Best Zero Waste Makeup Brands in the UK for Sustainable Beauty
Our mission at Zero Wasted is to help you make more informed decisions when trying to buy more consciously - we do all the research so you don't have to.
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For more sustainable and eco-friendly cosmetics we need less waste and more ethics. Here's what we went looking out for in our list:
Refillable Makeup
We're looking for zero waste (or lot less waste) in makeup, so we like brands that have given thought to making their products refillable or opting for fully recyclable or compostable packaging. The extra bonus here is you're also not paying over and over again for expensive packaging.
Vegan & Cruelty Free Makeup
We only rate makeup brands that are certified cruelty free, meaning their products aren't tested on animals. and they have a clear cruelty free policy. A couple of brands aren't certified vegan as they use beeswax.
Clean Makeup Ingredients
We have only chosen brands that use clean, natural or organic ingredients that are ethically sourced. Absolutely zero parabens, formaldehyde (or releasers) or nanoparticles are in any of the products listed
Quick note about minerals and organic ingredients
When it comes to mineral makeup, you'll often find they aren't organic, but thats a good sign. Quality pure minerals are essentially ground up rocks and because they are not grown, like fruit and vegetables, they can not be certified organic. For a product to be certified as organic, they need to contain 70% of an ingredient like rice powder or corn-starch. This would diminish the value of the minerals and the make-up would not feel light, give great coverage and would be irritating to the skin. When it comes to mineral powders in particular – certified organic is not best.
Mica is also a common mineral ingredient in cosmetics as it offers beautiful luminous qualities, but there are some well known ethical issues surrounding the sourcing of this material as around 25% of the mica mining industry comes from illegal unethical mining operations in India. We've made sure to pay attention to brands that use mica and have only listed companies that use ethically sourced mica that is of the purest cosmetic grade.
Titanium Dioxide is also another naturally occurring mineral that has been used in cosmetics for decades (from toothpaste to face creams). There is controversy surrounding titanium dioxide in the form of nanoparticles because it can be considered an endocrine disruptor and potential carcinogen. Nanoparticles can be absorbed through human cells, however, if titanium dioxide is in the form of microparticles it is then 1000 times larger and so unable to pass through the skin barrier and cells as they are too large. We've checked in with all our featured makeup brands to ensure they only use titanium dioxide in the form of microparticles so they do not present any health risk.
The Best Zero Waste Makeup Brands in the UK
We've ranked the top eco-friendly cosmetics brands based on packaging, environmental impact, ingredients and price point.
The Ultimate Makeup Bag
The best eco makeup that is budget friendly with amazing reviews
List of Services
- Loose Foundation
LOVE THE PLANET
Loose Mineral Foundation
This high-pigmented mineral foundation is a zero waste gem as it comes in a plastic free refillable aluminium tin or you can just use your own pot and just opt for a refill. They also offer samples so you can get the shade just right.
£12.00
10g refill (£1.20 per g)
- Concealer
LOVE THE PLANET
Mineral Concealer
Help redness, dark circles and blemishes to disappear with our popular mineral concealers! Use a concealer brush to build until you reach your desired coverage. Available in 2 shades and suitable for sensitive skin.
£9.00
6g refill (£1.50 per g)
- Bronzer
PHB ETHICAL BEAUTY
Mineral Bronzer+SPF15
Semi-translucent for a natural look and light and silky on the skin with organic jojoba to hydrate skin and prevent dryness. This bronzer can also be used to contour the face or used as an eyeshadow. In 3 flattering shades that work on all skin tones.
£14.95
9g (£1.66 per g)
- Blush & Highlight
KJAER WEIS
Flush & Glow Duo
A creamy duo of their best selling cream blush and highlighter or bronzer for adding a warm dewy radiance to cheeks. With rosehip and sweet almond oil this award-winning brand is the best for luxury organic cosmetics. Available in 4 different colours.
£28.00 - £45.00
3.5g (£8 per g)
- Lip, Cheek & Eye
AXIOLOGY
The Balmies Trio - Cotton Candy Skies
These zero waste beauties do it all - eyes, lips, cheeks and even highlighter. A hydrating balm-like formula, they give an instant dewy glow. Contains 3 shades: Champagne (shimmer), Sorbet and Rosé (semi-matte).
£29.00
10.2g (£2.84 per g)
- Mascara
PHB ETHICAL BEAUTY
All in One Natural Mascara
Multi award-winning mascara with 5 star reviews, this all natural and water-resistant formula lengthens, thickens and volumises and is adored by beauty experts. Great for eyes that water easily.
£15.95
9g (£1.77 per g)
- Pencil Eyeliner
BENECOS
Natural Kajal Eyeliner Pencil
This pencil is made from natural and organic ingredients and contains no silicones, artificial colours or fragrances. Super affordable and great for sensitive eyes and available in a range of colours.
£3.95
1.13g (£3.49 per g)
- Liquid Eyeliner
ZAO
Refillable Liquid Eyeliner
Designed to suit even the most sesnsitive of eyes, it has key ingredients of aloe vera and bamboo water. Housed in refillable bamboo packaging and available in black, brown, emerald green, plum or electric blue.
£11.75 - 18.95
4.5g refill (£2.60 per g)
- Eyeshadow Palette
BENECOS
Natural Refill Eyeshadow
These refills are plastic free and packaged in recycled paper. They combine with the Benecos It-Pieces makeup palette, or you could even use the Zao Bamboo palette. Available in 12 shades.
£3.50
1.5g (£2.33 per g)
- Eyeshadow Single
KJAER WEIS
All of the colour, none of the synthetic ingredients. Bamboo replaces synthetic silicones for a silky, blendable texture, while Honeysuckle Extract naturally stabilizes and preserves. Available in a spectrum of nuanced neutrals and statement-making hues.
£18.00
5g (£3.60 per g)
Zero Waste Cleansing & Makeup Removal
Remove your makeup with a 100% plastic free skincare routine:
So that's our ultimate list of the best zero waste makeup brands and best buys. If there's a great brand or product we haven't featured please let us know by dropping us a message.
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