest culprits of plastic pollution — the global beauty industry is estimated to create more than 120 billion units of packaging every year.

I mean, just think about the plethora of products you use in the bathroom every single day. Toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, moisturizer, razors, tampons — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, we haven’t even gotten started on makeup yet. And each of these products comes packaged in its own individual tube or box or bottle, many of which are single-use, and almost all of which are plastic. `WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

Given the sheer volume of these products, it can seem overwhelming to jump headfirst into a zero-waste bathroom routine. But sustainability has become trendy in the beauty industry over the past few years and there’s no shortage of choices for eco-friendly products. From delicious smelling soap bars to compostable toothbrushes to reusable razors, you name a product and there’s almost definitely a zero-waste alternative out there somewhere. To help you get started, here are some of our favorite zero-waste bath and beauty brands.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A ZERO WASTE PRODUCT:

One of the most important things to consider is the end of the product life cycle. Is it a circular product? Can the container be reused, recycled, or composted?

Is the brand using minimal packaging? Is it plastic-free?
It’s a big bonus if the brand is using upcycled ingredients (such as used coffee grounds, stone fruit pits, or bruised/discarded fruits) in their products.
Natural and non-toxic ingredients. A product may be zero-waste, but if it contains toxic chemicals, it’ll harm both you and the planet. Look out for products that are free from these nasty ingredients: Parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates, phthalates, silicones.
Certifications like Leaping Bunny, B-Corp, ECOCERT, USDA Organic, and FSC (amongst others) are always a big plus.

OUR TOP PICKS FOR ZERO WASTE BATH AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS:

1) Plaine Products

For: Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Skincare

For zero waste bathroom products, this is one of Sustainably Chic’s favorite, by far.

Their clean and effective formulas are amazing, and it’s an incredibly easy zero waste swap you can make. Just send the bottles back when you are done, and they can be refilled.

Plaine Products was founded by two sisters, & all of the products are vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free. They even have cute little travel size bottles!

discount code: sustainablychic20 for 20% off

Shop Plaine Products

2) Izzy

For: Zero-waste mascara

Check out Izzy for the world’s first zero-waste mascara ($39 for a one-time purchase, or you can sign up for more cost-effective membership).

It comes with no outer packaging and is shipped in reusable mailers which have been made with upcycled materials. The tube doesn’t contain any plastic and is made from stainless steel. It’s designed to be cleaned and refilled over 10,000 times — so you basically never have to throw away another mascara for the rest of your life!

The wipers and brushes do contain plastic, but they’re reground and recycled by Izzy. The end result: A mascara that uses 94% less plastic than other leading brands. And of course, Izzy only uses certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, and paraben-free ingredients.

Shop Izzy

3) Nix

For: Mouthwash

This effective (& great tasting) mouth is made with high-quality ingredients, without any alcohol or toxic chemicals.

Although the bottle is plastic, you can forgo that option to use your own container and just purchase the glass jar with the refillable mouthwash formula.

Plus, 10% of profits go toward providing dental care to underprivileged children in the U.S. and abroad.

Shop Nix Mouthwash

4) By Humankind

For: Dental care

By Humankind has everything you need for a zero-waste dental routine that even your dentist will be proud of. From all-natural toothpaste tablets ($15) and mouthwash tablets ($15) which come in refillable glass jars, to compostable bamboo toothbrushes ($6), it’s got you covered. Its 100% biodegradable floss ($15) is made from silk and jojoba oil which soothes and moisturizes your gums and is flavored with peppermint or cardamom essential oils.

It comes in a refillable glass container, and the refills are packaged in a compostable pouch.

Shop By Humankind

5) Meow Meow Tweet

For: Deodorant sticks and creams

Meow Meow Tweet has the yummiest selection of all-natural deodorant sticks and creams – and they work. Its bestsellers include the Rose Geranium baking soda free deodorant stick ($14) and the Grapefruit baking soda free deodorant cream ($14). The stick is packaged in a compostable tube, and the cream comes in a reusable glass jar. Both are suitable for sensitive skin and are made from organic, vegan ingredients that are gentle and nourishing.

Bonus: It’s a certified B-Corporation, so you know it’s the real deal.

Shop Meow Meow Tweet

6) Tushy

For: Bidet

Did you know Americans spend more on TP than any other country? It also takes 437 billion gallons of water to press the paper down (not to mention the 253,000 tons of bleach and 15 million trees used in the process, too). You can replace that with a couple of sheets of bamboo TP and 1 liter of water.

Also, wiping with dry paper creates around 30 million annual cases of hemorrhoids, UTIs, yeast infections, anal fissures, anal itching, and other annoyances. So sustainability to us is about your health, too!

