16 Brands Selling Sustainable Sunscreens For Safe Skin Under The Sun

Image: Indie Lee
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The Best SUSTAINABLE & Non-Toxic SUNSCREENS

Summer usually comes with all the fun outdoor activities, trips to the beach, hikes in nature and picnics in the park. Days are longer, and we can finally absorb some much-needed vitamin D!

But we should also not forget to take extra precautions when exposed to the sun. Long-term, excessive sun exposure without sunscreen can lead to skin damage and premature aging, and in the worst cases, skin cancer.

However, most sunscreens on the market are made with harmful chemicals that are very toxic to human health. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin, which means that all their toxic ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream. Many of those are known to cause serious health issues, including hormone disruption, allergies, and organ toxicity.

If that wasn’t enough, it is estimated that around 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter the ocean each year, contributing to the bleaching and death of coral reefs. Corals have not only been declining at an alarming rate, but this pollution also negatively impacts the fertility and health of all marine ecosystems.

For all those reasons, we should only buy non-toxic and sustainable sunscreens. To help you find safe and eco-friendly SPF, we have compiled a list of 16 brands selling sunscreens you can feel good about purchasing!

WHAT MAKES SUNSCREEN ECO-FRIENDLY?

When buying a product, we often think about the negative impact the packaging has on the environment. While it is something we should look at when choosing sunscreen, we should before anything else make sure the ingredients are sustainable, ocean-friendly, reef-safe and non-toxic.

Many sustainable brands are selling sunscreens in plastic tubes, but we should still support them if they make their sunscreen with clean ingredients.

Fortunately, more and more have been incorporating greener packaging: you can now find sunscreen packaged in cardboard, bioplastic, glass, or metal.

WHAT SUSTAINABLE INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

If you are looking for sustainable SPF, go for mineral sunscreens. These are usually formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, which is a mineral sunscreen agent that protects the skin’s outer barrier by reflecting harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is also safe for human health and doesn’t harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Eco-friendly sunscreens also contain other ingredients, but all of them are biodegradable and non-toxic, if not organic. These can include coconut oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, plant oils, shea butter, and any other plant-based ingredient.

In general, always stay away from chemical sunscreens formulated with harmful ingredients like parabens, oxybenzone, benzophenone, avobenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate to name just a few.

OUR TOP PICKS FOR NON-TOXIC, SUSTAINABLE SUNSCREENS:

1) Activist Skincare

Price: $20

Activist Skincare offers SPF 30 tinted mineral sunscreen that doubles as concealer or tinted moisturizer, with four shades from light to deep. These reef-safe, zinc-based formulas come in low-waste packaging that’s easy on the earth—from compostable sticks to minimalist pouches for the ultimate in sustainability.

Enjoy broad-spectrum protection with 80 minutes of water resistance in a creamy, silky texture that blurs imperfections while protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays that cause premature aging.

Ingredients include red raspberry seed, tamanu and manuka oils and organic beeswax, all cruelty-free.

Activist also makes a line of high-performance, refillable skincare products and is a 1% for the Planet member.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off

Shop Activist Skincare

2) Kinfield

Price: $24

An SPF made for your water adventures, Kinfield’s Daily Dew SPF 35 is a water-resistant moisturizer. This unique formula hydrates skin while protecting your face with 100% mineral, broad-spectrum SPF 35. In addition, ingredients like sea kelp helps moisturize, aloe vera soothes, rice bran extract nourishes, glycerin hydrates, and sunflower extra calms.

Kinfield’s products are cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phalate-free, and vegan!

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC15 for 15% off

Shop Kinfield

3) Green Eco Dream

Price: $10-20

Green Eco Dream is a one-stop shop for everything eco-friendly, from home goods to beauty essentials and zero-waste products for on the go. On the company’s website, you can find SPF 30 and 50 sunscreens sold by sustainable brands like All Good and Raw Elements.

Whether you choose a sunscreen spray, butter or lotion, all sunscreens are cruelty-free and formulated with organic ingredients including non-nano zinc oxide. They are also reef-friendly and free of harmful chemicals.

Green Eco Dream is a member of 1% For The Planet, and it is carbon-neutral and certified by Green America. The company also ships its products 100% plastic-free and supports different environmental non-profits like Clean Miami Beach and Plastic Pollution Coalition.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC20 for 20% off

Shop Green Eco Dream

4) Indie Lee

Price: $42

From cleansers to moisturizers, Indie Lee has everything you may need when looking for natural, eco-friendly skincare products. The brand sells an unscented mineral sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Made with 20% uncoated zinc oxide, this natural sunscreen is also formulated with shea butter, squalane and aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated.

Indie Lee’s sunscreen dries down clean and can be used on all skin types and tones.

It is free of 1300+ harmful ingredients like parabens and phthalates, and it is Leaping Bunny certified, meaning that it is 100% cruelty-free.

The brand also offers carbon-neutral shipping, and it even takes your empties back so that they can get recycled!

Shop Indie Lee

5) Kindhumans

Price: $6-32

Kindhumans is an ethical marketplace where you can find all kinds of sustainable products, including clothing, home goods, and beauty and skincare products.

The online shop has different types of sunscreens by the brands Raw Elements and MANDA, such as sunscreen lotions, lip balms and sticks.

They are all formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and contain reef-safe, USDA-certified organic ingredients.

Most sunscreens are plastic-free and packaged in metal, cardboard or bioplastic derived from sugarcane. Kindhumans also donates 3% of each purchase to the cause of your choice, including causes that support humanitarian aid, kids or the environment.

The company is a certified B Corporation and a member of 1% For The Planet. It is also climate neutral, and it ships its products in packaging made of recycled materials.

Shop Kindhumans

6) Le Prunier

Price: $78

Le Prunier is a sustainable beauty brand that creates skincare products using organic plums. The fruits are grown, harvested and cold-pressed on a 106-year-old family-owned farm in California.

