Skincare should make you feel good – and that goes for the inside as well as the outside. These days, there are more and more options out there that allow you to choose beauty that reflects who you are and the things you care about. Whether it’s vegan-friendly, plant-derived and organic ingredients or sustainable packaging and practices that matter most to you, here are nine of our favourite purpose-led skincare brands. Susanne Kaufmann Inspired by the rare plant life of her home in the Austrian Alps, Susanne Kaufmann used her extensive knowledge of the land – and the ingredients that grew there – to create a holistic brand that serves up the best plant-derived ingredients alongside sustainable and transparent practices (read all about the brand here). The innovative products are also all delightful to use, with packaging (including refillable options) primarily made of glass. Treat your body to the luxe formulas originally developed for Kaufmann’s alpine spa with the rich Body Butter or soothe the delicate skin on your hands with the hardworking Hand Cream. KORRES Greek yoghurt for your skin? Yes, please! KORRES harnesses the best of traditional Greek remedies and modern-day science to create state-of-the-art skincare. Inspired by the knowledge passed down by the founders’ yiayias (that’s grandmothers, if you didn’t already know!) these are formulas made with ingredients from local, organic farms across Greece (as well as plants that have grown in the wild for thousands of years). And with their innovative Full Circle™ system, KORRES’ ethics are present every step of the way, from zero-waste sourcing to its dedicated recycling lab. Jump on the probiotics bandwagon with their super gentle Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser, and lock in the hydration with their Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream.
REN Clean Skincare Since they started out in 2000, REN Clean Skincare has been committed to doing good, using thoughtfully sourced, plant-derived ingredients and reducing waste wherever possible. Zero waste is a goal REN works towards with every product; the brand has repurposed 45 tonnes of PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic waste from landfill, while also supporting beach clean-ups and ocean protection through a partnership with the Surfrider Foundation. Want to make a move towards a purpose-led skincare routine? Start out with the Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, a must-have toner for radiant skin. And as far as everyday moisturisers go, you can’t go past their Evercalm™ Global Protection Day Cream, a soothing, vegan formula that uses antioxidants to help sensitive skin. Syrene This New Zealand-based brand is turning the tide on skincare and sustainability. Marine and plant-derived ingredients are at the core of these deeply nourishing formulas that provide a sensorial self-care journey. The Pacific Ocean is an ever-present calming force behind each and every Syrene product (all of which are made locally in New Zealand), and the brand returns the favour with their pledge to use Ocean Waste Plastic™ in all of their packaging. So far, Syrene has helped remove more than 180,000 plastic bags from the ocean. Experience the quenching effects of the ocean yourself; mask it up with the Aqua Hydrating Masque or add the Aqua Intense Cream Gelee into your night-time routine.
Conserving Beauty Conserving Beauty is making serious (waterless) waves in skincare. This Melbourne-based start-up is on a big mission: to reduce the beauty industry’s water footprint, one product at a time. They’ve become Australia’s first water-free beauty brand, using absolutely no water in the production of their (magically!) ultra-hydrating formulas. They’re also the first global beauty partner of non-profit foundation the Water Footprint Network and use compost-friendly cartons, alongside recycled glass bottles and jars that can be re-recycled via Australian and New Zealand kerbside bins. They created the world’s first dissolvable makeup wipes, the InstaMelt™ Deep Exfoliating Day Dissolver Wipes, in 2021 – which were promptly picked up by TikTok and sold out two weeks after launch. The latest in their innovative range? The InstaMelt™ Skin Soothing Sheet Mask, a dissolvable option for when you want the relaxation and skin benefits of a sheet mask, minus the waste. Cosmetics 27 One of the pioneering brands in cosmeceuticals from French pharmacist Michèle Evrard, Cosmetics 27’s vegan-friendly formulas utilise plant-derived actives to soothe and renew skin. Evrard discovered the healing effects of Centella asiatica (a plant popular in Ayurvedic traditions) when looking to heal a scar, and since then has kept the ‘longevity plant’ at the heart of all of the brand’s formulations. The Baume 27 Bio-Stimulating Intensive Repair Balm is a powerhouse packed with a carefully selected edit of 27 ingredients that all work together to help repair, regenerate and protect damaged skin. On the lightweight side (but with the same heavyweight actives), the Pure 27 Blemish Correcting Purifying Fluid is a soothing gel-cream perfect for all skin types. Origins Origins is one of the original leaders (pun intended) in skincare with plant-derived ingredients. Their bestselling products are formulated to combine the potency of science with the healing powers of nature – and they make sure to give back to the Earth too! Since 2009, Origins’ Green The Planet™ initiative has seen more than 2.12 million trees planted across Asia, Europe and North America, helping restore ecosystems one tree at a time. By 2023, the brand has committed to ensuring that 80 percent of its packaging (by weight) is recyclable, refillable, reusable, recycled or recoverable – they’re currently at 50 percent. Cult favourites not to be missed include the GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff, a seriously energising, vitamin C-enriched eye cream, and the Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Glacier Water, your new solution to dry, dull, dehydrated skin.
Moon Juice What originally started as a juice bar in Venice, California, has quickly evolved into a supplement and skincare brand that champions adaptogenic plants and science. Moon Juice was born from founder Amanda Chantal Bacon’s own journey with diet, lifestyle and herbs. The brand is based around plants, people and pleasure, with products designed to enhance and support your mind, body and beauty. Looking to refresh your skin and your routine? The Acid Potion Resurfacing Exfoliator is an acid-rich (yet hydrating) formula for potent exfoliation. Or if fighting dryness is your number-one priority, the Plump Jelly Hydrating Serum is a lightweight treatment infused with hyaluronic acid and silver ear mushroom for serious moisturisation and barrier support. kit: The new kit: on the block is definitely one to keep an eye on! These Melbourne-made formulas are created ‘for all skinkind’, with a serious mission to simplify skincare. At the heart of every product is a carefully selected combination of ingredients that actively help to improve your skin. The vegan-friendly range features potent plants, hard-working herbal adaptogens, botanical oils and extracts, and 100 percent plant-derived fragrances. Already bringing in the rave reviews is the rejuvenating Melatonin Night Balm, a sleep-in treatment for visibly firmer skin. Pop on top of the Skinkind Face Oil – a powerful blend of macadamia, holy basil and jojoba oils – and your skin will thank you.
