Finding clean, conscious and ethically-made beauty involves having the time to research brands, ingredients and production practices. Our skin absorbs so much of what we put in, therefore sustainable beauty should be a top priority for our health. Here some of the top brands that are leading the clean beauty industry.
Beauty isn’t about physical appearances and high end cosmetics. Real beauty is about who you are on the inside, including your character and morality. Within recent years, social media has lifted the veil and caused more transparency within the beauty industry. Thankfully, this has resulted in the industry changing for the better, leading to a rise in conscious beauty brands that incorporate mindful ingredients and ethical leadership.
However, we can’t soley trust labels or marketing campaigns. It’s our duty as consumers to be conscious of where we spend our money and who we give our business to. In fact, one of the best ways we can impact our world and make a difference is by being cognizant of what we buy and who we buy from.
How to practice ethical consumerism in beauty?
To be an ethical consumer, you must do your research and find companies that provide products and services that have been produced without harm or exploitation of other humans, animals or the environment. Here are a few things to consider when searching for an ethical beauty brand or product:
- Read the label – If you didn’t know, dirty ingredients is a thing, and most of the beauty brands make good use of them. As we try to make sense of an endless list of chemicals that are not in our vocabulary, the lack of regulation doesn’t make it any easier. Here’s an extensive dirty list of ingredients in beauty you should avoid.
- Buy fair trade – Fair trade means those who manufacture the products that you buy behind-the-scenes are getting paid a fair and sustainable living wage. This is always the best option because your money is going to help nourish a fair, ethical and growing economy!
- Hold brands accountable – One of the main reasons businesses continue with unethical practices is because they think you don’t care or notice. The best way to make a nudge towards positive change is by changing your buying habits to encourage businesses to be more environmentally conscious and ethical.
- Read the fine print – Companies will sometimes advertise that a portion of proceeds go to a certain charity or organization. It’s your responsibility to do your research and find out just how much of your money is going to be donated, and if the company will match those donations with corporate funds.
From a business standpoint, switching to a more sustainable and ethical business model is a great advantage.
Ethical consumerism is on the rise, with Gen Z and millennials leading the way. In fact, 62% of Gen Z consumers prefer to shop with sustainable brands, and 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products.
Additionally, 88% of participants in this study said they would boycott a brand for irresponsible business actions. So from a business perspective, switching to this kind of business model is not only good for the environment, but good for business!
Conscious beauty brands
With this positive rise for change, we have a lot to look forward to in the coming years. If you are interested in incorporating conscious beauty into your routine, check out some of these B-Corp certified beauty brands to add to your collection!
1. Natura
Natura is a multinational Brazilian cosmetics company that incorporates sustainable and ethical practices by cultivating relationships within their communities and nature.
Conscious beauty aspects: Sustainability, socially conscious, vegan, cruelty-free, BCorp
2. Zue Botanicals
Zue Botanicals is a clean beauty line that offers certified vegan and cruelty-free products that are free from 400+ harmful ingredients and foster environmentally and socially conscious techniques within their business practice.
Conscious beauty aspects: Sustainability, socially conscious, vegan, cruelty-free, BCorp
3. BAÛBO
BAÛBO is a French beauty line that is designed by and for women that incorporates sustainable packaging as well as natural and organic ingredients in their products.
Conscious beauty aspects: Sustainability, socially conscious, BCorp
4. ONEKA
ONEKA produces products that are completely free of sulfates, parabens and synthetic ingredients, and is a leader in zero waste hair and body products.
Conscious beauty aspects: Sustainability, socially conscious, vegan, cruelty-free, BCorp
5. Coconut Matter
Coconut Matter has handmade an absolutely ecolicious range with a passion for healthy beauty powered with natural ingredients. This brand is also challenging the beauty industry to go plastic-free with the packaging and gives back to a community in the Solomon Islands.
Conscious beauty aspects: Sustainability, socially conscious, vegan, cruelty-free
6. Native Essentials
Native essentials are made of native plants and aromatic botanicals, extracting their vibrant colours naturally and choosing only the purest sources, powered by advanced active ingredients, enriched with luxurious plant extracts and exquisite aromatics. This innovative brand has created a skincare line that allows you to personalise the routine for each skin type.
Conscious beauty aspects: Sustainability, vegan, cruelty-free
7. Bee Chi Organics
Bee Chi Organics has an extensive range of beauty potions: herbal hair care, oral hygiene, facial + beauty care, body + bath wellness… In this apothecary, bees and flowers go hand in hand; they are guilty of flower pollination and reproduction of their ingredients, as well as that miracle “Chi” energy that gives added health benefits.
Conscious beauty aspects: Sustainability, vegan, cruelty-free
8. Mandala Dream Co.
Mandala Dream Co. promotes hemp as a base ingredient to treat your skin to a dose of renewal. The Ecoistic range of serums, haircare and balms are all handmade in Australia by Julie.
Conscious beauty aspects: Sustainability, vegan, cruelty-free
9. doTERRA
doTerra is one of the most sustainable essential oils brands, which are widely used for DIY beauty products. The brand has also developed a skincare range, with the same oils that can simultaneously be used with health and wellbeing benefits. The brand has a wide social impact program that benefits the communities producers in countries around the world.
Conscious beauty aspects: Sustainability, socially conscious, vegan, cruelty-free
10. Sienna Byron Bay
Sienna Byron Bay is an Australian beauty company that makes luxe, non-toxic nail polish inspired by nature. They offer professional-quality nail polish with beautiful, long-lasting color all while remaining to have a low carbon footprint on the planted with their sustainable, vegan, cruelty-free, ethical, and inclusive practices.
Conscious beauty aspects: Sustainability, vegan, cruelty-free, BCorp
Real beauty isn’t shallow and far from cruel. By becoming an ethical consumer, you are doing your part to help make the planet a better place. For more information and beauty brands that are making a difference, check out this infographic below!
Credit infographic: FragranceX