The brand sells an SPF 31 sunscreen, the Plumscreen®, which combines the skincare benefits of Le Prunier’s beauty oil with broad-spectrum sun protection. The ingredients protect the skin from UV damage, blue light and pollution, and they are all reef-safe.

The Plumscreen is rich in antioxidants and made using 100% upcycled plum kernels, which are a waste byproduct of the plum production. It also received different awards in 2021, including the Shape Magazine’s award for best SPF and the Oprah Daily’s O-award for best SPF for combo skin!

Shop Le Prunier

7) Cocokind

Price: $25

Cocokind is a skincare brand that sells sustainable products for glowy, happy skin. The brand offers two sunscreens that provide hydration as well as protection against UVA and UVB rays and environmental stressors like pollution.

Its mineral-based sunscreen lotion with SPF 32 is made using non-nano zinc oxide, microalgae and blue phytoplankton. These natural ingredients help prevent aging, skin damage and sunburns.

This sunscreen is fragrance-free and ideal for everyday use!

Cocokind also has an SPF 30 hybrid sunscreen, formulated with both mineral and chemical ingredients. This formula works well with blemish-prone skins, and it blends easily into the skin.

Whichever you choose, both sunscreens leave a soft, dewy finish on the skin. You will love that the brand breaks down the carbon footprint of each product on every packaging!

Shop Cocokind

8) Biossance

Price: $30-42

Biossance uses innovative, patented biotechnology to create natural skincare products that are safe for humans, animals and the environment.

The brand sells a sheer broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen that can be used for all skin tones. This SPF 30 sunscreen leaves the skin with a non-greasy, dewy finish, and protects it from harmful UV rays. Biossance’s sunscreen is made using reef-safe and non-toxic ingredients, including 14% non-nano zinc oxide.

It is also formulated with squalane derived from sugarcane to moisturize the skin, as well as water lily which cools and calms the skin after being exposed to the sun.

This mineral sunscreen is vegan, Leaping Bunny certified and verified by the Environmental Working Group. Plus, Biossance offsets the carbon footprint of its entire shipping process!

Shop Biossance

9) 100% Pure

Price: $29-38

100% Pure is a clean beauty brand that makes cruelty-free skincare and makeup pigmented with real fruits. The brand has an SPF 30 sunscreen lotion that protects the skin against UV rays all while nourishing and hydrating it.

100% Pure’s sunscreen is made with mineral zinc oxide and infused with green tea, which has great anti-aging properties. It also contains other beneficial ingredients like vitamin E, aloe juice, cucumber juice and raspberry seed oil.

The brand also sells an SPF 20 moisturizer made with tomato lycopene, as well as an SPF 30 mist produced using Yerba mate tea.

100% Pure has been awarded the Green Business Certification, and with each purchase, it donates part of the proceeds to social and environmental organizations.

Shop 100% Pure

10) bioClarity

Price: $30-35

bioClarity is a skincare brand that creates unique products using plant-based formulas.

The company sells two SPF 30 mineral sunscreens, each made with non-nano zinc oxide.

While they both safeguard skin against UV rays, environmental pollutants and blue light, the SunFilter also doubles as an everyday facial moisturizer to provide lasting hydration.

Both sunscreens are formulated with bioClarity’s proprietary ingredient Floralux®, a blend of chlorophyllin, copper and antioxidants that has been proven to reduce acne and help minimize premature aging.

bioClarity’s sunscreens are designed for blemish-prone skin but they work well on all skin types. They are absorbed quickly without leaving a white cast, and they are reef-safe, non-toxic, vegan and Leaping Bunny certified.

Shop Bioclarity

11) Solara Suncare

Price: $16-64

Solara Suncare is a vegan skincare brand specialized in the production of sunscreens and other suncare products.

It has a large selection of products with SPF 30 or 50 to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Whether you choose a sunscreen lotion, stick, mist or serum, each of them contains Solara's proprietary 10-active botanical blend.

Formulated with antioxidants, vitamins, omega 3, 6 and 9, as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients, the brand’s sunscreens will boost your skin’s protective barrier and promote cellular level response after sun exposure.

They are also free of more than 1,500 ingredients banned in the European Union. Solara’s sunscreens are reef-friendly, Leaping Bunny certified and some are even EWG verified!

Shop Solara Suncare

12) Banyan Tree Essentials

Price: $33

Banyan Tree was initially founded to host retreats of rest and rejuvenation in one of its resorts and spas. The brand quickly created its own bath and body line and aromatherapy collection.

Banyan Tree has a natural, non-nano mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 that is formulated to shield skin against sun damage. Made using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the sunscreen also contains coconut oil and red seaweed extract which provide hydration and protect cells from free radicals.

The sunscreen is reef-safe and made to minimize its impact on the marine environment. The brand also does not test on animals, and it uses eco-friendly packaging, including fabric wraps made of used plastic bottles and gift boxes handcrafted using mulberry paper.

Shop Banyan Tree Essentials

13) REN Skincare

Price: $40

From moisturizers to shampoos, to serums to toners, REN Skincare has everything you may need for your everyday skincare routine!

The brand sells a mineral SPF 30 sunscreen made for broad-spectrum sun protection. It can be used on most skin types, including sensitive and oily skins.

REN’s sunscreen is formulated with natural ingredients like 22% non-nano zinc oxide.

It also contains rice starch to help mattify the skin, and passionfruit seed extract for a boost of antioxidants to protect the skin from free radicals.

The sunscreen is vegan and made using post-consumer recycled plastic. REN Skincare has been cruelty-free since its creation, and the brand is a partner of the Surfrider Foundation which supports beach cleanups and ocean conservation.

Shop REN Skincare

14) Suntegrity

Price: $24-55

Suntegrity is a brand that creates all kinds of skincare products with SPF 30 and 50. It offers a wide variety of sunscreens that deliver broad-spectrum sun protection: you can choose between sunscreen lotions, sticks and sprays, and it even has several sunscreen moisturizers.

