It’s not always easy to find skincare that checks all the boxes:
✅ Good for your skin
✅ Ethically made
✅ And kind to the Earth
But there are some fantastic brands out there doing things a bit differently, by using plant-based ingredients, avoiding animal testing, and keeping packaging low-waste.
These are a few of my favorite finds (plus a few I’m dying to try) that offer facial care products you can actually feel good about putting on your skin.
1. BYBI
Prices range: £12–£30
BYBI is one of the most genuinely sustainable skincare brands I’ve come across. They’re carbon-neutral, vegan, and cruelty-free, and they use upcycled and sustainably sourced ingredients like strawberry seed oil and bakuchiol (a natural alternative to retinol). Their Day Glow Brightening AHA Tonic is a great example of how they balance gentle formulas with effective results. The packaging is mostly recyclable sugarcane bioplastic or glass, and they’re super transparent about their supply chain.
Prices range: £12–£30
🌍 Available in the UK and Europe; ships internationally via Cult Beauty and other retailers.
2. Earth Harbor
Earth Harbor products are like little apothecary bottles of magic. Their minimalist, ocean-inspired formulas are 100% plant-based, cruelty-free, and made in small batches with sustainable sourcing in mind. The Helios Anti-Pollution Youth Ampoule is a fan favorite, packed with antioxidants and red algae. Bonus: their packaging is plastic-free and absolutely beautiful.
Price range: $25–$50.
🌍 Ships within the US and to Canada; also stocked by several international eco-beauty retailers.
3. Pai Skincare
Pai is perfect for sensitive skin and anyone who’s ingredient-conscious. Their products are certified organic by COSMOS, vegan, and made in their own London lab, which means they have full control over sourcing and formulation. I like how straightforward their lineup is, with calming rosehip oils, lightweight moisturizers, and gentle gel cleansers.
Price range: £20–£45.
🌍 Available across the UK, EU, US, and Australia. Global shipping from their website.
4. Ethique
Ethique is best known for their solid beauty bars, including facial cleansers and moisturizers. Everything they make is vegan, cruelty-free, and plastic-free – even the shipping materials. I really appreciate their no-nonsense approach to sustainability: zero water waste, compostable packaging, and direct carbon offsetting. Their Bliss Bar facial cleanser is one of their bestsellers.
Price range: NZD $12–$30.
🌍 Available in New Zealand, Australia, UK, US, and beyond. Ships globally.
UpCircle is all about circular beauty, using upcycled ingredients like coffee grounds, chai spices, and fruit stones. Their Face Serum with Coffee Oil is a standout, showcasing how effective upcycled ingredients can be. All of their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the UK in low-waste packaging.
Price range: £15-£25.
🌍 Ships across the UK and internationally; stocked by several eco-retailers.
This California-based brand keeps things small-batch and transparent, and every product is made with ethically sourced botanicals. All of their facial care is vegan, cruelty-free, and refillable – yep, that means they’ll send you glass refills for your serums, cleansers, and toners. Their Active Hydration Serum is great if you need a hydration boost without heaviness.
Price range: $32–$68
🌍 Available in the US and Canada; ships internationally with some limitations.
7. Wildcraft
Wildcraft is a Toronto-based skincare brand that makes beautiful, affordable, and entirely natural products. Everything is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with organic or wildcrafted ingredients – meaning that they’re gathered from their natural habitats without any human cultivation, fertilization, or pesticide use. Their Restore Face Cream and Clarify Toner are especially popular, and the minimalist glass packaging feels super luxe for the price.
Price range: $20–$40 CAD
🌍 Ships across Canada and the US; select stockists in Europe.
NEEK’s facial products are gentle, plant-based, and ideal for dry or sensitive skin. The Vegan Face Moisturizer is rich in antioxidants and natural oils without any synthetics. They’re cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated with a focus on ethical sourcing. I also love that they’ve switched to biodegradable and recyclable packaging for most products.
Price range: AUD $30–$60
🌍 Ships throughout Australia and New Zealand; limited availability internationally.
9. Iunik
If you’re into K-beauty but want something more ethical and low-impact, Iunik is a solid option. While not everything they offer is plastic-free, their formulations are all vegan and cruelty-free, and the ingredients list is refreshingly short and clean. Their Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum is super hydrating and soothing.
Price range: $10–$25
🌍 Available globally via online K-beauty shops
Handmade in small batches in the UK, Evolve is an eco-conscious, certified vegan skincare brand using organic ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin C. Their Daily Renew Facial Cream is extremely hydrating and perfect for dry climates. Most products are packaged in glass with recycled labels.
Price range: £18–£40
🌍 Ships across the UK, Europe, and US; stocked by many ethical beauty retailers.
Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. With so many thoughtful brands out there using natural ingredients, refillable packaging, and cruelty-free practices, it’s easier than ever to build a routine that feels good on your skin and doesn’t cause further harm to the Earth.
Whether you start small with a new cleanser or switch out your entire bathroom shelf, every choice adds up. And if you’re ever unsure about a product, remember that keeping things simple, gentle, and mindful is usually the most sustainable path.