Shop Tushy

7) Oui The People

For: Safety razors

Switching to a safety razor can seem a bit daunting at first, but once you do, you’ll be obsessed with how clean and precise the shave is. This reusable rose gold safety razor from Oui the People ($75) is stainless steel, a durable and more sustainable alternative to single-use plastic razors. Plus, how gorgeous is the color?!

Once the blade wears down (after 5-7 shaves), simply pop it out, place it in a blade recycling tin that it comes in, and replace with a refill.

Safety razors are single blades, which actually makes them more suitable for sensitive skin by reducing irritation and ingrown hairs.

Shop Oui the People

8) EarthHero

For: An assortment of zero-waste bathroom products

EarthHero is your one-stop shop for all things eco-friendly — it’s a curated online marketplace of sustainable brands. They have a great selection of zero-waste bathroom products, including this 100% natural and biodegradable agave fiber exfoliating washcloth ($15.99) from Well Kept, this olive and clay shave cream ($15.99) from Fat and the Moon that comes in a reusable, plastic free glass jar, and this compostable bamboo toothbrush ($4.99) from Brush with Bamboo.

Shop EarthHero

9) Saalt

For: Menstrual cups

Menstrual cups are a great way to cut your bathroom waste — you only need a single cup for your entire cycle, and one cup can last up to ten years.

This one from Saalt ($29 is made from 100% medical-grade silicone and is BPA and chemical-free.

It’s meant to be inserted internally, so it collects rather than absorbs your period and needs to be emptied and rinsed every 6-12 hours.

Since one cup lasts so many years, it’s also way more cost-effective than single-use pads or tampons. If a menstrual cup isn’t up your alley, Saalt also stocks period underwear.

Shop Saalt

10) Elate

For: Pressed Powders (Eyeshadow, Blush)

A toxin-free, vegan & sustainable line with a mission to care for each other, our communities and our planet, Elate is using healthy ingredients to make clean cosmetics to add to your beauty ritual.

What we love about this brand is the fact you can buy one single palette to use forever and change out the powders when finished. The powders even come shipped in zero waste packaging that can be planted to grow flowers!

discount code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off

Shop Elate

11) Superzero

For: Shampoo and conditioner bars

The natural step after soap bars are shampoo and conditioner bars, and we love superzero’s selection. Their products are natural and are free of sulfates, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances or colors. The brand is also totally plastic-free, and the packaging is either recycled or recyclable. Superzero recommends products based on your hair type, which is a big plus. Check out this nourishing conditioner bar ($18) enriched with theobroma cacao seed butter for dry, damaged, or frizzy hair, or this cleansing shampoo bar ($18) with green tea leaf oil and juniper berry oil for normal/oily hair.

Shop superzero

12) Axiology

Your new go-to for lipstick, Axiology has a range of shimmery, rich and creamy, sheer and soft textures, in a variety of gorgeous colors.

Their lipstick tubes are made from recycled aluminum, and arrive to you boxed in recycled card that can be either composted or recycled, depending on what’s available to you.

The brand is not only free from animal testing and ingredients, but from palm oil too, working to use natural ingredients as much as possible.

Shop Axiology

About the Author

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Shop the Sustainable Brand Directory

WHAT IS UPCYCLED BEAUTY?

Who would have thought that used coffee grounds, bruised fruit, or fruit pits could be the star ingredients in skincare products? Upcycled beauty products give discarded food waste a new life by using waste products to create delicious new cleansers, balms, and scrubs. It’s all the rage in the skincare world right now, and let us tell you — the trend is here to stay.

We know the idea of discarded fruit or old tea leaves in your face mask might take some getting used to. But not only is it great for the planet, it can do wonders for your skin too. For example, did you know that brewed coffee grounds actually contain more antioxidants than unused ones?

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A BRAND:

Read the ingredient list carefully. Make sure the product is free of nasty toxins like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, and synthetic colors or fragrances.
The brand should be cruelty-free, and plant-based is always a plus.
Look out for national or international certifications like ECOCERT, USDA Organic, or Leaping Bunny Certified.
Sustainable packaging: Is it reusable, recyclable, or compostable?
Is the brand paying its workers a living wage? What about ethical worker conditions?
Bonus points if the brand is BIPOC-owned!

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR UPCYCLED SKINCARE BRANDS:

1) UpCircle Beauty

Upcycled ingredients: Used coffee, stone fruit pits

If you’re a fan of coffee, this one’s for you. London-based UpCircle Beauty uses upcycled Arabica coffee grounds in most of its products, which they get from local cafes in London. They have a range of coffee scrubs, including a floral blend face scrub ($22) for sensitive skin, & a body scrub with peppermint ($22). The coffee is blended with coconut and shea butter, so the scrubs are not only exfoliating and brightening, but also incredibly nourishing.

