The Unwash

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    • Hodakova Honors the Beauty of Imperfections

    the unwash review

    Swedish luxury fashion brand Hodakova has been a trailblazer for innovative, sustainable fashion. You’ve probably seen their bags made out of old designer belts or their now infamous spoon top on Cate Blanchett. The brand brings new life to unused items through its upcycling process. Hodakova’s unique take on the upcycling process brought the brand to the forefront of sustainable fashion, most recently with the brand taking home the 2024 LVMH Prize. Hodakova has played a formidable role in reshaping the fashion industry to move towards more sustainable practices. The way the brand approaches sustainability emphasizes the beauty of imperfections and the uniqueness found in each Hodakova garment. This sentiment is at the root of what the brand stands for.

    Founded by Ellen Hodakova Larsson, upcycling and repurposing materials is nothing new. Larsson was introduced to the value of repurposing from an early age. Her mother, a seamstress, would take Larsson and her brother to secondhand stores to collect items for creative projects. This upbringing instilled in her a mindset of transforming discarded materials into valuable creations. These values followed her to the Swedish School of Textiles where these skills were sharpened and her passion for sustainable design thrived. Through the process of creating her namesake brand the mission was clear: to produce fashion from exclusively upcycled materials.

    “We have to be aware of our presence on earth, designers should have to go through a questionnaire like, ‘Why should this be made?” – Ellen Hodakova Larsson, Hodakova Founder

    Hodakova’s sustainable design is rooted in sourcing fabrics and materials from secondhand stores, deadstock, and surplus materials. All pieces used by the brand are unique and environmentally responsible. The brand also repurposes unconventional items that you typically don’t see used in fashion. Hodakova’s designs are inventive in their use of materials and committed to bold aesthetics. Some of the brand’s creations include tops made from metal spoons, skirts and bags created from belt buckles, and dresses crafted from zippers. These designs challenge the notion of conventional fashion and blend functionality with artistic expression. In 2024 the brand was celebrated with their win of the LVMH prize which celebrates emerging designers who demonstrate creativity, craftsmanship, and a positive impact on the fashion industry. Hodakova’s win signals the shifting values in fashion towards sustainability and innovation, challenging the industry’s traditional focus on mass production.

    Hodakova stands at the forefront of the sustainable fashion revolution. Through the brand’s innovative design, unique approach to upcycling, and commitment to thoughtful technology integration, Hodakova is setting new standards for environmental responsibility in fashion. Founder Ellen Hodakova Larsson draws from her own experience with textile repurposing to exemplify the transformative power of creativity and sustainability in shaping the future of fashion.

    01

    CLED

    ​CLED is an eco-conscious jewelry company based in Los Angeles that brings new life to recycled items. The brand stands out for its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovative design. CLED transforms discarded glass bottles into unique, handcrafted jewelry pieces. Their design and production practices emphasize environmental responsibility and ethical practices. CLED highlights the endless possibilities of upcycled jewelry and the larger possibilities of sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

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    02

    Foile

    The brand has gained popularity for its commitment to sustainability, the use of naturally derived ingredients, and inclusivity for all skin types. Their ethos is centered on providing effective, uncomplicated skincare while minimizing environmental impact and promoting ethical practices in the skincare industry. Foile has become known for its stand-out unique packaging that is endlessly refillable.

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    03

    Wette Mille

    Wette Mille is making some of the most unique, sustainable jewelry around. Their designs are inspired by nature, with every piece being different. The brand produces small batches and on-of-a-kind pieces of rings, necklaces, and earrings. Wette Mille is a brand that embraces self-expression and communication through design, perfect for a fashion or art aficionado. 

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    RŌZ Foundation Hair Mask

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    Lesse Face Serum

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    Eauso Vert Discovery Set

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    Henry Rose Torn Eau de Parfum

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    Herbar Face Nectar

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    Does Anyone Actually Care About the Impact of AI?

    the unwash: trending

    As AI has grown and become accessible to just about anyone, it has become a tool people turn to for everything from the mundane to complex oddities. Despite having the answers to most questions at our fingertips through the use of search engines, social media, forums, and research articles, that all becomes far too much to engage in. AI provides the ability to reach the answer to anything you want in seconds, without rummaging through the depths of the internet, even if it would be just a simple 30-second search. It’s no secret that the use and abuse of AI is damaging the planet at a remarkable rate yet people would still prefer to have conversations with ChatGPT despite knowing the environmental consequences of their actions.

