Gradually, more and more brands are emerging not only with the aim of caring for our skin but also for the planet. Sustainable cosmetics include values such as the use of natural ingredients, ecological awareness, support for policies that safeguard the environment, the use of more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, and cruelty-free practices… At Horse, we have selected some brands that embody these sustainability characteristics, which you may not be familiar with, along with some of their standout products.
Amy Iyök: Natural and Organic Cosmetics
Amy Iyök is a certified natural and organic cosmetics brand. All their formulas are free from GMOs, parabens, petroleum derivatives, phenols, phthalates… In fact, most of their ingredients are of natural origin and organically grown. They also emphasize using eco-friendly packaging made of poplar wood or violet glass, which extends the shelf life of their products.
Kombu Nectar is a balm with a dual function: makeup remover and overnight mask. As an oil-based cleanser, it’s perfect as the first step to remove makeup residues, sunscreen, pollution… and any dirt accumulated during the day. As a mask, it hydrates, renews, repairs, brightens, and revitalizes the skin. Its standout ingredient is Kombunectar TM, an anti-aging active developed by the brand’s own laboratory, rich in minerals, amino acids, and vitamins. It also contains spirulina algae (with detoxifying action), açai extract (antioxidant), and other moisturizing oils. A two-in-one product.
Whitepro Warrior II is the new ampoule line from Amy Iyök specifically for pigmented skins, especially those affected by photoaging. The entire Whitepro line focuses on caring for, repairing, and maintaining our skin’s microbiota, all the microorganisms that inhabit it and prevent the colonization of other pathogenic microbes responsible for skin problems. Specifically, Whitepro Warrior II contains probiotics and other ingredients that protect the skin’s natural microflora and isolate it from external agents. Additionally, its main objective is to inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme, primarily responsible for synthesizing melanin and skin pigmentation.
Archangela: The Spanish Brand that Blends Sustainability and Biotechnology
Archangela is a Spanish cosmetics brand that blends biosustainability with biotechnology. Behind it is Dr. Mª José Martínez Caballero, who combines her knowledge of health and medical experience with bio ingredients obtained from eco-responsible consumption.
Queen’s Beauty Oil is one of Archangela’s flagship products. It combines 25 vegetable oils and 13 essential oils, and its benefits vary depending on the time of day and the needs of each skin. Applied at night, the skin absorbs its nutrients during sleep, while during the day, it acts as sun protection. Additionally, it is suitable for treating skin problems of all ages as it nourishes, regenerates, repairs, firms, brightens, eliminates imperfections, and soothes the skin.
Another highlight of the brand is the citrus exfoliating soap. It is a daily cleanser that cleanses, purifies, decongests, and stimulates circulation; although its most relevant action is refining the pores. Among its components are sweet almond oil, green mandarin, lemongrass, lemon, bitter orange, verbena, lemon tea tree, and jojoba pearls.
Ecotools: Makeup Brushes with Recycled Materials
EcoTools is a makeup brush and accessory brand actively committed to the environment. Their products are PETA-certified (so they are cruelty-free and vegan) and are made from recycled, renewable materials, or undergo manufacturing processes that are respectful of the planet.
Their brushes are made from recycled aluminum, plastic, and bamboo, one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet. For their makeup sponges, another of their flagship products, they use an eco-friendly foam composed of 70% plant-based materials. They even take care with the materials used in their packaging, completely paper-free, as it is made from 20% cotton and 80% bamboo fibers.
Skin Generics: Active Ingredients Take the Spotlight
Skin Generics is a Spanish cosmetics firm that began with a trip to Korea. Their product line is based on the know-how of Korean cosmetics: formulations with a high concentration of active ingredients and unique textures that allow for better penetration of the actives and increase the effectiveness of the products. That’s why you’ll see the percentage of active ingredients indicated on all their products. Additionally, none of the firm’s products contain parabens or have been tested on animals. We highlight a serum and a moisturizer from the brand.
The firming serum Organic Silicon 22% Active Complex concentrates 22% of firming actives, including hibiscus (with a tightening and hydrating effect), silicon (which increases firmness, hydration, and protects against free radicals), a phospholipid complex (which provides a long-term tightening effect), Hawaiian algae (which prevent dehydration), and soy (regenerative).
The night regenerating gel Aloe vera 23% Active Complex is a regenerating, moisturizing, and antioxidant gel moisturizer for normal to dry skin with a gel texture (which is difficult to find for this skin type and effect). It contains ingredients such as aloe vera and shea butter (regenerative), green tea and Lipochroman® (antioxidants), and Pentavitin® (natural moisturizer), among others.
Tree Hut: Body Cosmetics Based on Shea Butter
The USA-based brand Tree Hut includes a wide range of body care products with organic shea butter as the base ingredient. They add natural ingredients from around the world to provide nutrients and, above all, different aromas to each product. Coconut and lime, Moroccan rose, mango, kukui nut… Their sugar scrubs, body creams and butters stand out.
Eiralabs: Natural Nutricosmetics
Nutricosmetics complement our diet with the necessary nutrients to improve various aspects of our skin, hair… Eiralabs is a brand specializing in nutricosmetics with natural ingredients. Among their products, there are some with cosmetic effects and others that treat physical problems such as fatigue, lack of concentration, or lack of sleep. To address the latter, we highlight the Night Collagen Active, a relaxing, regenerating, and repairing drink with natural melissa extract, bioactive peptides, magnesium, and liposomal vitamin C that not only induces relaxation and helps to fall asleep but also enhances energy, improves mood, and prevents symptoms of cutaneous, articular, and bone aging.
The Beemine Lab: The Therapeutic Power of Hemp and Honey
The Beemine Lab is a Spanish startup that aims to harness the therapeutic power of hemp and bee-derived products. A project with the mission to care for the skin, protect biodiversity, and dispel myths about cannabis. They develop their products while respecting the environment and donate 10% of their profits to bee protection.
They have three distinct product lines. The one that best fits what we know as sustainable cosmetics consists of a repairing and balancing moisturizer, a lip balm, and two balms based on organic rosemary honey and CBD for skin with acne, eczema, or atopic skin problems. Additionally, they have created three hemp-based oils to soothe pain and an anti-inflammatory balm.
Oh K!: The British Brand Based on Korean Cosmetics
Oh K! is a British brand of Korean cosmetics specializing in paper, hydrogel, or foil masks (although they also have other cosmetic products). Here, we highlight two hydrogel patches for the eye contour. The first is the Oh K! Ginseng & Eucalyptus Under Eye Mask. Among the 12 extracts that make up their formulation, ginseng stands out, which brightens and improves the skin tone, and eucalyptus and fresh mint, which smooth the skin and awaken tired eyes. The second ones are part of their Golden Dust summer line and are enriched with gold extracts to rejuvenate the look and Manuka honey to moisturize the skin. The advantage of gel patches is that they adapt perfectly to the eye contour area, making their application very comfortable.
Embrace sustainable skincare or brands with environmental responsibility.
Images courtesy of the mentioned brands.