Suntegrity’s mineral sunscreens are formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and are packed with antioxidants and amino acids to help with skin repair. Most of them also contain organic ingredients, and they are all cruelty-free.

The brand uses bioplastic tubes derived from sugarcane for some of its sunscreens, and it even has a refillable option!

Plus, Suntegrity was awarded “Champion” Status by the EWG/Compact for Safe Cosmetics and received an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.

Shop Suntegrity

15) COOLA

Price: $10-52

COOLA is specialized in the creation of suncare and skincare products using sustainably-sourced, plant-derived ingredients. This company should be your go-to brand whenever you are looking for sunscreen! It has various sunscreens available in different forms, including lotions, lip balms, sprays, serums and sticks.

While most of them have an SPF of 30 or 50, COOLA also has a sunscreen spray and lotion that provide SPF 70 broad-spectrum sun protection. Perfect for long days under the sun!

The brand makes its formulas using at least 70% certified organic ingredients, and they are all vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe. COOLA’s sunscreens are free of over 1,000 harmful chemicals, and all their tubes are made of sustainably-sourced sugarcane resin.

Shop COOLA

16) Larkly

Price: $17-32

Larkly is an American brand that sells refillable, all-natural SPF 30 sunscreen. The company’s sunscreen is a mineral powder that gives you complete protection from UVA and UVB rays.

It is formulated using natural sunblock ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It also contains green tea, licorice root extract and resveratrol, three antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage.

Larkly’s sunscreen is reef-safe, vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, it does not leave your skin with a greasy or chalky finish.

Larkly’s sunscreen comes in a convenient container with a soft, large brush, making applying the powder very easy and fun! The brand also sells the powder alone so that you do not have to repurchase a new brush every time you run out of sunscreen.

Shop Larkly

About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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Is the LWG Certification Sustainable?

If you’re someone who’s eager to make sure the shoes, bags and accessories you buy are eco-friendly, you might have heard of the Leather Working Group, which certifies leather goods that are promoted as sustainable, supporting environmental stewardship. But how accurate are these claims? Let’s dive deep into what the certification actually ensures.

Animal-derived leather, particularly the most common of its kind, cow skin leather, is a controversial topic in the sustainable fashion space. Whether it’s deforestation in the Amazon, regenerative agriculture claims, methane, or the intersection of environmentalism and animal protection, there’s lots to explore. With so much information – and misinformation – swirling around, the leather industry has attempted to develop environmental stewardship protocol for leather manufacturing. Queue the Leather Working Group.

So, if a bag is labelled with the Leather Working Group certification logo, what’s that mean for the environmental footprint of that accessory?

Leather tanneries, chemical pollution and worker’s rights

Most leather is tanned in either China, Brazil, Russia, India or Italy. Unfortunately, environmental and social justice issues – which are inextricably linked – have been found across the industry in these and other countries. In fact, as with much of the mainstream fashion industry, such issues are the norm rather than the exception.

Tannery workers are far more likely to be at risk of becoming sick with some types of cancer. They also face chronic coughing, skin ailments and other diseases directly tied to their work. Why? 90% of leather is tanned with carcinogenic chromium, as well as other harmful substances like arsenic and formaldehyde. These chemicals are known to run out into waterways surrounding tanneries, endangering the health of local wildlife and human communities. The Pulitzer Centre’s short film, The Toxic Price of Leather, explores just how devastating this impact is to areas around India’s tanneries.

In response to these woeful problems, the Leather Working Group (LWG) has a strong focus on tanneries and improving their environmental impact. The LWG auditing process includes hundreds of questions which do reduce the negative impacts of tanning.

Concerningly though, ‘gold status’ LWG certification can be achieved by a tannery which conducts zero social auditing. Some very limited worker health and safety considerations are made, but these are very minimal, and a score of just 50% is considered a pass.

Not only does this cause concerns considering the health risks facing workers, but because exploitative pay, child and forced labour has been documented in the industry. Workers deserve better, and the fashion industry will never be sustainable if it refuses to stop treating people like commodities to exploit for economic gain.

Is Leather Working Group leather chromium free, or vegetable tanned?

Considering the often dangerous risks associated with using chromium to tan leather, many people wonder if certifications like LWG ensure chromium is not used. LWG leather can contain chromium, but there’s more to consider here, too.

While many people pine for the less than 10% of leather that is vegetable tanned, studies have found that this tanning process does not actually have a significantly different environmental impact, compared to conventionally tanned leather. In fact, contrary to popular belief, vegetable tanned leather is not even considered ‘effectively biodegradable’ by the industry – though it is often marketed as such to distinguish it from chrome leather. There are different ‘benefits’ and ‘failings’ of each tanning process, but more importantly, the majority of leather’s environmental impact does not occur during tanning.

Leather’s environmental impact: beyond the tannery

If most of leather’s environmental impact doesn’t take place in a tannery, where’s it coming from? And what’s LWG doing about it? Some of this impact occurs at slaughterhouses, and the vast majority, on farms and ranches. Before we go further, a little mythbusting: if you’ve ever heard that leather is a by-product of meat and dairy production, it’s in fact a valuable co-product.

Ranches and slaughterhouses both profit from the sale of skins; the leather industry is worth well over 100 billion dollars, and when skins don’t sell – even due to the popularity of animal-free alternatives – massive financial losses occur. Because of this, when we talk about the impact of leather production on the planet, we need to consider slaughterhouse and on-farm impacts. To be fair, environmental experts use ‘economic allocation’, attributing emissions to either skins or flesh sold as food, based on how much money they make the industry.

If we look from a purely environmental perspective, slaughterhouses can be wrapped up with all sorts of problems: the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization recognises these facilities as having a high local pollution potential, as discharge and waste – like blood, bones, entrails and faeces – can contaminate freshwater ways. This can, in some cases, even lead to eutrophication, a process which has the potential to cause dead-zones where aquatic life struggles to survive.