    The accessibility and instant gratification of AI sparks the question if anyone will ever actually care about the long-term devastation AI will cause. The quick sparks of dopamine produced from experiencing something so rapid and gratifying would make a difficult time for the average person to step away from. When it comes to other environmental issues, showing the horror and devastation of the climate crisis isn’t enough for someone to make a change. We live in a society where people have become completely numb to global issues and feel that our actions are not enough to make a change. AI’s impact goes far beyond the environmental effects. Generative AI often crosses ethical lines and puts individuals at greater risk of harm through the spread of deepfakes and misinformation. Despite this, people still reach for AI to create a grocery list, ask romantic questions, or do their school assignments. In a capitalist society the hunger for instant gratification is expected but how do we fight against this for not only our own good but for the environment?

    “When we think about the environmental impact of generative AI, it is not just the electricity you consume when you plug the computer in. There are much broader consequences that go out to a system level and persist based on actions that we take.”  Elsa A. Olivetti, Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT

    Screenshot

    The training of generative AI models uses an immense amount of electricity and produces large-scale carbon emissions. This doesn’t stop there as when it is being used in daily life the amount of electricity and therefore carbon emissions only increases. These systems also require a staggering amount of water to cool the hardware down, a cyclical cycle that becomes increasingly harmful. This may seem like a standalone issue but people in the United States and across the globe are being directly affected by AI. As the use of AI has increased so have data centers. These data centers create an obstructive amount of noise and noise pollution due to the cooling process. This infringes upon the lives and well-being of those living near these centers as parts of their day-to-day lives become unmanageable. Data centers are filled with hundreds of thousands of computers that ultimately generate answers to what a user is putting into a program such as ChatGPT. The electricity and water usage of these centers is larger than in some countries. Yet, there is no current federal regulation around AI usage despite its impact on local communities and the environment.

    On a regulation level, individual tech companies have to work towards getting their generative AI models and data centers down to net zero, which was the original goal for AI. This is now a far-fetched goal as the amount of data centers in the United States continues to grow. Without federal or individual regulation from companies, it’s up to the individual to question why and if they need to be using AI. The internet often keeps us isolated from our communities with everything being at the reach of our fingertips. Through cultivating community, being willing to learn, and asking questions, we can slow down and therefore limit our personal use of AI. As individuals, we can also apply pressure on local officials and tech companies to create transparent regulations that keep our communities and the environment more safe.

    01

    Submission

    Submission Beauty is a completely plastic-free beauty brand that embraces maximalism with its biodegradable glitter. Traditional glitter products are not completely body safe and do not completely disintegrate even years after disposal. Submission Beauty is changing this by making a body-safe, plastic-free, biodegradable, luxury glitter. 

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    02

    Lesse

    To Lesse, the brand is more of a ritual than a collection of skincare products. The founder of Lesse, Neada Deters set out to create a brand that had minimal environmental impact but offered maximum results for common skin concerns. For many, skincare is a routine necessity where more is considered better, the more products the better the result is narratives brands are selling.

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    03

    Aora México

    You can kick the plastic buying habit for good with Aora Mexico, a zero-waste beauty brand that makes plastic-free look and feel luxurious. The brand highlights the beauty of Mexican culture with bright colors, shining formulas, and ingredients fueled by ingredients indigenous to the country. Aora is rooted in Mexican tradition and puts Mexican beauty on a global stage. 

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    INBAR+co Gentle Cleanser

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    Biom All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes

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    Foile Skin Sponge Serum

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    Noto Botanics Agender Oil

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    Kinfill Kitchen Cleaner Kit

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    CLED Jewelry Makes Upcycling Look Better Than Ever

    the unwash review

    ​CLED is an eco-conscious jewelry company based in Los Angeles that brings new life to recycled items. The brand stands out for its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovative design. CLED transforms discarded glass bottles into unique, handcrafted jewelry pieces. Their design and production practices emphasize environmental responsibility and ethical practices.​ CLED highlights the endless possibilities of upcycled jewelry and the larger possibilities of sustainable practices in the fashion industry. The brand’s design philosophy is inspired by nature and outdoor experiences. This is seen through their jewelry as it often features organic shapes, incorporating molten glass and solid metals to create abstract and one-of-a-kind pieces.

