15 Planet-friendly beauty products to put on your shopping list

The idea that we could save the planet through the beauty products we choose could seem a bit far-fetched but cumulatively, a switch as simple as ditching shampoo and conditioner bottles for solid bars could save billions of plastic bottles from entering our oceans throughout our lifetime.

And with more and more beauty houses working towards creating sustainable, eco-friendly products - think less plastic, favouring sustainably sourced, plant-derived ingredients and using less toxic chemicals and synthetics - going green has never been easier.

With Earth Day (22 April) fast approaching, what better way to honour the planet than by refreshing your routine with clean, eco-conscious and sustainable beauty products that will ensure you look flawless and save the world at the same time.

Here are our top picks:

1. Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream

Dr. Hauschka skincare was born from a passion for natural medicine, healthy skin and the rhythms of nature. With a mission to always work towards supporting the healing of humanity and earth, their skincare lines are free of harsh synthetic ingredients, not tested on animals and are designed to nourish and beautify. The Rose Day Cream has become a firm favourite among beauty editors. Infused with extracts of rose petals and wild rose hips, this nourishing moisturiser is especially beneficial for skin prone to redness and irritation.

2. Iwori Marula Curl Define Leave-In Lotion

Vegan, cruelty-free and made in South Africa, Iwori only uses sustainably sourced organic African oils and extracts. Free from silicone, phthalates, sulphates and parabens, this beauty brand includes skincare, bath and body, hair care and even something for your baby. We especially love the leave-in conditioner as it's high in vitamin E and essential fatty acid - and it helps to quench hair, control frizz and define curls.

3. MyEarth Pineapple and Geranium Bar

Touting the use of zero-waste beauty, MyEarth products come in recyclable packaging and contain natural ingredients. Boost your hair care routine with this nourishing eco-friendly shampoo bar which gently cleanses and freshens your hair.

4. The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Liquid Peel

One of the first global beauty brands to take a stand against animal testing, beauty without cruelty has been at the forefront of The Body Shop’s ethos. While our first love will always be their body butter, the Youth Liquid Peel is a must if you are looking for a product that gently removes impurities, dead skin cells and pollutants.

5. REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady AHA Tonic

The REN philosophy ‘Clean to Skin. Clean to Planet’ is one the brand takes to heart; encompassed in their pledge to become Zero Waste by 2021. Using only natural bio-active ingredients, their products are gentle yet super effective. We especially love this glow-giving tonic that leaves skin smooth, even-toned and radiant.

6. Sukin Purely Ageless Eye Cream

Looking for a clean, non-toxic way to fight your fine lines and wrinkles? Then the Purely Ageless Range from Sukin is it. Born and bred in Australia, Sukin is natural without compromise. They aren’t afraid to say ‘no’: no parabens, no mineral oils and no silicones. Apart from their age-defying range, they have a Signature and Sensitive range too.

7. SKOON. Wow-Wow Wonder 3-Hyaluron + C Serum

Kind, clean and scientific skincare made in Cape Town, SKOON. embodies everything you would want from an eco-conscious beauty brand. If you're looking for a good place to start with this brand, fans rave about their Wow-wow Wonder serum, which, when you start using, is exactly what your skin will be.

8. EcoTools Starter Set Brush

Create your make-up looks guilt-free with EcoTools. These synthetic make-up brushes are 100% cruelty-free and vegan, and are made from soft, eco-friendly bristles, recycled aluminium ferrules and sleek bamboo handles.

9. Shea Moisture Masque Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil

Made with natural and certified-organic ingredients, including organic shea butter, mafura and baobab oils, this masque is able to restore and lock in moisture while deeply conditioning the hair.

10. Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo

Made with pure shea butter and formulated without harsh ingredients such as mineral oil, sulphates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, gluten, paraffin and propylene, this hydrating shampoo not only leaves hair hydrated and healthier, but also prevents split ends and breakage.

11. Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash

The 100% natural Himalaya products include rare herbs collected from the foothills of the Himalayas. The Neem Face Wash, one of their most popular products, is enriched with neem known for its antibacterial properties and turmeric which helps to even out your skin tone and colour. This gentle face wash is perfect for acne-prone skin.

12. Good Earth Hemp Oil Body Butter

Good Earth products are thoughtfully created using sustainable, vegan ingredients and recyclable packaging. Their hemp oil-infused body butter will leave your skin nourished and feeling soft.

13. Alma K Dead Sea Minerals Fragranced Body Mist White Tea & Neroli

Free from chemicals and harsh ingredients, Alma K is made with 100% natural oils, extracts and genuine dead sea minerals. Vegan-friendly and free from toxic ingredients, this refreshing body mist uplifts the senses and nourishes the skin.

14. Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner

No orange, no streaking, no nasty smell - Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner includes a naturally derived tanning agent that is kind to the skin. Enriched with grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and soothing aloe vera this moisturising cream steadily builds up a glowing, natural tan and smooths and firms your skin as well.

15. be.bare Smooth Operator Conditioner Bar

In a bid to reduce plastic waste and minimise the catastrophic impact this material is wreaking on our planet, be.bare have launched innovative haircare bars. Vegan and cruelty-free these safe and gentle bars are packed with natural ingredients that will leave your locks looking in top shape.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com