As Earth Day approaches, we were excited to explore six exceptional beauty brands renowned for their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. From innovative recycling initiatives to biodegradable packaging materials, find out which brands we are loving that demonstrate their long-standing commitment to sustainability and how their clean skincare practices are solidifying their place as trailblazers in the industry.

1. Sahajan

Sahajan’s debut at Sephora recently caused a whirlwind with the public, selling out rapidly – and we completely get it. Their ethos goes beyond beauty, advocating for sustainability. They’ve partnered with Pact Collective to recycle beauty packaging, making strides to reduce waste in the industry. Customers can contribute to this effort by mailing in empty products, with Sahajan covering net collection (users pay $5 for the return but receive $5 off their next purchase) and recycling fees.

Inspired by Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine native to India, these products feel restorative and healing as the namesake implies. One of their star products is the Essential Cleansing Oil featuring Moringa, Squalane, and Rose oils to effectively cleanse without stripping moisture. This is a beautiful formula for removing makeup before following up with a double cleanse using the Golden Milk Cleanser, which boasts Turmeric and Black Cumin Seed Oil to brighten and nourish skin, leaving it balanced and radiant. Lastly, their Balance Toner, infused with Moringa Oil and Rosewater, hydrates and exfoliates, revealing fresh and glowing skin.

Sahajan’s commitment to sustainability is evident not only in their practices but also in their product formulations, which prioritize natural ingredients. With their products, customers not only achieve skincare goals but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Reviewed by Amy Pigeon

2. Raw Sugar

Raw Sugar’s recent launch into Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart has sparked excitement among skincare enthusiasts. Their dedication to sustainability sets them apart, with a commitment to using eco-friendly packaging materials. The brand’s signature white bottles are made from 30% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastic, aiming for 100% PCR by 2030. Notably, their clean deodorant packaging is 100% biodegradable, aligning with their zero-waste philosophy.

One of our favourite products is their Moisture Loving Body Wash. The Watermelon + Fresh Mint blend, in particular, offers a refreshing treat giving us perfect summer day vibes. Crafted with clean ingredients and Cold-Pressed Extracts, this body wash not only cleanses but also nourishes the skin, leaving it radiant and invigorated. Additionally, it’s cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated without harmful sulfates and parabens, embodying Raw Sugar’s commitment to quality and ethics.

Their Body Butters are equally yummy, offering a trio of enticing scents in our favourite scent: coconut, pineapple and maqui berry. Enriched with vitamin E and aloe vera, these body butters provide intense hydration, leaving the skin feeling soft and revitalized. Whether you’re craving a tropical escape or a burst of berry goodness, Raw Sugar’s Body Butter collection delivers a luxurious moisturizing experience. With their Cold-Press Technology® and dedication to using PCR plastics, Raw Sugar ensures that skincare indulgence doesn’t come at the expense of the planet.

Reviewed by Amy Pigeon

3. Pacifica

Pacifica‘s commitment to sustainability shines through in every aspect of their brand. From using PCR plastic, glass and aluminum for packaging to sourcing sustainably certified paper for their outer cartons, they prioritize eco-friendly practices. Their partnership with Plastic Collective™ further demonstrates their dedication by supporting plastic recycling social enterprises and addressing plastic waste in areas with high environmental leakage. Additionally, Pacifica annually partners with Plastic Collective on projects to collect and recycle plastic equivalent to the total amount used in their products, showcasing their commitment to closing the loop on plastic waste.

Among their impressive range of products, the Sunny Glow Bronzing Drops stand out as a skincare-meets-makeup essential. Infused with Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, and Kakadu Plum, these drops provide not only a sun-kissed glow but also skin-loving benefits. Perfect for all skin types, they instantly illuminate dull-looking skin, leaving it healthy, hydrated and dewy. Formulated without harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates and talc, these bronzing drops embody Pacifica’s cruelty-free and vegan ethos, ensuring compassion for the planet, animals, and consumers alike.

Another standout product is the Glow Baby Super Lit Enzyme Scrub, a 2-in-1 manual and enzymatic exfoliant. Packed with rice starch, fruit extracts, vitamin C and glycolic acid, this scrub gently dissolves impurities, unclogs pores to reveal fresh and radiant skin. With a lightweight gel texture and refreshing citrus-vanilla scent, it’s suitable for all skin types. It is ideal for those dealing with dullness, uneven texture and clogged pores. Like all Pacifica products, it’s formulated without harmful additives and is vegan and cruelty-free, reflecting the brand’s commitment to ethical and sustainable beauty practices.