If you’re not a coffee girl, they also use fruit stones and chai spices in their products. Check out the cinnamon + ginger chai soap bar ($10) or our favorite Kaolin clay face mask ($26), made with ground discarded olive stones.

Shop Upcircle Beauty

2) Kadalys

Upcycled ingredients: Rejected bananas

Kadalys rescues bruised or “ugly” bananas and extracts the banana bio-actives for its skincare products. Banana oils contain essential fatty acids, vitamin E, phytosterols, and polyphenols, all of which promote skin health. The antioxidants in the oils help with skin nutrition and hydration and prevent aging.

Kadaly’s products are certified organic by ECOCERT and are free of nasty parabens, silicones, and synthetic dyes and fragrances.

Shop Kadalys

3) Cocokind

Upcycled ingredients: Used coffee

Cocokind’s products with their Asian-inspired flavors are the stuff skincare dreams are made of — plus it’s Asian (woman) owned! While upcycled ingredients aren’t the core focus of their collection, we love this scrubbing clay ($19) made with used coffee grounds which are sourced from a local coffee manufacturer in California. Made with coffee grounds which gently exfoliate, prebiotic chicory root which helps feed your skin biome, and red clay which deeply cleanses skin and prevents clogged pores, this is an all-round star product.

Shop Cocokind

4) Three Ships

Upcycled ingredients: Leftover bark extract

The Radiance Grape Stem Cell + Squalane Day Cream ($35) from Three Ships contains one of the most unique ingredients in this list: Upcycled bark extract, which is high in polyphenols that aid in skin elasticity, hydration, and calm redness. The extract is made up of four types of upcycled tree barks (red maple, black spruce, yellow birch, and jack pine) that are by-products of the lumber industry in Quebec, Canada. The bark goes through an extraction, filtration, and purification process before it’s finally used in the skincare products.

Shop Three Ships

5) Circumference

Upcycled ingredients: Leftover olive leaves

This regenerative gel cleanser ($48) from Circumference is a great option if you’re looking for a gentle, daily cleanser. The key bioactive ingredient is an olive extract which comes from upcycled olive leaves. Circumference partners with Brightland Olive Oil for their Waste-Not Sourcing Initiative to upcycle their organic olive oil by-products into luxurious skincare products. The olive extract is rich in antioxidants, making the gel ultra purifying, healing, and restoring. Your skin will love this one!

Shop Circumference

6) Codex Beauty Labs

Upcycled ingredients: Leftover soap shavings

Codex beauty labs makes the yummiest soap bars, and we’re big fans of this one ($10) from their Bia Collection. It’s made from upcycled soap shavings from the production of other Bia bars — how cool is that? Perfect for all skin types, the soap is made from ultra-nourishing shea butter and purifying pink clay, and is infused with citrus for that refreshing and energizing kick. Plus, it’s so pretty!

Shop Codex Beauty Labs

7) BYBI

Upcycled ingredients: Pumpkin

You’ll never believe what BYBI’s Acid Gold deep renewal face mask ($23) is made of.

The key ingredient is a pumpkin enzyme which is extracted from pumpkin flesh, a by-product of the pumpkin seed industry. We’re obsessed with the texture — it’s a thick jelly which is super satisfying to apply. The pumpkin enzyme enhances cell renewal, and the mask also contains exfoliating natural AHAs, which results in brighter, smoother, and firmer skin.

Shop BYBI

8) LOLI Beauty

Upcycled ingredients: Plum seeds

LOLI Beauty uses upcycled superfoods to power its skincare line.

Their signature Plum Elixer ($68) is made from upcycled plum kernels. Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins A and E, the oil is incredibly nourishing and healing and works great for both your skin and hair.

It also contains brightening pomegranate oil, soothing tea seed oil, and healing sea buckthorn fruit oil.

Shop LOLI Beauty

9) Le Prunier

Upcycled ingredients: Plum kernels

Le Prunier, as the name suggests, is all about plums. The brand uses upcycled plum kernels for its beauty products, which are a by-product of the organic family plum farm. Their signature product is the Plum Beauty Oil ($72). Rich in essential fatty acids and phytochemicals, this oil is a powerful antioxidant booster and helps heal and hydrate your skin. Their newest product is Plumscreen ($78), a broad spectrum SPF 31 sunscreen that is reef-safe, white residue-free, and ultra-nourishing.

