12 Sustainable Jeans Brands You Need to Know Before Buying Your Next Pair (2025)
 
three people wearing sustainable jeans

In a world where every purchase carries the power to influence our planet's future, denim is stepping up to the challenge. Gone are the days of fast-fashion jeans that contribute to environmental degradation—instead, a new era of sustainable denim is emerging, and it’s redefining how we think about our favorite wardrobe staple. In 2025, eco-conscious consumers are seeking out brands that not only deliver style and comfort but also commit to ethical practices, innovative materials, and reduced waste.

This blog post is your ultimate guide to 12 sustainable jeans brands you need to know before buying your next pair. Each brand on our list is paving the way for a greener future by embracing practices such as organic cotton cultivation, recycled fabrics, and fair labor production. Whether you're drawn to classic cuts or modern designs, these brands prove that you can have both fashion-forward looks and a positive impact on the environment.

Discover how your next pair of jeans can be more than just a fashion statement—they can be a step toward a more sustainable future.

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! Cover Image: Organsk

What is Wrong with Conventional Jeans?

Conventional denim jeans often come with a hefty environmental and ethical cost. The manufacturing process is notorious for its intensive water usage, the release of toxic chemicals, and high energy consumption, all of which contribute to significant pollution and resource depletion. A single pair of jeans can consume over 790 gallons of water—from cotton cultivation to dyeing and washing. Moreover, the dyeing and finishing processes used in conventional denim production contribute to roughly 20% of industrial water pollution worldwide due to the release of toxic chemicals. Ethically, many conventional denim production facilities have been linked to poor working conditions, unfair wages, and a lack of transparency in the supply chain. These issues underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices that prioritize both the planet and its people.

What are Sustainable Jeans?

Sustainable denim refers to jeans and other denim garments made with practices that prioritize environmental, ethical, and social responsibility. Unlike conventional denim, which can involve harmful manufacturing processes, sustainable denim focuses on reducing its impact from start to finish. These are the key elements we look for in a sustainable jeans brand:

Eco-Friendly Materials:
• Crafted from organic cotton, recycled fibers, or alternative eco-friendly blends.
• Reduces water consumption and reliance on harmful chemicals.

Innovative Production Techniques:
• Utilizes waterless dyeing and energy-efficient processes.
• Implements strategies to minimize waste throughout manufacturing.

Ethical Labor Practices:
• Ensures fair treatment of workers with transparent supply chains.
• Emphasizes ethical practices from field to finished product.

Environmental Responsibility:
• Aims to lower carbon footprints and conserve natural resources.
• Supports a more sustainable, closed-loop production model.

Now, Our Top Picks for Sustainable Jeans Brands:

a woman wearing sustainable jeans by Organsk

1. Organsk

For: Men & Women

Price: $175-255

Sizes: 25-34 W / 27-32 L

We love brands that take circular fashion seriously! organsk® is a sustainable denim brand offering an alternative approach to the linear take-make-dump model. Their exclusively eco-certified organic + recycled denim for men and women automates circular take-back schemes with tiered membership plans. In addition, their jeans are made with e-FLOW + Atmos technologies, which are cutting-edge techniques that use 95% less water, 90% fewer chemicals, and 40% less energy than conventional techniques. On each pair of jeans you browse, you can find in-depth transparency on the product and learn why it is a great sustainable choice for your closet!


a woman wearing a pair of sustainable jeans from Able

2. Able

For: Women

Price: $40-168

Sizes: 23-34 / 16W-24W

ABLE offers a great collection of denim clothing, including high-quality jeans and stylish shorts that are both comfortable and flattering. The fabric is exceptional—durable yet soft, ensuring a great fit for various body types. In addition to jeans and shorts, ABLE also features a range of denim jackets and skirts, all crafted with attention to detail and quality. What sets ABLE apart is its commitment to social responsibility. The brand invests in the education and training of women, empowering them to secure sustainable employment. This initiative helps break the cycle of poverty, allowing these women to thrive and become self-sufficient.


a woman wearing a pair of dark blue sustainable jeans

3. Reformation

For: Women

Price: $168-218

Sizes: 23-34

Crafted from responsibly sourced fabrics (like Organic Cotton, Tencel/Lyocell, and EcoLycra), each pair of Reformation jeans reduces water usage, energy consumption, and waste through efficient manufacturing practices. By using only one-third the water and cotton compared to conventional methods, they dramatically reduce resource consumption. The finishing process eliminates harmful chemicals, relying on non-chlorine-based bleaches to wash down denim, ensuring a gentler treatment on both fabric and environment. A neutral-based enzyme further decreases water, resources, and energy usage by two-thirds, setting new industry standards for efficiency. These practices, combined with ethically sourced materials and responsible manufacturing, significantly lower their environmental footprint. 


several pairs of sustainable jeans in different denim colors

4. Outerknown

For: Men & Women

Price: $168-198

Sizes: 23-34

Outerknown jeans showcase a perfect blend of sustainable innovation and stylish design. Made with responsibly sourced materials, these jeans significantly reduce environmental impact through practices like minimized water usage, recycled fabrics, and organic cotton. Each pair is crafted in facilities that adhere to rigorous ethical standards, promoting fair labor practices and transparency throughout the supply chain. Outerknown has long been known for their men's collection of denim jeans, and recently they started a line for women. The women's denim collection features versatile, timeless designs that provide comfort and durability.


a curvy woman wearing a pair of light colored affordable sustainable jeans from warp + weft

5. Warp + Weft

For: Men & Women

Price: $88-98

Sizes: 00-24

If you’re in search of budget-friendly denim options, this brand is definitely worth exploring. They offer a wide variety of styles to suit different tastes, whether you're looking for classic jeans, trendy cuts, or plus-sizes. What sets this brand apart is their manufacturing model; they operate an eco-friendly mill recognized as one of the largest textile manufacturers worldwide. This allows them to produce high-quality denim without breaking the bank, with prices for their jeans remaining under $100. We love more affordable sustainable jeans!


a curvy woman wearing a pair of custom made sustainable jeans from unspun

6. unpsun

For: Masculine & Feminine

Price: $200-215

Sizes: custom

Unspun creates custom-fit jeans and denim shorts for women and men who want to have a perfect-fitting pair of jeans that is also sustainably made. From waist to stitch, you choose your fit and customize the details, and then, the brand crafts it according to your body shape and measurements. Since the jeans are made-to-order, they are very comfy to wear and flattering, and you are more likely to love and wear them for a long time! It also means that Unspun has no inventory, which prevents overproduction and eliminates the risk of having unsold pieces. The company is also a B Corp, and it works with partners who use OEKO-TEX or Bluesign-certified chemicals, recycle the water they consume, and use energy- and water-saving technology. 


a woman wearing a pair of wide leg sustainable jeans from everlane

7. Everlane

For: Men & Women

Price: $38-148

Sizes: 23-35

Expertly crafted from premium organic cotton, Everlane jeans deliver exceptional comfort and durability, allowing you to look great while making ethical choices. With a diverse range of fits to suit many body types —ranging from high-rise skinny to relaxed straight and modern wide-leg— Everlane ensures that everyone can find the perfect pair that complements their unique shape and personal style. One of the standout features of Everlane is its transparent pricing model, which breaks down the costs associated with each pair of jeans. This transparency allows customers to understand exactly what they are paying for, covering everything from high-quality materials to fair labor practices. Everlane takes pride in partnering with ethical factories that prioritize fair wages and maintain safe working conditions for their employees.


