Image: April Notes

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Sustainable & Organic robes

After a relaxing bath, it’s nice to grab a cozy bathrobe to change into and finish the rest of your self-care routine. However, not all robes are created equal. Most robes are made from cotton treated with toxic chemicals and made in factories with few working regulations. If you are looking for a bathrobe that is comfortable and kind to the planet and the makers, this list is for you!

Our Top Picks for Sustainable & Organic Bath Robes:

1) Organic Robe

Brand | Under the Canopy

Material | Organic Cotton

Price | $68

A more affordable organic cotton robe on this list, Under the Canopy is one of the most accessible brands for quality, organic products. This GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton robe has pockets, a removable self-tie belt, & a relaxed fit.

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2) Paisley Cotton Robe

Brand | Ten Thousand Villages

Material | Block-Printed Cotton

Price | $70

This robe is block-printed by Aravali, a for-profit company supporting around 150 artisans in the Jaipur area. Block printing has to be one of the most exciting ways of creating design on fabric because it is rather labor-intensive and requires great skill.

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3) Pima Short Robe

Brand | Leena & Lu

Material | GOTS Certified Organic Cotton

Price | $98

Handcrafted in Peru with all-natural dyes, this short robe is something you can lounge in all day long. Leena & Lu uses only sustainable, fair trade, and naturally hypoallergenic 100% GOTS-certified organic Pima jersey cotton for their entire loungewear collection.

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4) Waffle Robe

Brand | ettitude

Material | Bamboo Lyocell

Price | $98

This robe is made from 100% bamboo lyocell and is OEKO-TEX certified, which means it’s been tested against a long list of toxic substances. Bamboo lyocell also uses a closed-loop cycle, so water and solvents are continuously recycled.

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5) Rachele Lounge Robe

Brand | Universal Standard

Material | Pima Cotton & Modal

Price | $158

One of the most size-inclusive brands (sizes 00-40), this robe from Universal Standard is made from a super soft, buttery Pima cotton-french Terry blend. It has a large shawl collar, side pockets, and a belt to wrap yourself up.

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6) Unisex Air Weight Organic Robe

Brand | Coyuchi

Material | 100% Organic Cotton Grown & Woven in India

Price | $148

This one looks like the ultimate in comfort! Their Air Weight robe is made with a slightly lighter version of our bestselling towel and is GOTS & Fair Trade Certified.

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7) Everyday Robe in Clay Stripes

Brand | Minna

Material | 100% Cotton

Price | $245

These new robes from MINNA are gorgeous, and they match their bedding! They took four classic bedding styles and made them wearable. The Everyday Robe is gender neutral and handwoven in Chiapas, Mexico.

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8) Printed Cotton Robe

Brand | Printfresh

Material | 100% Organic Cotton

Price | $158

Printfresh may be your new favorite if you love patterns and vibrant colors! They are a woman-owned luxury sleepwear brand offering whimsical prints on 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. Designed with inclusivity in mind, their sizes range from XS petite to 6X.

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9) Organic French Terry Robe

Brand | Avocado

Material | GOTS Organic Cotton

Price |$109

Avocado has a new line of gender-neutral robes that are as cozy as they are sustainable! Their ultra-plush French Terry robe is spa-quality and made from GOTS Certified Organic Cotton ethically sourced from India.

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10) Linen Bathrobes

Brand | April Notes

Material | Linen & Cotton

Price | $105-135

At April Notes, they create timeless home textiles made from natural materials. Their sourcing of earth-friendly materials minimizes the environmental impact, while the on-demand model eliminates textile waste. If you love the look of linen, you will enjoy this brand!

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Sustainable Tips for Removing Your Makeup

For many of us, makeup is a part of our daily or weekly routine. Effectively removing makeup is an essential part of our skincare routine. Leftover makeup can cause breakouts or other skin reactions as well as prematurely age skin. What we put on our skin matters, however, so it’s important to choose a makeup remover that is both effective and sustainable. In this article, we’ll cover the nine best ways to remove makeup sustainably including our favorite eco-friendly makeup remover brands. 

Why is it Important to Sustainably Remove Makeup? 

Choosing a sustainable makeup remover can help save you money, protect your skin, and benefit the planet. Commonly used makeup removers involve single-use items like wipes, cotton swabs, or rounds. When we remove our makeup every day, the waste from these items adds up and has a negative environmental impact. 

Choosing a makeup remover made from sustainable ingredients is better for your skin. Not only are sustainable makeup removers free from harmful chemicals, but they also contain nourishing natural ingredients that have added benefits for our skin. 

