The Guide to Friendlier Beauty Packaging

All cruelty free. Many vegan. Curated by Louise from Beaufree.

 
Untitled design.png

NAKED (PACKAGING-FREE)

With the rise of solid alternatives there’s more and more 'naked' products with little or no packaging coming onto the market. Everything from solid shampoo bars, conditioners, moisturising bars, shower gels and soaps. It’s heavenly. Lush have led the way on this. Check out Bain & Savon too.

 
Untitled design(2).png

RETURN OR REFILL

Brands like Beauty Kitchen and Faith in Nature have worked with companies such as Holland & Barrett to provide refill stations in store. Cult beauty company BYBI has a returns scheme for all of its glass bottled products. Neal's Yard Remedies has a returns scheme where you can get £2 off your next bottle. Love The Planet are fab for refillable cosmetics. More popping up everywhere!

 
Untitled design(3).png

RECYCLED ALUMINIUM

Ksoni are on the case and you can now get your shampoo and body wash in a can. Bain and Savon have some too. White Rabbit Skincare has a mix of aluminium bottles and bamboo pots (and you can return your empties for a discount off your next order). All Earth Minerals for make-up in refillable tins.

 
Untitled design(4).png

RECYCLED CARDBOARD

Paper based bottles are on their way but they’re not easily available just yet. Scence has a lovely range of beauty balms, deodorants and lip balms all in paper-based, compostable, recyclable packaging.

 
Untitled design(5).png

RECYCLED GLASS

No particular recommendations here. If you buy glass just make sure it’s recycled.

Untitled design(7).png

RECYCLED/BIO PLASTICS

More and more of the big companies are using recycled plastics, ocean rescued plastics and bio-plastics - check the label. Evolve Beauty is one of the pioneers, as is Aveda - said to be the first company in the beauty industry using 100% post-consumer recycled PET - 85% of their entire range uses this.

And what about post and packing?

If buying direct, the majority of eco-friendly cosmetic companies have taken this into account. If you are looking to buy multiple brands, to keep the packaging down, we recommend looking at one-stop shops like The Plastic Free Shop, Greener Beauty and Peace With The Wild.

Happy shopping!