a woman wearing a pair of organic cotton high waisted sustainable jeans from nazeerah

8. Nazeerah

For: Women

Price: $135-175

Sizes: XS-XXL

Nazeerah's sustainable jeans are thoughtfully crafted from 100% organic cotton, sourced from leftover threads that would typically end up in landfills. This innovative approach not only minimizes waste but also champions the principles of circular fashion. By focusing on natural, biodegradable fibers, Nazeerah effectively reduces environmental impact and steers clear of the synthetic microplastics that are prevalent in fast fashion denim. The brand emphasizes versatility and timelessness in its designs, offering styles that seamlessly blend into any wardrobe. Each pair of jeans is produced with ethical practices in mind, utilizing durable, eco-friendly materials that ensure longevity.


a man wearing a pair of dark denim sustainable jeans from patagonia

9. Patagonia

For: Men & Women

Price: $125-129

Sizes: 0-18 / Short & Regular

Patagonia’s sustainable jeans are thoughtfully crafted from organic cotton, cultivated without the use of harmful pesticides. This not only helps to conserve water but also fosters healthier soil, promoting a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem. In addition to their commitment to environmental responsibility, Patagonia prioritizes ethical labor practices by collaborating with Fair Trade Certified factories. This partnership ensures that workers are compensated with fair wages and provided with safe working conditions, reflecting the brand's dedication to social justice. The dyeing process for these jeans employs innovative techniques that significantly reduce waste, conserving water, energy, and chemicals. By embracing a buy-less, wear-more philosophy, Patagonia encourages consumers to invest in quality over quantity, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.


a woman wearing a pair of organic cotton sustainable denim from nudie jeans

10. Nudie Jeans

For: Men & Women

Price: $185-260

Sizes: 24-38 / 28-36 L

Nudie Jeans are meticulously crafted from 100% organic cotton. The brand places significant emphasis on environmental responsibility by utilizing eco-friendly dyes and implementing ethical production methods in their manufacturing processes. In addition to their eco-conscious materials, Nudie Jeans actively promotes the concept of circular fashion. They offer repair services that encourage customers to maintain and extend the lifespan of their jeans. This initiative not only helps reduce waste but also embraces the idea of reusing and cherishing garments rather than discarding them. Further demonstrating their dedication to sustainability, Nudie Jeans has introduced a recycling program designed to repurpose worn-out denim, effectively minimizing textile waste and promoting responsible consumption.


a woman wearing sustainable denim from mud jeans

11. MUD Jeans

For: Men & Women

Price: $77-160

Sizes: 25-34 W / 30-34 L

MUD Jeans stands at the forefront of circular denim, using 100% organic cotton and recycled materials to produce sustainable and long-lasting jeans. Their innovative leasing system promotes circular fashion by allowing customers to return their old jeans, which are then recycled into new pairs, effectively minimizing waste. Committed to ethical production, MUD Jeans collaborates with Fair Wear Foundation-certified factories to ensure that workers receive fair wages and enjoy safe working conditions. With a strong focus on transparency and eco-friendly practices, MUD Jeans has become a leading choice for consumers who prioritize sustainability.


a woman wearing a pair of dark straight sustainable jeans from outland denim

12. Outland Denim

For: Men & Women

Price: $217-335

Sizes: 24-34

Outland Denim is a brand focused on sustainable and ethical fashion, utilizing organic cotton and eco-friendly practices to reduce its environmental footprint. They have created their own vertically integrated production facility in order to have total control over their manufacturing. The company empowers women by providing fair wages, training, and safe working conditions, while also supporting survivors of human trafficking and other marginalized communities. Committed to transparency, Outland Denim offers high-quality, timeless designs that are made to endure.


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WANT TO FIND 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.


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How Whimsical Fashion Can Support More Sustainable Wardrobes
 
a woman holding a whimsical style bag and wearing bow shoes

Whimsical fashion is transforming our understanding of style and sustainability as a form of self-expression. At its heart, whimsical fashion celebrates individuality, creativity, and a profound respect for the environment. This approach challenges fast fashion and outlines a path for a sustainable clothing future. In this blog post, we’ll explore whimsical fashion, its redefinition of style norms, and its inherent sustainability.

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! Cover Image: Baggu

What is Whimsical Fashion?

Whimsical fashion is all about embracing the unconventional. It’s a style that draws inspiration from fantasy, art, and the boundless imagination of the wearer. Unlike mainstream fashion that often adheres to trends and seasonal collections, whimsical fashion encourages individuals to express their unique personalities through bold colors, eclectic patterns, and unexpected silhouettes. This movement isn’t just about looking different—it’s about feeling empowered by one’s own aesthetic choices.

In a world where mass production and fast fashion dominate, whimsical fashion offers a refreshing alternative. It challenges the idea that clothing must be uniform or fleeting. Instead, it celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the charm of handmade details, and the value of stories woven into each garment.

Jazmine wearing whimsical style clothing to promote sustainable fashion
Jazmine Brown @ThatCurlyTop

3 Ways Whimsical Fashion Can Be Sustainable

One of the key aspects that make whimsical fashion sustainable is its commitment to individuality, which naturally slows down the rapid churn of fashion trends. Mainstream fashion relies on quickly changing trends to drive consumerism, urging people to constantly update their wardrobes. In contrast, whimsical fashion celebrates timeless pieces and encourages wearers to invest in items that truly resonate with them.

By prioritizing individuality, whimsical fashion reduces the pressure to conform to fleeting trends. When you choose a piece because it speaks to your personality, you’re more likely to wear it for years to come. This slower consumption cycle not only minimizes waste but also decreases the demand for rapid, resource-intensive production processes. When consumers choose pieces that truly reflect their identities, fashion shifts from mere trend-following to a vibrant celebration of individual expressions of art and identity.

2. It promotes upcycling and creative design:

Another cornerstone of whimsical fashion is its embrace of upcycling and creative design. Upcycling refers to the process of transforming old or discarded items into something new and valuable. In the realm of whimsical fashion, this means reimagining vintage clothing, repurposing fabric remnants, and even transforming thrift store finds into one-of-a-kind statement pieces.

The creative process behind upcycling is inherently sustainable. Designers and fashion enthusiasts breathe new life into items that might otherwise be discarded, actively reducing waste and lessening the environmental impact associated with producing new textiles. Each upcycled piece carries with it a history and a story—a narrative of transformation that aligns perfectly with the ethos of whimsical fashion. It’s a celebration of creativity over consumption, where the focus is on quality, individuality, and the art of reinvention.

3. It promotes shopping secondhand:

Whimsical fashion is also deeply intertwined with the allure of secondhand shopping. Unlike fast fashion, which relies on constant production and consumption, the secondhand market is all about rediscovery. When you shop secondhand, you’re not just buying a piece of clothing—you’re uncovering a hidden gem with its own unique history.