If that’s not enough of a reason to switch to sustainable makeup remover, reusable and natural options also save you money in the long run. Natural options, like organic oils, are often more affordable than conventional makeup removers and are multipurpose. Using reusable options instead of single-use pads saves money since they don’t need to be replaced as often, if at all.

What to Look for When Choosing Eco-friendly Makeup Removers

There are numerous options for sustainable makeup removers but the best option is what’s best for you and your skin type. There are a few general things to look for when choosing a makeup remover, however, to ensure it’s a sustainable option: 

• Eco-friendly Ingredients: Sustainable makeup removers should only include natural, plant-based ingredients. There shouldn’t be any added harmful chemicals or unnatural ingredients. 

• Plastic Free: Look for options that don’t contain any plastics or use plastic packaging. 

• Biodegradable and/or Compostable: Ideally, sustainable makeup removers will be fully biodegradable and or compostable. 

• Reusable: Sustainable makeup removers should not be single-use. They should be made to last and any leftover waste should naturally break down. 

• Sustainably Made: Look for brands that publicize how they source their ingredients or materials and how they treat their workers.

Our 9 Favorite Ways to Remove Makeup Sustainably

1. Oil Cleansers 

Oil cleansing removes makeup and impurities without the chemicals and irritation of conventional makeup removers. Oil cleansers and balms can be used as daily cleansers and effective makeup removers and are perfect for sensitive skin types. 

There are numerous sustainable options on the market today but one of our favorite oil cleansers is from Activist Skincare.

Activist Skincare Oil Cleansers

Price: $37-44

Activist Skincare makes three oil-based cleansers that remove mascara, makeup, and sunscreen while moisturizing and respecting the skin’s natural oils.

Our favorite is Sea to Skin Cleansing Gel, which smells like a fresh ocean breeze and has a gorgeous blue hue thanks to natural spirulina extract. It removes makeup and then rinses away, leaving skin soft and dewy instead of that uncomfortable squeaky-clean feeling.

All Activist Skincare products are offered in sustainable glass packaging and refill pouches. Refills reduce CO2 emissions by 99% and plastic waste by 75% compared to recycling glass containers and tossing their lids.

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2. Eco-Friendly Micellar Water

Micellar water is a popular and sustainable makeup remover since it easily absorbs oil and makeup while cleansing the pores. Micellar water is perfect for sensitive skin and can double as a toner. It’s alcohol-free and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals when you choose an eco-friendly option. 

To remove makeup, simply dab some micellar water on a reusable cotton round before applying it to your skin. If you’re a fan of heavy eye makeup or waterproof mascara, however, micellar water might not be the most effective makeup remover for you.

Evolve Organic Beauty

Price: $27

Evolve Organic Beauty’s Deep Clean Micellar Water is a wonderful sustainable makeup remover. Made from organic micellar water, it’s vegan and contains no harmful chemicals. Thanks to the aloe vera and rose water, it doubles as a toner and gently cleanses the skin, perfect for all skin types. This product contains hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate your skin and adds a nice glow after use. Evolve handmakes its products in small batches and only uses organic, vegan, natural ingredients. 

To use as a makeup remover, pump cleansing water onto your favorite reusable pad, cloth or sponge and wipe off any makeup. 

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3. Organic, Unrefined Oils

One of the easiest, budget-friendly, and zero-waste makeup remover options is natural oil. Oil is incredibly effective for removing stubborn eye makeup and you probably already have some in the house. When using oil as a makeup remover there are a few things you want to keep in mind. 

First, only use organic, unrefined natural oils. Some common and readily available options are olive oil, castor oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil. Many of these can double as cooking or body oils. 

Secondly, If you’re prone to breakouts, it's important to choose a low or non-comedogenic oil. If oil is comedogenic, it means it's likely to clog your pores. Some great options for acne-prone or sensitive skin are rosehip oil, hempseed oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil. 

To use as a makeup remover, simply apply a few drops of your favorite oil to a makeup pad or round and wipe before cleansing. Play around with oils to find the best one for your skin type.

If you find that your skin is particularly sensitive, try using oil to remove eye makeup only and use an oil cleanser or one of the other makeup removers on this list for the rest of your face.

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4. Facial Cleansing Bars

Another great zero-waste makeup remover is cleansing bars. Most facial cleansing bars are made from natural, chemical-free ingredients and will be gentle enough to use as a full makeup remover (including eye makeup). Facial cleansing bars can be used on a variety of skin types and target specific skin concerns, depending on the ingredients. For example, charcoal cleansing bars can help blemish-prone skin. 

