Green brands are carving out a significant place for themselves within the beauty industry, and we eco-friendly beauty junkies couldn't be happier.
More and more people are making conscientious decisions when it comes to buying beauty products, and are accepting responsibility for their health and the well-being of the planet.
And with so many fabulous green beauty products on the market, the eco-fashionistas among us can have their on-trend beauty cake and (with an abundance of food-grade ingredients) almost literally eat it too!
If you're thinking of making the switch to eco-friendly beauty products, here are 10 green beauty brands you need to know:
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1. AROMACENTRIC
Glowing testimonials from ecstatic customers serve as inspiration to Chief Scentalist Carol-Ann Granatstein, owner of aromatherapy brand Aromacentric. Born of an insatiable interest in horticulture and botany and a strong desire to better the human condition, Granatstein's luxurious line of body, face, skincare and lifestyle products revive the ritual of beauty without sacrificing the convenience and accessibility that the modern consumer requires. Each exquisite blend of organic or wildcrafted essential oils finds its roots in wellness, and is designed to nourish the senses, feed the soul, and to beautify throughout.
Immaculately presented, Aromacentric’s packaging is the epitome of chic, from the sleek black capped and frosted glass aromatherapy roll-ons, to lavender-filled cotton sachets, printed with the word “Breathe”.
Named for their signature sourcing of ingredients from each Canadian province, Province Apothecary is a rapidly expanding gem of a wellness company originating in NYC’s Hell’s Kitchen, and now tucked away in Toronto’s indie cool Kensington Market. Offering blissful facials and other skin and beauty treatments out of her second floor "vestige of calm, in the ever-hectic city," owner Julie Clark has developed an internationally recognized line of plant-based skincare and wellness products sure to please even the pickiest of green beauty aficionados. Her products are free from toxins, and are handcrafted from only the highest quality, ethically and sustainably sourced, certified organic, bio-dynaminc and wildcrafted ingredients, including some of Clark’s favourites, Nova Scotian seaweed, Quebecois maple syrup, and Albertan beeswax.
3. JUICE BEAUTY
Already a force to be reckoned with in the eco-beauty industry, Juice Beauty just upped their game by combining forces with Gwyneth Paltrow (she now holds the title of Creative Director, Makeup) and her wellness site Goop. Owner Karen Behnke is excited about this long-term partnership between the likeminded Hollywood powerhouse and her own award-winning beauty brand, frequently featured in fashion and health publications alike. Using an antioxidant and vitamin-rich organic botanical juice base combined with powerful skincare ingredients, Behnke has developed a vast line of skincare and beauty products that mirror her commitment to health and sustainability.
With celeb endorsements and a multitude of magazine features under its belt, Natalie Cascalla’s Toronto-based brand Nu World Botanicals has beauty insiders buzzing. Emphasizing beauty and overall well-being by harnessing the healing power of plants, Cascalla sources from some of the best organic growers and distillers in the world. Her organic beauty and wellness products are handcrafted in small batches, using only therapeutic grade essential oils, cold pressed oils, natural antioxidants and vitamins. Available in 12 aptly-named botanical blends like Sweet Dreams, Aphrodisiac, Meditation and Energy Boost, products ranging from personal aromatherapy roll-ons and multipurpose oils, to clay masks and body scrubs are sure to suit any need or mood.
5. ECO BROW
Nurturing his gift for artistry early on, Eco Brow founder Marco Ochoa first familiarized himself with the female face by drawing portraits with his mother’s makeup pencils, then spent 11 years perfecting the art of eyebrow threading to the point where his expertise has gained him a loyal following of celeb clients (Camilla Alves McConaughey affectionately calls him the "brow magician"). Creating Eco Brow Mineral Wax in 2013, Ochoa provided a much-needed "responsible beauty" alternative to the other eyebrow-focused brands (his wax is mineral-based and paraben-free), and has been receiving glowing reviews from the fashion and beauty community ever since.
6. ILIA
Sasha Plavsic’s background in design and branding continues to drive the success of her upscale beauty brand Ilia. The sleek recycled aluminum cases that hold her 85 per cent organic lipsticks are as appealing as they are stunning. Her packaging is stylish and sustainable, and her products are held to the highest standards of quality. Sasha hired several chemists and an organic supplier to bring her vision to fruition, and judging by her cult following of repeat customers in over 15 countries globally, we’d say she’s achieved success!
7. W3LL PEOPLE
Well People brings together the energy, experience and artistry of makeup artist Shirley Pinkson, cosmetic dermatologist Renee Snyder M.D., and tree-hugger James Walker to create a wellness-driven makeup brand that delivers exceptional quality in a sustainable, conscientious and particularly stylish package. Creating a covetable "no-makeup" look is simple with this chemical-free, premium cosmetics line -- choose from a beautiful assortment of shadows (we’re partial to Pink Champagne), or pick a Universalist Multi Stick that does it all. And while we're already swayed by the pretty packaging, it's the unique formulation of organic aloe, chamomile and green tea that really makes the brand stand out. You'll be beautified from the inside out for a look that is "pure as a saint" and "sexy as sin."
8. RMS Beauty
With a wealth of experience as an internationally renowned makeup artist and as someone who has felt the effects of toxicity from cosmetics first hand, it's evident that Rosemary Swift’s organic colour cosmetic line rms comes from place of authenticity, resulting in a loyal following led by models, celebs and It-girls worldwide. Committed to helping women reclaim their right to healthy beauty (Swift is outspoken about the dangers of toxins in cosmetics), rms is completely free of toxins and chemicals, and uses only organic, live ingredients, selected to nourish and heal. Simple finger application pots of pretty mix and match colours make makeup easy and fun, and minimal packaging is all reusable or recyclable.
One Love Organics tells the real life love story of legal professionals turned skincare gurus, husband and wife team Chase and Suzanne LaRoux. Certified cruelty-free and awarded a gold seal of approval from Green Business America, LaRoux’s natural and organic products are produced in micro batches in one of only 12 eco-certified manufacturing facilities in the USA. The line ranges from skincare to haircare and travel kits, and is packaged in the sweetest makeup bags. Made without synthetics and other nasties, One Love Organics uses only the finest and most effective ingredients on the market. It's no wonder the brand is a recipient of multiple industry awards, and has established a loyal fan base throughout North America and Europe.
Mother, yogi, and "green" food advocate, Clinical Luxury founder Graydon’s love for green beauty stemmed from a childhood connection to therapeutic plants and foods. Packaged in stylishly frosted bottles, her luxury lifestyle and skincare line embodies the transformative power of plants. She uses Canadian-grown, easily recognizable ingredients like broccoli and berry seed oil, and is proud to offer an "outstanding line of products that don’t sacrifice purity for efficacy." Her ingredients lists read like a veganista’s dream menu: broccoli-based hair smoothies infused with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, and green cream made with avocado, broccoli and coconut. And Graydon's products aren't just for women -- they suit the entire family's needs so mom, dad and baby can get smooth, soft and pampered with holistic, hard-to-find ingredients.