Sustainability

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Zero Waste Face Wash: 12 Skin Care Cleansing Choices

My favorite zero waste face wash from the list is this plastic-free face wash by Plaine Products that comes in a reusable metal bottle.

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Top 5 Zero Waste Face Wash

On The Same Subject:

Why do skincare products usually come in plastic packaging?

In an ideal world, there would be no plastic packaging.

Unfortunately, in many ways plastic is the ideal packaging. It is durable, airtight, easy to manufacture, and cheap. It is also ideal at stopping valuable skincare products from degrading.

The good news is that there are products on the market that can help. These products aim to offer environment-friendly cleansing by cutting down on packaging. Check out our zero-waste hand soap reviews or our zero waste mouthwash list for some other great products.

The zero waste face wash options in the list below are great products that can help you produce less waste.

Our List Of Zero Waste Face Wash

1. Plaine Products Face Wash

A sustainable cleanser supplied in a reusable bottle.

  • Zero Waste face Wash
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Biodegradable
  • Non-GMO
  • Subscription available

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Plaine Products Face Wash uses a refillable and returnable bottle to make their product a sustainable cleanser. Just buy a pump for the bottle with your first purchase and return your empty bottles each time you buy a refill.

Plaine Products face wash is rich in Vitamin C and other naturally derived products that are kind to the skin. It contains no harsh chemicals, sulfates, or palm oil. It has a delicate citrus zing of a scent that most people will love.

It is available as a single purchase or as a subscription service, the subscription service offers a 10% discount.

Reviews

Really positive reviews for this product. Many reviewers loved the scent and the fresh feeling it gave their skin. One reviewer said that the condition of her skin improved after less than a week. On a negative note, one reviewer thought the product was overpriced.

2. WithSimplicity Foaming Face Wash

Made in the USA vegan-friendly option.

  • Uses natural organic ingredients
  • Return bottle for recycling
  • Formulated using therapeutic grade essential oils
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Gluten-free

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This foaming face wash from WithSimplicity is a great way of achieving a zero waste face wash routine. Simply return the bottle after use and WithSimplicity will recycle it with TerraCycle to help build new playgrounds.

The product is derived from natural ingredients and essential oils that are formulated to be kind to the skin. It can be used as a regular face wash and can remove makeup without irritating sensitive skin.

Included in the earth friendly ingredients are coconut oil, jojoba oil, orange peel oil, and green tea extract.

3. Eco Roots Bamboo Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Facial Soap

A great choice for acne sufferers.

  • Plastic-free zero waste face wash
  • Certified Organic by the USDA
  • Cruelty-free
  • Antibacterial
  • Made in the USA

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Eco Roots Facial Soap uses plastic-free, sustainable packaging, to make it a great zero waste face wash option. It uses activated bamboo charcoal to clean deep clean dirt from pores. Tea tee oil is also an active ingredient, its antibacterial properties when combined with charcoal make this a fantastic sustainable cleanser for acne sufferers.

Amongst the other ingredients in this biodegradable face wash are mineral-rich sea salts, vitamin e in the form of hemp oil, and bentonite clay to help cleanse your pores.

Reviews

The reviews are fantastic for this zero waste face wash. One reviewer remarked on just how big the bar of soap was. Others loved how kind it was to their face and the environment!

There weren’t many negatives, but one reviewer with skin problems said it didn’t help them.

4. Eco Roots Natural Makeup Remover

Rich in antioxidant makeup remover and zero waste face wash.

  • Zero waste skin care product
  • Cruelty-free and vegan friendly
  • Biodegradable face wash
  • Plastic-free shipping
  • Supplied in a reusable glass bottle

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This sustainable cleanser from Eco Roots is a natural face oil and make-up remover that is rich in antioxidants and formulated from entirely natural ingredients.

It has a gentle yet effective cleansing action that can remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin whilst leaving your face with a healthy glow.

This is an entirely plant-based formula that is rich in essential oils and plant extracts including organic tea tree oil, peppermint, rosemary, hempseed, and sea buckthorn berry oil.

It is supplied in a reusable or recyclable glass bottle to make this truly an environment friendly cleansing experience.

Reviews

People love this product! It is difficult to find a reviewer with a negative point to make. Amongst the positives, many reviewers noted how gentle it was on their skin, others loved the smell. The one slight criticism was from one reviewer who thought it could have been tougher on mascara.

5. Eco Roots Face and Body Oil

A great travel-friendly zero waste face wash.

  • Supplied in a TSA-friendly size
  • Organic ingredients
  • Biodegradable face wash
  • Toxin-free
  • Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly

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This body and face oil from Eco Roots is supplied in a reusable glass bottle that is compact and conforms to airport security sizing.

The product is formulated to be rich in antioxidants including raspberry seed oil. This formulation helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It also uses an emollient in the form of squalene to act as a natural moisturizer to lock the goodness in.