Look for fragrance-free options made from eco-friendly brands that explicitly state that they can be used as a makeup remover. Try to choose cleansing bars with no packaging or reusable or compostable packaging.

Ethique Bliss Bar

Price: $17

This gentle cleansing bar from Ethique is perfect as an everyday face wash and makeup remover. It’s vegan and made from nourishing plant-based materials like coconut butter and kaolin clay.

Simply wet the bar, rub with your hands to create a lather, and then massage all over your face, including the eye area, to remove makeup. Each Ethique bar can be used 120 times and it comes in fully compostable packaging.

Ethique is a woman-owned company that specializes in vegan zero-waste skin and hair care products.

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5. DIY Makeup Remover 

Great news! Making your own sustainable makeup remover is simple and affordable. There are numerous DIY makeup remover recipes from oil-based to water-based. 

One easy recipe just requires witch hazel and water. Mix equal parts water and witch hazel for a great anti-inflammatory makeup remover. 

For oil-based makeup removers, combine your favorite organic, unrefined oils for added benefits. While using oil alone is an easy way to remove makeup, you can also add rose water or witch hazel depending on your skin type. 

For an oil-based cleanser for acne-prone skin, mix equal parts witch hazel and avocado oil. For a soothing oil-based cleanser for dry skin, combine equal parts jojoba oil and rose water. 

Don’t want to make your own? Numerous oil-based makeup removers mimic these at-home recipes. Check out this hempseed-based makeup remover from Dirty Hippie Cosmetics or Cocokind’s organic facial cleansing oil with an avocado oil base. 

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6. Konjac Facial Sponge 

Konjac sponges are becoming increasingly popular in the west and for good reason. These sustainable sponges are wonderful for your skin and are multi-purpose. Konjac sponges are made from the konjac root, a vegetable native to parts of Asia. Konjac sponges can be used as a gentle exfoliating cleanser for your entire body, including your face. 

Turns out, they're also perfect to remove makeup sustainably. Gentle enough for daily use, konjac sponges only need water to remove your makeup - even eye makeup. You can also pair it with your favorite cleanser or makeup remover.

Everist Compostable Konjac Sponge

Price: $12 

Everist has a wonderful affordable compostable konjac sponge that can be used on both your face and body. Made entirely from konjac, this plastic-free sponge is fully biodegradable. You can compost it at home after 2-3 months of regular use. 

We love this sponge because it gently exfoliates our face, is easy to clean, and turns into a cushy, fluffy sponge once wet that feels great on our skin. If you pair it with a cleanser, you only need a little bit to create a nice lather. Once you’re done, rinse the sponge, gently squeeze out excess water, and hang dry until your next use. 

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7. Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

If you’re a fan of single-use cotton pads, then this is the perfect sustainable makeup remover for you. Single-use pads are wasteful and that waste adds up when you consider how often you remove your makeup and how many pads you use to do so. 

Reusable rounds are easy to clean and better for our skin. They last a long time and can be thrown in the washing machine between uses. When choosing a reusable pad, look for options that are made from eco-friendly, natural materials like cotton or bamboo, and that are made by sustainable companies.

Cocokind Reusable Facial Rounds

Price: $18

Our top pick is these highly absorbent, reusable facial rounds from Cocokind. They are a similar size to your favorite single-use pads, but they’re made from sustainably sourced bamboo and cotton. Each round has a little hook for your fingers and feels super soft on your skin. 

Apply your favorite makeup remover and use the round to wipe your face. Once you’re done, throw the pads in your next load of laundry for an effective clean or handwash. 

This pack includes 14 rounds and comes in an eco-friendly mesh bag that makes it easy to travel with your reusable rounds. 

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8. Sustainable Cleansing Cloths

One of the most common ways to remove makeup is by using a facial towel or washcloth. If you’ve used this method, however, you know that it’s very easy to stain your washcloths (we’re looking at you, mascara!). Plus, depending on what the washcloth is made of, it may not be the best for your skin. A sustainable makeup remover alternative is an eco-friendly facial washcloth. 

Look for antibacterial cleansing cloths made from ethically sourced natural materials that are specifically designed for use on the face.

Agave Leaf Holistic Cleansing Cloth

Price: $14

Our favorite sustainable cleansing cloth is this one from Earth Harbor Naturals. Made from sustainably harvested wild agave leaves, this gentle antibacterial cloth helps increase circulation and can be used on all skin types. You won’t find any harmful chemicals, dyes, fragrances, or plastics in this cleansing cloth. Before using the cloth for the first time, let it soak in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Then, apply your favorite eco-friendly makeup remover and gently rub your face to remove makeup.

The cleansing cloth should last up to 5 months of daily use. 

