Look for brands that build sustainability into every part of what they do, not just in what they say. A truly sustainable skincare brand will show intention in how it formulates products, chooses packaging, reduces waste, and shares its process.
The most credible ones are consistent: using responsible materials, thoughtful ingredients, ethical manufacturing, and transparent communication. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making sustainability part of every decision.
1. Packaging that reduces environmental load
Packaging is often the first impression, and unfortunately, it is also the first place greenwashing tends to show up. A truly sustainable approach doesn't rely on one miracle material. It reflects thoughtful choices in every detail.
What to look for:
- 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic that keeps plastic in use and out of the landfill
- Home-compostable packaging made from natural byproducts like sugarcane pulp or mushroom fibre
- Glass or aluminium, when used intentionally, ideally within systems that support reuse or high-efficiency recycling
- Refillable packaging that extends the life of a single unit
- Minimal, modular designs that are easy to disassemble and recycle
Sustainability here means stripping things back. There are no heavy jars unless they serve a purpose, no plastic sleeves for aesthetics, and no mixed materials that can't be recycled.
REMAKE uses 100% PCR plastic, compostable sugarcane bagasse outer boxes, and recycled mailers to cut waste and build a circular system from end to end.
2. Formulations that break down safely
It's not just about what sits on your skin. It's about what happens when you wash it off. Sustainable formulas respect both your skin barrier and the broader environment.
What to look for:
- Free from persistent pollutants like silicones, PEGs, and microplastics
- Vegan and cruelty-free, which supports lower-impact ingredient sourcing
- Complete INCI ingredient lists with each ingredient's function clearly explained
- Look for brands that disclose what preservatives they use or include allergen warnings
The best brands are transparent about why they use what they use. They balance clean chemistry with skin performance and environmental care.
REMAKE formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and designed for performance without unnecessary extras.
3. A circular approach to product design
Circularity isn't a trend. It's a complete design philosophy. The goal is to keep resources in use for as long as possible and design out waste entirely.
What to look for:
- Packaging made from 100% PCR plastic that can be recycled again
- Compostable outer boxes made from waste materials like sugarcane
- Refill formats that reduce the need for full-pack replacements
- Brands that take back empties, reuse components, or design products for disassembly
Circular brands go beyond just recyclable logos. They show how systems work and how customers can participate in that loop.
REMAKE builds every product around circular thinking, from PCR packaging to compostable outer boxes.
4. Multi-use and low-impact formats
Minimalism can be a climate strategy. Some of the most sustainable beauty brands are the ones that edit carefully and build smarter formats.
What to look for:
- Hybrid products, like a serum that also acts as a mist or toner
- Solid bars or balm textures that reduce packaging waste
- Powdered cleansers or masks that cut water and freight impact
- Minimalist formulas that use fewer ingredients and only the ones that matter
This is where sustainability meets intentionality. It's not about trends or 12-step routines. It's about doing more with less.
REMAKE focuses on high-performance hybrids like serum-mists and creates tightly edited formulas without filler.
5. Responsible manufacturing and distribution
What happens behind the scenes matters just as much as what's on the shelf. The carbon footprint of manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics can outweigh the impact of the product itself.
What to look for:
- Brands that manufacture locally or regionally to reduce transport emissions
- Transparent supply chains and ethical labor practices
- Small-batch production that reduces excess inventory and waste
- Open communication about how things are made, not just where
Some brands even time their production cycles to reduce overstock and expiry-related waste. Others partner with co-packers that use renewable energy or waterless systems.
REMAKE manufactures in small runs at local facilities, using low-impact logistics and systems designed to minimise waste at every step.
6. Transparency over perfection
Sustainability is a process, not a finished product. Transparency means showing the decisions behind the claims.
What to look for:
- Clear breakdowns of packaging materials and recyclability
- Ingredient lists that include sourcing and purpose
- End-of-life instructions that tell you how to dispose of every component
- Honest updates about what the brand is still working on
The strongest sustainable brands don't claim to be perfect. They give you the information you need to make conscious choices.
REMAKE shares every step of its process clearly, from packaging and sourcing to ongoing improvements.
