In almost every conversation I have nowadays, especially ones in new groups of people I meet, one of the most popular ice-breaking topics is sustainability and responsibility. The world is finally wide- awake and talking about the environmental crisis—count us in.
In the fast-transitioning industry of beauty, every small choice of purchase counts for a slightly greener planet. And these choices are based on a few very simple questions like. Is this product ethically sourced? Is it cruelty-free and PETA approved? Does it include any animal products? Is the packaging recyclable?
Brands have taken up this cause and with every step of progress, they’re making it easier for consumers to opt for more sustainable options. We’ve made it even simpler for you with this list of brands that will help you reduce your carbon footprint for a happier planet. Oh, and you’ll find recommendations in every category. You’re welcome.
In Skincare
Earth Rhythm
A homegrown Indian brand, Earth Rhythm creates technology-driven skincare products that are designed with ingredients that work miracles on the skin. With their tagline ‘Efficacy. Inclusivity. Sustainability’ this brand delivers what it promises. We’re truly in love with their sunscreens, moisturisers and hydration serums like the Earth Rhythm 10% Niacinamide Revitalising Serum, Earth Rhythm Ultra Defence Mineral Sun Fluid - SPF 50, and Earth Rhythm Phyto-Ceramide Deep Moisturiser.
Plum
With their mantra of keeping their products ‘clean, real and good’, Plum is one of the first Indian brands to be certified as toxin-free, 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It uses research-backed plant-based active ingredients, supports inclusivity, is PETA approved and uses recyclable packaging as well. The best part? Their products are truly skin and body-loving like the Plum 15% Mandarin & Vitamin C Serum Glow Boost, Plum Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel, and Plum Grape Seed & Sea Buckthorn Glow-Restore Face Oils Blend.
Juicy Chemistry
This organic brand was founded by two curious co-founders who asked all the right questions to create skin-friendly, environment-friendly and highly efficient products. The brand digs deep (literally, with organic manure and productive soil) to maintain all their ingredients’ true goodness intact, their manufacturing processes and packaging are earth-loving and use very less water. And their products are dermatologically tested and certified for Indian skin types. We love their Juicy Chemistry Kakadu Plum, Matcha & Blood Orange - Organic Face Mask, Juicy Chemistry Damask Rose & Coffee Organic Eye Cream, Juicy Chemistry 100 % Organic Hemp Seed Cold Pressed Carrier Oil.
In Personal Care
The Body Shop
A brand that pioneered sustainability in many ways, The Body Shop is a lot more than an environment-friendly beauty label. Spearheading causes across over 20 countries, the brand works to empower workers, fights against animal testing (it won the battle in the UK and Europe), and they continue to lead a community of plastic recyclers and environmentalists—all the while making it their foremost priority to provide nourishing, PETA approved and body-loving products like The Body Shop Shea Body Butter, The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Shower Gel.
MCaffeine
Caffeine, skincare and sustainability—Mcaffeine has mastered the perfect concoction. With products derived from coffee and green tea, this PETA approved brand is not only 100% vegan and cruelty-free but also runs a drive to recycle more plastic than they use. They’ve achieved a Zero Plastic Footprint which is a first of its kind in the Indian beauty space. Their bath and body products are delectable, aromatic and incredibly effective. Our favourites include MCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Scalp Scrub, MCaffeine Cellulite & Stretch Mark Reduction Duo, and MCaffeine Mocha De-stress Coffee Body Wash with Cocoa Butter & Hazelnut.
Sirona
Committed to creating products and driving conversations around menstrual hygiene, Sirona is an empowering plan of action, rather than just a personal care brand. With their milestones and achievements like awareness campaigns across rural India, 10,000 and more menstrual cups donated to women in need, and an estimated 3 crore sanitary napkins saved from going into our landfills, Sirona is a hero label.. We recommend their Sirona Reusable Menstrual Cup with FDA Compliant Medical Grade Silicone, Sirona Apple Cider Vinegar Intimate Wash, and SIRONA - Feminine Pain Relief Patches - 5 Patches.
In Haircare
Aveda
Ingredients plucked from nature and put in bottles of goodness, Aveda products are high-performance and 100% vegan. They use naturally sourced ingredients, are cruelty-free and use wind-powered manufacturers to create their formulas. Even the fragrances used in these products are Pure-Fume aromas that are toxin-free. Aveda cares for your hair as much as they care for the planet with products like Aveda Nutriplenish Deep Moisture Shampoo, Aveda Thickening Tonic, Aveda Botanical Repair Intensive Strengthening Masque: Rich.
Love, Beauty & Planet
Love, Beauty & Planet feature caring ingredients packaged in 100% recycled bottles. They use fast-rinse technology in these formulations that allow you to use very little water to rinse off the product. Even their fragrance partners Givaudan support ethical and empowering sustainability. Our favourites from the brand include Love Beauty & Planet Anti Frizz Combo, Love Beauty & Planet Natural Murumuru Butter & Rose Shine Shampoo, and Love Beauty & Planet Onion, Blackseed & Patchouli Hairfall Control Shampoo.
WishCare
Wishcare is a brand committed to producing pure, healthy and organically sourced products. They believe that organic self-care is the kindest form of care for yourself (and for the planet). Handmade and organic, the products are fresh, nature-inspired and cruelty-free. They are a responsible and green label brand, striving towards recycled packaging that encourages empty bottles to be sent back to them for re-use. Their hair-loving products include Wishcare Coconut Shampoo For Dry & Frizzy Hair, Wishcare 100% Pure Cold Pressed & Natural Moroccan Argan Oil, and Wishcare Fermented Rice Water Hair Mask - Strength & Growth.
In Makeup
Ilana
Another Indian gem, Ilana is committed to guilt-free, ethically sourced, and innovative beauty formulas. Their production processes are truly transparent and they strive to practise kindness in all steps of their manufacturing processes. Their products include a wide range of clean and innovative makeup products that include llana Beet Tint - Beetroot Pigmented Lip And Cheek Tint, Ilana Organics Celestial Pop - Cream Highlighter + Luminizer, and llana Soft Blur Cream Concealer & Foundation - Fair.
Disguise Cosmetics
An indie makeup brand that is defined by and designed for real women who love to experiment, Disguise is also a 100% vegan label. Redefining beauty experiences, they believe in raw, imperfect and fun forms of makeup that are truly relatable. They are a cruelty-free, toxin-free, scientifically innovative brand, and they recycle their empty boxes and bottles too. We are in love with the Disguise Cosmetics Ultra-Comfortable Satin Matte Lipstick, Disguise Cosmetics All Day Gel Kajal - Black Onyx, and the Disguise Cosmetics Happy Healthy Nail Polish.
Daughter Earth
This is where science meets sustainability. This brand merges advanced science with ancient Ayurveda to curate formulas that are conscious, ethical, and create an impact at the grassroots. Their bio-green formulas are PETA approved as cruelty-free and vegan. Some of their bestsellers include Daughter Earth 100% Vegan Super Antioxidant Lip & Cheek Tint, Daughter Earth The Concealer and Daughter Earth Antioxidant Lip Balm.