Wondering what LWG certified leather does to combat this problem? You might be shocked to hear it, but the answer is absolutely nothing. The Leather Working Group certification is a tannery-only audit.

The most environmentally damaging part of leather production is ignored by the LWG certification

Not only are slaughterhouses and their impact ignored by the LWG certification, but so too are farms. This is seriously concerning, especially considering how significant the land, climate and water footprint of leather is, when considering on-farm impacts.

There are serious consequences to the Leather Working Group’s inaction at the farm level. In fact, a stand.earth report showed a significant number of brands selling Leather Working Group certified leather were tied to and likely funding the deforestation of the precious Amazon Rainforest. Did you know that 1 Brazilian leather bag is equal to 1,000 square metres of cleared land?

Some brands choose to avoid leather from Brazil to protect the Amazon, but unfortunately, deforestation is a global problem. In Australia, cattle rearing is a leading cause of deforestation – and the country is one of the world’s top ten producers of skins. Inefficient use of land, kept cleared and empty of native vegetation is a problem across the globe, often fuelled by demand for animal-derived products.

Land use transformation can result in massive greenhouse gas emissions, and rearing cattle for slaughter is already a gassy business. Even compared to conventional synthetic leather – a material we need to transition beyond using – cow skin leather products have a carbon equivalent footprint nearly 7 times more harmful. Until LWG acts on climate and deforestation, the certification cannot ensure sustainability.

The Leather Working Group also says it certifies ‘ethical leather’ – is this true?

If the term ‘ethical leather’ – used by the LWG – were ever to be considered as a genuine possibility, we’d need to talk about animals. While the ethics of workers’ rights and treatment aren’t considered by the Leather Working Group, is the wellbeing of animals, at least?

Unfortunately, this is another area where the LWG doesn’t like up to its promises. Not a single animal protection consideration is made by the group.

Cattle in the leather industry are often painfully mutilated – their sensitive horns cut off, their skin branded with searing hot metal. Others are confined to feedlots where they can’t follow their natural instincts, and some are killed at just a few days old, sometimes in horrible ways.

Where can we find genuinely sustainable and ethical leather?

The safest, most sustainable and ethical way to source leather, is to choose plant-based leather. Materials created as alternatives to tanned cattle skin continue to be developed, and are only becoming more environmentally friendly and budget conscious.

While not all leather alternatives are created equal, here are some that we love, and that are available at the moment:

Apple leather

This material is partly bio-based, and partly synthetic. While that’s not perfect, this material – like cactus, mango and grape alternatives – has a lower land, carbon and water footprint, and isn’t tied up in so many ethical quandaries. Apple leather alternatives – made partly from apple cores, seeds and stalks discarded in the juice industry – are becoming more and more easily accessible.

Piñatex

This material has a far lower environmental impact than animal leather and conventional synthetic alternatives. Made from otherwise wasted pineapple plant leaves which are coated in a bio-resin, the material is about 95% biodegradable. Piñatex has a somewhat unique texture, and it ages beautifully, softening over time, and kept in perfect condition with moisturising balms – just as with other leather.

Recycled vegan leather

While it’s likely you’ve heard of recycled leather, did you know recycled vegan leather exists, too? Both of these materials usually have some synthetic element to them, in order to bind the material together.

While virgin synthetics aren’t the solution we need for the future, using what is already here is worthwhile, and helps to make fashion more circular.

Cork

An option that’s often forgotten, cork is a great, water-resistant, sturdy and biodegradable leather alternative. Perfect for hardier uses like belts, backpacks and shoes, cork bark is removed from trees that continue to grow, with this process actually allowing trees to sequester more carbon.

Mirum

This new material is beginning to pop up all over the place, and is made without any plastic. Certified as 100% bio-content through the USDA’s bio-preferred program, Mirum is versatile, made with slightly different ingredients depending on the use.

For example, a black Mirum handbag can be made from a blend of Forest Stewardship Certified natural rubber, natural colourants like charcoal, natural fillers like clays, as well as plant-based oils and waxes.

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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What is Petroleum Jelly?

Petroleum jelly is exactly what it sounds like: a gel-like byproduct of petroleum, which is a form of crude oil. In fact, it was first discovered by oil rig workers who noticed it building up on the machinery and in the bottom of empty oil barrels.

The workers began putting the semi-solid substance on cuts and bruises, noting the sealant-like effect. Word traveled fast about its apparent wonders, and the substance was branded and sold as Vaseline in 1870.

Also known as petrolatum or soft paraffin, petroleum jelly is found in a wide range of moisturizers, conditioners, lip balms, baby care, and beauty products. In addition to being the main product in Vaseline, it’s also found in products like Aquaphor, Bag Balm, and Neosporin, among others.

Even when you’re trying to avoid them, petroleum-based products may also be hiding in your favorite products under a hidden name, like mineral oil, toluene, parfum, methanol, and anything that begins with propyl or butyl. It’s a common ingredient in candles, too (look for paraffin wax on the label).

Why is Petroleum Jelly Bad?

To learn why it's bad to put petroleum jelly on your skin, it’s important to understand the process of dermal absorption. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Dermal absorption is the transport of a chemical from the outer surface of the skin both into the skin and into the body.”

Moreover, the CDC explains that when chemicals are applied to the skin, they can pass into the bloodstream, where they can cause health problems in other areas of the body.

So what chemicals are in petroleum jelly?

The Dangers of PAHs

In its natural form, petroleum jelly contains high amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemical compounds occur naturally in crude oil and coal, and one of the largest sources of human exposure is in vehicle exhaust.

Cosmetics are another primary source of hydrocarbon contamination, since many cosmetic products contain petroleum. Hydrocarbons have been shown to accumulate in the body over time, meaning that continued exposure can have cumulative, adverse effects. Unsafe levels of hydrocarbon exposure were shown to affect the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the kidneys, and the gastrointestinal system.

