Throughout my years as a beauty industry insider, I’ve seen firsthand the amount of waste, plastic accumulation, and toxic side effects a business (ironically) promoting well-being can create. That being said, I’m always on the lookout for brands with a sustainable mindset and a proactive solution to solve some of these looming issues haunting us.

Earth-Friendly Beauty: Eco-Conscious and Sustainable Brands

In honor of Earth Day this past week, I’ve been shining extra light on a few green-minded favorites this week for my #WeeklyWellness2021 Challenge. Here’s what I’m loving:

Plaine Products Zero Waste Starter Kit

Giving new meaning to the saying "Lather, rinse, repeat," Plaine Products is a line of personal care products in refillable, reusable aluminum containers. I’ve been lucky to have the hand soap and body lotion grace my counter tops, and travel shampoo and conditioner in my shower as part of the Zero Waste Starter Kit (pump included).  

Along with body care, Plaine has a line of face care and travel goodies available, too. Formulated with elevated essential oil blends like Rosemary Mint Vanilla, the products work well and efficiently. You can order as needed or subscribe to make single-use plastic in your bathroom a thing of the past!

Cost: $50

Available: plaineproducts.com

Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick - Red 0

I love me a red lip, but have been always been weary of the manufacturing required for such a vibrant hue. Did you know that most color cosmetics use carmine for red pigment, created by crushing up female insects? In fact, there can be as many as 1,000 insects in a single tube of red lipstick!

Luckily, Hourglass Cosmetics and the scientists at Unilever have developed a vegan alternative for carmine and spent three years developing the perfect shade of red—sans the bugs. A total commitment to animal welfare, the creamy long-lasting formula uses zero animal byproducts. It comes in a stunningly beautiful beetle-embellished refillable tube for extra earth love!

Cost: $40

Available: sephora.com

Graydon Skincare Feel Good Collection

Recently, Graydon Skincare offered a Feel Good Collection including its best-selling products Fullmoon Serum, Superfood Serum, Face Food Mineral Mist, Intimacy Oil, and the Bamboo Charcoal Sponge—plus a commitment to Mother Nature. For every kit sold, a portion of proceeds went to clean up plastic-riddled shorelines.

The Feel Good Collection is no longer available but be sure to check out their Instagram for updated deals that give back to the planet. Just last week they partnered with Ocean Legacy on Earth Day to divert plastic waste with the purchase of a top-selling serum.

Week 15 of Weekly Wellness: A Spa Treatment With My Favorite Add-On

A minimalist high-end brand, Graydon’s products are designed and created with superfoods and plant extracts to nourish and treat the skin. The fully biodegradable Bamboo Charcoal Sponge was a dream to use on my skin and offers multiple functions from a skin cleanser/exfoliator to makeup applicator.

The other standout products for me were the Fullmoon Serum, a plumping and nourishing retinol alternative facial serum; and the Intimacy Oil, an all-over dry oil to soften and smooth the body. Intimacy Oil can be used on wet or dry skin as a body oil,  massage oil, hair oil, cuticle oil or shaving oil. Both products utilize calming blue tansy and offer a light fruity, herbal aroma that you have to experience to fully appreciate.

Cost: $16-$87

Available: graydon.com

I’d love to hear how you practiced self-care this week! What green brands should I try out next? Tag me on instagram @SLCBeautyBabe or @SpaandBeautyToday with tips and suggestions for next week.

Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro and freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and daughter. Follow her on Instagram: @alisharacker