7. Fewer products, smarter thinking
Sustainability doesn't mean a tiny product range — it means thoughtful product development. A brand can have a wide offering that still supports a low-impact model.
What to look for:
- A carefully developed range that avoids duplication and waste
- Multi-functional products that simplify your routine
- Limited or slow drops made in small batches
- Products designed to stay relevant over time, not seasonal trend cycles
It's not about less for the sake of less. It's about longevity and intentionality — creating products that are used fully and purposefully.
REMAKE only launches what's needed and designs products to serve multiple roles.
8. Certifications: Helpful, but not everything
There are certifications that can help you identify credible sustainability claims. Some brands choose to invest in third-party standards, but others may follow the same practices without certification due to cost or complexity.
Common certifications include:
- COSMOS or ECOCERT: for organic and natural ingredients
- B Corp: for overall social and environmental responsibility
- Leaping Bunny or Choose Cruelty Free: for verified cruelty-free status
- Carbon Neutral or Climate Active: for emission accountability
- Home Compostable or Industrial Compostable: for packaging standards
Look for them if they're available, but always check the details. A brand can be highly sustainable even without certification.
9. Sustainability Checklist
- 100 percent PCR or home-compostable packaging
- Compostable outer boxes made from agricultural byproducts
- Refillable or returnable packaging formats
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulas
- Free from PEGs, silicones, and microplastics
- Full ingredient and material transparency
- Multi-use formats like mists, powders, and solids
- Minimalist, high-performance formulations
- Local or small-batch production
- Clear brand communication with no greenwashing
The takeaway
No brand is perfect. But the ones worth trusting are clear about what they're doing and intentional in how they do it. From the bottles they choose to the words they use, sustainability shows up in the details. Look for brands that explain their choices and design products that work for both your skin and the planet.
FAQs
1. What is PCR plastic and why is it used in skincare packaging?
PCR stands for post-consumer recycled plastic. It's made from plastic waste that's already been used, collected, and repurposed into new packaging. This helps reduce landfill, lower demand for virgin materials, and support a more circular packaging system.
2. Is glass or plastic more sustainable for skincare packaging?
It depends. Glass is endlessly recyclable and great for reuse, but it's heavier to ship and more energy-intensive to produce. PCR plastic is lighter, often easier to recycle curbside, and has a lower transport footprint. The best choice depends on how it's sourced, used, and disposed of.
3. What does it mean if a skincare product is vegan and cruelty-free?
Vegan means the product contains no animal-derived ingredients. Cruelty-free means it hasn't been tested on animals at any stage of development. Together, they signal a lower-impact, more ethical approach to formulation and sourcing.
4. Are certifications important when choosing sustainable skincare?
Certifications like B Corp, COSMOS, or Leaping Bunny can be helpful, but they're not the only indicator of sustainability. Some brands follow strict sustainability practices without certification, often due to the cost or complexity of formal programs. Always look at what a brand actually does, not just what it displays.
5. What makes a skincare product or formula environmentally friendly?
Environmentally friendly formulas avoid ingredients that linger in ecosystems, like microplastics, PEGs, or silicones. They often feature biodegradable components, are made in small batches, and prioritise ingredients with a low environmental footprint.
6. What should I do with my skincare packaging when I'm finished?
Check the label or website for disposal instructions. Some packaging is recyclable curbside, others are compostable, and some may need to be returned to the brand. Avoid throwing mixed-material packaging in the recycling unless you're certain it's accepted.
7. Why do multi-use skincare products reduce environmental impact?
Multi-use products simplify your routine, which means fewer products, less packaging, and lower shipping emissions. A single hybrid product can replace multiple steps — reducing waste without sacrificing performance.
8. What is circular skincare design?
Circular skincare design is based on the principles of the circular economy. It means creating products that are designed to reduce waste, stay in use longer, and support systems of reuse, refill, recycling, or composting. This can include using packaging made from recycled or compostable materials, formulating products that rinse clean without harming waterways, and incorporating upcycled ingredients. The goal is to keep materials in circulation and minimise environmental impact at every stage — from sourcing to end-of-life.