Each cloth is handspun at a fair trade, woman-run co-op in Mexico that also harvests the agave used. Earth Harbor Naturals ships its products in recycled, FSC Certified boxes. 

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9. Reusable Swabs

If you love to use cotton swabs to remove your eye makeup, then reusable beauty swabs would be a great sustainable option for you. Traditional single-use cotton swabs add unnecessary waste that doesn’t break down easily. However, swabs are very effective at removing eye makeup, so we understand not wanting to forgo them entirely.  

Thankfully, there’s a sustainable alternative. Choose a reusable swab made from natural materials. They are easy to wash and convenient to store, thanks to their small size. Plus, reusable swabs often feel nicer on the skin than single-use ones.

LastSwab Beauty Reusable Swab

Price: $24

LastObject makes these awesome reusable swabs from BPA-free recycled ocean plastic. Each swab can be used over 1,000 times and is easy to wash after each use. 

Simply dip the pointed end in your favorite makeup remover and wipe off your eye makeup.

Each beauty swab kit can be recycled once it’s reached the maximum use.

They come in a colorful compact case also made from recycled plastic.

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Makeup Removers to Avoid: Single-Use Wipes 

The least sustainable option for removing makeup is makeup-removing wipes. These single-use wipes are typically made from unsustainable materials like plastic and polyester. Since each wipe can only be used once, they are pretty wasteful. With so many reusable options readily and affordably available, it’s best to avoid single-use makeup wipes when possible. 

However, we can’t ignore the convenience of single-use wipes, especially if you’re on the go. If you have to use them, choose compostable and biodegradable wipes made from sustainable materials, and never flush them down the toilet. 

One sustainable option is Burt’s Bees Micellar Makeup Removing Wipes which are home-compostable and made from upcycled cotton. 

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About the Author

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.

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The Best Sustainable Makeup Bags & Toiletry Travel Bags

As some people begin to travel again via road trips or flights for personal or work reasons, the need for travel bags has increased. For example, we recently went on a trip to visit family in Arizona for the first time in more than a year and a half, and my daughter needed a new bag for her toiletries. I was surprised to see most stores were out. So, of course, I needed to research and find some sustainable options, and my research can benefit you. This article provides you with 13 wonderful options for your upcoming trip.

How to Choose Sustainable Toiletry Bags

When I first started researching toiletry bags, I thought, what makes toiletry bags sustainable, and what should I look for? It turns out the same as most other products – sustainable materials and ethical production practices. Look for materials like organic cotton, linen, canvas, and recycled plastic. Shop from trusted brands that follow ethical and humane practices. Most importantly, make sure it is high quality, functions for how you travel and is a style that you will keep for many years.

Now Our Top 13 Picks for Sustainable Makeup & Toiletry Bags:

1) Chebeague Toiletry Bag

Brand: Sea Bags

Price: $65

The Chebeague Bag has a minimalist design that works for all genders. The toiletry is made from recycled sails, like all of the products from Sea Bags. The side handle, zip-top, and being machine washable make it practical as well. Their products are all made in the USA by skilled Maine craftspeople.

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2) Cabana See All Vanity Case

Brand: Paravel

Price: $95

This clear case is made with canvas from recycled plastic bottles, LWG eco-certified leather, and silicone coating. The case is a classic and sophisticated design. It is easy to clean and waterproof. The vanity is also convenient with a simple handle for carrying, and you can see all the contents, so you don’t have to rifle through things to find one item. As a bonus you can get the vanity case monogrammed.

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3) Cross Stitch Toiletry Bag

Brand: Anchal

Price: $32

The cross-stitch base is made from GOTS certified cotton and canvas lined. The bag has a great cross stich design in 6 colors to choose from. Anchal is women owned, with Fair Trade products that support artisans in India. The toiletry bag has a front pocket, as well as the main compartment, for storing small items and ones you need to reach easily – I personally love multi-pocket bags.

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4) Makeup Bag

Brand: Sezane

Price: $55

The makeup bag from Sezane is made from all organic cotton and has a super cute print – one of my favorites. The softness of the bag makes it easy to collapse to the needed size to fit in most bags. Sezane makes most of their products in Europe and all of their workshops are audited by independent experts. I highly recommend their Behind the Label videos for educational information about their practices.

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5) Lok Pouch

Brand: Terra Thread

Price: $15

The LOK pouch comes in more than 10 colors and is a neutral enough style to be unisex. The pouch is made from organic cotton, lead free zippers, and using Fair Trade practices. I love that the Lok pouch is machine washable, large, and easy to roll down and resize as needed for your packing needs. Each purchase also provides support to Feeding America.

