Beauty on a Mission
First they came for plastic water bottles; then it was the straws. And now, in this ever eco-conscious climate, much-warranted attention is being turned to the single-use plastic problem in the beauty business. The response has been swift: brands are turning to recyclable and biodegradable packaging or, taking it another commendable step further, fashioning a reusable and refillable product system which entirely closes the loop. Here, five personal care companies that are making moves and finding fascinating solutions to the packaging problem.
By Humankind
A new-to-the-scene personal care company, By Humankind is taking on the refillable trend with their guaranteed-for-life, plastic-neutral containers. A subscription-based service replenishes customers with their focused offering: completely natural, but effective deodorant, shampoo, and mouthwash. Plus, one dollar from each initial purchase supports the removal of plastic from our oceans. By Humankind deodorant, $20
Éminence Organic Skin Care
Start-to-finish sustainability is mandated for Éminence Organic Skin Care, a certified B Corporation. There’s their solar- and wind-powered farm and plant preservation techniques, but the brand’s commitment to fully recyclable product boxes and containers plus label-printing vegetable inks ultimately make the most impact. Even their packing peanuts—a notorious environmental hazard—are entirely biodegradable and dissolve in water. Éminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Serum, $65
Skin Regimen
If you’re a CO2 neutral company like Italian-based Skin Regimen, responsible packaging practices take precedence. Product materials like aluminum and sugarcane-derived plastic are fully recyclable, while their dark-stained glass bottles block the ruinous light spectrum, extending each product’s potency and shelf life. The brand even sponsors a reforestation program to atone for the emissions caused in the production process. Skin Regimen 1.85 HA Booster, $150
Pai Skin Care
The sensitive-skin saviours at Pai have long been considered industry leaders with a list of approvals from major certification bodies like the Soil Association and Cosmos Natural. The brand takes their environmental impact seriously, too: now, a broad selection of Pai’s best-selling formulas, like their eczema-soothing body cream, fill 100 percent biodegradable tubes made from sugarcane bioplastic. Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream, $40
Kjaer Weis
Until recently, the green movement has done little to shake its granola reputation; choosing luxury wasn’t even an option. Skincare and cosmetic company Kjaer Weis intends to change that. Besides offering organic, naturally sourced formulas, their metal cases—beautifully architectural and minimalist in design—are built to house refills, from concealer and mascara to almond oil-packed lipstick. Kjaer Weis lipstick, $75