    Founded by Seulye Jo, CLED is a women-led and Asian-owned business that embraces inclusivity and environmental consciousness. Seulye’s vegan lifestyle is a large inspiration for the brand’s foundation and the leading mission the brand aims to fulfill. CLED is committed to the use of cruelty-free materials and ensures that no animal-based components, such as pearls, coral, or leather, are used in its jewelry. CLED also supports charitable causes by donating a portion of its proceeds to various organizations, reflecting its dedication to social responsibility. The brand goes beyond creating beautiful pieces by creating a positive community impact and forging like-minded connections with its consumers.

    “We think taking a step towards sustainability is better than not doing anything! We are not perfect and we are constantly learning and finding new, better ways to do things”. – Seulye Jo, Founder of CLED

    The brand’s dedication to sustainability is rooted in its ethos through its focus on using solely upcycled materials. The brand sources discarded glass from local establishments in Los Angeles, including restaurants and cosmetic brands, to create its signature ‘Eco Gems’. Each ‘Eco Gem’ is unique, resulting from the varying melting points of different glass types, which adds to the individuality of every item. These glass pieces are meticulously melted, cut, and polished in-house by the brand therefore eliminating the need for mined gemstones. Keeping these practices in-house and local to Los Angeles reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional jewelry production. The brand also prioritizes eco-friendly packaging, utilizing biodegradable materials and vegetable-based inks to minimize the impact of packaging waste.

    CLED exemplifies a harmonious blend of sustainability and artistic innovation. The brand is pushing the fashion industry forward to use upcycled and cruelty-free materials while still creating beautiful designs. Upcycling, the use of unconventional materials, and rethinking traditional design is the future of fashion which CLED hones in on. Through its use of upcycled materials, ethical practices, and unique designs, CLED offers jewelry that not only makes a statement aesthetically but also aligns with values of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

    01

    Attire the Studio

    Rather than cashing in on lucrative brand deals to create fast fashion capsule collections, the need for positive change in the fashion industry was calling. Attire is a luxury fashion brand based out of Paris that focuses on radical transparency, excellent quality, and ethical sourcing. The brand mainly sells luxury staples that will stand the test of time, such as classic trench coats, minimalist knitwear, and everyday basics.

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    02

    Completedworks

    Completedworks creates designs that are meant to resemble pieces of art and stand the test of time, without succumbing to trend cycles. All of their jewelry is made from recycled or Fair Trade materials. Completedworks uses reclaimed, recycled, and ethically sourced materials such as marble, glass, bio-resin, and silver. The brand proves you don’t have to compromise design and style for sustainable practices but rather that the two can work in harmony to create timeless, wearable pieces.

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    03

    SUSS Knits

    The mother-daughter duo behind Suss Knits (pronounced sOOs) is committed to slow and small batch fashion and keeping their manufacturing process as low waste as possible. Intending to create a knitwear line focused on sustainability, ethical production practices, and inclusivity, Suss is creating knits to be enjoyed by everyone. Inspired by their Swedish heritage, 80’s grunge, and inspiring individuality, the brand capitalizes on knit as an art form.

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    Fiole Skincare Sponge Serum

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    Kinfill Multi Purpose Cleaning Set

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    ROZ Hair Foundation Mask

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    MOB Beauty Shine Balm

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    LESSE The Ritual Serum

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    Ffern Has Created a New World for Fragrance

    the unwash review

    British fashion brand Ffern is redefining what the fragrance industry has to look like. The brand has introduced a new business model with limited-edition releases to focus on a small batch process. Fern intertwines artistry through fragrance with a deep commitment to sustainable practices. The brand draws inspiration from the founder’s upbringing in Somerset and their appreciation for nature. The limited-edition releases are inspired by the seasons, capturing the essence of each season through their meticulously crafted scents.

    Founded by Emily Cameron and Owen Mears, the two set off to create an organic perfumery that values sustainable production practices. Much of the two’s inspiration for the brand stemmed from their countryside upbringing. The accessibility to nature, organic produce, and community instilled values in them that have been carried on into the creation of Ffern. Their vision was to bring transparency and authenticity to the fragrance industry. The brand is completely transparent about ingredients, supply chain, and production practices, ensuring a relationship built on trust with its consumers.