Secondhand shopping promotes sustainability by extending the lifecycle of clothing. Every item that is given a second chance at life helps reduce the overall demand for new production. Moreover, the search for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces is a fundamental aspect of whimsical fashion. Thrift stores, vintage shops, and online resale platforms are treasure troves for those who crave individuality and originality in their wardrobe.

The thrill of finding that perfect piece—a jacket with a quirky pattern or a dress with an unusual silhouette—embodies the spirit of whimsical fashion. It’s about the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of knowing that your style is not dictated by mainstream trends, but by your own creative vision. In a way, every secondhand purchase is a small act of rebellion against the homogenized world of fast fashion.

cute whimsical fashion outfit by izzy manuel
@izzy_manuel

Building a Sustainable Wardrobe

Adopting a whimsical approach to fashion can be a transformative journey for your wardrobe and the environment. Here are a few practical tips to help you build a sustainable wardrobe inspired by whimsical fashion:

  1. Invest in Timeless Pieces: Choose clothing that resonates with your personality and that you can wear over multiple seasons. Look for quality over quantity and consider pieces that can be styled in various ways.
  2. Embrace Upcycling: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your existing wardrobe. Experiment with customizing old garments, repurposing fabrics, or even collaborating with local designers who specialize in upcycled fashion.
  3. Explore Secondhand Markets: Take a trip to local thrift stores or browse online vintage shops. You might be surprised by the unique finds that can add character and history to your collection.
  4. Support Independent Designers: Look for small, independent brands that prioritize sustainable practices and creative design. These designers often produce limited runs of garments that are made with care and a passion for originality.
  5. Celebrate Imperfection: Remember that the charm of whimsical fashion lies in its individuality. Don’t worry about perfection—embrace the quirks and imperfections that make each piece unique.

The Environmental Impact

The environmental benefits of whimsical fashion extend far beyond the personal satisfaction of owning a unique piece of clothing. When consumers shift their focus from disposable trends to lasting, individualized style, the overall impact on the environment is profound. Slowing down consumption helps to reduce the enormous amounts of waste generated by fast fashion. Fewer new garments being produced means less water, energy, and raw materials are consumed, which directly contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the fashion industry.

Moreover, the upcycling movement within whimsical fashion addresses one of the most pressing issues in waste management—textile waste. By creatively reusing materials, we not only reduce the burden on landfills but also foster a culture of sustainable creativity that inspires others to think differently about the lifecycle of clothing.

A Cultural Shift in Fashion

Whimsical fashion is more than a style choice—it represents a broader cultural shift. It challenges the notion that fashion must be fast, disposable, and uniform. Instead, it advocates for a more thoughtful, intentional approach to how we dress. This shift is crucial as the world grapples with environmental challenges and seeks more sustainable ways to live.

The rise of whimsical fashion is a testament to the power of creativity and individuality. It reminds us that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. As more people embrace this movement, we can expect to see a ripple effect throughout the industry, inspiring larger brands to reconsider their practices and adopt more sustainable methods of production.

Looking to the Future

As we look ahead, the principles of whimsical fashion offer a hopeful vision for the future of style and sustainability. The movement encourages a deeper connection between the wearer and their clothing, emphasizing the importance of quality, creativity, and environmental stewardship. In a world where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, whimsical fashion stands as a reminder that true style is timeless and deeply personal.

By championing individuality, promoting upcycling, and celebrating secondhand treasures, whimsical fashion paves the way for a more sustainable future. It invites us all to slow down, think creatively, and make conscious choices that benefit not only our personal style but also the planet.

Conclusion

Whimsical fashion is a vibrant celebration of individuality, creativity, and sustainability. By prioritizing timeless style over fleeting trends, embracing the art of upcycling, and finding joy in secondhand treasures, this movement offers a refreshing alternative to fast fashion. It’s about more than just clothing—it’s a lifestyle that values self-expression and environmental responsibility in equal measure.

In a rapidly changing world, whimsical fashion reminds us that sustainable practices can be beautiful, innovative, and deeply personal. As we continue to navigate the challenges of modern consumerism, the lessons of whimsical fashion provide a blueprint for a more thoughtful, sustainable, and stylish future. Embrace the whimsy, celebrate your uniqueness, and join the movement toward a more sustainable way of living—one unique piece at a time.

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9 Sustainable Alternatives To Birkenstocks For Ultimate Comfort and Style in 2025
 
A pair of white sandals from ethical brand ABLE for a sustainable alternative to Birkenstock

With their chunky buckled straps, anatomically shaped footbeds, and cork and rubber soles, Birkenstock sandals are some of the most popular shoes ever created in modern history. Today, many people are looking for sustainable alternatives to Birkenstocks.

The brand was founded in 1774 by a German shoemaker called Johann Adam Birkenstock. It gained traction at the beginning of the 20th century after one of its descendants invented flexible insoles designed to support and conform to the shape of the wearer’s foot. At the time, the sandals were considered a fashion faux pas but were highly recommended by physicians. 

The shoes were introduced in the United States in the late 1960s where they became a wardrobe staple in hippy circles. But it was not until the 1990s that they really began to take off among Americans. Nowadays, Birkenstock sandals are still extremely popular and are seen by many all around the world as a must-have fashion accessory. 

However, these iconic shoes are far from being sustainably and ethically made. If you are trying to build a conscious wardrobe and only buy eco-friendly shoes, read on! 

In this article, we have selected the 9 best sustainable alternatives to Birkenstocks so that your feet can step into comfort and style without harming the planet! 

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!

Are Birkenstocks sustainable and ethical?

The brand is far from being sustainable and ethical for different reasons. 

While Birkenstock uses some eco-friendly materials like jute or cork for its footbeds, most of its shoes are made with unsustainable ones, such as conventional leather and suede or synthetic materials. 

Even though its shoes are quite durable and well made, these materials are some of the worst when it comes to their impact on the planet. 

Birkenstock also does not seem to be doing much to reduce its environmental footprint apart from using almost exclusively solvent-free, water-based glues in its production process. It is far from enough! 

Moreover, while Birkenstock sandals are made in Germany, where the company has to comply with the European Union’s strict labor laws, we do not know whether it prioritizes ethical practices throughout its entire supply chain. Are all its workers paid fair wages and working in safe conditions? Who knows? 

The brand also does not seem to disclose anything about who its suppliers are and where it sources its materials from.

For all those reasons, we are all better off opting for a more ethical and sustainable alternative to Birkenstocks! 

What makes a pair of sandals sustainable or ethical?

A sustainable sandal is one made with quality and longevity in mind. It should last you many seasons, and you should be able to wear it over and over again without seeing any significant signs of wear. Once it starts to wear out, see if you can repair or resole it. 

It is also made with eco-friendly materials and produced using sustainable practices. For instance, the brand should have taken steps to reduce its material waste, save energy and water, and minimize its use of harmful chemicals.

Sustainable sandals are also crafted in an ethical environment. Workers in the supply chain should receive fair wages, allowing them to live decently in their country and work in a non-toxic, safe workplace. 