The ingredients also include essential vitamins and fatty acids to help repair and restore long-suffering skin. It also features a calming and subtle “woodsy” scent.

Reviews

There are only a few reviews for this product, they are mostly excellent except for one reviewer who expressed disappointment that it dried her skin. All the other reviewers were delighted with it. One said it had kept her skin nourished and another said she loved the feel and scent of it.

6. Eco Roots Vegan Face Mask

A face mask made from 100% superfood ingredients.

  • Uses sustainable packaging
  • Travel-friendly size
  • Cruelty-free
  • Organic ingredients
  • Suitable for all skin types

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If you are looking for a 100% natural and vegan face mask then this earth-friendly face mask from Eco Roots is a great choice.

This is a simple to use face maks that is formulated entirely from 100% pure, edible, superfoods. To use just add 1 teaspoon of the powdered formula to a few drops of water and apply to the face.

It has a tropical scent to whisk you away to those far of places as you nourish your skin. Among the active ingredients are papaya, lucuma, and sea buckthorn berry, and mango juice.

It comes in two options, Clean Greens –  Purifying Face Mask and Papaya Bright – Exfoliating Face Mask.

Reviews

Not a bad comment to be found in these reviews. Reviewers loved how it refreshed their skin and one reviewer said it made her skin glow. Another reviewer was impressed by how a little of this goes a long way.

7. Meow Meow Tweet Lemon Rose Cleansing Oil

A delicately scented, USA-made cleansing oil.

  • Vegan
  • Recyclable packaging
  • Organic Ingredients
  • No animal testing
  • Great for delicate skin

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This facial oil from Meow Meow Tweet is a delicate yet effective cleansing oil that is perfect for those with sensitive skin. This is effective as a simple facial cleanser, yet despite its gentle action is also an effective makeup remover.

The ingredients are certified organic and are 100% natural, included in these are – Jojoba oil, coconut oil, lemon peel oil, rose geranium oil, and hazelnut oil. The scent is a delicate, yet fragrant, blend of lemon and geranium rose.

The product is supplied in a recyclable glass bottle and is packaged using compostable materials.

8. Earth Harbor Citrine Sea Exfoliation Potion

A great exfoliator for sensitive skin.

  • Anti-bacterial
  • Triple action zero waste face wash
  • Great for dry skin
  • Natural ingredients
  • Certified cruelty-free

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This zero waste skin care product from Earth Harbor is a triple-action exfoliator, cleanser, and mask.

It is a great treatment for problem skin conditions such as dry skin or acne. The triple-action deep cleanses your pores, smooths your skin, and calms flare-ups.

The ingredients are all-natural and include citrine gemstone, Atlantic sea salt, and turmeric root. This formulation is also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

It is packed in a recyclable glass jar and is delivered in a compostable cardboard box.

Reviews

There was just one review for this product, but it was an excellent review! The reviewer said she had received many compliments on how good her skin looked and had returned for a second jar.

9. Bestowed Essentials Natural Face Mask For Oily Skin

A face mask formulated for oily skin.

  • Handmade in the USA
  • Plastic-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free and suitable for vegans
  • Recyclable packaging

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Bestowed Essential’s Face Mask for oily skin is handmade in small batches using biodegradable ingredients and is packaged in a recyclable glass bottle.

This is a great option for those that want to add their own twist to the mix. This face mask can be mixed with aloe vera, diluted apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, coconut milk, and many more, including just with water.

It is specially formulated to be effective on oily skin. The ingredients include kaolin clay, French green clay, ground oats, and seaweed powder. Simply mix a batch with the dilutant of your choice and apply for a luxurious and deep cleansing face mask.

10. Kapha Cleanser and Mask

A detoxifying face mask and cleanser that brings a taste of Asia to the list.

  • All natural ingredients
  • Great for acne
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Handmade in small batches
  • Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial

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The Kapha cleanser and face mask is another great choice for those suffering from problem skin conditions like acne. The ingredients are 100% plant-based and include natural clays and essential oils. 

The natural oils in the product are chosen for their ability to unclog pores and clarify the skin. The formulation also includes anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients that are chosen for their effectiveness against whiteheads and blackheads.

Amongst the ingredients are French green clay, almond flour, chickpea flour, turmeric, aloe vera, and peppermint.

Reviews

At the time of writing, there was only one review for this product. However, the reviewer loved it, saying that the face mask and cleanser were a genius product. They also loved its cleansing and defoliating properties.

11. Bestowed Essentials Face Mask for Dull Skin

A handmade in the USA face mask for dull skin.

  • Cruelty-free and safe for vegans
  • Handmade in small batches
  • No artificial colors or fragrances
  • Eco friendly face wash
  • Sulfate and paraben-free

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This face mask from Bestowed Essential is specially formulated to bring some zing to dull skin.

