Of all my grooming and self care routines, none are more sacred than my skin care routine. Within said routine(s) its safe to say the heavy hitters are the moisturizers. Cleansers, toners, and spot treatments may come and go, but it takes a special moisturizer to push “add to cart” and it better be great if I’m going to “add to face”. So with all that said, deciding to totally switch up your whole routine in order to find a zero waste moisturizer can be stressful.
Luckily, I’ve found that a few of the products I already use and love are zero waste and on top of that, are certified Clean At Sephora. Additional research directed my attention to a couple of new zero waste products as well. Read on for some recommendations you and your face can feel great about.
The Glow Up: Watermelon Glow Pink Juice
Pretty In Pink and Juicy AF – This moisturizer comes in a beautiful (and recyclable!) glass bottle and works for a variety of skin types. Watermelon Glow Pink Juice can be used as a normal moisturizer in the morning and before bed. Alternatively, if you are feeling oily, use it after your normal cleansing, toning, and serum routine. Those who are experiencing dryer skin can apply Watermelon Glow Pink Juice before a second moisturizer to achieve a dewy finish.
This moisturizer is spiked with watermelon extract for juicy, hydrated, moisturized skin. The oil-free, vitamin and anti-oxidant rich formula fights free radical damage and protects skin from environmental toxins. Plus, it smells exactly like a slice of juicy watermelon on a hot summer day. Drool. (Remember to always rinse thoroughly before recycling your glass bottles).
A Fan Fave: Ethique
This Ethique product is pretty unique – like most Ethique products, the Saving Face Serum comes in a solid bar form within a compostable box. To use this face serum, place it between your (clean) hands for a few seconds and let the heat from your skin melt the product onto your hands. Then use your hands to press the serum into your face. Ta Da! You’re on your way to moisturized, hydrated skin, baby.
As you may have guessed, you’ll want to store this bar at room temperature to avoid melting product. If the bar does become soft/melted during travel or in other high temperature settings just pop it in the refrigerator for a couple hours and you’re back in business. Remember to throw that box in the compost bin when you’re finished with it.
Honey, Dew Hydrate with Farmacy Beauty
This moisturizer is simply the bees knees. I find it is better for those with regular to oiler complexions as the name is accurate, it IS a lightweight moisturizer. This makes it great for layering into more robust skincare routines or for those who aren’t super dry. It smells great and absorbs easily.
Honey Drop is formulated with honey locally sourced from Farmacy bees who create quite a buzz infusing their honey with natural antioxidants. As a Farmacy product, it comes in a stylish glass jar that is fully recyclable. (Just remember to peel off the label and rinse thoroughly).
Jar of Youth: Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Overnight Mask
This overnight mask means business – the Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Overnight Mask not only has a long name but is a powerful product. This bright yellow mask feels a little denser and dryer than your typical moisturizer, but rubs into skin easily. It doesn’t feel heavy or oily and is very lightly scented which makes it feel that much cleaner.
While it rubs in easily, I prefer to apply at least an hour before going to sleep so that I feel like it has been fully absorbed and not rubbing off on my pillow. This mask is one of my skin care favorites, I use it 2 – 3 nights per week, and even during the day on weekends when I don’t plan on wearing makeup.
Pacifica Beauty Dreamy Youth Day and Night
I wasn’t expecting a lot out of this day and night face cream when I first picked it up, but the moment I gave it a try I realized this would be a powerful tool in my zero waste skincare kit. Dreamy Youth has a small pump that dispenses the product, and a little goes a long way. I used two pumps as my skin was looking really dry (which we all know is pretty much a face-skin emergency).
The product was a bit heavy which gave it that smooth luxurious feel upon application. I was pleasantly surprised by this as I have dryer skin and I like to really feel like my products are doing some heavy lifting. Though it has a thicker consistency it does not feel oily or greasy. It has a faint sunscreen scent that will carry your thoughts to far-away beaches.
This face cream can be used morning or evening, and multiple times a day. I think it would be a particularly good product for traveling as it is versatile enough to take in place of multiple products and save some space in the suitcase.
Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day and Night Face Cream comes in as one of the more affordable moisturizers on the list. While it is packaged in a plastic bottle, Pacifica’s goal is to create no waste, so they’ve created a recycling program for all of your Pacifica product packaging. Visit their website for details on how to return your bottles with pre-paid shipping labels here.
Dry, Oily, or Combo – There’s a Zero Waste Moisturizer For You
No matter your budget or skin type, there’s a zero waste moisturizer on the market for you. With this list you’ll have no trouble finding a new moisturizer to soothe your skin and your conscience. If you’re spreading the zero waste joy make sure to give this post a share.
All non-Amazon prices are accurate as of: 2020-04-15 and are subject to change.
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API