Did you know the beauty industry churns out 120 billion plastic packaging units every year according to CleanHub's? And let’s be real—most of it never gets recycled. Think about it: mascara tubes, nail polish lids, lipstick cases, blush compacts, eyeshadow palettes, shampoo bottles, face cleansers... the list is endless. Take a peek inside your cosmetic bag—how much plastic free beauty products do you see?
I’ve been on a mission to swap out my old beauty products for plastic-free alternatives, only keeping what I actually need and use. Some of my favorite plastic free beauty products now includes:
🌿 Marley's Monsters Facial Rounds
🌿 Reusable Swab
🌿 Konjac Sponge
🌿 Yay for Earth Lotion
🌿 Poppy and Pout lip balm
🌿 Fat and the Moon Lit highlighter
🌿 Fat and the Moon Masa Scrub
🌿 A bamboo hairbrush
🌿 A reusable razor (not daily, but essential!)
Each of these plastic free beauty swaps has been a game-changer—not just for my routine, but for the planet too!
Easy Plastic Free Beauty Swaps
In this zero waste blog, I’m sharing easy, sustainable beauty swaps you can make today. These are the environmentally friendly beauty products we personally use and love at our low-waste shop. They’re high-quality, natural, and most importantly, they help cut down on plastic waste without sacrificing performance.
Swap Disposable Cotton Rounds for Reusable Facial Rounds
We all use cotton rounds for makeup removal or skincare, but did you know growing cotton requires tons of water? Instead of constantly buying disposables, Marley’s Monsters reusable facial rounds are a washable, absorbent, and long-lasting eco friendly alternative. They work just like regular cotton rounds—minus the waste. Plus, they don’t come wrapped in plastic, and since they’re reusable, you’re reducing emissions from constant manufacturing and transportation.
Marley's Monsters Reusable Facial Rounds
$18.00
Soft, Absorbent, and Reusable Facial Rounds Transform your skincare routine with Marley's Monsters Reusable Facial Rounds, crafted from plush, absorbent flannel cotton. These cotton makeup rounds are ultra-gentle on your skin, making them perfect for makeup removal and cleansing. The… read more
Ditch Disposable Swabs for a Reusable Swab
Cotton swabs might seem small, but they add up—especially those with plastic stems that end up as micro-plastics harming marine life. Our reusable swab is a simple switch that makes a big impact. It’s great for makeup application, compact for travel, and comes in a sleek bamboo case. One plastic free beauty swap, endless uses—no more tossing cotton buds in the trash!
Reusable Swabs
$10.00
Upgrade Your Routine with Our Reusable Swabs! Meet your new favorite eco-friendly essential—our Reusable Swabs! Perfect for makeup application, ear cleaning, and more, these swabs are a brilliant alternative to disposable ones. Designed for everyday use, they help you cut… read more
Swap Plastic Eyeshadow & Highlighter for Fat and the Moon Lit
Ever looked at the ingredients in your eyeshadow and thought, what even is that? Many beauty products come loaded with unpronounceable chemicals and unnecessary plastic packaging. That’s why Fat and the Moon Lit is a must-have in my routine. This soft pink, lightly shimmery highlighter works beautifully on cheekbones and eyelids. It comes in a recyclable tin, is made in small batches from clean ingredients, and supports an eco-conscious beauty brand.
Plastic-Packaged Exfoliators for Fat and the Moon Masa Scrub
I love a good exfoliating face scrub, but not when it comes in a plastic tub. That’s why Fat and the Moon Masa Scrub is my go-to for gentle exfoliation. This plastic-free beauty swap is made in small batches with natural ingredients, and it comes in a recyclable glass jar with aluminum lid. I use it twice a week, and it leaves my skin smooth, soft, and lightly exfoliated without any harsh chemicals. It’s a simple swap that feels good on my skin and good for the planet.
Fat and the Moon Masa and Olive Face Paste
$18.00
Glow Up Say hello to smoother, brighter skin with Fat and the Moon Masa and Olive Face Paste! Crafted with natural ingredients like finely ground masa flour and nourishing olive oil, this scrub gently exfoliates while hydrating your skin. Plus,… read more
Face Lotion is a Must—But Can You Find It Plastic-Free?
Yes, you can! My favorite face lotion is Yay for Earth. I absolutely love this face lotion because it leaves my skin soft and hydrated, helps prevent breakouts, and I’ve even noticed an improvement in scars. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly beauty brand made right in Colorado!
This all-natural formula is made in small batches with simple, clean ingredients. I bought the largest jar, and it seriously lasts forever—such a smart plastic-free beauty investment! It beats big beauty brand lotions because:
❌ No plastic packaging
❌ No nasty chemicals
❌ No palm oil (which many lotions contain)
Why avoid palm oil? Palm oil is a cause of deforestation, endangering species like orangutans and sun bears, while also destroying vital ecosystems. Choosing a palm oil-free, plastic-free face lotion is one of the easiest ways to make a real impact!
Yay For Earth Face Lotion
$24.00
Your Go-To for Nourished, Glowing Skin! Welcome to the ultimate in natural skincare with Yay For Earth Face Lotion! This luxurious face lotion blends high-quality, organic ingredients like olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, and pomegranate seed oil to keep your… read more
Plastic Lip Balm for Poppy and Pout’s Compostable Tube
Chapped lips? Ditch the plastic tube and switch to Poppy and Pout! This all-natural lip balm is ultra-moisturizing, non-greasy, and packed with simple, nourishing ingredients. The best part? It comes in a 100% compostable paperboard tube—no plastic waste, just smooth, hydrated lips.
