One beauty buzzword that goes beyond fads is conscious beauty. There’s been a major shift in buying patterns and consumerism in the beauty industry and this change is here to stay. Honestly, my shelf has transformed, and my products have been replaced by labels that have convinced me of their sustainable visions. Conscious, responsible and sustainable practices begin by being aware and mindful about what we use, where the ingredients come from, and how (and if) they harm us, and the planet. It’s safe to say that we have finally reached a stage where we really started paying attention to reading labels behind bottles and tubes before actually buying a product, and understanding the impact that every purchase can have—something that was purely neglected a few years ago.
From vegan, clean, and organic ingredients in products to sustainable business practices that include cruelty-free procedures, responsible packaging, and ethical work culture, brands have adopted values that are in line with our planet’s well-being. Over the years, a number of labels have jumped onto the conscious beauty wagon, and we finally have various options to choose from; products from across the globe, ranging over various price points.
In this assortment of conscious, cruelty-free brands, we’ve picked a few of our favourites from our Cross-Border Store. These products are high-performing formulations that have won us over with their ethical practices.
1. Rahua Classic Shampoo
From the depths of the Amazon rainforests, indigenous natives shared their secret to long, lustrous, cascading hair, the ‘rahua oil’. The founders of Rahua, the label, are environmentalists who not only preserve the sustainable process of extracting rahua oil for their products but also empower the indigenous community and conserve the rainforests. The shampoo is created with rare ingredients like rahua oil sourced responsibly from the Amazon that leaves hair soft, smooth, and healthy with the sweet, woody aroma of Paolo Santo oil. This cult classic is well-suited for all hair types.
2. Faace - Dull Cleanser
I love multi-tasking products, especially those that are formulated to fit my busy schedule. The Faace - Dull Cleanser can be used as a quick-wash cleanser, or alternatively can be left on for 10 minutes as a pore-cleansing mask. This double-duty cleanser is powered with kaolin clay, green tea, turmeric, vitamin E and C, kojic acid, hyaluronic acid, vegetable glycerine, and liquorice—a melting pot of skin goodness. Faace as a label ensures organic and naturally derived ingredients, is completely vegan and cruelty-free.
3. Cosmedix Serum 16 - Rapid Renewal Serum
‘We were clean before it was cool.’ Cosmedix, pioneers of clean and cruelty-free beauty is all about skincare that is scientifically backed and delivers the most luxurious experience. With a rich, beautiful texture that offers a sensory experience, the rapid renewal serum features a mix of hydrators and retinol, all naturally derived, that protect the skin’s barrier and makes the skin even-toned, smooth and nourished. Enriched with witch hazel water, safflower seed oil, honeysuckle flower extract, and sandalwood, this is a skincare enthusiast’s dream come true.
4. True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster
Who wouldn’t want a boost of instant glow? This magic in a bottle confirms the power of vitamin C as a spot-diminishing, skin clearing, brightening ingredient that we all need to add to our routines. This booster combines vitamin C and ferulic acid to increase the rate of skin cell turnover and combat dullness, dark spots and signs of ageing. I like to supercharge my evening mist and my morning moisturiser with one pump of this wonder formulation. The best part—all the ingredients are certified organic and wild-harvested.
5. Dr. Barbara Sturm - Mini Sun Drops
A label known for the most skin-loving products, Dr Barbara Sturm’s sustainability ethos demonstrates their true love for the planet too. Being rigidly cruelty-free, the label is contributing to eco-friendly means of production and reduced packaging. Among the many Barbara Sturm favourites, Sun Drops, the SPF 50 sun serum doubles as skincare, with cassia extract, vitamin E and beta-glucan that provides protection from both UVA and UVB.