Avoid buying from fast fashion brands because they do not prioritize the planet and their employees. Instead, choose a transparent brand that discloses how its products are made and where. Ideally, look for companies that received third-party certifications such as Climate-Neutral, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, or B Corporation. 

What eco-friendly materials should you search for?

Sustainable sandals and shoes can be made from a variety of eco-friendly materials. One of the most sustainable is faux leather made from food waste, such as apple leather or piñatex. 

Other great options are models made from recycled plastic or any other type of recycled material like recycled rubber or recycled car tires. 

If you prefer leather shoes, opt for high-quality leather that is vegetable-tanned and certified by the Leather Working Group. 

Sustainable brands also use natural materials such as cork, jute, or responsibly sourced natural rubber to make their soles and footbeds. 

Our top picks for comfy, sustainable alternatives to Birkenstocks:

A pair of white sandals from ethical brand ABLE for a sustainable alternative to Birkenstock

1. ABLE

Materials: Leather, Rubber

Price: on sale $75

ABLE is a sustainable clothing brand on a mission to create better opportunities for women working in the fashion industry.  

It has a gorgeous pair of classic slip-on sandals that look like Birkenstocks. Combining style, fit, and function, these white slides have a very simple, yet stylish and chic look, and can be worn with practically anything from jeans to shorts to a cute little summer dress.  

They feature an adjustable double strap with oversized gold-tone buckles, which you can adjust so that they fit perfectly even if you have wider feet. Their padded footbed is designed to maximize comfort when walking. 

ABLE makes these sandals in Brazil using full-grain, Napa leather for both the uppers and lining and rubber for the outsoles. 

The brand sources its leather as a product of the meat industry and uses semi-vegetable tanning to process it. The material ages beautifully over time, giving it more of a vintage look. It is also made to stand the test of time and crafted with quality and longevity in mind.

ABLE also makes sure all workers in its supply chain are paid living wages and are provided with dignified, safe working conditions. 


Three pairs of ethical sandals from Nisolo for a sustainable alternative to Birkenstocks

2. Nisolo

Materials: LWG Leather

Price: on sale $39

Nisolo launched the Ella Platform Slide just in time for the warmer months ahead, and we LOVE the new style. 

These comfy slides (which come in 3 colors) will be your next everyday go-to!

Nisolo is a certified B Corp and carbon-neutral company known for making ethical shoes

They have been leading the way when it comes to paying living wages and creating an ethical work environment. They publish their wages and are very transparent about who makes their products and where. 


A woman's feet in a pair of ethical sandals from Biankina that look like a sustainable alternative to Birkenstock

3. Biankina

Materials: Recycled Microfiber, Cork, Jute, Rubber

Price range: $80-90

Biankina is a sustainable footwear brand based in Barcelona that sells vegan shoes, including a variety of sandals for women. 

From its classic double-strap slides to one-strap models, most of its sandals are very similar to Birkenstocks. It even has double-strap slip-ons with a platform sole as well as a flip-flop type of sandal that looks like Birkenstock’s Gizeh model.

All of Biankina’s sandals have a timeless, modern, and elegant design, and they can be dressed up or down. You can choose from different colors, including some metallic ones. Both light and easy to wear, they will keep your feet comfortable and supported all day long! 

The brand makes the uppers using Global Recycled Standard-certified recycled microfiber. It also uses soles made from 100% natural rubber and memory foam insoles. The cork midsoles provide natural shock absorption as you walk. 

Since they also contain jute fiber, these sandals are designed to reduce heat conductivity, making them the perfect shoes for summer. 

Biankina’s slides are handcrafted by skilled artisans in an ethical workshop in Spain. All its products are vegan and no harmful chemicals or glues are used during the production process. 

And if you buy the one-strap style, the brand will plant two trees for your purchase. 

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off


A pair of brown vegan leather sandals from Will's Vegan Store that are a sustainable alternative to Birkenstock

4. Will's Vegan Store

Materials: Bio-Based Vegan Leather, Cork, Vegan Suede, Recycled Rubber, Recycled Polyurethane 

Price: $106

Will’s Vegan Store creates all kinds of shoes and clothes for women and men using vegan and cruelty-free materials. It offers multiple styles of sandals and two pairs of clogs that are quite similar to Birkenstocks. The uppers, which come with adjustable metal buckles to get the perfect fit, are either made from vegan suede or Italian vegan leather made with 69% bio-based content.

Its faux leather is produced in part from cereal crops with a viscose backing fabric derived from eucalyptus trees. 

The brand’s sandals and clogs feature shock-absorbing cork footbeds providing arch support, insoles made of recycled polyurethane, a heel cup, and durable, grippy outsoles made with recycled rubber. They are also lined with soft vegan suede, making them very comfortable to wear, even without socks. 

Will’s Vegan Store crafts them in Portugal and ships them using plastic-free packaging. It is also Climate-Neutral Certified, meaning that it measures and offsets its entire carbon footprint. 

You can even use the brand’s “return to recycle” service to send back your shoes at the end of their lives so that they can get turned into new outsoles and uppers!


Three ethical sandals for an alternative to Birkenstock made in tan, yellow and black from Poppy Barley

5. Poppy Barley

Materials: LWG Veggie-Tanned Leather, Rubber, Memory Foam Insoles

Price: $218

Want the perfect fit? The Wanderlust Sandals from Poppy Barley have adjustable velcro straps (around the toes and back!) in order for you to customize your fit.

They also have additional arch support, so you can feel comfortable wearing them all day. Poppy Barley uses earth-conscious, water-based glues, and their shoeboxes are Forest Stewardship Council-certified and made with 67% recycled paper, water-based inks, and organic pigments!

Poppy Barley is a Canadian brand and B-Corporation founded by two sisters in Edmonton, AB. Their company is committed to rethinking every step to create sustainably made, fairly-priced products designed to be worn on repeat.


A man and woman's legs wearing sustainable Birkenstock alternative vegan sandals from Nae

6. Nae Vegan Shoes

Materials: Piñatex, Cork, Recycled PET, Microfiber, Recycled Car Tires, EVA, Rubber

Price: $96

Nae Vegan Shoes is a Portuguese vegan footwear brand that sells sustainable shoes for women and men. Everything it creates is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and crafted ethically in certified factories in Portugal. 

The company offers a beautiful alternative to Birkenstock sandals with its DARCO collection.

Its four unisex slides are available in black, off-white, dark brown, and dark green. 

They feature two adjustable straps with gold nickel-free buckles that you can adjust for the perfect fit. They are either made from GRS-certified recycled PET, locally sourced FSC-certified natural cork, or piñatex made from pineapple leaf fibers.

These sandals are lined with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified microfiber produced in a CO2-free environment. So they do not contain any harmful substances and are 100% safe to wear! The lining is also hypoallergenic and has antibacterial properties to prevent odors. 

The sandals’ ergonomic footbeds provide arch support and are crafted from cork and natural rubber, and their slip-resistant soles are produced from recycled car tires. 

Nae Vegan Shoes also has a pair of vegan mule slippers that are incredibly similar to Birkenstock’s Boston clogs! 

To top it all off, the brand ships its products using 100% recyclable, recycled packaging. 