In the same study, researchers outlined the main sources of hydrocarbon exposure as follows: aromatic (glues and paints), halogenated (refrigeration solvents, insecticides, and herbicides), Terpene (turpentine, pine oil, and spray paint), and aliphatic (petroleum distillates like asphalt, jet fuel, mineral oil, and yep, you guessed it, petroleum jelly.) Lastly, PAHs are also a known carcinogenic and have been linked to breast cancer.

Hydrocarbons and Hormones

Further scientific insights reveal that petroleum products and associated PAH’s can have endocrine-disrupting effects, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormones.

Specifically, petroleum-based products were shown to elevate estrogen levels, which can lead to premature sexual development in people born with female characteristics, and prepubertal gynecomastia (development of breast tissue) in people with male physical characteristics. Endocrine disruptors have also been associated with breast cancer, and have been linked to infertility, endometriosis, nervous system disruption, diabetes, learning challenges, and more, according to the Hormone Health Network.

Proponents of petroleum jelly tout that the cosmetic-grade version of the product has been refined multiple times, thereby eliminating PAHs before they reach the shelves. It’s true that an intensive refinement process can reduce PAHs; however, there’s little transparency into how refined the petroleum jelly in any given product actually is (especially when it’s hiding under a different name).

Petroleum Jelly and Skin Health

If you’ve been considering slugging—the viral social media trend that involves covering one’s face in petroleum jelly to lock in moisture after cleansing—it might be time to think again.

Why? Because petroleum jelly is considered occlusive, which means products that contain it seal the skin in a barrier layer that prevents moisture from evaporating. This hydrates the skin by keeping in water—but it also keeps in everything else. That means it traps the bacteria and toxins your skin naturally wants to expel. Since Vaseline isn’t breathable, it can exacerbate skin challenges for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Another thing to consider is that some of the most common uses for petroleum jelly actually aren’t recommended. For example, Vaseline’s product label denotes it’s for external use only. Yet, many people use it inside their nose to combat dryness. This is likely fine from time to time, but long-term use can lead to lipid pneumonia—a condition marked by lung inflammation, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Similarly, recent research from the University of Leeds shows that the practice of applying petroleum jelly to wounds and cuts may actually interfere with the body’s natural healing process. Researchers in the study recommend against using petroleum jelly in this manner, since the results showed it may actually increase the risk of infection.

The Best Petroleum Jelly Alternatives

The obvious drawback to using petroleum jelly is that it’s a direct result of natural resources exploitation, meaning it isn’t renewable or sustainable. Yet many people argue that since petroleum jelly is just a byproduct of something that’s being made anyway, it’s better to put the product to use.

The issue with this perspective is that it fails to consider the impact and influence of consumer spending. Buying products like Vaseline, which is owned by Unilever, gives big oil companies more incentives to keep producing petroleum byproducts.

Now imagine, that in contrast, your hard-earned money could support a company that leverages eco-friendly practices and supports renewable energy, and you’d get better results?

Here’s a look at the top petroleum jelly alternatives that are healthier for both you and the planet.

1. Waxelene Multi-Purpose Ointment

This is a go-to alternative to Vaseline. Instead of petroleum jelly, Waxelene includes soy oil, beeswax, vitamin E, and Rosemary oil, most of which are organic.

This product can be used to heal dry skin, but it’s also great as diaper cream, massage oil, lip balm, and after-sun, among dozens of other uses. Plus, it comes in a plastic-neutral product that comes in a recyclable glass jar.

2. Fat and the Moon All Salve

This multi-purpose cream from California-based Fat and the Moon is perfect for softening dry spots and healing scrapes and burns.

It contains a base of sunflower oil and beeswax, along with safely and ethically harvested herbs like Yerba Mansa and Comfrey. It also contains Calendula, which has been shown to support wound healing (along with other medicinal plants like Lavender and Oregano.)

3. Taspen’s Organics Restore and Revive Salve

Stemming from Colorado, this all-natural salve is perfect for reducing irritation and boosting skin restoration.

Use Restore and Revive Salve on dry skin, bug bites, scrapes, calluses, and baby bottoms (though it isn’t recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding). Blended in a base of coconut oil and olive oil, this product contains herbs like chickweed, St. John’s Wort, Witch Hazel, and more.

4. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Magic Balm

Dr. Bronner’s is an ethically-sourced, eco-friendly company that’s been around for decades.

Their Organic Magic Balm is perfect for healing dry skin, especially when it’s been exposed to cold or dry weather. It’s made with Avocado oil, Jojoba seed oil, beeswax, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and olive oil.

Use it on hands, cuticles, cheeks, knees, and more.

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5. Coconut Oil

When you need hydration in a pinch, good-old-fashioned coconut oil is a safe, accessible alternative to petroleum jelly.

The benefits of coconut oil abound, especially since it has anti-inflammatory properties and has proven to improve skin barrier function (meaning it could help with eczema).

Be sure to opt for an organic, unrefined brand in a glass jar.

About the Author
Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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The Best Alternatives to Amazon Shopping

Over the last few years, many people have opted not to purchase from Amazon anymore because of ethical issues. But, I’ll admit, it can be hard to stay away altogether. Sometimes I give up looking for a particular product on another website and take the Amazon plunge, but I know people who use it ALL THE TIME, and this post could be of great help! Especially with Amazon Prime Day around the corner…

Why You Should Avoid Amazon & Support Smaller sustainable Marketplaces

From hurting small businesses to the unethical treatment of warehouse workers, Amazon is in the news often. This trillion-dollar corporation makes over 2,500 thousand dollars per second, and supporting owner billionaires is just something that doesn’t sit well with me. So instead, I’d put my money into a smaller business helping people more like myself and those who care about people and the planet. Here is a helpful little list of the worst things Amazon has been accused of.

Fortunately, today, we have many Amazon alternatives that are way more sustainable and support small businesses all over the world. Every alternative to Amazon listed here offers unique, ethical & sustainable brands you will feel good about purchasing from!

