Proving that planet-friendly beauty and quality products needn't be mutually exclusive, get to know the sustainable brands that make it easy being green.
By Alice Hamilton, 15 April 2021
REN Clean Skincare
Pledging to go 100% waste-free by the end of 2021, REN sets the bar high when it comes to sustainably packaged beauty. The skincare brand is on a mission to minimise their impact on the planet with bottles recycled from ocean plastic, and tubes made from post-consumer-recycled plastic and products are designed for circular recycling. What’s more, the brand has teamed up with partners like Surfers Against Sewage and Plastic Patrol to help battle plastic pollution.
Need to try: REN Atlantic Kelp And Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash
Housed in a 100% recyclable bottle and made with 20% reclaimed ocean plastic - hence the grey-ish colour - REN’s award-winning cream body wash features a unique anti-fatigue essential oil blend. With an uplifting mix of Rosemary, Sage and Geranium, it’s the perfect addition to your morning shower.
The hype: “This is great, lathers so well, leaves the skin soft and smells great! Also love that it is made from ocean plastic, REN make a conscious effort to help the environment, and that’s why I’ve used their products for over 10.” - Lily, customer review
FEKKAI
Driven by a lack of clean and sustainable haircare products, FEKKAI sought to deliver effective and high-performing, salon-worthy results with plant-based ingredients and eco-friendly practises. The result? Vegan and cruelty-free formulas housed in 100% recyclable packaging,, made from 95% recycled materials. Brand Founder Frédéric Fekkai explains, “In the brand’s first year, we will repurpose 64 million grams of plastic. That’s roughly seven million plastic bottles - and we are just getting started.”
Need to try: FEKKAI Full Blown Volume Shampoo
If you want to give your hair more va-va-voom volume, try the citrus-infused thickening shampoo that not only delivers twice the volume but shields against colour fade and brassiness to keep your hue looking fresh and vibrant.
The hype: “Most shampoos that promise full volume don't really work - this one does. I have very thin, short hair and this just makes my hair full and very clean-feeling. Being sulfate and phthalate free is a bonus. All shampoos should be made with 95% recycled plastic as this is. Impressive achievement.” - Garland67, customer review
Rahua
Using rainforest-grown ingredients only from self-sustaining forests, Rahua’s products are sustainably produced in partnership with the people of the Quechua-Shar tribe in Ecuador and Peru. The key ingredient? Rahua Oil - derived from deep within the Amazon - nourishes lifeless strands into healthy hair that’s full of shine and bounce. Their approach to sustainability doesn’t stop at what’s inside the bottle, the packaging is 100% recyclable too.
Need to try: Rahua Hydration Shampoo
Formulated to replenish parched tresses, Rahua’s rich and creamy shampoo is loaded with Amazonian oils and natural protein-bonding sugars to deliver hydration deep into each and every strand. With a Passionfruit and Mango scent, it’ll leave your hair smelling as tropical as the Amazonian rainforest itself.
The hype: “This product literally changed my whole hair game. I no longer suffer from dry and frizzy hair and it feels a lot softer ever since my first use.” - Fatima, customer review