A pair of feet wearing cream sustainable sandals from ALOHAS that are a great alternative to Birkenstocks

7. ALOHAS

Materials: Leather

Price: $220

Crafted from luxurious cream-colored leather, these sandals feature eye-catching buckle straps that elevate any outfit. The molded footbeds offer the perfect support, making every step feel like walking on clouds. With a chic stacked midsole providing a subtle 3.5 cm lift, you’ll enjoy just the right amount of height without sacrificing comfort. Each pair is designed in the vibrant heart of Barcelona and meticulously made in Spain, embodying exceptional craftsmanship that you can trust.

But it’s not just about looking good. ALOHAS is on a mission to create stylish, high-quality footwear, clothing, and accessories that are kind to the planet. Emphasizing eco-friendly materials and ethical craftsmanship, they ensure that every piece minimizes its environmental impact while keeping you at the forefront of modern fashion.


A pair of white vegan slip on sandals from sustainable brand Thesus that are an alternative to Birkenstock

8. Thesus

Materials: Recycled Plastic, Cork

Price: $138

Thesus is a Canadian BIPOC- and woman-owned brand that creates sustainable footwear and accessories. Its Terrus clogs, available in white, beige, and sage green, are a great alternative to Birkenstock’s clogs!  

Unlike most clogs, these feature an adjustable back strap that helps keep them securely attached to your feet as you go about your day.

They are also very versatile since you can wear them with any outfit throughout the year (if you add a pair of socks in the colder months). 

The Terrus clogs are 100% vegan, easy to clean, and made of 98% recycled plastic produced from repurposed marine waste collected by fishermen all around the globe.

They have a footbed crafted from natural cork with a soft lining, making them very lightweight and breathable. It provides arch support and perfectly molds to your feet so you can stay comfortable all day long. You will also love the wide-toe box, designed to fit all foot shapes and sizes! 

Thesus uses water-based vegan glue to bind the upper and soles together, and it produces everything by hand in a family-owned factory in Portugal. 

The brand pays its workers fair wages and prioritizes transparency, quality craftsmanship, and sustainable manufacturing practices throughout its entire supply chain. 


A hot pink sandal sustainable alternative to Birkenstock from ethical brand Elk

9. ELK

Materials: Sheep Leather, Rubber, TPR Rubber

Price: $239

ELK is an Australian family-owned business that sells contemporary fashion pieces made ethically and with the planet in mind. 

Its Uma slip-on slides are not as similar to Birkenstocks as the other models on this list, but they are still worth mentioning in this article! 

Sold in a gorgeous, eye-catching metallic fuchsia or gold, these sandals will brighten any outfit and enhance your everyday style. They feature a crossover strap design and a comfortable molded footbed. 

ELK’s Uma sandals have a rubber sole and a heel made of TPR rubber, while the uppers, footbeds, and lining are all crafted from sheep leather. The leather is chromium VI-free and sourced from a Leather Working Group audited and rated tannery, and it will get better with age as it develops a beautiful patina over time. 

The brand is very transparent about the suppliers and factories it works with, and it only chooses partners with safe, fair, and inclusive workplaces. 

ELK also uses sustainable packaging, its direct operations are 100% powered by green energy, and its products are free of harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, flame retardants, PFCs, and azo dyes. 

Plus, it is a member of 1% For The Planet and Sedex, and it regularly supports and makes donations to different nonprofits. It even received the inaugural award for Sustainable Innovation at the 2019 Australian Fashion Laureate! 


About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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12 Best Used Clothing Apps for Secondhand Shopping and Selling
 
a hand holding a phone with a secondhand shopping app for used clothing

Are you looking for a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe? Shopping sustainably can include second-hand clothes, which are better for the planet and your wallet.

Why Purchase Used & Secondhand Clothing?

The average American throws away around 81 pounds of clothing each year, so it’s clear  there are already more than enough clothes out there in circulation.

Shopping second-hand could mean visiting your local thrift store or vintage shop, but why not enjoy the great deals from the comfort of your own home?

Used clothing apps are the perfect way to shop second-hand, and we’ve handpicked our favorites to share with you!

Best Clothing Selling Apps & Places to Shop for Secondhand Clothes:

A hand holding an iPhone with a secondhand clothing app call Flyp

1. Flyp

Shipping: U.S.

Ideal for those of us who don’t have as much time to sell clothes, Flyp connects you to a network of independent “Pro Sellers” who will sell your clothes for you.

It's a great app to start your second-hand journey with everything from clothes and shoes to bags and accessories.

Flyp takes great care in selecting the clothes accepted on the app, ensuring that you’ll discover only high-quality items from desirable brands like Nike, Lululemon, and Urban Outfitters.

If you’re selling on the app, Pro sellers have a vested interest in selling your clothes, and it’s more likely that they will sell to someone who genuinely wants them – an added sustainability benefit. You do have to pay a commission to the person who sells your clothes for you, but this is a similar amount to other apps costs.

Con: Sellers have less control over pricing and profits, as they must work with a "Pro Seller" for listings. This can lead to lower earnings compared to directly selling on platforms like Poshmark or Depop, where sellers set their own prices. Additionally, the process may take longer since sellers must wait for Pro Sellers to accept, list, and sell their items.


A secondhand clothing app talking about how circular fashion is the future

2. Closest Closet

Disruptor and up-and-comer closestcloset.com is changing the secondhand marketplace by allowing paid members to use their own items as currency. Members pay $20 per month or can save 33% with an annual plan for $160 per year. They can post gently used, high-quality items from their physical closet to their virtual closet and earn instant hanger credits. You can use these hanger credits to shop for free among other members' items. Non-members can buy items older than 30 days with credits at checkout.

Pros: Closest Closet members save significantly through their monthly membership and get first access to items after they are posted. Members should maintain their clothing in good condition, making it easy to repost and earn credits with just one click. They also receive an Individualized Environmental Impact Score to learn how their Closest Closet membership impacts the planet.

Cons: Closest Closet members do not earn cash for the items they post.


An iPhone with a secondhand clothing app featuring people selling used clothes

3. Lucky Sweater

Lucky Sweater is the go-to app for swapping your favorite vintage clothing, handmade pieces, and curated sustainable brands in welcoming and fun community clothing swap spaces! Imagine trading for AGOLDE jeans, an Ilana Kohn skort, Girlfriend Collective leggings, or a Mara Hoffman maxi dress.

Swap items and explore the app's community space to catalog your favorite outfits. Share how you style your received pieces, find fashion inspiration, and get sustainable fashion tips from fellow secondhand enthusiasts.

With over 10,000 items available for swapping, there's always something new to discover! The community often gifts items to one another, making Lucky Sweater the ideal place to find unique, curated, secondhand items for yourself, family, or friends this holiday season. It's also a great way to kickstart a new year of embracing more secondhand fashion this year!

Cons: Its swapping model may not suit users wanting to profit from their clothes. The community-based exchanges can make it time-consuming to find suitable swap matches, and users might not receive items of equal value or quality. Additionally, availability is limited to what others offer, making it harder to find specific brands or styles compared to traditional resale platforms.


An iPhone with a secondhand clothing app called Vestiaire that features used clothes from designer brands

4. Vestiaire Collective

Shipping: worldwide

A global marketplace of pre-owned luxury fashion, Vestiaire is the top destination for discounted designer pieces and vintage clothing.

