In recent years, online shopping has revolutionized our lives. The abundance of choices, same-day deliveries, and easy return processes have saved us so much time.
However, some customers started to wonder about the environmental effects and ethical implications of using big e-commerce platforms such as Amazon or Sephora for the beauty industry.
As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and social impacts of the products they purchase, sustainable and ethical beauty marketplaces have become a popular alternative to traditional retailers like Sephora. These marketplaces offer a wide range of beauty products that are made with sustainability in mind, including eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and vegan options.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, these marketplaces often prioritize supporting small businesses and ethical practices in the beauty industry. Whether you’re looking for skincare, makeup, haircare, or fragrances, there are many sustainable and ethical beauty marketplaces to choose from and that align with your values.
We have gathered for you the best alternatives to Sephora for sustainable online beauty shopping.
To learn more about vegan and cruelty-free make-up brands, check our article about it.
Preview of the article
- Package Free – Best for Zero Waste
- The Detox Market – Best for Clean Beauty
- Credo Beauty- Best for Cruelty-free & Vegan
- Pink Moon – Holistic Ancient Beauty Rituals
- DermStore – The Dermatologist Recommendation
- Uncommon Good – Unique Products
- Love Goodly – The Eco-friendly Box
Our 3 Favorites Sustainable and Ethical Beauty Marketplaces
Package Free – Best for Zero Waste
Product range: Haircare, laundry, kitchen, food storage, beauty & personal care, pet, clothing, gift.
Available in: International
Sustainable & Ethical: Zero-waste, 100% plastic-free shipping, minimal packaging, 100% recyclable or compostable shipping materials, give back.
Shop Package Free
Since 2017, Package Free’s mission is to provide sustainable alternatives to products we use every day.
The brand offers a curated selection of quality items with a positive environmental impact. All the items on the website can be reused, refilled, composted, or recycled. You won’t find any single-use plastic.
Since its launch, Package Free has managed to divert millions of plastic bags (132m), straws (48m), and water bottles(3.3b).
From Rose Water Face Cream in a glass container to Package Free Glass & Cork Coffee Cup or Natural Dog Brush, you can be sure to find the sustainable and low-waste item you need. Products are available for one-time purchase or with a subscription order and 10% off.
The Detox Market – Best for Clean Beauty
Product range: Skincare, makeup, body, hair, supplement, gift, detox-box.
Available in: International
Sustainable & Ethical: Ingredient transparency, ban of hazardous ingredients, cruelty-free formulations, plastic neutral by 2023.
Shop The Detox Market
Created in California in 2010, The Detox Market is dedicated to clean beauty. The products offered are formulated with cruelty-free and pure ingredients to achieve high-performance results.
The brand created a list of toxic ingredients banned from their products such as parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, triclosan, and other harmful ingredients.
The Detox Market features numerous award-winning brands such as Kosas, RMS Beauty, and Goop and proposes a Detox monthly box. You can easily shop what you need using filters for product type, skin concern, or brands.
We love that you can enroll for a free skin consultation and makeup lessons (in-person or virtually) with an expert that will provide you with tips and tailored product recommendations to achieve your best skin.
Credo Beauty- Best for Cruelty-free & Vegan
Product range: Skincare, makeup, body, hair, and fragrance.
Available in: US
Sustainable & Ethical: Cruelty-free, sustainable packaging, transparent ethical practices, ban of harmful substances, recycling program, promote IPOC beauty founder, vegan beauty.
Shop Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty gathers more than 130 brands that comply with their sustainable vision of beauty. The brand offers a line of vegan beauty and prohibits more than 2700 components that raise safety concerns (see The Dirty List).
We especially love the recycling program created to reduce cosmetic pollution from the beauty industry where you can recycle your used empty container made out of glass, paper, and plastic.
Credo Beauty is also engaged in promoting IPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) beauty founders and offers discounts for seniors, students, and essential workers.
Original Approaches
Pink Moon – Holistic Ancient Beauty Rituals
Product range: Skin & Body
Available in: International
Sustainable & Ethical: Carbon-neutral shipping, eco-friendly products, give back to non-profit organizations.