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Amazon Alternatives:

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1) Shades of Green

Great For | Home Decor, Kitchen & Dining, On-The-Go

This is the place for you if you are looking for products that have undergone rigorous evaluation. Shades of Green offers us carefully curated products that stand the test of time without sacrificing aesthetics. They believe in being as transparent as possible to make your shopping experience easy and trusting. No matter what product you choose, you will be sure to create a healthier living space at this stop!

Shop Shades of Green

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2) Leaf’d

Great For | Home, Health & Beauty, Apparel, Accessories, Pet Products, Food

Leaf’d seriously gives Amazon a run for their money with their wide selection of products in just about every category you could need.

Every decision they make about what products to carry align with their values, which include authenticity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Plus, every purchase gives back to a non-profit organization.

Shop Leaf'd

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3) Made Trade

Great For | Home, Furniture, Clothing, Shoes, Accessories, Gifts

Made Trade includes many different price points, sizes, styles, and values, so you'll surely fall in love with something no matter where you are in your sustainable journey. They ensure each product covers one {or more} values - Sustainable, Fair Trade, Heritage, USA Made & Vegan. Each value has a little symbol next to the product for easier shopping.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+

Shop Made Trade

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4) EarthHero

Great For | Clothing, Accessories, Kids, Home, Travel, Outdoor, Tech, Beauty, Pets

There aren’t many online shops that curate conscious goods as great as EarthHero. Their product list is comprehensive; you can shop anything from clothing to audio + tech. They even have an excellent section dedicated to zero-waste shopping. Plus, with every item purchased and reviewed, you can earn rewards towards future purchases.

use code sustainablychic10 for 10% off

Shop Earthhero

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5) Better World Books

Great For | New & Used Books

Do you remember the days when Amazon was just made for books? Well, now there is a socially conscious online bookstore to take its place. To this date, Better World Books has donated 26,502,000 books, $28,430,000 for literacy and libraries, and has recycled and reused 320,019,014 books! It is impressive what they have done for the world regarding education and saving books from landfill. Love it!

Shop Better World Books

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6) Credo

Great For | Beauty

Their mission is to change the beauty industry for the better since it is one of the least regulated consumer categories. Isn’t it crazy that companies can legally use known harmful chemicals - or ones that have not been evaluated?!

There is also so much Greenwashing within the beauty industry, but with Credo, you can trust everything is transparent, clean & safe for you to use and enjoy.

Shop Credo Beauty

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7) Blk & Grn

Great For | Beauty, Home, Grocery

This wonderful online marketplace is home to all non-toxic, Black-owned brands! Their Black artisans are carefully chosen by Black health experts who know what an authentic all-natural product looks like. Their approval process is rigorous & they don’t add anything unless it meets every requirement. They carry products from over 60 Black artisans, ranging from green beauty and skincare to wellness and health.

Shop Blk & Grn

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8) The Detox Market

Great For | Beauty, Wellness

Another amazing beauty marketplace, The Detox Market, keeps their ethos simple: no compromises. You can feel confident purchasing from this place because aesthetics is never the number one factor. They will not offer it on their site if performance is lacking or questionable ingredients are found. Their Banned Ingredients List is the strictest in the country, and no product will have any listed.

Shop the Detox Market

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9) Grove Collaborative

Great For | Home Cleaning, Wellness

If you want cleaning products, this is the place to check out! Their sustainable home essentials are delivered right to your door with flexible monthly shipments.

By 2025, Grove has pledged to be completely plastic-free, switching everything to their ‘Beyond Plastic’. They also have an app for easier shopping, and everything is highly vetted before listing.

Shop Grove Collaborative

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10) The Little Market

Great For | Gifts, Home, Accessories, Kids, Wellness

One of the sweetest little corners of the internet, The Little Market is full of wonderful Fair Trade products creating sustainable livelihoods for artisans worldwide.

This nonprofit fair trade shop features ethically sourced, artisan-made products with a unique story. Their mission is to believe that every person has the right to dignified jobs.

Shop the Little Market

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11) Safe & Chic

Great For | Beauty, Wellness, Pets, Baby, Home

Since 2015, Safe & Chic has been the premier destination for clean & cruelty-free beauty. They have over 2000 products and over 160 brands, from makeup to pet toys. Each product is free of parabens and has never been tested on animals. In addition, they have thoroughly researched thousands of products for safety and effectiveness and dedicated a lot of time to educating the public on harmful chemicals.

Shop Safe & Chic

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12) Simple Switch

Great For | Clothing, Home, Grocery, Travel, Outdoor

Simple Switch is out to help you cast your vote with each dollar you spend. With this sustainable online marketplace, every purchase you make has a positive impact. You can even shop based on certifications (like Fair Trade) and impacts (like supporting education) that matter most to you. So regarding your values and giving back, this is the best online shopping destination!

Shop Simple Switch

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13) Ten Thousand Villages

Great For | Gifts, Accessories, Home

Ten Thousand Villages has been putting people and the planet first for over 70 years - and you may have even visited one of their shops in person before! More than just a store, this market-to-market movement is connecting us to some of the most talented artisans worldwide. Every product celebrates the culture and the planet, so you know not one is compromised for the other.

Shop Ten Thousand Villages

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14) Thrive Market

Great For | Grocery, Wellness, Beauty, Kids, Pets

Thrive Market offers food made of real ingredients, safe for the environment, fairly priced, created for your needs, and delicious. They want to make sure everything that comes through your home is non-toxic, eco-friendly, affordable & effective - and they even go a step beyond for those who cannot afford this, and with every paid membership to Thrive Market, one goes to someone in need!

Shop Thrive Market

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15) Uncommon Goods

Great For | Gifts, Home, Kitchen, Accessories, Kids

This is such a cool spot to find unique gifts. Their range of products are made by independent designers all over the world. They look for goods that serve a purpose, solve a problem, are handmade with exceptional craft and skill, use unusual or recycled materials, & make them wonder, "Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?" Truly a fantastic place to browse.