Clothing, bags, shoes and jewelry from hundreds of brands, with thousands of new items, added every day.

It’s definitely a fashion lover’s paradise.

Pros: Vestiaire has an optional authentication feature that checks and approves items before shipping. You can ‘like’ items to add them to your favorites, making it easy to view your wish list.

Cons: Nearly everything on the app is expensive, so not accessible for most people. They lack a good range of sizes, mostly offering small to petite. Most items contain animal materials like silk, leather, and wool, making them unsuitable for vegan shoppers. The authentication feature incurs extra costs, so it might not be worth it depending on the item's value.


An mens urban shirt and hoodie from a secondhand clothing app called Grailed

5. Grailed

Shipping: worldwide

One for the boys! Grailed is the one-stop destination for buying, selling and exploring menswear, although they do also offer womenswear now. Grailed is the top menswear resale marketplace, offering both new and used clothing. It's the ideal spot to find that coveted item you missed out on. Grailed is filled with streetwear brands, vintage pieces and independent designers, and their team makes sure everything is authenticated.

Pros: Grailed provides men a platform to explore sustainable fashion inclusively, filling a crucial gap in the industry. You have buyer protection as PayPal is the app’s payment method, so your transactions are eligible for refunds. You can also shop at Grailed through your desktop.

Cons: Grailed has been criticised for their high international seller fees; for domestic (American) sellers, the fee has risen to 9% per sale, on top of the mandatory 2.9% (plus 30 cents) PayPal fee.


A pile of clothes from cool brands like Reformation you can find at secondhand clothing shop ThredUp

6. ThredUP

Shipping: U.S., Canada

Offering a huge range of brands, ThredUP is available as an app on your phone or through your desktop if that’s what you prefer.

When you’ve selected which clothes you’re ready to part ways with, you send them off to ThredUP, who sell them for you, keeping some commission and paying you a percentage.

This would be great for anyone who has a lot of clothes to get rid of and not much time to do it themselves.

Pros: The filter options make shopping on the app a painless experience, refining your search and saving you time. Plus, the “Buy & Bundle” shipping option combines items from multiple orders into a single package and ships everything together.

Cons: ThredUP is allowed to offer discounts on all clothing, meaning you may lose some profit from your sales. The payouts for your sold clothes are considerably lower than other second-hand clothing apps, so you could make less money selling on ThredUP.


A woman wearing a secondhand outfit from used clothing site Depop

7. Depop

Shipping: worldwide

Originally a social network, Depop is a fun, interactive second-hand shopping experience that replicates a lot of what we like about online shopping.

With a mix of fast fashion brands, vintage pieces and independent sellers, Depop offers a huge variety of different styles all under one (digital) roof.

Pros: Depop is a great place to find quirky, unique clothing items no one else would have. You can tailor the search criteria and save your preferred sizes, making it easier when you go back on the app and continue shopping.

Cons: Sellers can contact you through direct messages if they feel you’ve shown interest in their item, and it can get slightly intrusive. Be aware that fast fashion resellers operate heavily on Depop, buying up large volumes of the same piece of clothing and selling it on for a profit. They can also trick you into thinking you’re buying from an independent designer when it’s, in fact, cheap, imported fast fashion – lookout for sellers with multiple sizes of the same item. While you aren’t charged for listing items, there is a 10% fee to pay when it sells.


A pretty secondhand blouse from used online site eBay

8. eBay

Shipping: worldwide

Not just for online auctions anymore, the eBay app offers some brilliant bargains on anything from designer bags to activewear.

There are also many independent businesses on the app to support, plus a lot of vintage clothing—an excellent place to start if you are testing the waters of second-hand fashion.

Pros: With 185 million active buyers by the end of 2020, eBay has an enormous built-in base of shoppers who are ready to buy your unwanted clothes, making selling them a lot easier. For buying on the app, you can set up alerts for keywords so you get notified when a new item is listed that you might be interested in.

Cons: On the flip side, there is a lot of competition for sellers on the app, which could make it harder for your clothes to get noticed. When searching for clothes to buy, it can feel quite daunting with the number of items available; it may take you some time to track down what you’re looking for.


A young woman striking a pose in her secondhand clothing that she is uploading to the Vinted app to sell

9. Vinted

Shipping: worldwide

Vinted sells a wide range of low-cost second-hand clothing, with a focus on high street brands like Free People, Forever21, Gap and Anthropologie.

Vinted also offers buyers and sellers the option to swap clothes, with a ‘swap’ filter option so you can search for items that people are willing to swap with you.

Pros: There are zero listing or selling fees, so what you earn is yours to keep. Your orders are protected when you pay through Vinted, and you’re entitled to refunds, which is not always an option with second-hand apps. Vinted has forums on the app so you can engage with other buyers and sellers for support and advice.

Cons: Buyers are charged a service fee that covers the payment method's cost, which can vary in price. You will have to check if the seller has been active recently as you may be buying from someone who is no longer active on the app.


A young woman who sells her old clothing on Poshmark and is holding a package to send to a customer

10. Poshmark

Shipping: U.S., Canada

Offering up to 70% off prices on thousands of popular brands, Poshmark is an ideal app for bargain shoppers.

From clothing to homeware and even pet accessories, it’s a treasure chest of second-hand goodies.

Pros: Poshmark offers protected payments, so if it’s not what you thought you were buying. you can get a refund. The app is often referred to as a community, with 70 million ‘Poshers’ and ‘Posh Party’ selling events. Poshmark makes it easy to haggle a price with the “offer” button.

Cons: For items over $15, Poshmark takes a 20% commission from your sale; for more expensive items this could see you potentially losing a lot of money. When searching on Poshmark, they don’t indicate how many listings there are available, leading to endless scrolling trying to find the item you want.


a woman holding a pile of secondhand sweaters from ASOS Marketplace

11. Asos Marketplace

Shipping: worldwide

Marketplace launched in 2010 with just 20 sellers and has grown to become the leading online platform for independent brands and vintage boutiques, with over 800 boutiques from around the world.

Offering a unique range of clothing, footwear and accessories, Marketplace is the ultimate location for finding that one-of-a-kind item that you’ve been looking for.

Pros: By shopping with Marketplace, you are supporting independent retailers and designers, which helps support the sustainable fashion industry and gives you an added connection to your clothes that you just don’t get with big fashion brands. All transactions are protected, and they have a great customer service system in place to support you.

Cons: If you are an overseas buyer, you may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once the package reaches your country. You will have to communicate with each boutique or brand for your purchase, so your experience can depend on their customer service skills.


A woman holding her baby and a pile of secondhand clothing from Mercari

12. Mercari

Shipping: U.S.

The go-to second-hand clothes destination for true bargain hunters, Mercari offers up to 70% off retail prices on thousands of popular brands. With 350,000 new items listed daily, there is always a huge selection of clothing, footwear and accessories.

Essentially a thrift store in an app, Mercari will definitely have something for you if you have the time to search!