Reviewed by Amy Pigeon

4. Saltyface

Saltyface, a Canadian brand founded in 2020 by husband and wife duo David & Bethany, brings forth a remarkable line of products designed to keep your skin glowing year-round. Proudly operating out of Vancouver, Canada, Saltyface stands out not only for its effective formulations but also for its commitment to sustainability. As members of 1% for the Planet, Saltyface directs a portion of its sales towards vetted environmental partners, showcasing a dedication to making a positive impact on the planet. Their packaging reflects this ethos, with amber glass bottles that block UV light to prolong shelf life and fully recyclable aluminum foaming lids. Furthermore, products like the Body Brush and Tanning Brush boast vegan bristles and recyclable aluminum handles, emphasizing the brand’s eco-conscious approach.

Among Saltyface’s offerings, the Complete Tanning Set shines as a comprehensive solution for maintaining a sun-kissed glow. This set includes the Tanning Water for the face, Tanning Foam for the body, and specialized brushes for precise application. Formulated with ingredients like Dihydroxyacetone from sugar beets and Erythrulose, both EcoCert certified, these tanning products provide a natural-looking tan without harmful additives. Using  botanical extracts like Linden Flower and Camellia Sinensis Leaf, these products offer protection against environmental stressors, promoting overall skin health and vitality. Beyond their effective formulations, Saltyface products delight the senses with a delicious sweet almond scent, adding a luxurious touch to your skincare routine.

With a focus on sustainability, quality and performance, Saltyface sets a high standard in the beauty industry by demonstrating that effective skincare can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.

Reviewed by Amy Pigeon

5. Back to Earth Skin

For Earth Day and beyond, Back To Earth Skin serves mindful beauty. Every step of crafting their natural skincare line reflects a commitment to sustainability, from sourcing natural ingredients to opting for eco-friendly packaging. Back To Earth uses materials like sugarcane plastics, post-consumer resin (PCR) and glass for packaging. It also adopts a no-waste philosophy by eliminating unnecessary boxes and labels. This dedication extends to every aspect of the brand that includes fully recyclable or biodegradable packaging, showcasing Back To Earth’s thoughtful approach in minimizing environmental impact.

Delving deeper, we must note how the brand sources indigenous plants from the picturesque and nature-rich Okanagan Valley, alongside essential oils and a proprietary clay. The notion of incorporating skincare ingredients from such a stunning location, one of my favourite places to visit in British Columbia, added an extra layer of joy to my skincare routine.

Among my favorites are the Clay Mask and the Hydrating Cream, with their captivating floral scents and cruelty-free formulations. The Back To Earth Skin Glow Facial Mask revitalizes dull winter skin, its triple clay formula clarifies and softens, leaving behind a gentle, smooth feeling. Packaged in a glass container with easy access to ingredient information via a QR code, it showcases the brand’s commitment to transparency and eco-friendly practices. Quickly becoming one of my top favourite products is the Glow Daily Moisturizer. With its lightweight, non-greasy texture, it absorbs seamlessly and leaves your skin feeling nourished and comforted. Infused with the brand’s proprietary MMC^TM and a long list of curated botanical oils, its delightful scent transports you to a magical wildflower glade. With every application, we’re reminded of the importance of caring for ourselves and for our planet.

Reviewed by Andra Balaci

6. Eminence

With roots dating back to 1958, Éminence Organic Skin Care has been a trailblazer in sustainability, seamlessly merging nature’s wonders with the opulence of luxurious skincare. As a Certified B Corporation®, the brand’s dedication to environmental responsibility shines through in every aspect of its operations. The ingredients are harvested from their own farms which are powered by renewable solar and wind energy. Éminence also utilizes manual planting and harvesting techniques that result in reducing CO2 emissions and preserving the integrity of their ingredients. The brand is dedicated to giving back to the planet through initiatives like Forests for the Future, where a tree is planted for every product sold.

Éminence also steers clear of harsh heating or hydrogenating processes to maintain the nutritional content and potency of natural ingredients. Vitamins are captured in their all-natural fresh base, resulting in products that offer regenerative and healing properties unique to nature. Their formulas are free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and mineral oils, reinforcing their dedication to clean, sustainable skincare.

Among their standout offerings is the Facial Recovery Oil, a favorite of ours for its gentle formula that evens out skin tone and leaves the skin feeling soft and radiant—a true indulgence for the senses. Safe for all skin types, it can be seamlessly integrated into any skincare routine, providing an extra boost of hydration when mixed with moisturizer. Another beautiful creation is the Marine Flower Peptide product line, featuring the Marine Flower Night Cream, Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream, and Marine Flower Peptide Serum. These potent solutions are perfect for rejuvenating thirsty, dry skin. When it comes to sustainable and natural skincare, Éminence Organic stands as a beacon of natural beauty and conscious choices.

Reviewed by Andra Balaci

Photography credit: Images supplied by 1 Milk 2 Sugars, Raw Sugar, Pacifica, Saltyface, NKPR, Eminence and Unsplash