Shop Pink Moon
Founded by Lin Chen, Pink Moon brings together ancient well-care practices and high-quality eco-friendly products. All of the products featured are created following specific rituals such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Astrology, Aromatherapy, Tarot, Crystal, and Reiki.
Plus, the platform carries workshops you can purchase to learn how to use tarot in your daily life for example.
1% of the brand revenues goes to non-profits for animal welfare, sustainability, women empowerment, and race equality.
Pink Moon also partners with EcoCart to make all orders carbon-neutral.
Be sure to take the skin test to understand your skin needs.
DermStore – The Dermatologist Recommendation
Product range: Skincare, makeup, haircare, bath and body, fragrance, tool & device, gift.
Available in: US
Sustainable & Ethical: Cruelty-free & clean beauty.
Shop DermStore
Dermstore was created in 1999 by a dermatologist to bring high-quality products with professional-strength formulas to the public.
It’s an online marketplace that specializes in skincare and beauty products. They offer a wide range of products, including skincare, makeup, haircare, and more, from top brands. DermStore is known for their wide selection of products and their commitment to offering high-quality effective products, and the latest beauty trends and innovations.
High-performance beauty brands such as Avene, Paula’s Choice, and Skinceuticals are available on DermStore. For more information, you can also read their blog with dermatologist-reviewed articles.
Uncommon Good – Unique Products
Product range: home, kitchen bar, jewelry, kid, fun, apparel, beauty & wellness.
Available in: International
Sustainable & Ethical: B-corp certified, handmade products, reclaimed and recycled materials, cruelty-free, sustainable materials, gives back to charities, independent designers.
Shop Uncommon Good
Created in 1999, Uncommon Good is an online marketplace for truly unique goods. The brand connects makers and customers. The items are handmade with unusual reclaimed recycled materials and never include leather, feather, or fur.
It’s the perfect marketplace to find eco-friendly original gifts for every occasion.
The brand partners with the Better to give program and gives back 1$ for every item purchased. Since 2001, Uncommon Good has raised more than $2m for non-profit organizations.
Love Goodly – The Eco-friendly Box
Product range: Clean beauty boxes
Available in: US & Canada + International on demand
Sustainable & Ethical: Give back, cruelty-free, non-toxic, vegan, organic, non-GMO, and eco-friendly products.
Shop Love Goodly
Love Goodly is a monthly subscription service that delivers a selection of eco-friendly and sustainable beauty products to your door. Each box is curated to include a variety of non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty brands, as well as products that are made with sustainability in mind.
Love Goodly is a great way for beauty enthusiasts to discover new brands and products that align with their values, while also supporting a more sustainable future. Their products include beauty or skincare, a style or home accessory, or a healthy snack or wellness item.
For every purchase, Love Goodly gives back to charities.
The Classic Alternatives That Offer Sustainable and Ethical Brands
Look Fantastic
What: Beauty marketplace with more than 12 000 beauty references.
Product range: Hair, makeup, skincare, body care, tool, home fragrance.
Available in: International
Sustainable & Ethical: Organic, natural, clean beauty.
Look Fantastic is a beauty marketplace that offers a wide range of beauty products from top brands around the world. From skincare and makeup to haircare and fragrances, Look Fantastic has it all.
One of the things that sets Look Fantastic apart is their commitment to offering high-quality, luxury beauty products at affordable prices. They have a team of beauty experts who carefully curate their selection of products to ensure that their customers have access to the best products on the market.
Shop Look Fantastic Sustainable Products
Walmart
What: Retail chain of hypermarkets.
Product range: Haircare, beauty & personal care.
Available in: US
Sustainable & Ethical: Vegan, organic, eco-friendly, plant-based products.
Walmart is a large retail chain that offers a wide range of products, including beauty products. Walmart’s beauty department offers a range of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products from top brands at affordable prices. They have a range of eco-friendly and cruelty-free products.
Overall, Walmart is a great destination for those looking for affordable beauty products and services. Whether you’re looking for the latest makeup trends or trying to find the perfect skincare routine, Walmart has something for everyone.
Shop Walmart Sustainable Products
Target
What: Retail chain of hypermarkets.
Product range: Haircare, beauty & personal care.
Available in: US
Sustainable & Ethical: Vegan, organic, eco-friendly, plant-based, products.