This product uses only natural ingredients and is supplied in a recyclable glass jar to make it a great zero waste face wash option. If your skin is suffering from the strains of modern life, then this product can bring back that shine.

You can also customize the mix by substituting plain water with herbal tea, floral water, aloe vera, or even toner. Making this an incredibly versatile product.

The natural ingredients in this face mask include ground oats, ground dried hibiscus, Australian pink clay, and kaolin clay.

12. Seed Phytonutrients Natural Gentle Face Wash

A lightweight wash gentle enough for everyday use.

  • ruelty-free and safe for vegans
  • Organic ingredients
  • Recyclable packaging
  • Sulfate, gluten, and paraben-free
  • Includes a pack of plantable seeds

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Seed Phytonutrients Gentle Face Wash is a perfect choice for those wanting an everyday product. 

It is a great product for removing makeup at the end of a long day and because it is so gentle, it doesn’t dry out or irritate your skin. The product is supplied in a cardboard bottle, with a plastic lining, both components are completely recyclable. 

Also tucked away inside the packaging is a free pack of seeds that can be accessed once the bottle is empty. 

Ingredients in this zero waste face wash include coconut, chamomile, and lemon peel oil.

Reviews

The reviews are pretty good for this product. One reviewer was delighted with how far the product, another said she liked the subtlety of the fragrance. On the negative side, one reviewer said she found the fragrance irritating.

Which Face Wash Should I Choose?

Choosing the correct zero waste face wash is important, what suits one person will not necessarily be the right one for the next person. In this section, I will help simplify the choice. For instance, if you have a skin condition like acne, then the Bamboo Charcoal soap from Eco Roots, or the Citrine Sea Purifying Lotion are great choices.

plastic free face mask zero waste face wash

If you are looking for a face mask then there are also some great choices, the Vegan Face Mask from eco roots is available in a couple of fantastic types. If you want to add your own touch to a face mask, then (depending on skin type) either the Oily Skin Mask or Dull Skin Mask from Bestowed Essentials are great products.

For people that prefer face oil then this Natural Makeup Remover and Skin Cleanser is a perfect choice, and if you want a travel-friendly oil then why not consider this Face Oil from Bathing Culture?

Finally, there is something luxurious about treating your skin to a daily foaming face wash, the zero waste face wash products from Plaine Products, withSimplicity, and Seed Phytonutrients are guaranteed to bring a spot of luxury into your life.

What zero waste skincare brands are available?

This is a growing market and more manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon almost daily. The brands that are represented on this list are all established companies with a rich pedigree in producing high-quality, environment friendly cleaning products.

Sustainable Cleansing For Your Skin zero waste face wash

These brands include Seed Phytonutrients, Eco Roots, Plaine Products, withSimplicity, and Bestowed Essentials.

Zero waste bar soap v. liquid face wash

This is a choice that is down to a couple of factors, the first being personal choice some people, including myself, love a zero-waste soap bar, whilst others prefer a liquid face wash.

zero waste skin care

The second factor is the ecological impact of the product. The products on this list are all included because of their commitment to producing top-quality products with an absolute minimum of damage to the environment. However, by their very nature liquid washes require more resources in packaging and shipping than soap bars.

What zero waste face wash is good for acne?

When considering this question you need to consider two properties that the soap should have. The first is the ability to deep cleanse your skin’s pores, and the other is to include some antibacterial ingredients.

plastic free face mask zero waste face wash

For me, there is two stand-out choices on the list, the first is the Bamboo Charcoal and Tea Tree Oil Soap Bar, and the other is the Citrine Sea Purifying Lotion face wash.

What zero waste face wash is good for oily skin?

There is nothing like a good face mask for dealing with oily skin. And the good people at Bestowed Essentials have produced such a product.

Sustainable Cleansing For Your Skin zero waste face wash

Their highly versatile Face Mask for Oily Skin has received rave reviews and is a great sustainable cleanser for oily skin.

What zero waste face wash is good for dry skin?

Dry skin can be a problem to deal with, luckily there are a couple of fantastic products on the list that have great moisturizing formulations. The Natural Makeup and skin cleanser from Bathing Culture has been lauded with praise for its moisturizing properties.

zero waste skin care zero waste face wash

The earth-friendly face wash from Plaine Products is another great option. This is gentle on all types of skin and doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils.

My personal zero waste face wash

It was a difficult choice to pick just one favorite from so many fantastic products. But for me, I just loved the Bamboo Charcoal and Tea Tree Oil soap. I loved the deep cleansing effect of this product and the noticeable “Zing” that made me feel like my skin was positively glowing after using it.

plastic free face mask zero waste face wash

It might not be to everyone’s taste, but one thing I am sure of is that somewhere on the list there is a zero waste face wash to suit all tastes and skin types.

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