Posted by Izzy Zero Waste Beauty
on February 11, 2026
More consumers are embracing eco-friendly makeup options today. The global sustainable beauty and skincare market is projected to grow from $190.7 billion to $433.2 billion between 2025 and 2034 according to Insight Ace Analytic. Research shows that Gen Z is a major driver behind this surge, with 67.7% saying they value sustainability and 56.2% willing to pay more for sustainable or ethically sourced products.
Eco-friendly makeup focuses on non-toxic ingredients and ethical sourcing, along with sustainable packaging and manufacturing standards—making it better for people and the planet. As more consumers prioritize sustainability in beauty, most eco-friendly makeup brands believe performance doesn’t have to be sacrificed. From vegan lip butter to everyday skincare essentials, modern eco-conscious products are designed to deliver results while reducing environmental impact.
What is eco-friendly makeup?
Eco-friendly makeup typically refers to beauty products that are formulated with non-toxic, ethically sourced ingredients that are manufactured, packaged and distributed using practices that have minimal impact on the environment.
In truth there is no “official” government or industry definition for eco-friendly makeup. This means most eco-friendly makeup companies set their own standards, which may or may not include standards related to:
- Non-toxic, skin-friendly ingredients.
- Vegan, organic and cruelty-free ingredients.
- Ethically-sourced ingredients.
- Low waste, reusable and/or sustainable packaging.
- Plastic- and/or paper-free packaging.
- Multi-use products (e.g. non-toxic multi-sticks).
- Carbon neutral manufacturing and logistics
Since eco-friendly makeup brands make their own rules, it’s important to research companies before making a purchase. Many consumers expect clean beauty brands to be transparent about their eco-friendly practices, so you can expect to find sustainable standards and practices on company websites.
Why eco-friendly makeup is better for you
Since eco-friendly makeup products are often made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, many consumers find them less irritating to the skin, lips, and eyes. You’re also more likely to know what’s going on your skin and in it—not to mention being consumed by way of non-toxic lip gloss—when you use eco-friendly makeup. Product labels tell the story.
Reality check: makeup is truly a buyer beware situation. Believe it or not, cosmetics are one of the least regulated product segments in the U.S., especially compared to other countries. (Get the startling details in our Clean Beauty blog.) That means consumers need to be vigilant in order to avoid artificial, questionable and potentially harmful ingredients in beauty products.
Why eco-friendly makeup is better for the planet
The benefits of eco-friendly makeup go far beyond the impact it has on us personally. For example, most traditional makeup and beauty products come in single-use, plastic packaging that rarely gets recycled. You finish using it, drop it in the trash and it ends up in the landfill. (Billions of pieces go unrecycled each year!)
The beauty of many eco-friendly beauty brands is they follow sustainable sourcing, packaging, recycling and manufacturing practices. This not only minimizes the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, it helps reduce the carbon footprint of the beauty industry.
And the cool thing is every clean beauty swap you make, makes a difference!
Brands leading the eco-friendly beauty movement
If you’re a fan of Izzy, you know we not only pride ourselves on following eco-friendly makeup manufacturing and packaging practices, we’re also big fans of other clean beauty brands. If you’re looking for some of the best lip gloss, skincare and haircare products from eco-friendly brands, here are three Izzy-favorite beauty brands to check out.
1). Axiology: Skincare, makeup and more
While Axiology’s vegan lip balm is legendary, they hit it out of the park in the sustainable beauty category with multi-use products (the Tinted Dew Multi-Stick), plant-based serums and mushroom foundation, just to name a few of their amazing products. Axiology ditched ALL plastic in 2022 and their products are vegan, sustainable and cruelty free.
2). Captain Blankenship: Clean haircare (wash, style, treat)
Captain Blankenship has been on a mission to “create more beauty with less waste” from its inception. They also offer a complete line of hair products, that are vegan, sustainably manufactured and cruelty-free. Whether you need a trusty serum to tame the frizz, a daily shampoo and conditioner duo that delivers or a texturizing spray for a fun “untamed style,” this eco-friendly beauty brand has you covered.
3). Activist Skincare: Eco-friendly skincare that loves you and the planet
Known for natural, effective, “active” skincare ingredients, vegan, cruelty-free standards and sustainable, refillable packaging Activist leaves no stone unturned when it comes to eco-friendly skincare. From sustainable cleansers and toners to luscious serums and oils, this eco-friendly skincare brand is the perfect foundation for any clean beauty routine.
A smarter way to wear beauty
Eco-friendly makeup isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Small, intentional choices, especially for products we use every day, can meaningfully reduce waste without sacrificing quality or style. That’s the philosophy behind Izzy: refillable, sustainable makeup designed to perform beautifully while minimizing our carbon footprint. Because the future of makeup isn’t disposable—it’s about eco-friendly makeup that lasts longer, works better, and leaves less behind.
Want to do your part for the environment? Shop Izzy’s Zero Waste Beauty™ products today!