The best planet-friendly skincare brands: handmade in the UK
Planet-friendly skincare brands are becoming more popular in the UK since Covid-19. There has been an increasing surge in conscious consumers who are demanding natural skincare and beauty products to reduce the adverse effects on our planet. The rise of veganism in the UK is also having a huge impact on the skincare industry.
For a deeper dive into the impact of Covid-19 on UK skincare click here
Planet-friendly skincare is growing in popularity
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) also increased awareness about the fragile state of our planet and reminded us that we all need to do our bit.
I’ve definitely noticed that in the last few years more people want to ‘shop green’ and support small businesses which make their own products.
And according to a study conducted by Harper’s Bazaar, more than 50% of polled women chose to use beauty products that are associated with having either “clean” or “natural” ingredients.
Shop green and help save our planet!
Plastic pollution is a huge problem for our planet. Encouragingly in 2021, sales of minimally-packaged solid products increased 29 per cent and luxury brands are joining the solid beauty revolution as attitudes shift. Solid beauty products are great as the use less packaging, less water and are perfect for travel like Washla’s solid shampoo and conditioner bars.
According to the Soil Association, the UK’s organic beauty and wellbeing market has reported its 11th consecutive year of growth and the market is now worth a staggering £138.23m!. This is largely driven by shifting consumer mindsets favouring environmentally friendly products. This is fantastic news!
And, according to Future Market Insights, the demand for eco-friendly waterless cosmetics is rising, especially for skincare. This is great news because In 2030, it is estimated that 47% of the world’s population will live with the threat of water shortages and on average shampoos, creams and lotions contain 70-80% water!
There is also an interesting article in Elle about brands turning products that don’t make the grade into a zero waste beauty solution.
The beauty and skincare industries have often received bad press because of their negative impact on the environment. However, they seem to be really turning things round!
I strongly believe that sustainable beauty is the way to go. Have a read of 'Sustainability: Beauty’s New Battle Ground’ for more insight into the sustainable beauty movement. Sustainable ingredients include coconut oil, hemp oil and aloe vera as they are easily renewable.
When you’re shopping for skincare products, make sure you look out for words such as natural, eco-friendly, ethical and organic and you will be on the right track!
My top 10 planet-friendly handmade British skincare brands
I’m on a mission to track down the UK’s best planet-friendly handmade brands and feature them in My Little Green Directory. Buying eco-friendly products and supporting small businesses, (especially local!) is really important to me. I also want to encourage other people to do the same.
Support small eco-friendly businesses and save the planet!
Since Covid-19 , skincare has become the main focus of beauty routines. Sales of soaps, shower gels, shampoos and bath items are soaring.
Below, are my top 10 planet-friendly handmade skincare brands based in the UK. They are all featured in my little green directory.
Apothecary & Me
Get your glow on and say hello to radiant skin with these gorgeous plant based super oils especially formulated for sensitive skin
Using nature’s plant-based super-oils, Apothecary & me have created a range of fabulous skincare products that are kind to your skin and the environment.
2. Washla
For super glossy hair, treat your crowning glory to Washla’s solid shampoo & conditioner bars
These beautiful handmade solid shampoo and conditioner bars by Washla will leave you with stronger, healthier hair whilst helping you reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Husk & Seed
Calm your skin & unswind your mind with Husk & Seed’s botanical skincare range.
This gorgeous botanical skincare brand is rooted in nature, well-being and sustainability. Husk & Seed products are designed to improve your skin, whilst offering you moments of relaxation and me-time.
4. Hedgewild
Say hello to honest, sustainable beauty with Hedgewild - kind to your skin and kind to bees!
Award-winning natural skincare: inspired by the British Countryside. Hedgewild products are completely natural, plastic-free, friendly to bees, and have a minimal carbon footprint. They were born from a passion to see through the ‘greenwashing’ and to provide honest, sustainable products that work.
5. JSL Essentials
Plant power meets smart science with JSL Essential’s cutting edge skincare products
JSL Essentials is a cutting edge brand that believes in healthy living and the healing powers of plants. Their formulas are based on pure botanicals and smart science to give you healthy and radiant skin and hair.
6. Bee Biotic
Handmade beeswax and honey balms to heal and hydrate your skin
Their stunning beeswax & honey apitherapy skincare range naturally hydrates, protects & conditions the skin. It has naturally healing & anti-inflammatory properties. All Bee Biotic’s products are plastic free and environmentally friendly.
7. Stay Calm with Balm
Luxurious lip, body and hand balms packed with natural essential oils
Stay Calm With Balm makes gorgeous, lip, body and hand balms which are made using high quality ingredients with no colouring or preservatives, leaving skin soft and healthy. They offer a choice of natural essential oils and all their products are wrapped in planet friendly packaging.
8. Equinox Artisan
Natural, herbal skincare products infused with therapeutic essential oils
Consciously created herbal skincare products that are kind to the skin and the earth. They are all created by Megan, a self-taught herbalist. She grows, forages, dries and infuses her own herbs into oils before using them to create a variety of therapeutic skincare products. All Equinox Artisan’s products are made using only natural ingredients and essential oils, which are carefully selected for their therapeutic benefits.
9. Immerse
Essential Oil infused skincare products including soaps and body balm
Immerse’s products are handmade with Hemp Seed oil, Essential Oils and packed full of skin loving ingredients. As they use Essential Oils in all of their products , they promote self-care and create products that promote wellbeing. All of their products are cruelty free, vegan friendly and their packaging is reusable, recyclable or naked to help reduce their carbon footprint.
10. White Waves Cornish Soap
“Soap that makes your skin happy”
White Waves Cornish Soap is a planet-friendly soap brand from Cornwall. All the soaps are lovingly made by Jenny, who is a member of the Guild of Craft Soap and Toiletry Makers. They are infused with a base of skin friendly plant oils and plant butters. Pure essential oils and other natural ingredients are added such as dried herbs, natural clays and honey. And all the soap recipes are safety assessed by a chemist. Soaps are supplied plastic free, and are minimally packaged with a Kraft paper wrap that lists all the ingredients. As well as selling individual soaps, there is a selection of gift box options to choose from in their online shop ,which make really popular gifts.
So, let’s say yes to products that are environmentally friendly, good for our skin and handmade with love in small batches by small British businesses!