It is no secret that products applied to our skin are important. As the largest organ of the body, our skin has a direct line to our bloodstream. This means that we absorb any ingredients we apply. I studied sustainability at the university and have a passion for beauty products. As a result, I am increasingly aware that many “natural” or ‘clean’ formulas can be misleading.
Over the years, as my skin has grown more sensitive, I’ve taken a deeper interest in understanding what those phrases actually mean—and how it connects to sustainability. The best skincare products are often those that are sustainable. least harmful to the EarthThe products are made from bio-based ingredients and do not contain parabens or preservatives.
The best products for your skin can be hard to find. The following are some examples of how to get started: But you can still leave a lighter impact on the environment. Most conventional skincare relies on synthetic compoundsAdd toxic ingredients to your skin and the environment. Sustainability expert and journalist Alyssa Hardy says this: “Brands should always give you a how and a why—saying it’s made with sustainable ingredients without any mention of supply chain sourcing is a major red flag.”
Hardy wrote a book entitled Worn Out: How Our Clothes Cover Up Fashion’s Sins, says that skincare is like fashion. It has a complex, opaque supply chain, and very little regulation. Many ingredients, even those bio-based, which appear to be more sustainable and natural, may not have been produced ethically or with a low impact on environment. It’s true, many “natural products” are made from ingredients that can have negative effects on Earth if sourced irresponsibly. These include habitat destruction and threats of biodiversity.
To help you develop a travel friendly skincare routine that is gentle for you and the Earth, i researched and consulted experts to find out which brands are doing this right. Discover seven beauty brands that offer sustainable skincare made without harmful ingredients. Experts explain what to look for and avoid in skincare products.
FAQ:
How to shop for clean skincare
Hardy says, “This is where you need to do some research.”EWG is a certification This is an excellent resource for researching individual brands and ingredients.” Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization that does research and advocates for issues such as toxic chemicals in drinking water, agricultural subsidies and corporate accountability.
Hardy explains that, “In general, consumers should be mindful of the environment and their fellow humans when they are shopping. This shows businesses we expect them to improve.” It also feels better for me personally.” She advises consumers to prioritize what’s important to them – whether that is recycling, reusable packages, bio-based ingredients or reusable packaging – and then shop according to those criteria.
“In general focus on ingredients rather than seals themselves,” says Donay MomenianFashion and beauty editor at Teen Vogue. Brands that rely on seals or marketing that claims they are 100% “toxic” and “clean”, are not really referring to official designations. Momenian says, “These terms have different meanings based on who uses them.” You should instead “look for brands that pledge to not use certain ingredients such as parabens and formaldehyde.”
Always consult a doctor if you are concerned about your skin and want to know if the product you’re considering is right for you.
Avoid these ingredients
The majority of skincare products contain ingredients that are derived from fossil fuels. These processes, including extraction, production and refining as well as disposal, are notoriously carbon intensive. Exfoliants and cleaners that are mass produced often contain microbeads or tiny plastic particles in their formulas. Since they’re too small to be filtered out by waste water treatment plants, they often end up accumulating in our oceans and waterways—to then be consumed by marine life and subsequently, enter into the food chain. Microbeads only exacerbate the huge issue of microplastics Already, we are putting aquatic life at greater risk.
Hardy suggests that travelers start by investing in some reusable toiletry bottles This can be used to safely transport your skincare products over and over again. Hardy advises: “We must all abide by TSA regulations, so it is tempting to buy a lot of plastic bottles and one-time-use products to take on our trip. However, you should invest in something that can hold your liquid product for prolonged use.” “Avoid using and tossing products that are only meant for a single use.”
In addition to avoiding single-use plastic, always read the label—here are some ingredients Hardy recommends avoiding when shopping for new skincare products.
- Avoid parabens, preservatives and other chemicals: Parabens are commonly used in skincare products as preservatives. Avoid parabens, which are widely used as preservatives in conventional skincare products. increasingly marked as pollutants In many aquatic environments on Earth, they accumulate and are found in marine life. This includes words such as ethylbaraben, propylbaraben, an alkyl group (methyl, ethyl or propyl), and benzyl.
- Avoid palm oils: Palm oil produced in excess leads to deforestation. Hardy claims that there is also “risk for serious labor violations like child labor and forced laborWhen sourcing the product, you should use “
Retrouvé
Retrouvé It is a good example of how a skincare company can take a holistic view to its product development as well as its delivery. The brand has a wide range of products made with care on its 40-acre Malibu Farm. “I don’t know of any other skincare brands that are this intentional or are going to such great lengths for ethically made ingredients for their products,” says Judith Anger, Retrouvé’s lead permaculture farmer and developer. These ingredients have been made with great care and are beneficial to the consumer as well as the environment.
By growing ingredients on a family-run, small farm, Retrouve eliminates the risks that come with large-scale production. The Malibu-based farm grows various herbs you’ll find in Retrouvé’s skincare products, including rosemary, sage, avocados, and citrus trees—all without the use of pesticides. Anger explains that “our farm is centered on water management. We built dams and pools to maintain soil health, and prevent erosion.” I’m a new fan of the brThe following are some examples of how to get started:—and not just because I’ve been receiving compliments on my skin’s radiance since I’ve started using its conditioning chamomile toner and Skin Brilliance priming padsBut because of supporting the B-Corp and vegan-certified Brand feels just as good as buying fresh produce from a top-tier farmers’ market.