Shop Le Prunier

10) Pai

Upcycled Ingredients: Bilberry Extract

Pai's C-2 Believe Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer gives you radiance without irritation with its sustainably-sourced, up-cycled bilberry extract ingredient. It is excellent for dehydrated, sensitive skin and helps soothe and moisturize without tightness.

Their products are certified organic by COSMOS, the Soil Association, the Vegan Society, and Cruelty Free International and is London Living Wage accredited.

Shop Pai

About the Author:

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Shop the Sustainable Brand Directory

The Best VEGAN, Alt-MeatS You Need To Try

Whether you’re vegan or are simply trying to cut back on meat for your health or the planet, don’t worry — there are a ton of plant-based meat alternative options out there that are sure to satisfy those meat cravings.

Available in most grocery stores, there’s a vegan option for pretty much any meat out there: From the OG plant burgers and sausages, to bacon, salmon, and even caviar. To make your lives easier, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite alt-meat brands that will have even the staunchest of carnivores asking for more. Get ready to impress your friends and families at cookouts this summer — pull out your aprons and get cooking. Happy eating!

Why should you eat vegan alternative meat?

At this point, it should come as no surprise that switching to a more plant-based diet has numerous benefits, both for your health and the planet’s. Here are some of the top reasons to choose that alt-meat option the next time you’re at the grocery store:

Plant-based meat production releases up to 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional meat production does. In fact, we can reduce our personal carbon footprints by up to 73% if we eliminate meat and dairy from our diets.

Vegan foods also require less energy and water to produce.
Animal agriculture is a major cause of deforestation. If everyone in the world became vegan, we could potentially save up to 75% of the world’s farmland.
It’s a total myth that vegan diets aren’t rich in protein. Most of the alt-meat options we’ve listed below are high in both protein and fiber, and plant-based diets tend to be more balanced overall, providing us with antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate, and several vitamins.
Going vegan can also help with heart health, lower your blood sugar, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
It tastes fantastic!

What to look for when shopping ALTERNATIVE Meat

While alt-meats in general are better for the earth than standard meats, there are certain things to look out for when choosing a brand. Go for brands that use whole, natural ingredients — the less processed, the better it is for both you and the planet. Look for products that use minimal packaging, and of course, go plastic-free where possible. Finally, don’t skimp on taste! If you’re forcing yourself to eat something you don’t like, chances are you won’t be able to stick to your no-meat resolutions. Try out different brands (there’s no shortage of choices out there), and choose your favorites.

OUR TOP PICKS FOR ALTERNATIVE MEAT BRANDS THAT ARE THE REAL DEAL:

1) Beyond Meat

For: Burgers, sausages, meatballs, ground “meats”

Aka the alt-meat OG. This is one we’re sure you’ve all heard of, and for a good reason. The Beyond Burger is pretty much indistinguishable from a traditional beef patty and is super juicy, meaty, and flavorful. It’s made from pea protein, coconut oil, and beetroot, amongst other plant-based ingredients. The brand also stocks ground “meats,” sausages, and meatballs.

Shop Beyond Meat

2) Impossible Foods

For: Burgers, sausages, nuggets, ground “meats”

Impossible Foods is another plant-based meats OG. Its product range is similar to Beyond Meat (it stocks all the classics — burgers, sausages, ground meats, and more), but this one uses soy and potato proteins for its patties. It recently launched its Impossible Pork. In a blind taste test carried out in Hong Kong, participants actually preferred the taste of Impossible Pork over regular! Now that’s when you know it’s the real deal.

Shop Impossible Foods

3) Quorn

For: Burgers, steaks, chicken strips, nuggets

Quorn is a global alt-meat brand that stocks burgers, steaks, chicken strips, and nuggets. It has third-party certifications for its carbon footprint figures. For example, the carbon footprint of Quorn Grounds is more than 95% lower than that of beef. It’s also better for your health — Quorn’s Spaghetti Bolognese has 90% less saturated fat than a beef version! You can read more about its sustainability initiatives here. Note: All Quorn products are not vegan. Some do contain egg or dairy, but this is clearly marked. All products are vegetarian.

Shop Quorn

4) Hooray Foods

For: Bacon

Hooray Food’s plant-based bacon looks, cooks, and tastes like the real deal — now that’s what we call a game-changer. The vegan “bacon” is non-GMO, soy- and gluten-free. It’s made from coconut oil, rice flour, and tapioca starch, topped with a delicious umami seasoning made from shiitake mushrooms. The bacon gets its signature smoky flavor from liquid smoke.

