Words: Zak Maoui
We all know the importance of being clean. From a scrub in the shower to a brush of our teeth, our first sleepy steps in the morning — yes, even before those taken towards the coffee machine — are used to stumble into the bathroom; to turn on the taps and try to make ourselves worthy of the world outside our front doors. But pause your grooming routine for a moment, for there’s another kind of cleanliness you should also be interested in: that of eco-friendliness.
From clean power to clean air, as the world becomes increasingly eco-aware, we’re all striving to live every corner of our lives more cleanly. So, in a collision of definitions, let’s shine a light on clean-living cleaning. We’ve scrubbed up on the most sustainable grooming brands — and we’re ready to give your bathroom cabinet the eco-treatment.
Neal’s Yard Remedies
Based in Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard Remedies was founded in 1981 and has grown into one of the most established eco-grooming brands in the world. And ‘grown’ is an apt word — the company’s sustainable ethos sees it source only organic ingredients to create its products, eschewing harmful pesticides, controversial chemicals and any synthetic colourings.
From its Frankincense Intense age-defying cream, that contains a blend of organic cocoa butter and macadamia, baobab and argan oils, to its Cooling Aftershave Balm with sustainably sourced aloe vera, these are all-natural products that work.
Laboratory Perfumes
Founded in 2011, the British-based Laboratory Perfumes is revolutionising the scent sector. Not only are the brand’s perfumes unisex, but they are also all made in the UK using socially conscious, environmentally-friendly and cruelty-free ingredients. There’s no animal-testing, they’re fully vegan and are free from parabens. And, of course, each fragrance also smells delightful.
There’s an elegant Tonka scent; exotic and indulgent and formulated from the dried berries of the Peruvian pepper tree. Our second favourite scent, Gorse, takes its inspiration from a gorse-lined driveway in Provence — and hides a surprising, spicy depth. And Amber, a multilayered and long-lasting scent, has captured the grassy, green essence of the British countryside.
Wild Sage + Co
Few brands could project an image more ecological than Wild Sage + Co. Nestled in the valleys of the River Wye, the company’s countryside cottage is a people-powered production line of cold pressed soaps, skin loving balms and all natural skincare. And it pays to care for your complexion.
To that end, check out the brand’s Cedarwood + Green Clay Soap — created using the cold press methods and formulated using all-natural plant and nut oils. It contains natural cedarwood, lavender + patchouli essential oils to soothe, heal and ground.
Haeckels
Britain's cult eco brand Haeckels is down in Margate doing good for the planet. Haeckels and its Ocean Farmers exist as an amplifier of the natural world and as a community problem solver. Its packaging solutions are fully recyclable or compostable, while it uses seaweed as the base for all of its products. That seaweed is picked by hand in Margate. Haeckels has a focus on manufacturing the most effective natural products, and in turn it is one of the best planet-friendly brands in the UK right now.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney launched her Stella cosmetics line in 2022, following years of fighting (and succeeding) for a more planet-friendly fashion industry. With a focus on manufacturing the most effective natural products, the offering consists of skincare that uses natural, effective and responsible formulas to support skin regeneration and protection.
Ren Clean Skincare
Born in 2000 in East London, REN was created when the founder’s pregnant wife began to experience sensitivity from her everyday beauty products. Looking for natural alternatives, nothing delivered the results that she wanted. Now Ren is the pioneer of clean and effective skincare powered by nature’s bioactives, and clean to skin and "Clean to Planet" is at the heart of everything.
Looking for more out of your grooming regime? Check out our weekly edit of the best new products
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Further reading
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