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6) Elise Makeup Bag

Brand: O My Bag

Price: $82

This very French styled makeup bag is made with GOTS certified cotton outside and a canvas lining inside. The Elise is a great choice for all your travels with an inner zip pocket for small items, a handle, classy style, padded sizes and plenty of room. The bag also ships from Europe, so I suggest ordering other items at the same time to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.

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7) ReNew Catch-All

Brand: Everlane

Price: $30

The ReNew Catch-All Case features five interior drop-in pockets and one exterior zip pocket, which makes it perfect for organizing toiletries (and other small things). The catch all can snap down for smaller size or expand out as needed. The bag is made with 100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles, a water resistant finish that is fluorine free, and Bluesign certified dyes.

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8) Blair Vegan Toiletry Case

Brand: Matt & Nat

Price: $65

Matt & Nat is a leader in sustainable vegan bags, so of course they would have a toiletry case. This bag is a classic, unisex style that comes in 8 colors, with a convenient side handle. There is an interior pocket to organize smaller items. The exterior is a vegan cruelty-free material and the interior lining is made from recycled water bottles. It looks durable and easy to clean. While the vegan material is PU (polyurethane), which is biodegradable, and not as eco-friendly as some other organic materials.

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9) Large Zebra Pouch

Brand: Ubuntu Life

Price: $27

This fun Zebra patterned pouch made by artisans in Kenya. The large pouch is made from 100% cotton canvas and lead-free water based inks, plus leather sourced from Kenya’s oldest tannery. All of Ubuntu Life’s products ensure living wages and a future for women artists in Kenya. It is a large size that is collapsible to hold as much or as little as you need. It only has one large pocket, which some people really prefer – I like an additional interior pocket for organizing.

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10) 2-in-1 Cosmetic Pouch

Brand: Sakroots

Price: $30

These cosmetic pouches are made from REPREVE Eco Twill which is durable, water repellent, stain resistant and made from recycled materials including plastic bottles! This set is also PETA-approved and Vegan Certified. Sakroots is focused on using original artwork that supports environmental charities.

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11) Sagebrush + Sand Clutch

Brand: MZ Made

Price: $44

The Sagebrush + Sand Clutch is unique in that it is the only one with an exterior made out of wool. The interior is cotton lining. It is handwoven, hand dyed with non-toxic dyes, and Fair Trade certified. The soft earth tones are really appealing, and it has an interior pocket for smaller items. MZ Made has a meet the maker section on their site where you can learn about each artisan they partner with.

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12) Free to Grow Houseplant Pouch

Brand: The Tote Project

Price: $22.50

These sweet little pouches are great for organizing your belongings for trips. It’s hard to tell in this photo, but the base expands out to hold many personal belongings! Based on friendship and a shared dream, Fay Grant and Michelle Chavez started The Tote Project to support the recovery of victims of modern-day slavery.

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13) Toiletry Bag

Brand: Grunbag

Price: $60

The Grunbag Toiletry bag is made from surplus material from tarpaulin production and a recycled zipper. The toiletry bag is very practical with 2 inner pockets, a side handle, and a zip closure at the top. It has a utilitarian look that comes in multiple colors, which gives it unisex appeal. It is also conveniently water resistant and easy to clean. The bag does ship from Europe, so I suggest ordering other items at the same time to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.

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About the Author: Mindy Redburn-Smoak has enjoyed a 20+ year career in corporate learning as a consultant, designer, and manager. She is passionate about sustainable living, family, travel, and dog rescue. She has been on a mission to live more sustainably for several years, and loves the journey of learning and trying new things in this space. She is on another journey pursuing her dream of writing about things she is passionate about and that can make a difference in the world. The best way to connect with Mindy is via email at mredsmoak@gmail.com.

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The Best Sustainable Toothpastes for Your Health

The impact of something as seemingly small as which toothpaste we choose is easily lost amongst the noise of life. Yet, different toothpastes might have vastly different impacts on our personal health, as well as on the environment we all share. So what kind of toothpaste is best, and which ingredients should we avoid?

There are plenty of ingredients in toothpaste, and we often don’t think about them much at all. Not only can toothpaste be tested on animals, some include ground up animal bone meal, glycerin from animal fat, and bee pollen. Toothpastes can even contain tiny pieces of plastic, and chemicals which wear down and hurt the inside of our mouths. 

First, let’s look at what toothpaste ingredients (as well as those listed above) are worth avoiding, so that we can consider which toothpastes are better for us all, in an informed way. There are both harmful and ineffective toothpastes available today -- some chemical filled and some natural. We need to find a happy balance, with toothpaste which is healthy for our body and planet, while actually working to protect our teeth.