    “Sustainability is something we’ve always championed, long before starting Ffern. And actually now, it’s not that we just want to be sustainable, but we want to get to a point where we’re making a positive impact.” – Owen Mears, Ffern Co-Founder

    The heart of Ffern’s ethos is a strong dedication to environmental responsibility. The brand produces four limited-edition fragrances annually, allowing for a slow batch production process. Their business model includes an invitation-only subscription for purchasing to ensure that their production aligns with product demand and minimizes unnecessary waste. All of the brand’s fragrances are crafted using 100% organic ingredients that are sourced sustainably and ethically from around the globe. The brand works to ensure ethical sourcing practices and offers consumers transparent insight into their sourcing process. Sustainability isn’t limited to ingredients, Ffern has spearheaded the use of mycelium-based packaging in the fragrance industry. The brand collaborates with the Magical Mushroom Company to use compostable trays of mycelium in their packaging. This packaging not only protects the perfume bottles in transit but acts as seed germination trays.

    Ffern highlights the possibilities of sustainability in the fragrance industry as well as the ability to create a luxury sustainable product. The brand’s dedication to organic ingredients, innovative packaging, and mindful production process puts them at the forefront of sustainability in the fragrance industry. The brand works towards setting a new standard for what other fragrance brands can commit to for environmental responsibility. Ffern is dedicated to upstanding craftsmanship that gives the consumer a sensory experience. The brand honors craftsmanship and the planet.

    01

    Herbar

    Hodakova stands at the forefront of the sustainable fashion revolution. Through the brand’s innovative design, unique approach to upcycling, and commitment to thoughtful technology integration, Hodakova is setting new standards for environmental responsibility in fashion. Founder Ellen Hodakova Larsson draws from her own experience with textile repurposing to exemplify the transformative power of creativity and sustainability in shaping the future of fashion.

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    02

    Eauso Vert

    Sourced with sustainable materials and committed to ingredient transparency, Eauso Vert is hoping to create a new standard in the luxury fragrance industry. Launched with six scents that range from fresh to woody and warm, there is a scent perfect for anyone. The brand is fueled by its understanding of the beauty industry’s negative impact on the environment and using its knowledge to create sizable change.

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    03

    Kinfill

    Kinfill aims to reimagine household cleaning products to forge a more low-impact style of living. The brand is working to elevate the standard of home cleaning products to sustainable and vegan formations. Their glass packaging is endlessly refillable and adds a sense of luxury to your cleaning experience.  Kinfill’s ethos promotes being able to live a more sustainable lifestyle without compromising on design.

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    Lesse Face Serum

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    MOB Beauty Shine Balm

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    Ourside Dusk Eau de Parfum

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    Eauso Vert Discovery Set

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    RŌZ Foundation Hair Mask

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    Foile is Changing the Way We Think About Refillable Skincare

    the unwash review

    Australian skincare brand, Foile recently became available in the United States four years after its impressive launch. The brand has gained popularity for its commitment to sustainability, the use of naturally derived ingredients, and inclusivity for all skin types. Their ethos is centered on providing effective, uncomplicated skincare while minimizing environmental impact and promoting ethical practices in the skincare industry. Foile has become known for its stand-out unique packaging that is endlessly refillable. Their beautiful product design highlights that creating a sustainable product doesn’t mean compromising form or functionality.

    Founded by Suzanne Tuttle and Alexandra Grima, Foile is focused on reimagining the way skincare is produced and experienced. They aim to create genderless products that cater to a diverse range of skin types and tones. The founders are on a mission to move the skincare industry into a more inclusive, sustainable, and conscious future. Foile’s product line is refillable and utilizes primarily glass packaging to promote circularity. Suzanne and Alexandra have a large focus on artful yet functional design that cultivates sustainable practices through their products. 

