Top 5 Plastic Free & Zero Waste Beauty Brands in the UK

The global beauty industry produces 120 billion units of packaging each year, most of which is not recycled or even recyclable. Also, around 75% of post-consumer plastic waste is sent to landfill. We're all on board for Plastic Free July but have you looked in your bathroom, gym or make up bag recently? 

Happily, the beauty industry is realising the devastating effects of single-use plastic – and there are more and more brands available to us offering plastic free beauty options. This is no surprise keeping in mind the growing awareness around the impact plastic has on our health, environment and the need for plastic free beauty alternatives. Scroll down to see the plastic free make-up and beauty brands that are getting a big green thumbs-up from us!

 

 Zao

Inspired by a natural gift received from a Taiwanese friend (a pen and pencil made in bamboo material), Zao founder David was inspired to use Bamboo for organic plastic free make-up. They offer a range of plastic free products such as refillable bronzer and concealer. Products like their mascara, although not 100% plastic free offer a 90% reduction in plastic free and a refill option. Zao Makeup offers 100% natural and certified organic makeup.

This plastic free beauty brand has developed 100% natural formulas enriched with active organic ingredients to enhance your skin's natural beauty. The powders, leaves and oils extracted from the bamboo plant, are used in all of their plastic free products for beauty and health qualities. Certified organic by Ecocert, Zao is free from petrochemical derivatives or synthetic preservatives including parabens, instead using micronised silver as a preservative. 

Looking beautiful should not compromise your health, the health of animals, or the health of the planet. Since your skin absorbs up to 60% of what you put on it, make sure you treat it right!

Shop Zao products here.

 

Angel Face Mineral Cosmetics

Founded in Cornwall by professional make-up artist Julie Wieczorek and natural skincare creator Guy Hanson, Angel Face is a unique and durable pure mineral range of plastic free products. It’s also cruelty free, vegan friendly and is suitable for the most sensitive of skin. Fear no more - they use only high grade, non carcinogenic, pure minerals so your problematic skin won’t have to suffer anymore!

With six shades of foundation to choose from in the mineral range, it’s a clean, pared down look at plastic free makeup. Angel Face’s products and brushes are cruelty free, palm oil free and vegan so you can not only feel pretty but also guilt free. Oh, and they also offer 100% biodegradable, sustainable and recyclable refills for their beautiful bamboo pots.

We feel this plastic free beauty brand is ideal for those of you who are overwhelmed in the beauty market and want something quick, easy (and eco!) to use. 

Shop Angel Face Cosmetics here. 

 

Love the Planet 

Finalists of the British Female Inventor of the Year Awards in London in 2002 with their Washable Cleansing Pads idea, this mineral plastic free makeup collection includes a range of beautiful plastic free products. It’s also parabens and palm oil free and has never been tested on animals. Love the Planet are proud that their products are all vegan and completely cruelty free.

More good news? Their orders are sent out to you in compostable paper envelopes with products ready to be decanted into your existing containers. Their minimal packaging is a wonderful solution for anyone looking to create a zero waste beauty routine.

Shop Love the Planet here.

 

 

Buff Natural Bodycare

Founded by an aromatherapist Jo Woolvett, Buff is a plastic free beauty brand based in Devon. The company creates contemporary plastic free beauty products using non-toxic and cruelty-free ingredients.

Created in the Southwest coastline, close to the sea means Buff has a deep love and respect for the oceans and our natural habitat. In fact, this plastic free beauty brand began life as a pledge to find a solution to the overuse of plastic in our oceans.

The best part? Buff also gives back with every sale, supporting The Marine Conservation Society & Surfers Against Sewage to help save our oceans from plastic waste.

Shop Buff Natural Bodycare here.

 

 

URB APOTHECARY

This plastic free beauty brand started out of a passion project and has blossomed into founder Leyna's vision to bring the healing power of plants into daily beauty and grooming rituals. Urb apothecary wants to reconnect individuals to their own natural beauty while being mindful of their environmental impact. Every product is intentionally made and only materials from the purest quality fair-trade, organic, and local suppliers are used. This way you can be sure that each of these plastic free products is not only making your life easier and healthier but also the one of our Mama Nature.

Products from hair mask, face polish to lips and cheeks blush all come in recyclable and/or compostable packaging.

Shop Urbapothecary products here.