Target is a large retail chain that offers a wide range of products for all your needs. From beauty products and home goods to electronics and grocery items, Target has it all.
Their line of cosmetic and skincare brands include many eco-friendly and clean products.
Shop Target Sustainable Products
Ulta Beauty
What: Beauty stores and marketplaces.
Product range: Haircare, beauty & personal care.
Available in: US
Sustainable & Ethical: Vegan, organic, eco-friendly, plant-based products.
Ulta Beauty is a retail chain that offers a wide range of beauty products and services. They have a large selection of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products from top brands, as well as their own exclusive brands. In addition to their wide selection of products, Ulta Beauty also offers a range of services, such as beauty consultations, makeup application, and salon services. They have locations across the United States and also have an online store.
Shop Ulta Sustainable Products
Etsy
What: Handmade, vintage items and craft supplies.
Product range: Beauty tools and accessories.
Available in: International
Sustainable & Ethical: handmade, vegan, organic, eco-friendly, plant-based products.
Etsy is an online marketplace that allows people to buy and sell handmade or vintage items, as well as unique factory-manufactured items. It was founded in 2005 and has since become a popular destination for those looking for unique and one-of-a-kind items. Etsy is known for its focus on sustainability and supporting small businesses, and has a wide range of items available, including art, crafts, beauty tools, clothing, jewelry, home decor, and more.
Shop Etsy Sustainable Products
Nordstrom
What: Department store chain.
Product range: Skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, bath and body, beauty tools, and accessories.
Available in: International
Sustainable & Ethical: handmade, vegan, organic, eco-friendly, plant-based products.
Nordstrom is a high-end department store chain that offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, beauty products, accessories, and home goods from top brands. They have a strong focus on customer service and offer a range of services, including personal styling and alterations, to help customers find the perfect products. Nordstrom has locations across the United States and also has an online store.
Shop Nordstrom Sustainable Products
More Sustainable Online Shopping for Beauty Products
Earth Hero
Product range: Beauty and care, baby kids, clothing, home, pet, outdoor.
Available in: US
Sustainable & Ethical: Zero-waste, B-corp certified, gives back to 1% for the planet, climate neutral certified.
Earth Hero is an online marketplace that sells environmentally-friendly products. They offer a wide range of products, including clothing, home goods, beauty products, and more, all of which are made with sustainability in mind. Earth Hero works with a number of brands that are committed to using eco-friendly materials and practices. In addition to their wide selection of products, Earth Hero also has a strong focus on education and helping customers make more sustainable choices.
Shop Earth Hero
Eco Roots
Product range: Bath, beauty, kitchen, home.
Available in: International
Sustainable & Ethical: Plastic-free shipping, low-waste products, sustainable ingredients, no animal testing, gives back to non-profit
Eco Roots sells eco-friendly and low-waste products. They offer a line of products for all people and bodies, including beauty and health products and household essentials. They value customer feedback and are committed to transparency and constantly improving their products and practices. They offer over 50 low-waste products and encourage customers to join their mission by adopting their sustainable lineup.
Shop Eco Roots
Urban Kissed
Product range: Skincare, makeup, body, hair, wellness, apparel, bags.
Available in: International
Sustainable & Ethical: Slow and ethical marketplace, CO2 neutral delivery.
Urban Kissed is an online fashion marketplace that focuses on slow living and sustainability. They offer a range of sustainable, timeless, and affordable fashion products from a selection of well-known and innovative brands. The brand updates its selection of products daily and offer over 100 conscious brands. Urban Kissed aims to provide an educational and conscious retail environment and to inspire mindful living.
Shop Urban Kissed
Violet Grey
Product range: Luxurious skincare, makeup, body, hair, wellness.
Available in: US
Sustainable & Ethical: Vegan, organic, eco-friendly, plant-based products.
Violet Grey is an online beauty retailer that specializes in high-end and luxury beauty products. They offer a wide range of skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance products from top brands, as well as their own exclusive products. Violet Grey is known for their curated selection of products and their commitment to offering only the best and most effective products on the market.
Violet Grey is a great destination for those who are looking for luxury beauty products and services
Shop Violet Grey
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