Luminance Skincare
The entire philosophy of Luminance Skincare is the antithesis of products made of synthetic chemicals—in fact, the CEO and owner started Luminance as a result of chemical-induced migraines. Luminance takes pride in being vegan and cruelty-free. sustainability statementIt does not test on animals nor do they use animal-derived products. Luminance Skincare’s vegan formulas have a lower risk of causing irritation or inflammation. They are therefore suitable for people with sensitive skin.
This brand is known for its innovative manufacturing methods. The brand formulates their products with ingredients at almost raw level, meaning that there’s no heat being used. The addition of too much heat in the manufacturing process can change an ingredient’s molecular structure, resulting in it losing vitamins and nutrients. Slow and controlled heating is used by the brand to maintain the original ingredients and their nutritional value. site’s reportsLuminance’s products will be more effective because of this.
Seaire
Seaire’s vegan and cruelty free products are also available. Sea Barrier Radiance mask The mask is free from parabens and sulphates. The mask uses bio-marine ingredients sourced from red alga off the coast. Madagascar To protect skin from UV radiation, use Swiss glacial waters (for long lasting hydration); Green microalgae in Pyrenees lakes and the sea. Mediterranean (to increase skin elasticity while reducing redness and inflammation); and PFE, which is a glycoprotein derived from Antarctica’s Deep-sea water (to reduce wrinkle depth and prevent dryness during cold conditions).
Seaire’s products are made with water-based ingredients that work in harmony with Earth’s waterways instead of working against them. The brand’s “less is more” approach is something we should all be following—especially travelers who don’t want to pack endless amounts of toiletries. This mask is great for moisturizing your skin, reducing the redness and protecting it. skin from harmful UVs rays.
Prose
Prose Is the only skincare product that has a commitment to offset Its carbon footprint is 100%. The brand invests in carbon offset projects to promote renewable energy and reforestation. Prose formulas are also cruelty-free, and free of sulfates parabens phthalates alcohol or GMOs. The brand’s transparency about ingredients is also a plus. EWG-approved Scores of each product, and a key informing customers about its safety measures. (Pro tip: This ingredient index It’s a great reference for cross-checking products from other brands. Customers can also opt not to receive the pumps they ordered after their initial order to reduce plastic waste.
Ursa Major
Ursa Major Takes a holistic approach to environmental awareness. In collaboration rePurpose GlobalThe brand is removing two plastic bottles per bottle sold. Ursa Major’s goal this year is to move all its products away from plastic bottles and into glass or aluminum ones. The VermontThe team is also dedicated to donating over 600 volunteer hours annually to local farms, communities and organizations that work to protect outdoor areas. Rokeby Farm, Zeno Farm, Outdoor Afro, Vermont Land Trust, One Tree Planted, The following are some examples of how to get started: Outward Bound for Veterans.
Ursa Major uses synthetic ingredients to make its wide range of products from hair and skin care to face and body care. All of its ingredients meet The Credo Clean StandardThe brand joined the Global Alliance for Safe Cosmetics in 2022. The brand will join the B Beauty Coalition B Corp-certified beauty and personal care brands have collaborated on innovative solutions that will improve the whole skincare industry.
True Botanicals
True Botanicals Hillary Peterson created the brand after she was diagnosed with cancer. She wanted to create products which prioritized health in all aspects. The brand donates one percent of its annual sales to non-profit organizations committed to regenerative agriculture, combating plastic pollution and championing women.
True Botanical’s glass packaging commitment reduces plastic waste by a significant amount each year. It is also working to make all its packaging 100% recyclable in the next five-years. In terms of biodegradability its chemists are constantly working on formulas and reusable items to eliminate waste. The Chebula Multi-Corrective eye patches They are biodegradable and soft on the skin; Condé Nast TravelerMadison Flager, the associate commerce director of, loves that the brand is EWG-verified Phyto-Retinol Sleep Serum.
True Botanicals is also cruelty-free. MadeSafe-approved (meaning that they are EWG certified and hypoallergenic).
Monastery
Traveler‘s global digital director Arati Menon is a recent convert to Monastery—a San Francisco–based small-batch organic skincare brand with a devoted following. Monastery grew out of Athena Hewett’s frustration when she saw that many skincare brands worsened or caused the skin conditions which her clients tried to heal. Menon was sold after meeting Hewett herself (who has more A-list clients than we can count)—the expert drew up a routine for Menon that has been “invaluable.”
All of Monastery’s products are sweetened with fresh ingredients like sage. Each and every formula avoids alcohols, parabens, petroleum-derivatives, chemical preservatives, salicylic acid, sulfates, tea tree oil, and other toxic ingredients. The brand does not mass-extract these ingredients, but instead researches climates and key ingredients in specific regions around the world. They look for ingredients that are produced in smaller quantities and work with small farms. Grasse, FranceFind floral repair products and concentrates.
Menon loves this product. rose cleansing oil She uses this just before bedtime and she allows it to soak into her skin as she sleeps. She also recommends the following gentle retinol creamShe uses this product two to three time a weeks. Menon says that the product helps brighten my skin, and boosts collagen. I find many retinol products to be too intense. With this one, there is no “break-in period.” “But my favorite product—that I carry everywhere I go—is the Aloe serum It also works as a skin moisturizer. It’s a cooling drink for your skin.”