Which toothpaste ingredients are worth avoiding, for personal health?

SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:

SLS is a foaming agent used in a lot of shampoos, toothpastes and other foamy personal care products. This ingredient is one that dentists widely agree should be avoided. 

This is because SLS can cause canker sores, with studies showing that SLS irritates the soft tissue of the mouth by reducing its protective barrier, as well as by inflaming existing sores, and stopping them from healing.

Toothpaste doesn’t need to be foamy in order for it to be effective, so SLS is worth saying goodbye to!

Artificial Colorings:

Artificial colorings in toothpaste, with names that include ‘FD&C Green No. 3’, ‘D&C Yellow No. 10’, and FD&C Blue No. 1’ are reportedly cytotoxic, meaning that they can ‘kill good cells’, according to renowned dentist, Dr Maddahi. 

Typically, there are over 70 different types of bacteria in your mouth at one time, and these mostly occur naturally, without causing any harm. Just some bacteria are considered ‘bad’, contributing to dental decay and gum disease. Stripping back your mouth to a point where nothing can live is not a good thing. 

What’s more, these colorings are synthetically produced. FD&C Blue No.1 for example is produced from petroleum, according to The Environmental Working Group. There is some suggestion that such synthetic food dyes can cause a host of different health issues, and there’s no need for toothpaste to be colored for it to work. Best to avoid. 

Chemical Preservatives:

Similar to artificial colorings, chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate, methyl paraben, and ethyl paraben can reportedly by cytotoxic, impacting oral health. For the same reasons as listed above, these could be worth avoiding for your health. 

Which toothpaste ingredients are worth avoiding, for both personal and planetary health?

It’s not only how your toothpaste is packaged -- whether in a recyclable tube, or in a glass jar (hello, toothpaste tablets) -- but what is in your toothpaste, that can impact the planet. When our environment is harmed, we are, too. So what ingredients are worth avoiding, for the planet?

While banned in some areas, microbeads are still in many toothpastes. Restrictions around the use of microbeads are less stringent than they seem, with many Governments simply supporting a voluntary phase out period.

But what are microbeads? These are tiny, manufactured plastic particles that are under 5mm in diameter. These microbeads don’t biodegrade or dissolve in water, yet they are found in some toothpastes, exfoliates and other personal care items. When washed down our drains, these microbeads are eaten by birds, fish and other marine creatures, harming them all.

In the case of toothpaste, microbeads -- and other kinds of plastic polymers -- are used for abrasion, though they’re not needed for this. Baking soda is commonly used in toothpaste for this same purpose, and is largely used to a safe degree -- because too much abrasion is not a good thing!

So what toothpastes are good, full of ingredients that are not only non-harmful, but beneficial? 

Of course, we’re not only looking to avoid harm to our teeth when we brush them, but to actually help keep them healthy. Below are some great toothpastes which are not tested on animals, which are free from animal-derived ingredients, microbeads, SLS, and other noted harmful substances, like artificial colorings. 

As much as possible, we’ve kept environmentally friendly dental packaging in mind, but we also need to prioritise toothpaste that is actually beneficial to dental health -- and many more eco-friendly toothpastes haven’t yet been proven to be so good. In many places, you can’t recycle toothpaste packaging through your curbside bin, but you can through specialist recycling programs, like TerraCycle, where you send off your tubes in the mail. Too, more and more brands are starting to introduce more easily recyclable, and even recycled packaging. 

Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Toothpastes:

1) by Humankind

This brand is a favorite of the creator of Sustainably Chic Natalie. She loves that the toothpaste tablets are made with safe, natural ingredients, and there is NO single-use plastic involved! Just crush them in your mouth and start brushing. This zero-waste toothpaste offers refills that ship with a compostable pouch made from kraft paper and a sugar-based lining. By Humankind also offsets 100% of their carbon footprint by investing in strategic forest preservation projects.

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2) Dr Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste

This toothpaste comes in a recyclable box and tube, and is free from synthetic detergents and foaming agents, as well as from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners.

It’s made up of 70% certified organic ingredients, and many certified fair trade ingredients, like coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, baking soda, and xanthan gum.

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3) Hello

With both fluoride and fluoride free options, Hello toothpastes also include ‘sustainably sourced’ ingredients like white turmeric, coconut-based glycerin, sorbitol, hemp seed oil, hydrated silica, calcium, aloe vera and more. 

Hello toothpastes never include SLS, animal testing or animal-derived ingredients, triclosan, peroxide, and artificial dyes. They also offer tablet toothpaste!