Shop Hooray Foods

5) Daring Foods

For: “Chicken”

Daring Foods is all about chicken. Choose from amongst the Original, Breaded, Cajun, and Lemon & Herb ($45 for 6 8ounce packets). The chicken is soy-based, and the protein content is comparable to that of frozen chicken. Check out their website for delicious recipes, including gochujang chicken, buffalo wings, and a coconut cashew chicken curry.

Shop Daring Foods

6) Moku Foods

For: Jerky

Moku Foods’ vegan jerky is made from mushrooms, coconut, chickpeas, and maple syrup (plus other natural flavorings). We recommend starting with the variety pack ($20.49 for a pack of 6 bags), so you can try out all the flavors, which include Original, Sweet & Spicy, and Hawaiin Teriyaki. The jerky is high in protein and fiber, has a tender and meaty texture, and hits all the key elements of a tasty piece of jerky with its smokey, maple-y, umami notes.

Shop Moku Foods

7) Avafina Organics

For: Caviar

Plant-based caviar. Now that's a new one. Avafina Organic's Chiaviar ($59.95) is a delicate blend of chia, seaweed, and lemon. The Chiaviar combines the briney and buttery flavor profile of the seaweed with the nutty texture of chia seeds and finishes it off with some freshness from the lemon. The blend of superfoods means it's an excellent source of protein, Omega-3, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and micronutrients. Disclaimer: The website notes that the product may contain traces of crustaceans and fish.

Shop Avafina Organics

8) Sophie’s Kitchen

For: Seafood

If you’re in the mood for some seafood but haven’t been able to find any plant-based options, Sophie’s Kitchen has got you covered. Its crispy breaded shrimp is sure to hit the spot — add it to homemade sushi rolls, tacos, or even a creamy curry, and you’re good to go. It also stocks crab cakes, fish fillets, smoked salmon (bagel brunch, anyone?), salmon and whitefish burgers, and tinned tuna.

Shop Sophie's Kitchen

9) Renegade Foods

For: Charcuterie

Get ready to get fancy — up your wine and cheese game with Renegade Foods’ all-vegan selection of charcuterie that is sure to impress. You can go for their Signature Charcuterie kits ($85 for a small, $140 for a large) which include a selection of plant-based salamis, organic sourdough crackers, an assortment of nuts, and dried fruit, spreads, olives, and chocolate. You can also choose from their selection of salamis to create your own grazing platter. These include a Smoky Salami Soppressata, a Sweet Salami Toscana, and a Spicy Chorizo (all $39.75 for a 3-pack).

Shop Renegade Foods

10) Field Roast

For: sausages, hot dogs, burgers, roasts, pepperoni, deli “meats”

With its selection of hot dogs, burgers, appetizers, and roasts, Field Roast has got you covered, whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a nice roast dinner. We’re super excited about the brand’s latest collaboration with JUST Egg and Chao Creamery — an all-vegan sausage egg and cheese breakfast sandwich!

Shop Field Roast

11) Ocean Hugger Foods

For: Tuna and eel

Ocean Hugger Foods brings to you plant-based “raw fish” — aka, tuna made from tomatoes and eel from eggplants. The brand is all about celebrating veggies, and the ingredients lists for their products are fresh and simple. Their Ahimi Raw “Tuna” is made from tomatoes, gluten-free soy sauce, sugar, water, and sesame oil, and their Unami “Freshwater Eel” contains eggplant, gluten-free soy sauce, mirin, sugar, rice bran oil, algae oil, and konjac powder. These are available in sushi restaurants across the United States.

Shop Ocean Hugger Foods

12) Good Catch

For: Seafood (fish cakes, sticks, burgers, fillets, and tinned tuna)

Good Catch stocks all your favorite feel-good seafood classics, from breaded fish sticks to fish fillets to crab cakes. Their plant-based “fish” protein is made from a blend of six plant proteins: Pea protein, soy protein, chickpea flour, faba protein, lentil protein, and navy bean powder. They also stock three plant-based tuna options (Naked, Mediterranean, or Oil & Herbs), perfect for throwing in a quick and healthy salad, in a sandwich, or even with chips as a power-packed snack.

Shop Good Catch

13) Meatless Farm

For: Plant-based beef, chicken, and pork

Whether you’re in the mood for beef, chick, or pork, Meatless Farm has got you covered. They make burgers, nuggets, meatballs, and ground meats and recently launched their plant-based “pork” Bratwurst sausages. Meatless Farm uses pea protein as its source of protein, as well as coconut oil for that juicy consistency, carrot fiber for binding, and beetroot, radish, and tomato extracts for color. You can find their full list of ingredients on their website.

Shop Meatless Farm