The Best Natural Beauty Products and Skincare for Your Dopp Kit

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over two billion disposable razors end up in landfills each year. Made from oil, the plastic razors often sold in airports and grocery stores may be convenient, but they’re detrimental to the environment. Cut down on plastic (and save money) by traveling with a reusable razor and razor head instead. Leaf’s razors are 100 percent plastic free, made from metal instead. Each kit comes with a blade recycling tin that makes it easy to dispose of and recycle old heads.

Bathing Culture’s concentrated mind and body wash comes in refillable glass bottles, with refills—which can also be used to fill up smaller reusable toiletry containers—sold by the gallon. The wash is made from organic ingredients you can pronounce, like coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter. Plus, the rainbow bottle packaging makes it totally worthy of sitting front and center on your counter. The company was founded by a pioneer of the Zero Waste movement, so it strives to eliminate plastic and reduce waste across the board, even offering composting in its offices and warehouses, which are filled with only refurbished or recycled furniture.

A favorite among the crunchy mom community for years, Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-one Pure Castile soap can be used—you guessed it—18 different ways, from washing your hair to doing laundry to cleansing your body. I use it as a body wash (it leaves something to be desired as a shampoo). Go for one of the minty flavors if you have oily skin; for a more moisturizing formula, choose the floral or almond options.

Natural deodorants have always had a bit of a bad rep. Most people complain they don’t keep the sweat (or stink) away, while others question what actually makes them good for the environment. Lindsay McCormick, founder of Bite, heard these concerns and created a product that takes care of both. “All of our products are plastic-free, cruelty-free, and made with clean ingredients,” she says. “Our deodorant is plant-based with environmentally friendly scents, and is the only 100 percent plastic-free deodorant with compostable refills on the market.” Buy a pack individually, or subscribe to receive refill deodorant bars in recyclable packaging that fit their reusable aluminum case on a monthly basis.

We’re a fan of moisturizing with solid body bars, and Ethique’s is a definite favorite. Each bar is 100 percent plastic-free, climate-positive and carbon neutral, cruelty-free, and vegan, and features completely plastic-free shipping and containers. Plus, these soft and soothing lotion bars come in a wide-range of deliciously aromatic scents, like ginger and lime or sweet orange vanilla. As a company, Ethique also strives to give back, donating two percent of proceeds to conservation, animal welfare, and environmental groups.

A leader in the organic and sustainable skincare world, Tata Harper’s restorative eye cream and its refillable pod are hugely popular—made with all-natural ingredients, the eye cream targets visible signs of aging with brightening and moisturizing properties. The brand’s packaging also gets a sustainable stamp of approval: Every product is sold in either glass or fully recyclable sugar-cane bottles. Most importantly, Tata’s products are Cosmo Ecocert certified. “Ecocert is the leader in natural and organic cosmetic certification; they were the first to develop standards for natural and organic products, and have the highest standards. They look at every aspect of a company, their facilities, and their products,” Harper says.

A preferred brand of influencers, A-list celebrities, and our discerning editors alike, Ilia is as highly regarded for its sustainability efforts as for its skincare. The cult-favorite mascara not only lengthens eyelashes, it’s also fully recyclable thanks to a partnership with Terracycle. When you’re done with a bottle, simply download a free shipping label and send it to be properly recycled through Terracycle. Ilia’s other natural beauty products—like the True Skin Serum Foundation and Balmy Hydrating Lip Tint—are made cruelty-free and silicone-free. As a company, Ilia strives for transparency, and told Ethical Elephant that each of its manufacturers are required to present a certification ensuring products are made without child labor and workers are paid a fair wage.

Traditional facial wipes are one of the worst items in your toiletry bag when it comes to sustainability. Most are made from polyester, polypropylene, cotton, wood pulp, or rayon fibers—many of which are not biodegradable. These muslin cloths from Pai Skincare are a great alternative: The wipes are 100 percent washable and reusable, eliminating the need for a tossable wipe. Plus, the cloths are gentle enough for sensitive skin and exfoliate without the need for physical or plastic exfoliants.

Nothing dries out lips like air travel, which is why a sustainable lip balm is a carry-on essential. Attitude’s SPF 15 lip balm is plastic-free, biodegradable, and vegan, and made with soothing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and natural mint. Aside from being completely recyclable, each of Attiude’s products are EWG-certified, meaning the ingredients pass the strict tests adhered by the Environmental Working Group.

Over one billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away each year, according to One Green Planet. Not only that, but these toothbrushes are often made from polypropylene and nylon, generated from pollution-causing fossil fuels like oil. Say goodbye to the plastic toothbrush and choose one made from bamboo or bioplastics instead. Radius makes brushes that feature vegetable-based bristles and a recycled rubber handle, while Humble Co makes bamboo brushes sourced from organic bamboo grass. Another bamboo option is the Georganics’ beachwood brush, an 100 percent BPA-free option made from beechwood sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Natural toothpaste can be especially tricky to navigate without getting too far into the weeds. TL;DR: Don’t go full-blown granola with, say, a coconut oil pull routine in place of toothpaste (heads up: that will not clean your teeth). Instead, prioritize brands that incorporate both natural ingredients and fluoride. Hello’s natural whitening fluoride formula glides on like a standard toothpaste, but doesn’t have artificial colors or flavors crammed in. Even better, the formula is vegan and cruelty-free.

With a container made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, Innersense’s Pure Harmony Hairbath is doing its part to reduce plastic waste. New this year, shoppers can buy lightweight refillable pouches to further reduce plastic consumption. Designed for people with fine to medium hair, the Hairbath features mostly organic and sustainably grown ingredients, such as shea butter, avocado oil, and quinoa and rice extracts. In addition to its plastic reduction efforts, Innersense is also a 1% for the Planet member, which means one percent of its total revenue is donated to environmental organizations.

We love brands that take a holistic approach to eco-friendly products, like Playa Beauty. Not only are its hair products packed with delicious natural ingredients like kukui and apricot oils, but the brand also has a recycling program in place so shoppers can send back empty bottles on the company’s dime (just fill out a request form and they’ll send you a prepaid mailing label). This mini set comes with everything you need to style your hair, including shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, summer spray, and a healing hair mask. Infused with laid-back California spirit, each product will leave you feeling like you just left the beach. Even better, these minis are packaged in recyclable containers, and are the right size for air travel.

With nearly 8 million tons of plastic reaching our oceans every year, Ireland-based We Are Paradoxx is focusing on becoming as plastic-free as possible—and the brand is well on its way there. Its products are 90 percent plastic-free, and have certifications from PETA and Leaping Bunny. The cult-favorite dry shampoo powder is made from natural ingredients, like activated charcoal and kaolin clay, that remove toxins and impurities from the hair and scalp. To further its push for a plastic-free environment, founder Yolanda Cooper established an annual Plastic Free Beauty Day in 2019, dedicated to educating beauty brands, retailers, and consumers on the perils of plastic pollution.