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4) BOKA

This toothpaste is free from artificial flavors and colours, parabens, and SLS.

The key ingredient that makes this toothpaste unique and effective is called nano-hydroxyapatite.

This ingredient ‘has remarkable remineralizing effects on initial lesions of enamel’. This cruelty-free toothpaste is science-based.

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5) Risewell

Another scientifically backed toothpaste that makes use of hydroxyapatite for the purpose of enamel protection and remineralisation, is RiseWell. Like all of these other more health-conscious toothpastes, RiseWell is free from SLS, artificial colors and flavors, as well as Propylene glycol and other cheap ingredients. RiseWell notes that too often, toothpaste brands seeking to move away from the ‘norm’ remove ‘bad’ ingredients, but don’t replace them with anything effective. They’re working to change this.

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6) Attitude

ATTITUDE® - an EWG-approved brand - has been on a mission to reduce its use of disposable packaging. Therefore, when it came to their toothpaste, they wanted to avoid unnecessary packaging and use biodegradable packaging tubes that don’t come in a box.

Find fluoride-free toothpaste, and toothpaste for kids! All are vegan, and paraben/alcohol-free.

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7) Tom’s of Maine

This brand has a page on their website dedicated to their stewardship model, which outlines the ways in which they ensure that their company doesn’t cause harm to the planet or those on it.

Such efforts include focussing on more sustainable packaging, ensuring no animal testing, being mostly vegan, and sourcing ingredients which are natural, sustainable, & free from harm to people or the planet.

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8) Dr. Brite

The toothpaste made by this company is Environmental Working Group certified as a safe toothpaste, which is also safe to swallow -- isn’t it wild that some toothpastes aren’t?! Using aloe vera juice, coconut oil, calcium carbonate, tea tree leaf oil and other ingredients, this toothpaste is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from artificial flavors and colors, from SLS, phthalate, parabens and sulfates. With toothpaste options for kids, those wanting extra whitening, & who need extra sensitive paste, this brand has a solid range.

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9) Kiss My Face

‘Cruelty free and clean since 1983’, this brand has both fluoride and non-fluoride options, with all their pastes being free from SLS, parabens and phthalates.

You can find different toothpastes for your preference like Super White, Triple Action and Sensitive. They also have a berry toothpaste for kids! The majority of their products are vegan, too.

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About the Author
Emma Håkansson is the founder and director of Collective Fashion Justice which seeks to create a total ethics fashion system that prioritizes the life and wellbeing of non-human & human animals, as well as the planet, before profit & production. She has written countless articles on ethics, sustainability, and fashion, and has two books due out over the next two years.

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A Guide to Eco-Friendly, sustainable deodorant

With all sorts of claims that some deodorant ingredients cause breast cancer and other serious illness, problems like animal testing, non-recyclable packaging and ineffective ingredients, finding the right deodorant for you and the planet can be tough. Luckily, we’ve broken down what you need to look out for, and which deodorants we love most.

Does deodorant cause breast cancer or other diseases?

If you've ever read about the potential health impacts of deodorant and antiperspirant (the two are in fact different, as only the latter actually blocks sweat, the former just masks smell), you might feel quite alarmed by the supposed risks. A quick Google can tell you that your deodorant will give you breast cancer, Alzheimer's, kidney disease, and other frightening illnesses. But are these claims backed up by science?

Peer-reviewed, scientific sources tell us that in the case of breast cancer, Alzheimer's and kidney disease alike, even conventional deodorant use is likely not linked to the development of these diseases or that results are inconclusive. It is recognised that further research is needed in the area – so there's nothing stopping you from erring on the side of caution – but that with the studies done up until today, no clear, causal link is found. 

If you want to avoid the ingredients in question here, they are aluminum and parabens. Aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirants, as they create a temporary 'plug,' which stops the flow of sweat from sweat ducts to the surface of your skin. It's suggested that frequent application of aluminum-based products to the armpit (which is, of course, near to the breast) may be absorbed into the skin and have hormonal effects, leading to the growth of breast cancer cells. So the logic around potential links between aluminum and other diseases is the same – absorption is the risk. There is also some fear that temporarily blocking the ability to sweat means temporarily losing the ability to release toxins – but lymph nodes, which are not connected to sweat glands, are responsible for this. 

Similar concerns relate to parabens, which do have weak estrogen-like properties. But, again, there is no conclusive evidence that aluminum or parabens at the levels they exist in deodorant causes these diseases. Some people are concerned, though, that it is the build-up of aluminum and parabens across their skincare regime and diet that creates risk. This is particularly relevant for parabens, which are used widely in cosmetics, food, shampoo and skincare products. If you're worried, there's no harm in avoiding these ingredients when they are labeled on deodorant and other products. 

