Neostrata Facial Cleanser

 20 Organic, Zero Waste Skincare Brands

We're often asked what are the must-have products for a zero-waste skincare regimen, and while there's no one-stop-shop for a completely organic or ethical product, there are dozens of skincare brands that make it easy for consumers to achieve their goals.

Here's a roundup of 20 organic, zero-waste skincare brands, and the advantages, and disadvantages of each one.

 

Aveda

Aveda is a pioneer in the zero-waste skincare arena, having created a botanical line of products that minimize the environmental footprint of skincare.

For decades, the skincare giant, which is headquartered in Japan, has promoted a ‘clean’ and ‘eco-friendly' approach to skincare, using natural and organic products that nourish your skin.

If you're unfamiliar, Aveda is the creator of the ‘no soap' and ‘no water' skin cleansing method, which involves simply cleansing your skin with dry towels. Because of its popularity, you'll often find Aveda products at your local drugstore.

 

Bioderma

Bioderma is a skincare company that, in addition to creating some of the most loved and well-known moisturizers and anti-wrinkle products, also embraces sustainable and organic skincare.

The French skincare brand became famous for reviving old methods of skincare and combining them with modern products. For example, the brand resurrected the silk thread test, which was first introduced in the 19th century, for a more practical application.

You'll find Bioderma products at your local drugstore, but be sure to look for its private clinic and spa locations, as well, because you'll want to pamper yourself with this beauty brand!

 

Dr. Jart

Dr. Jart is a skincare brand that was started in California in 1979 and named after the doctor who, at the time, was the only dermatologist in San Francisco who would treat patients with organic skincare. That's pretty cool!

The products are mostly vegan and many of them are organic, which means they contain no animal products.

If you're unfamiliar, Dr. Jart is known for its broad-spectrum vitamin C serum, which regenerates and revitalizes your skin. While the product is hugely popular, it's also among the most expensive vitamin C serums on the market. The serum is also among the most powerful, with some manufacturers touting it as a pro-treater.

 

Elle MacLeman

Elle MacLeman is another beauty brand, which began as a ski clothing and accessories line, that embraces sustainable and organic skincare. It was created by the skincare expert, who is also the daughter of a cosmetic chemist. You'll find its products, which are mostly vitamin C serums, moisturizers, and facial exfoliators, at your local drugstore.

 

Evian

If you've ever heard of ‘Eau de Toilette' you'll know that it's another popular beauty brand that embraces natural and sustainable skincare. You may also know that it is a Parisian company with a history of creating some of the most iconic and beloved scents. Its first fragrance, created in 1869, is still worn today. Sadly, in 2019 the company expanded into a skincare and adopted a more sustainable approach. Still, you'll see its products, which are mainly designed to help with anti-wrinkle and UV protection, at your local drugstore.

Another brand that's similar to Evian is L'Oreal, which creates several scents, including ‘Pomegranate' and ‘Citrus Grandis'.

 

Jurlique

Jurlique is another beauty brand that doesn't just embrace sustainable and organic skincare, but also uses some innovative techniques, like 3D printing, to create products that are both effective and green.

The French company was founded in 1874 and named after the physician, who, in addition to creating the company, also created the first shampoo recipe that was designed to clean and care for your hair. You'll find Jurlique products at your local drugstore, but be sure to check out their website and social media, as well, to see their full skincare product range.

 

Neutrogena

If you've ever shopped at Walmart, then you may have come across the Neutrogena brand. It's a popular, inexpensive brand that began as a pharmaceutical company and is now, also, a skincare brand. While it was established in 1922, as a pharmaceutical company, it transitioned to creating skincare products in the 1930s.

The products are mostly vitamin C serums and moisturizers, but also contain a UV protectant.

If you're unfamiliar, Neutrogena is another brand that doesn't just embrace a sustainable and organic skincare approach but is also known for creating ‘clean' and ‘green' skincare products. ‘Clean' products are those that are both environmentally conscious and free of certain chemicals, like sulfates and parabens.

 

Or Organic Skincare

If you're seeking an organic and natural skincare brand, Orbi Organic Skincare is the go-to choice. The California-based company was established in 2010 and named after the founder, who was inspired by nature to create a skincare line that's free of parabens, sulfates, microbeads, and GMOs.

It's also worth noting that this brand creates vegan products, so if you're looking for an animal-friendly skincare option, then you might want to try something else.

 

Sawyer Beauty

Sawyer Beauty is another eco-friendly and sustainable brand that, in addition to creating vegan products, uses many natural and organic skincare ingredients.

The brand began as a group of women who wanted to improve the lives of people in developing countries through skincare, so they created their own sustainable and organic line. They also use ethically sourced and -more importantly- biodegradable packaging.

Sawyer Beauty's best-selling product, ‘Detox Cream', is a vegan serum that helps with anti-wrinkle, sun protection, and brightening. Be sure to check out their full range, which includes products designed to reduce skin sensitivity, heal scars, and prevent wrinkles.

 

Skinimax

Skinimax is yet another eco-friendly and sustainable skincare brand that also uses many natural products, but, in addition, incorporates some novel technologies, like nanotechnology, into its products.

Founded in the Netherlands and named after the company's first product, the line began as a research and development company that, in addition to creating the first anti-wrinkle cream, also created an ‘aging' cream, which was designed to reverse the effects of aging.

You'll find products with Skinimax at your local drugstore, but be sure to visit their website and social media to see their complete product range.

 

Vichy Germany

Vichy Germany is another German company with a history of creating some of the most iconic and beloved skincare products. Its history, though, dates back much further, with the company being founded in Paris in 1774. Today, Vichy Germany is one of the most popular and well-known brands of facial cleansers. Even Queen Victoria, who was known for her exceptionally dry skin, would sometimes use a Vichy product to prep her skin for a facial photo shoot.

While it began as a skincare brand, Vichy now also creates environmentally friendly products, like compact disks, for businesses and homes.

 

Walgreen

If you've ever shopped at Walgreen, then you may have come across the Walgreen brand. It is a well-known American company that became a drugstore chain, focusing mainly on vitamins, diet supplements, and skin care products. The company grew rapidly in the 20th century, with its stock price rising from 15 cents per share in 1900 to $22.50 per share in 2000.