Shop Uncommon Goods

16) Obakki

Great For | Gifts, Home & Kitchen

We’re obsessed with Obakki’s collection of home goods—their pieces are so gorgeous! Everything is made by their artisan partners in small batches, from their Italian glassware collection to these stunning Japanese totem candles to these naturally-dyed and handwoven baskets. In addition to paying artisans fair wages for their craft, their non-profit Obakki Foundation allows them to give back even more.

Shop Obakki

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THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY LITTLE BLACK DRESSES

A little black dress is truly a staple piece every woman should have in her wardrobe. It is probably one of the most versatile clothing items you can own, as it is easy to dress up and dress down.

Paired with simple sandals, it is a great casual dress that you can wear for picnics, shopping or walking in the city. When you add a few accessories and put high heels or booties on, it becomes the ideal dress for going out at night and for most special occasions.

Since you always look good in a little black dress, it is THE dress you choose whenever you do not know what to wear to a more formal event. It is classic, yet chic and timeless!

However, it is often cheaply made by fast fashion brands using synthetic materials. But thankfully, we can choose a more eco-friendly version to minimize its environmental impact.

If you are on the hunt for a staple piece for your wardrobe, one of these 14 sustainable little black dresses will be perfect for you!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The little black dress was introduced to the world in 1926 when Vogue published a drawing of a simple black dress designed by Coco Chanel. Before that, women only wore black when mourning, but in the late 1920s, the Parisian designer changed everything.

Thanks to its simplicity and affordable price, the little black dress became very popular in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. Women of all classes could finally wear an elegant yet practical outfit without breaking the bank.

It became a uniform for many women at the time, and above all, one of the most influential garments in fashion history. After the Second World War, designer Christian Dior updated the little black dress and gave it a sexier look, which truly changed women’s fashion.

Hollywood stars quickly adopted the little black dress, the most famous one being Audrey Hepburn who paired it with a pearl necklace in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961. Since then, the little black dress has remained one of women’s favorite fashion pieces.

WHAT MAKES A LITTLE BLACK DRESS SUSTAINABLE?

A sustainable little black dress is made with high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics. It is built to last, and you should be able to enjoy it for years without it wearing down.

Also, an eco-friendly little black dress is not produced in a sweatshop, so stay away from fast fashion brands. Workers should be paid fair wages, and work in a safe and healthy environment.

A dress made by a certified B Corporation or a Fair Trade brand is always a good option!

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY FABRICS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Sustainable little black dresses are usually made with organic cotton, linen or recycled polyester. Some lovely dresses are also produced from Tencel, hemp, reclaimed cotton and deadstock fabrics. All of these are great, eco-friendly fabrics!

In general, avoid synthetic fabrics that are non-recycled, and prefer organic and biodegradable materials. And try to choose fabrics that are OEKO-TEX certified, meaning that they are free of harmful substances and safe to wear.

Plus, it is even better if the fabric is dyed using low-impact, non-toxic dyes (look for the GOTS and Bluesign® certifications).

OUR TOP PICKS FOR SUSTAINABLE LITTLE BLACK DRESSES:

1) Sleeveless Tee Black Organic Cotton Dress by Eleven44

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $74

Slow-fashion brand Eleven44 focuses on minimalist comfort basics for your capsule wardrobe. This comfortable yet sassy LBD is made from certified organic cotton jersey.

The design is meant to be oversized for an easy, relaxed fit, but if you want a more fitted look, choose a size down.

Eleven44 works with several small family-run businesses in Bali to manufacture their clothing brand. They source certified organic cotton dyed using low-impact reactive dyes, which are GOTS-certified.

Shop Sleeveless Tee Black Organic Cotton Dress

2) Fit & Flare Shorty midi dress (in black) by Pact

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $74

This Fit & Flare Shorty midi dress created by Pact has a classic and timeless style, yet it is very flattering and beautifully made. Fitted at the top and flared at the waist, it has a midi length, but you can also choose a longer version of this dress.

Pact’s little black dress features two hidden side pockets as well as a built-in, wireless shelf bra that makes it very comfortable and easy to wear.

The dress is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade certified factory in India. Producing this dress requires 47 gallons less water than a similar dress made of conventional cotton, which is huge!

Shop Fit and Flare Midi Dress

3) Ines bubble sleeve dress from Made Trade

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $98

The Ines bubble sleeve dress created by the small fair trade brand Mata Traders is sold on Made Trade’s website. It is made of organic cotton jersey, a soft and breathable fabric that you can wear for all your daily activities.

This little black dress finishes just above the knee, and it features cute puffy sleeves and practical hidden pockets.

It is handcrafted at a fair trade women’s cooperative in India.

The brand Mata Traders specializes in making beautiful dresses, jewelry and accessories using traditional techniques such as block printing and embroidery. Every order on Made Trade’s website is 100% carbon-neutral, so you can feel good about purchasing this little black dress!

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+

Shop Ines Bubble Sleeve Dress

4) Joni dress in black linen by Whimsy & Row

Materials: Linen

Price: $192

The Joni dress sold by Whimsy & Row is a mini dress that you can easily wear with sneakers for a more laid-back style, or with nice sandals or booties whenever you want to look more elegant and chic.

It features a stretchy smocked bodice and cool puffy sleeves. This little black dress is made of 100% linen, which absorbs moisture and is naturally antibacterial, making it a great fabric to wear in the summer or on a warm spring day.

The website discloses how much water, energy and waste are saved and how many carbon emissions are avoided when you buy this dress instead of a non-sustainable version. How cool is that?!

Shop Joni Dress

5) Adelina cotton eyelet midi dress (in black) by Amour Vert

Materials: Cotton, Recycled Polyester

Price: $228

Amour Vert designed the Adelina cotton eyelet midi dress with an A-line silhouette, adjustable straps and an invisible zipper in the back. Its elegant detachable tie waist offers a very flattering fit.