Is all deodorant vegan and cruelty-free?

When we talk about the deodorant that is best for us and the planet, we need to consider the other living beings here with us. Many deodorants are still tested on animals. Animal testing of deodorant isn’t simply putting some roll-on in the underarm of a rabbit, but smearing the ingredients and chemicals used in deodorants onto their shaved bare skin, and into their eyes.

Perhaps the most upsetting form of animal testing is the acute oral toxicity test, where rats are forced to swallow a substance until they become incredibly sick and ultimately die. The purpose of this test is to see how long it takes for half of the exposed animals to die within 14 days of swallowing the substance. Unfortunately, this is all too common in the personal hygiene and cosmetics industry.

What’s more, not all deodorant is vegan. Some deodorant contains gelatin – made from boiled animal skin, tendons and bones, while others may contain beeswax, animal-derived glycerine made of animal fat (vegan glycerine from vegetable oil fortunately exists too), and other unappealing and cruel ingredients. 

For those wanting to avoid supporting all of the above mentioned cruelty to animals, there are a huge range of vegan and animal-testing free certified deodorants available. 

How does deodorant packaging impact the planet?

It’s estimated that 120 billion units of cosmetic packaging is produced every year. Unfortunately, a large amount of this packaging is not able to be recycled, ending up in landfill, or if not properly disposed of, the ocean.

The health of the planet and our personal health are completely intertwined. While personal hygiene, skincare and makeup companies must take responsibility for the impact of their products and use more sustainable and even reusable packaging, we have a part to play, too.

Today, there are deodorant brands that sell refillable roll-ons, which use glass packaging that is more valuable in recycling systems, and even compostable packaging. These are great options to choose.

For a topic as simple as deodorant, a lot of concerning points have been raised here! Luckily, it’s not so hard to avoid all of these concerns, while staying fresh as a daisy. Here are some of our favourite natural, aluminium and paraben free, vegan, animal-testing free, and sustainably packaged deodorants – they sure tick a lot of boxes!

Our favorite Sustainable, effective and safe deodorants:

1) by Humankind

Making the self proclaimed ‘most advanced natural deodorant ever’, Humankind offers sleek refillable containers full of delicious scents like rosemary and mint, lemongrass, as well as lavender and citrus. This formula is ethically made without aluminium or paraben, as well as any kind of animal cruelty. This one wins points for strong aesthetics that match the internal goodness of the product.

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2) Wild

Another refillable deodorant where refills are sent to your door, this one comes in a metal case (that can be recycled, though the point is to keep using it for the rest of your life!), with refills that are packed in compostable material. As for the ‘no nasties’ deodorant itself, it’s been rigorously tried, tested and customer approved, so you know you won’t need to worry about your fragrance.

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3) Attitude

Attitude is EWG Verified, so you can feel confident knowing their ingredients are safe for your skin! All their deodorants are plastic-free, aluminum-free, formulated with natural-based ingredients, and optimized to perform. And, of course, they are Vegan Certified, and the zero-waste packaging is made from FSC-certified biodegradable cardboard. They have many different scents for you to choose from, as well!

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4) PiperWai

This deodorant cream, which you rub in your hands before melting it into your pits, is packaged in ocean waste recovered plastic. While this one isn’t refillable, using ocean waste plastic rather than virgin plastic reduces carbon emissions, helps protect marine life, and is 100% recyclable. As with all of the others, this one is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from ingredients that may cause you concern.

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5) Native

In gorgeous scents like coconut and vanilla, cucumber and mint, aloe and green tea, as well as an unscented option, this brand offers an effective and completely plastic-free deodorant. With paperboard packaging, vegan and animal-testing free assurance, this deodorant works a charm to keep you smelling good with thanks to coconut oil for smoothness, baking soda, shea butter, tapioca starch and other recognizable ingredients.

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6) No Pong

The cheapest option, this all natural anti odorant comes in a recyclable metal tin, and just a little goes a long way.

This aluminium and paraben free, animal friendly formula keeps you fresh for ‘up to 12 hours’, and is available in both fragrance free and scented options.

p.s. It’s more like a lotion or a cream – so you just apply a pea sized amount to each armpit!

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About the Author
Emma Håkansson is the founder and director of Collective Fashion Justice which seeks to create a total ethics fashion system that prioritizes the life and wellbeing of non-human & human animals, as well as the planet, before profit & production. She has written countless articles on ethics, sustainability, and fashion, and has two books due out over the next two years.

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