I can’t even count how many plastic lip balm tubes I’ve lost over the years, only for them to end up as litter in landfills, oceans, and waterways. But with this easy plastic free swap, I never have to worry about that again. Plus, Poppy and Pout makes the perfect sustainable gift for any celebration!
Poppy and Pout Lip Balm
$10.00
Pucker Up with Poppy and Pout! Enhance your lip care routine with Poppy and Pout Lip Balm, formulated with pure, natural ingredients to provide ultimate comfort and protection. Enriched with coconut oil, beeswax, and vitamin E, this nourishing lip balm… read more
Swap Plastic Loofahs for a Compostable Konjac Sponge
I had never heard of a konjac sponge until my sister and I opened our package-free shop—but now, I can’t imagine my routine without it! Made from the Asian konjac root, this all-natural sponge is the perfect replacement for single-use facial wipes or plastic bath loofahs. It gently exfoliates, cleanses, and lasts for months.
When it’s finally time to retire your sponge, just toss it in the compost—zero waste, zero guilt. It’s an easy, budget-friendly beauty swap that our customers absolutely love!
Konjac Facial Sponge
$6.00
Meet Your New Skincare Essential Discover the power of natural skincare with the Konjac Facial Sponge, crafted from 100% pure konjac root. This plant-based gem is fully biodegradable and compostable, making it an eco-friendly alternative to plastic loofahs. Its soft,… read more
Ditch the Plastic Razors
Razors are one of the biggest plastic polluters out there—did you know that in the U.S. alone, 2 billion disposable razors are tossed every year according to the EPA? I used to be hesitant about switching to a reusable razor because, honestly, I was worried I’d end up with a ton of nicks and cuts. Plus, the cost of those plastic razors was just ridiculous. But I finally made the leap and bought the Albatross butterfly razor—and let me tell you, I’ve never looked back. I’ve been using it for three years now, and it gives me the smoothest shave without any cuts. The best part? It’s a zero-waste solution that actually works. I’ve even gifted this razor to family members to encourage them to make the switch, and they love it too! It’s an easy way to reduce plastic waste while still getting a great shave.
Albatross Razor
$30.00
Upgrade Your Shave with the Albatross Razor Ditch the disposable razors and elevate your shaving routine with the eco-friendly Albatross Razor. Now available at Mudd House Mercantile, this shaving razor blends classic design with sustainable materials for a smooth, long-lasting… read more
Bamboo Hairbrush
After years of using a plastic hairbrush that was totally worn out, I knew it was time for an upgrade. I opted for a bamboo paddle hairbrush with natural rubber and bamboo bristles, and let me tell you, it’s been such a game-changer. The soft bamboo bristles feel amazing on my scalp, and it glides through my curly hair without tugging or breaking strands. It’s so gentle yet effective, and I love how it doesn’t add to the plastic pollution problem. I still have my old plastic hairbrush tucked away in a drawer because, honestly, I can’t bring myself to toss it knowing it’ll sit in a landfill forever. But this bamboo brush? It’s been the perfect sustainable swap. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it’s also durable, long-lasting, and it feels good to know I’m reducing my impact on the planet every time I use it. If you're looking for a hairbrush that works with your hair and with the environment, this is the one!
Bamboo Hairbrush
$16.00
Sustainable Craftsmanship The Bamboo Paddle Hairbrush is thoughtfully made from sustainable bamboo, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional brushes. Both the handle and bristles are crafted from bamboo, providing a natural, renewable solution that’s gentle on your scalp and kind… read more
Nope Conditioner Bar
Ditch the Plastic Conditioner Bottle—Your Hair (and the Planet) Will Thank You! Approximately 552 million shampoo plastic bottles are tossed in the U.S. according to Johnson & Johnson and that doesn't include conditioner or body wash bottles. The good news is they’re one of the easiest plastic free beauty swaps to make. Instead of tossing endless plastic bottles into the trash, switching to bars is a simple and sustainable solution. And funny enough, my dad was way ahead of the game. Since the ’80s, he’s been using bar soap to wash his hair (even though shampoo and conditioner bars weren’t really a thing back then). He’s never once thrown out a plastic haircare bottle, and honestly, I admire that!
Inspired by his no-waste approach, I decided to ditch bottled conditioner and try the Nope Conditioner Bar about a year ago—and wow, I haven’t looked back since. I’ve always been super picky about conditioner because my curly hair tangles easily, and I need something that actually works. This bar not only detangles like a dream, but it also leaves my hair soft, shiny, and nourished—plus, the scent is absolutely heavenly. And the best part? One bar lasts me for months! It’s seriously such a budget-friendly swap, and I love knowing that I’m cutting down on plastic waste without sacrificing the quality of my haircare.
If you’ve been hesitant about making the switch, take it from me—it’s worth it. Your hair (and the planet) will thank you!
Nope Conditioner Bar
$13.00
Meet the Nope Conditioner Bar – Your Hair’s New BFF! Looking for a conditioner that’s good for your hair and the planet? Say hello to the Nope Conditioner Bar! Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite from our… read more
Switching to a plastic free beauty routine is good for the planet and your health! By making small swaps, we can cut down on plastic pollution, reduce carbon emissions, and avoid harmful chemicals that can impact our well-being.
All of these sustainable beauty brands are some of my personal favorites from our zero waste store. It’s time we say goodbye to the plastic piling up in our beauty routines and welcome in a more natural, eco-friendly regimen. Your skin, your health, and Mother Earth will thank you. Plus, with quality sustainable self-care products, you’ll enjoy a beauty routine that feels just as good as it looks—without the plastic! 🌿💚