Pros: You will definitely be able to save money on your clothes shopping when you buy from Mercari, and with buyer protection and easy returns, this app offers a safe and fun way to shop second-hand fashion. You can also set up email alerts to be notified when an item you’ve been hunting for is added to the app.

Cons: The app has been known to accept very used items to be sold, so watch out for transparency on sellers’ descriptions. Some sellers can be difficult to reach or slow to respond, making the buying process frustrating.


Sarah King headshot.jpg

About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.


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10 Non-Toxic Perfume Brands That Make Sustainable Scents in 2025
 
Several glass bottles of natural, non-toxic perfume

41% of Americans use perfume regularly, and the industry is worth billions of dollars. Most perfumes today contain harmful chemicals that are unsafe for our skin and lungs. Fortunately, the 10 non-toxic perfume brands we have selected for this article are an exception! They are making sustainable scents that we can enjoy every day without hurting our health or the planet.  

Fragrances have played a role in humans’ lives for millennia. Between 7000 and 4000 BCE, in Mesopotamia, people would burn fragrant resins to bring royals and priests closer to their gods. 

During the same period, Egyptians found out how to store fragrances in fats. Thanks to this discovery, they started making fragrant oils and balms that people would use for personal care and in funeral and religious rituals

The use of perfume was then incorporated into various cultures around the world, including in Ancient China, India and around the Mediterranean. The rise of Christianity brought about a decline in perfume usage in Europe, but the Muslim world kept the tradition alive and helped export it overseas. 

In the 16th century, perfumes became extremely popular in France among the upper classes. Then, the industry continued to grow, especially thanks to the invention of the eau de Cologne two centuries later. 

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!

How To Choose Non-Toxic Perfumes

The main issue with perfumes is that the perfume industry operates in an incredibly opaque manner, making it difficult for us to know what they actually formulate their products with.

FDA regulations do not apply to perfumes and fragrances, which means that companies are not required to disclose what their products contain. Perfume formulas are usually proprietary information, so instead of listing all their ingredients, many brands hide some of them behind the word “fragrance”. 

Perfumes that contain “fragrance” often include hundreds of ingredients, and many of these ingredients can lead to health complications over time. They are often made with hormone disruptors, carcinogens and other toxic chemicals that are very harmful to human health. 

Unfortunately, if a perfume brand decided not to disclose its entire ingredient list, we cannot know whether the product we buy is safe for us. So it is crucial to choose perfumes made by a transparent brand that always discloses all its ingredients. 

What’s more, we should buy perfumes formulated with safe ingredients. To do so, always read the ingredient list and check what the ingredients are. If you can't find out what ingredients are used in the perfume, don't buy it.

In general, clean perfume brands make their perfumes with plant-based alcohol bases and essential oils. Avoid perfumes with an ethanol base because ethanol production causes many environmental issues

Other harmful chemicals to avoid in perfumes are: 

  • Phthalates
  • Synthetic musks, like musk ketone
  • Styrene
  • Benzaldehyde
  • Methylene chloride
  • Camphor
  • Benzyl acetate
  • Ethyl acetate

These are some of the most toxic ingredients you can find in perfumes, but many others are also problematic. So always research the ingredients before buying perfumes, and make sure they are safe. 

What makes Perfumes Sustainable?

In addition to choosing non-toxic perfumes, you might want to buy more sustainable options.

Eco-friendly perfumes come from brands that actively work to reduce their environmental footprint throughout every stage of the production process.

These brands prefer to use responsibly-sourced ingredients over raw materials that are usually over-harvested, even if it means using (safe) synthetics. They try to minimize their waste as much as possible and make ethical manufacturing their priority.

If you are looking for sustainable options, also make sure to choose a perfume that comes in a recyclable glass bottle. Some brands even make their bottles from recycled glass, and others offer refillable bottles that you can return afterward. Try to avoid bottles with plastic pumps and cellophane wraps. 

Our Top Picks For Non-Toxic, Sustainable Perfumes:

Hand holding a glass bottle of natural, non-toxic perfume from sustainable, clean fragrance brand Henry Rose

1. Henry Rose

Price: $35-120

Henry Rose has a large collection of eaux de parfum, with lovely fragrances ranging from earthy to spicy to floral scents, some of which won the Allure Best Of Beauty Awards.

It also sells scented candles, skincare, and travel-size perfumes so that you can take your favorite perfume wherever you go.

Henry Rose always discloses all the ingredients its products contain. Its perfumes are completely free of carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde.

The company is also Leaping Bunny certified, and its collection of fine fragrances is the first to be both EWG verified and Cradle to Cradle certified, which means that it meets the most stringent health and environmental standards.

Henry Rose produces perfume bottles that you can recycle, made from 90% recycled glass. They create caps from sustainably sourced, compostable soy. Not to mention the boxes made from recycled corrugated paper!

Plus, the brand has partnered with the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners to give back part of its proceeds to research and advocacy around harmful substances in personal care products.


A woman spritzing natural, non-toxic perfume on her neck by sustainable, clean fragrance brand Sana Jardin

2. Sana Jardin Paris

Price: $30-225

Sana Jardin is a socially conscious, luxury fragrance house crafting sustainable eaux de parfum and candles, all with delightful scents. Sana Jardin stands out as a true luxury brand. World-renowned Master Perfumer Carlos Benaim creates its fragrances using only the finest ingredients. T

he brand proudly uses Leaping Bunny approved, clean ingredients and includes at least 15% essential oils in every product. Sana Jardin sources its essential oils by distilling flowers discarded by the perfume industry, turning waste into exquisite fragrances.

We also love this company because it has an alternative business model based on the circular economy that allows women working in the supply chain to become micro-entrepreneurs.

Sana Jardin offers training to these women so that they can develop and sell their own products made by upcycling the waste by-products of perfume production. They keep all the proceeds, so this awesome initiative enables them to earn an income year-round while reusing resources that would have otherwise gone to waste!

Sana Jardin’s perfume bottles are recyclable, and they come with compostable caps and boxes made from upcycled coffee cups.


A hand holding a bottle of natural, non-toxic perfume by sustainable, clean fragrance brand Vyrao

3. Vyrao

Price: $55-190

Vyrao is a well-being brand on a mission to fuse energetic healing with master perfumery. Its eau de parfum contains a supercharged, ethically sourced Herkimer diamond crystal, which is known for raising and purifying energy.Each of its six fragrances is made to trigger a positive emotion, like for instance, mindfulness, courage, or self-love.

The company’s perfumes are composed of 88% natural ingredients, 80% of which are certified organic.

They are formulated using a mix of essential oils as well as some synthetic chemicals that are completely safe for humans. The perfume base is 100% organic sugar cane alcohol.

Vyrao’s products are also free of harmful chemicals, like parabens and preservatives, and they are 100% vegan and not tested on animals.

Vyrao makes sure to package its fragrances in a sustainable way. Its perfumes come in recyclable glass bottles and FSC-certified recycled paper packaging, and their boxes are made by one of the only certified Carbon Balanced Printers in the United Kingdom.


Two bottles of natural, non-toxic perfume by sustainable, clean fragrance brand Abbott on a green background with pinecones and nature vibes

4. Abbott

Price: $31-88

Abbott is a sustainable perfume brand offering 8 unisex scents, all inspired by an ecological destination. Its eaux de parfum are made to ground you, bring you closer to nature and help you live in the moment.

