Did you know that our skin is our largest organ? Yup! In fact, we carry around 20 feet of it! And it’s not just a casing for aesthetic reasons… it protects us from all sorts of harmful elements, such as microbes. It also regulates our body temperature, which is essential for our sensory experiences and overall well being.

Therefore, loving our skin is deeply intertwined with our holistic approach to life and Self. The more thoughtful we are about our routine, our purchases and the products we bring into our cabinets, the brighter our glow will be – inside out.

Don’t know where to start? Well, luckily, we’ve done the work to make sustainable skincare easier for you. Here are some brands you must look into ASAP.

CÎME

Who would have thought that a trek in the Himalayas would become a natural, certified organic sustainable skincare range? Certainly not the co-founders Anke and Isabel, who merge their two passions – beauty and sustainability – seamlessly into CÎME, fast becoming a name to be reckoned with.

What I absolutely love about this brand is their philosophy of merging local Himalayan knowledge with modern science. The active ingredients in CÎME products come from high-altitude plants that grow in the Himalayas, making them more powerful and potent than their lower altitude counterparts.

Also, protecting the planet is a fundamental part of their business approach. They aim to ultimately evolve into a circular model that completely minimizes CO2 emissions and waste creation, but until that is achieved, they are taking as many steps as they can. All packaging is from recycled or recyclable material, emissions are carefully compensated for through the plantation of trees, local communities are supported, and transport decisions are made as sustainably as possible.

On the road, I’ve tried a bunch of CIME’s handy products and can vouch for their effectiveness. I’m especially in love with the beautifying dry oil which serves multiple functions. As an ocean lover, my hair gets super dry from time to time, and this is a godsend for those times. Oh, the day and night cream is pretty fantastic as well!

NUXE

Now this is a brand I’ve been using for years, so I’m thrilled to let you know that they finally have a great line of certified organic products now, known as NUXE Bio. This has totally strengthened my commitment to sustainable skincare!

The founder, Aliza Jabès, is a well-known figure in the skincare field and a pioneer in natural-origin cosmetology. Till today, their products rely on ingredients of natural origin that are extracted using environmentally friendly processes.

And, of course, a mention of NUXE is incomplete without highlighting their environmental and social commitments. They source all their ingredients in a super transparent manner, make sure their rinse-off formulas are 80% biodegradable, all products are vegan and cruelty free, and the packaging is all made from recycled material.

In terms of social commitments, Team NUXE is all about playing their part to create a more fair world. They actively protect bees, promote access to drinking water, and extensively support measures to reduce waste.

N.A.E

This brand, short for Naturale Antica Erboristeria, is a completely organic and vegan beauty line that is deeply rooted in Italian herbalism. These products go back to the basics and truly have the power to unlock the secrets of Italian beauty. Going organic may be a relatively new movement elsewhere, but for N.A.E, it’s tradition.

I’m super impressed by their transparency, as well as the extensive range (the entire family can easily be catered). All products boast 97% to 99% ingredients of natural origin and are COSMOS Organic certified by Ecocert Greenlife. And, of course, sustainability isn’t an afterthought: the plastic tubes are plant-based, the wood in products is FSC-certified, and the bottles are 100% renewable.

If all this sounds appealing, give their solid bars a try — it’s a good place to start. They’re not only plastic-free and biodegradable but also super travel friendly!

Neal’s Yard

There is so much to adore about this family-owned, UK-based company. Everything in their award-winning products is organic, ethically sourced, and cruelty free. Not only that, they’re actually ethical pioneers: in 2014, they became the first health and beauty brand to receive 100/100 for ethics by the the Ethical Company Organisation!

Oh and did I mention they’re active campaigners as well? Yup. Some of the causes they strongly support are bee friendly initiatives, saving threatened habitats, and pushing for a ban on microbeads.

And the best part is that their products are truly top-notch. In fact, they’re so reliable that the range for babies has been preferred by mothers for decades.

If you don’t know where to begin, the wild rose collection is a good starting point… it smells divine! A great sustainable skincare brand to explore, indeed.

Weleda

Now this is a brand I’m sure we’ve all used at one point or another. And for good reason, too — the products are fantastic and easily available! But here’s something you probably don’t know: Weleda is an almost 100-year-old stalwart in natural skincare. The ingredients are organic, biodynamic, and even wild-crafted whenever possible. Additionally, they’re also free of parabens, preservatives, GMO, and all other gunk that shouldn’t be on our skin.

And what I really appreciate is their holistic vision: Since the beginning, their business has been shaped by responsible dealings with both nature and people in a bid to craft a company that is completely at the service of human beings and the world. In every way, including cultivation, employee empowerment and fair trade, sustainability is truly a part of their roots.

So don’t dismiss this brand just because you see it on the shelves so much. Start with the Skin Food cream, which has been a cult favorite for over half a century. Trust me, dry and rough skin will be a thing of the past!

Face Halo

Did you know that over 700 wipes are used by the average makeup user each year? And that it takes over 100 years for each wipe to break down in a landfill? That’s precisely the problem that Face Halo wants to tackle, while also revolutionizing the messy makeup removing process! These reusable makeup removers, made of special fibers, get everything off without even the need to scrub (and with just water, no harsh chemicals needed!). A single Face Halo replaces 500 wipes! Good for our skin and the planet… what a win-win!

Each remover can be used up to 200 wash cycles, can be easily recycled, and is completely non-toxic. I honestly feel makeup removal is a crucial part of bringing sustainability into our skincare routines, and this is a fabulous tool to get behind.

Think before you buy

 As a society, we are thankfully becoming more environmentally conscious and moving towards a plant-based, eco-friendly lifestyle. We are finally understanding the impacts of our consumer choices. Sustainable skincare is better for us and for the planet… there’s no doubt about that.

So, whenever you buy products (even if they’re from brands other than the ones I’ve listed) consider the ingredients, sourcing, packaging, and certifications carefully. Do the research. Make the changes. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: it all adds up!

Chances are, if you conscience is clear, your skin might get there too!