The bodice is made of cotton while the beautiful lining of the dress is made with 100% recycled polyester. You will love how easy it is to dress it up and dress it down!

Amour Vert produces its clothes in California and always makes them in limited quantities to eliminate any excess waste. To minimize its impact, the brand sends its products in protective bags made from compostable and recycled materials, all printed with soy-based inks.

Shop Adelina Cotton Eyelet Midi Dress

6) City stretch crepe shift dress (in black) by Universal Standard

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Price: $108

This City stretch crepe shift dress created by Universal Standard is a cool addition to any capsule wardrobe. Great to wear at work or for all your daily activities, it has a straight fit and it finishes just above the knee.

Universal Standard’s dress has bracelet-length sleeves, which are ideal for spring days or cooler summer nights.

Made from recycled polyester, it also features a V-neckline and practical, deep pockets on the sides.

The brand is extremely size-inclusive: this dress is available in sizes 4XS up to 4XL! Universal Standard also regularly donates its clothes to organizations that support women returning to the workforce, like Dress For Success.

Shop City Stretch Crepe Shift Dress

7) Organic Cotton Ponte Zip-Up Dress by Eileen Fisher

Materials: Organic Cotton, Polyester, Polyurethane

Price: $178

The Ponte zip-up dress sold by Eileen Fisher is a classic sleeveless little black dress that is perfect for wearing to the office, but you can also easily dress it up for going out.

Available in sizes XXS to 3X, it is tighter at the top and wider at the hem.

It stops above the knee and features hidden side pockets and a short front zipper. This dress is made in Indonesia using organic cotton, polyester and polyurethane.

Eileen Fisher is a certified B-Corporation, and it colors its clothes with Bluesign® certified dyes, meaning that they are free of hazardous chemicals and they help save water and energy.

Shop Organic Cotton Ponte Zip-Up Dress

8) The Annabelle Dress by Christy Dawn

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $358

Christy Dawn's take on a classic victorian night dress!

This dress is made from 100% organic cotton and features ladder stitching detailing, delicate pintucks, picot and lace edging. It is also naturally and organically dyed.

Christy Dawn is committed to practices that honor Mother Earth and believe that sustainability doesn’t go far enough, instead focusing on regenerative processes that heal the planet.

Shop The Annabella Dress

9) Nellie Dress by Carve Designs

Materials: EcoVero

Price: $98

This LBD from Carve is simple and elegant and comes complete with side pockets!

If you are unfamiliar, EcoVero™ is a more sustainable viscose made using sustainable wood from controlled sources like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes) certified in Europe.

As a company born at the beach and endlessly inspired by the outdoors, Carve prides themselves on crafting fashion forward everyday designs that are made mostly out of sustainable materials.

Shop Nellie Dress

10) Zenni Linen Dress by Reformation

Materials: Linen

Price: $218

Are you looking for a bit of shape?

The Zenni is a sleeveless mini dress with a boat neckline, a slight V-back, and an A-line skirt. We love that it is made from linen, too! Reformation specializes in selling sustainably-made clothing and shoes for women. In addition, the brand creates dresses for any special occasion, including weddings and proms.

Reformation is climate-neutral certified, and it is a member of Textile Exchange, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and the Fair Labor Association.

Shop Zenni Linen Dress

11) Zero Dress by Malaika

Materials: Deadstock Fabric

Price: $230

The Zero Dress is a black knee-length shift dress with up-cycled bike tube detail to hold the snaps, oversized neck detail, and raw edges. The draping makes it flattering to many body types, and it is quite versatile to create multiple looks.

Malaika New York’s unique zero waste designs embrace the female body, focusing on comfort, versatility, and timelessness.

Malaika is a great choice if you feel like trends are wasteful and are building a high-quality capsule collection.

use code MALAIKASCHIC for 15% off your first order

Shop Zero Dress

12) The Gisele Dress by Bastet Noir

Materials: Discarded Silk

Price: $182

The Gisele Dress is a mini satin dress with a V neckline, long bishop sleeves with four-button closures, front pleated detail with three buttons on the side, and a hidden back zipper. It is also double-lined, and you can submit your measurements for a custom order.

Bastet Noir is a sustainable brand that creates made-to-order clothing to ensure its pieces fit its clients perfectly. The company creates beautiful, elegant dresses from discarded materials like silk and cotton.

You will love that the brand always discloses how much time was needed to make the dress and the detailed costs of each step of the production process!

Bastet Noir’s dresses are produced in Macedonia by a community of single mothers. The brand reinvests its profits to help these women grow their businesses and fund their children's education.

Shop The Gisele Dress

13) V Mesh Compact Crepe Slip Dress by Stella McCartney

Materials: Forest-Friendly Viscose & Silk Lining

Price: $1,250

We love this ultra-sheer mesh insert on this little black dress by Stella McCartney. The dress is made with compact stretch crepe and hugs the figure for a flattering silhouette. Stella McCartney is a renowned British fashion brand that sells clothing for women and men, accessories, perfume, eyewear, as well as kids’ clothes.

The brand is very transparent regarding its environmental impact. In 2021, it became a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, which promotes respect for workers’ rights and helps companies to improve the working conditions in their supply chains.

Shop V Mesh Compact Crepe Slip Dress

14) Cue Wrap Short Sleeve Dress by Toad&Co

Materials: Organic Cotton & Tencel

Price: $90

Toad & Co has reimagined the wrap and t-shirt dresses with this sweet number.

Made from their exclusive Samba fabric, this durable and sustainably made dress has the soft feel of a t-shirt with the elegant drape and styling of a wrap dress - the best of both worlds.

Most of Toad & Co’s clothes also carry the Bluesign or OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certifications (some even have both). All the company’s products are picked, packed, and shipped in a warehouse that trains, employs, and empowers people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Toad & Co is also a member of the Conservation Alliance and 1% For The Planet, and has helped fund 120 environmental protection organizations over the past 20 years.

Shop Cue Wrap Short Sleeve Dress