You’re convinced: a zero-waste skincare routine is possible, and even beneficial, for your skin. But navigating the growing world of sustainable beauty can be overwhelming. Which brands are truly ethical? Which ones actually work?
We’ve done the research for you. Our list of the best zero-waste skincare brands of 2025 is curated based on a few key principles: sustainable and minimal packaging, transparent and ethical sourcing, and—most importantly—rave reviews for performance. These brands prove you don’t have to choose between a clear conscience and clear skin.
The 2025 - 26 Zero-Waste Skincare Brand Hall of Fame
1. Ethique
The Vibe: The O.G. of solid beauty bars, on a mission to rid the world of plastic bottles.
Why They’re Great: They have a solid (pun intended) bar for everything—from their cult-favorite Heali Kiwi shampoo for sensitive scalps to concentrated Bliss Bar cleanser and even solid concentrate serums. Their packaging is 100% home-compostable cardboard.
Best For: Anyone looking to make easy, affordable, and effective swaps for their core routine.
2. By Humankind
The Vibe: Refillable personal care, made simple and stylish.
Why They’re Great: Their model is genius. You get a sleek, aluminum starter kit, and then you receive refills in plastic-free, compostable pouches. They offer everything from deodorant and mouthwash tablets to shampoo and body wash.
Best For: The design-conscious consumer who wants a seamless transition to refillables.
3. Fat and the Moon
The Vibe: Witchy, earthy, and handcrafted with potent botanicals.
Why They’re Great: This is artisan, small-batch skincare at its finest. They specialize in multi-use products like their famous “All Salve” and Lustre Dust highlighters, packaged almost exclusively in reusable and recyclable glass and metal tins.
Best For: Those who love a holistic, natural approach and multi-tasking products.
4. Kjaer Weis
The Vibe: Luxury, refillable makeup that performs like a dream.
Why They’re Great: They pioneered the high-end refillable movement. Their stunning, weighty metal compacts are designed to be heirlooms. You simply purchase refills for their incredible foundation, blush, and eyeshadows, which come in simple, recyclable paper pulp packaging.
Best For: Elevating your makeup bag to a sustainable, luxurious experience.
5. Plaine Products
The Vibe: Simple, effective, vegan skincare in a circular loop.
Why They’re Great: This is the ultimate circular solution for products that are hard to find in solid form (like a light facial moisturizer). You receive your product in a reusable aluminum bottle. When you’re finished, you send the empty back in a prepaid shipping label, and they clean and refill it.
Best For: Those who prefer liquid formulas and want a truly closed-loop system.
6. Zero Waste Store
The Vibe: Your one-stop online shop for everything sustainable.
Why They’re Great: They aren’t a single brand, but a meticulously curated marketplace. You can find dozens of the best zero-waste skincare brands (including many on this list) all in one place, along with reusable applicators, bamboo rounds, and other tools.
Best For: The shopper who wants to compare and discover multiple brands with one low-waste shipment.
7. Meow Meow Tweet
The Vibe: Playful, colorful, and deeply committed to the planet.
Why They’re Great: Their graphic, compostable packaging is instantly recognizable. They create delightful and effective products like their Coffee Bean & Guava Eye Cream and Lavender & Turmeric Deodorant, all in recyclable glass or compostable materials.
Best For: Anyone who wants their skincare to be fun, effective, and eco-friendly.
8. Lush
The Vibe: The original in-store sensory experience, now a zero-waste powerhouse.
Why They’re Great: Long before it was trendy, Lush was creating “naked” packaging-free products. A huge portion of their range is solid, from their famous fresh face masks (sold in black pots you can return for recycling) to shampoo bars, body butters, and toothy tabs.
Best For: An immersive, smell-it-all shopping experience and innovative solid formats.
9. Bathing Culture
The Vibe: Cool, California modern with a focus on radical ingredients.
Why They’re Great: They make the most beautiful (and effective) liquid hand and body soap, but they do it sustainably. Their giant 32-oz “Mind and Body Wash” comes in a reusable glass bottle with a 100% post-consumer recycled plastic pump. Their new refill system uses large, returnable and refillable “Growlers.”
Best For: Elevating the everyday ritual of hand washing and showering.
10. UpCircle Beauty
Vibe: “Waste-not” innovation at its finest.
Why They’re Great: They are the ultimate upcyclers, creating incredible skincare from ingredients that would otherwise be wasted—like their famous Face Scrub made from repurposed coffee grounds and serum from discarded chai spices. Their packaging is minimalist, recyclable, and often reusable.
Best For: The eco-conscious consumer who loves a great story and circular economy principles.
How to Choose Your First Swap
Don’t feel pressured to switch everything at once. The most sustainable routine is the one you’ll actually stick with.
Start with a Low-Risk Item: A body soap bar or a shampoo bar is a fantastic and affordable first step.
Identify Your Packaging Pain Point: What product do you run out of (and throw away) most often? A moisturizer? Serum? Start there with a refillable brand.
Sample First: Many of these brands offer mini/sample sizes. This lets you test performance before committing to a full-size, durable container.
The journey to a sustainable routine is an exciting exploration. By supporting these forward-thinking brands, you’re not just investing in your skin—you’re casting a vote for a cleaner, greener planet.
Your Glow-Up Awaits! Which of these brands are you most excited to try? Share your first swap in the comments below
Ready to make your first swap? Check out our curated list of The 10 Best Zero-Waste Skincare Indian Brands of 2025 for a Sustainable Glow