Let’s make one thing clear – natural beauty isn’t always sustainable. There is a huge difference, and it has a lot to do with the usage of plastic (and not only the ingredients). Plastic is the paraben of the earth; we know that, but it’s high time to get rid of it from your shelfie. Enter sustainable beauty brands. If amalgamating luxury with clean alternatives in your vanity isn’t godsend then I don’t know what is. If you want to be spoilt for mindful beauty choices, keep reading.
1. Kiro
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Everything natural isn’t good for the skin, and all synthetics shouldn’t be shunned. Kiro understands the balance between mindful, effective and indulgent choices. A homegrown colour cosmetics debutant, it has fused makeup with skincare to eliminate harsh reactions on prolonged wear – so essentially, it’s a win-win for your skin and the planet. Yes, there’s no catch. Really. If you’re set to buy your first product, we recommend a hue (and there’s plenty to choose from) of the Non-stop Airy Matte Liquid Lipstick sans any transfer.
2. Asa
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Finally, a brand that puts greener, less waste and less plastic consumption ideologies in action. Asa’s USP lies in breaking the glorified overindulgence cycle enabled by quick and cheap beauty choices. With an entire reusable and refillable makeup range of concealers, mascaras, lipsticks, powder foundation and more – its everything you need in a brand amidst the beauty pollution crisis. As they say, sustainability makes the world go round.
3. SoulTree
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A holy trinity of Ayurvedic, organic and ethical range in hair, skin, makeup and bath products? Yes, please! In a world full of toxicity, SoulTree’s organic products rooted in ethical creation uplift small-scale farmers. Taking the Indian beauty secrets with the “do no harm, only good” conception forward the brand is available internationally as well. Try their Kajal made with organic ghee, almond oil and camphor and thank me later.
4. Neemli Naturals
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Sad news for Instagram filters – after using Neemli’s handmade, cruelty-free and vegan products I don’t think anyone will want to use them. That’s right your skin will G L O W. Artisanal plant-based skincare made in small batches isn’t just about freshness – it’s also a no-excess, no-waste sustainable choice. Marrying instant gratification with long term benefits the range includes bath, hair and face concoctions. If you love your hair, you’ll need the Rosemary and Jojoba Hair oil.
5. Nuskay Skincare
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“Our rituals define us” – hallelujah! Someone gets it. Nuskay derived from the Urdu word “Nuskha” stands for prescription, which is apt since two Indian doctors create the brand. Antioxidant, botanical and hydrating ingredients inspired from local stories that passed the test of time, the brand is renowned for their anti-ageing and anti-pollution range, I’m adding the latter to cart RN.
6. Ruby’s Organics
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Another combination of beauty and skincare made with bioactive ingredients has resulted in an array of foundations, concealers, and lip gloss – basically the whole vegan beauty parade. Viewing artisanal makeup as a tool instead of a necessity to enhance inner beauty, Ruby’s Organics is another alternative to toxicity. Smudge-proof, easy to use, crease-resistant, fast drying and high-impact colours. Need I say more?
7. Bare Necessities
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BN’s earth-centred and sustainable hair, face, and body range is their solution to India’s garbage crisis. Ethically sourced from local farmers and vendors, India’s rich culture is expressed in the indigenous ancient ingredients (like turmeric and organic coconut oil) of the brand’s concoctions. Campaigning for zero-waste normativity while delivering authentic products like Multani Mitti Face Pack – BN is at the top of my list.
8. Ilana Organics
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For the urban individualistic women – an ethical, organic-rich and wholesome collection is no longer a far-fetched fantasy. Ditching the ancient concepts of can’t have it all in beauty, Ilana’s conscious clean range offers skin and hair bottles to lust for. The Beet Tint, aka beetroot pigmented lip and cheek tint, is my go-to. While you pick yours, join their recycling campaign #EmptiesToEarth kickstarting your eco-friendly habits right away.
9. TreeWear
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Buy an ethically sourced, environmentally friendly skincare product set and have a tree planted in return? Now that’s called taking sustainability up a notch. Be it a natural deodorant, beeswax lip balm or our new staple (thanks to Covid-19), the hand sanitiser, TreeWear’s options are zero waste. What are you waiting for? Please love your skin while you love the planet and don’t forget to Track your Tree!
10. Earth Rhythm
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What lies in a name? The ideology of the brand for starters. A carbon-neutral, sustainably-packed, cruelty-free and clinically tested label brings you concoctions for your face, hair and body. Try their Hibiscus and Rose Glow Mask or the shampoo and conditioner bars to step into non-guilty beauty. Being a part of the global awakening movement, the brand isn’t just about using organics but also giving back to the earth with biodegradability. Reduce, reuse, recycle is one cliché no one should shy away from.
11. Juicy Chemistry
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A holistic approach to skincare and beauty with ticks in all the right boxes. Vegan and cruelty-free, sans fragrance oils, petrochemicals, sulphates and I’m not finished – certified by ECOCERT France. Recyclable packaging and organic materials stand at the core of JC’s mission. Made specifically for Indian skin types, pick a product from JC’s facial care range that customises your needs and does their bit towards the environment.
12. Vilvah Store
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All things hair and skincare exquisitely crafted for Indian skin types, Vilvah is safe, ethical and sustainable, of course. Their infamous goat milk rose, and geranium bathing soap is a creamy textured bar to try asap. Applying quality over quantity mantra the brand doesn’t mass produce face, hair and body formulas.