Depending on the scent you choose, Abbott’s perfumes will take you to wonderful places, like the forest, the beach, the mountains, or even the desert. They can be worn for any occasion, any time of the year.

The label has also worked closely with two of the world’s best noses, Antoine Lie and Steven Claisse, who led the design of Abbott’s signature fragrances.

Abbott formulates its perfumes with the cleanest, sustainably sourced ingredients, all of which are PETA-certified vegan, cruelty-free and disclosed on the website. They are hypoallergenic and completely free of carcinogens, sulfates, phthalates, and parabens.

The brand also packages its products in recyclable glass bottles and boxes. Plus, for every full-size perfume purchased, it donates a portion of all proceeds to a local organization that supports conservation efforts in the United States.


A hand holding a glass bottle of natural, non-toxic perfume by sustainable, clean fragrance brand Dedcool

5. Dedcool

Price: $30-144

Dedcool is a vegan fragrance brand creating 100% genderless, non-toxic scents for everyday wear and for the home. It makes all its perfumes with an innovative process that uses no water.

In replacement of water, the company crafts its formulas using a signature blend of 23 certified organic plant extracts and clean, biodegradable ingredients. The plant extracts are added to nourish, soothe and help with their beneficial, anti-inflammatory properties.

Dedcool offers twelve long-lasting scents that you can buy either in a full-size perfume bottle or in a travel-size spray for when you are out and about. That way, you will smell fresh and amazing wherever you go! The fragrances can even be combined if you want a more unique scent.

All the brand’s products are handmade in Los Angeles and produced in small batches. Everything is free of harmful chemicals, like petroleum-based ingredients, toxic preservatives and fillers, and carcinogens.

Dedcool is also a member of 1% For The Planet, and its manufacturing facilities and warehouses are certified carbon neutral.


A hand holding a glass bottle of natural, non-toxic perfume by sustainable, clean fragrance brand Skylar

6. Skylar

Price: $30-90

Skylar is a sustainable perfume brand that produces hypoallergenic, vegan and cruelty-free perfumes, all made in the USA. Its nature-inspired scents smell fresh and dreamy, and you can even mix and match them to create a custom scent just for you!

The company uses an organic sugar cane alcohol base for its perfumes, and it lists all its ingredients on its website. Its fragrances are all free of skin sensitizers, endangered plant species, phthalates, parabens, and more than 1,300 other questionable toxic ingredients.

Safe for sensitive skin, Skylar’s fragrances are also almost entirely made with non-toxic synthetic ingredients as the brand strives to preserve the Earth's natural resources.

The perfume boxes are produced using FSC-certified paper, and both the perfume bottles and caps are 100% recyclable. Skylar even donates a portion of its proceeds to a different charity each month, and so far, it has supported social and environmental organizations like Feeding America and the Surfrider Foundation.


A hand using a roller ball glass fragrance bottle on the wrist for non-toxic perfume by Rahua

7. Rahua

Price: $28-32

Rahua creates sustainable hair care and body care products with the planet in mind. All its products are made with organic, plant-derived ingredients, including its oil perfume.

Suitable for all genders, the brand’s Palo Santo oil perfume features a sophisticated, sweet and woodsy scent with hints of citrus and gardenia flower. This fresh, uplifting fragrance is made to promote positive thinking & healing, & its aroma is very energizing and helps center the mind.

Rahua’s oil perfume comes in an elegant rollerball bottle and is completely non-toxic and vegan, formulated with the highest quality pure plant essential oils.

It also contains handmade “symbiotic®” ingredients, meaning that they are grown in undisturbed areas in the Amazon rainforest, harvested and prepared using indigenous knowledge by local people, and purchased at a price that helps to sustain these traditions, empower the indigenous people, and grow the local economy.

Rahua’s labs and manufacturing facilities are USDA-certified organic, and the company donates part of the proceeds from some of its collections to support conservation efforts. The brand even won the Cosmetic Executive Women Beauty Awards in 2020!


A hand holding a small glass bottle of natural, non-toxic perfume by sustainable, clean fragrance brand Rosie Jane

8. By Rosie Jane

Price: $29-80

By Rosie Jane is an Australian clean beauty brand with a great selection of perfumes that are all sustainably made.

From sweet scents to floral and fruity fragrances, the company’s perfumes are all formulated with 100% safe, non-toxic and responsibly sourced ingredients.

By Rosie Jane is extremely transparent about all the ingredients it uses for each of its perfumes.

Its eau de parfum is made with organic cane sugar alcohol, and its perfume oils contain organic fractionated coconut oil.

The brand is also one of the only perfume brands that are climate-neutral certified, and all its products are 100% vegan and certified by Leaping Bunny.

Everything By Rosie Jane sells is handmade in Los Angeles, and sent in 100% recyclable packaging made using wind power, FSC-certified paper and vegetable-based inks.


Small thin glass bottles of natural, non-toxic perfume from sustainable, clean fragrance line Moodeaux

9. Moodeaux

Price: $32-98

MOODEAUX is a black-owned fragrance label that crafts perfume oils combining clean, luxury fragrances with skincare benefits. Its sophisticated signature scent, the SuperCharged SkinScent, comes in a travel spray pen, which you can take everywhere with you.This cruelty-free formula contains a concentration of over 30% fragrance oil. It leaves out the typical alcohol, water and dyes we can find in most perfumes, and instead, uses botanical ingredients that help lock in moisture, like grape seed, fractionated coconut, apricot, and meadowfoam seed oils.

MOODEAUX’s scent is unlike anything you have smelled before! This warm mix of floral-citrus-woodsy accords even won the 2022 Melanin Awards for being the best perfume oil. Of course, it is completely free of endocrine disruptors and other harmful chemicals.

The brand created Black In Fragrance, a movement building an ecosystem of support and help for Black perfumers and black-owned fragrance brands. MOODEAUX also donates 50% of the revenue from each sale of its limited edition merch directly to Black creatives.

Plus, the company sends its products in biodegradable mailers and allows you to send back your empty travel pens.


Green glass bottles of natural, non-toxic perfume from sustainable, clean fragrance brand Leahlani

10. Leahlani

Price: $34-72

Leahlani is a Hawaii-based artisanal skincare brand selling several perfumes, all featuring tropical fragrances that evoke the lush nature of the islands. They are all composed by hand and made in small batches with organic, wildcrafted ingredients.

The company has two amazing perfume oils: one with notes of exotic vanilla and sweet coconut, and another featuring a feminine floral blend. Both are light and delicate, not overpowering, and they are perfect for everyday use!

Leahlani also makes two aromatherapy essences that, again, will transport you to a tropical island. With their fruity and floral scents, they can be used as a regular perfume or an aromatherapy treatment to promote grounding feelings of harmony and comfort.

The brand strives to minimize its environmental footprint, so it has a strict low-waste policy on the boxes and packing materials it receives, and it reuses most of them to ship out wholesale orders. Leahlani also makes sure to ship its products in recyclable packaging, and its headquarters in Kaua’i are 100% solar-powered.


About the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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