Healthy skin and a healthy planet go together like cucumbers and tired eyelids- they’re the perfect match.
When it comes to choosing kindness for both our skin and the planet, the feat can sometimes feel overwhelming – especially when your local mall isn’t exactly the hotspot for sustainable purchases. When I began my sustainable beauty quest, the biggest obstacle staring me down was where I could find products and whether I could trust them. A few years and tries later, and I find myself in the shoes of a wise skin wizard, ready to impart knowledge that will hopefully smooth any wrinkles in your search.
What makes a brand sustainable? In the beauty world, sustainable products emphasise zero-waste and natural products. That’s not all they encompass, but it is the bread and butter of their natural beauty take. Think of them as skin food, or products that say ‘not today’ to toxic ingredients and packaging.
With no further ado, here’s a roundup of 4 local sustainable skincare brands that ooze natural beauty in South Africa:
Plaiin Cosmetics
Plaiin’s founder Megan was inspired by the zero-waste movement, and so five years ago, her dream to create a plastic-free brand was born. Plaiin follows the philosophy that if “you can’t eat it, your skin shouldn’t either” and relishes in the fact that technically you could eat their products (although your skin would probably like them a lot more).
Product potlight: Their body scrub balms, especially the Butt First Coffee product.
Plaiin/ R220
Skoon
Skoon will make you swoon. Their skincare products are the full sustainable package with a philosophy that’s well-loved for doing no harm, but also giving back. Opting for non-toxic ingredients, soil and glass packaging, African Botanicals and cruelty-free products, Skoon is one small brand giving the big dogs a run for their money.
Product spotlight: Skin smoothies, especially the ELASTICITY all-in-one bEAUTY Smoothie.
Skoon/ R1999,95
Esse
When it comes to the sustainable niche of anti-ageing and skin renewal technology, Esse has earned all the vegan brownie points. Esse is “certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free as well as carbon and plastic neutral.” The science behind their products opts for beneficial bacteria to ‘rewild; your skin’s ecosystem. Ready to venture to the wild side of skincare? Esse’s your guide!
Product Spotlight:The Resurrect Serum, an anti-ageing treatment specifically for sensitive skin types.
Eco Diva
Real divas love slow beauty. Eco Diva spoils you with natural superfood formulation magician. Their products are designed naturally to match your skin’s molecular structure to help balance, calm, soothe and smooth your canvas. Vegan and cruelty-free, Eco Diva is well-worth fangirling over.
Product spotlight: Liquid Vitamin Hydra Mist- Superfood Vitamin Shot with Pommegranate & Bergamot
Eco Diva/ R440
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Feature Image: Shared by @plaiincosmetics