    “Our main goal is to create skincare that is beneficial for the skin. Progressive, impact-conscious business practices, from product to packaging – whilst advocating for the beauty industry to shift into a more expressive and inclusive space”. – Alexandra Grima, Co-Founder of Foile

    Foile is committed to a circular beauty model, emphasizing refillable packaging to reduce waste. Their signature glass bottles are designed for longevity, allowing customers to refill them multiple times, thereby decreasing carbon emissions associated with production and product waste. The brand also offers a returns program, encouraging customers to send back empty pouches and bottles for reintegration into the supply chain. Additionally, Foile sources ingredients like hemp and jojoba oil from local Australian farms, minimizing their freight footprint and supporting local agriculture. The brand prioritizes bioactive ingredients in their formulations that are vegan and cruelty-free. Follie focuses on being transparent about ingredient sourcing and production processes, ensuring that products are both ethically produced. Manufacturing takes place in Melbourne, Australia, with a focus on small-batch production to maintain circularity and quality.

    Foile Skincare exemplifies a modern approach to beauty, integrating sustainability, environmentally conscious ingredients, and inclusivity into its brand philosophy. The brand’s stand-out design and thoughtful formulations exemplify the founder’s goal to reimagine the skincare industry. Choosing sustainable products doesn’t mean having to ditch fun and unique packaging. Brands like Foile are proving that sustainability only furthers innovations and design options. Sustainable packaging is only part of Foile’s ethos as their passion for creating a positive impact on their community and promoting positive production practices is not to be overlooked. Their commitment to ethical practices and environmental responsibility makes them a standout choice for consumers seeking conscious skincare options.

    01

    Herbar

    The brand has cultivated a line of fungi and adaptogenic skincare formulations that promote beauty inside and out. Much of the brand’s ethos is rooted in Eastern medicine and the power of fungi, particularly on the skin. The adaptogenic craze in the wellness industry has been around for a few years but has been explored less within skin care.

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    02

    Lesse

    For many, skincare is a routine necessity where more is considered better, the more products the better the result is narratives brands are selling. Lesse thinks about skincare from a different perspective where you can have minimal products that deliver optimal results. The brand is focused on representation, sustainability, and integrity within the industry and is fueled by organic ingredients and environmentally conscious formulations. 

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    03

    Eauso Vert

    . Sourced with sustainable materials and committed to ingredient transparency, Eauso Vert is hoping to create a new standard in the luxury fragrance industry. Launched with six scents that range from fresh to woody and warm, there is a scent perfect for anyone. The founders reminisce on their memories with fragrance, whether childhood stories or travel, and wanted to create a fragrance line that helps the consumer tell a story. 

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    Besame Mucho Classic Set

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    Natural Kind Multi Purpose Body Oil

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    Submission Beauty BioGlitter

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    Kinfill Multi Purpose Cleaning Kit

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    RŌZ Hair Foundation Mask

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    Celebrity Stylist Mara Roszak Puts Sustainability First with RŌZ

    the unwash review

    RŌZ Hair, founded by celebrity stylist Mara Roszak, offers a haircare line that emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and planet-friendly ingredients. Drawing from over two decades of experience with diverse hair types, Roszak developed RŌZ to provide high-performance products that are both effective and environmentally conscious. The haircare industry is slowly evolving to incorporate more environmentally conscious packaging and ingredients which is a gap founder Mara Roszak is hoping to fill. The brand’s product range is suitable for a wide range of hair types and textures, promoting a universal appeal committed to inclusivity in the hair industry.

    After noticing a gap in the industry for sustainable, high-performance products ​that are suitable for all hair types, Mara Roszak set out to create RŌZ in 2021. The brand launched with its first product, a lightweight styling oil that could be used across various hair textures which then led to the creation of a wider product range. Roszak is committed to furthering sustainability in the haircare industry with simple solutions such as opting for glass and aluminum packaging to reduce single-use plastic. The brand draws inspiration from California’s natural landscapes, reflecting Roszak’s upbringing and work as a professional stylist in Los Angeles.

    “We use aluminum. There are some amazing statistics on aluminum and how its recyclability just far exceeds plastic use.  I think it’s 30%, at least, of aluminum bottles that have ever been produced are still being used today, so they’re recycled time and time again.” – Mara Roszak, RŌZ Founder

    The brand is rooted in its strong commitment to sustainability from its packaging design, ingredients, and partnership with environmental organizations. The brand utilizes Boox’s reusable packaging, reducing waste by 75% compared to single-use boxes. RŌZ prioritizes eco-friendly materials, using aluminum and glass containers, and incorporating a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled plastic when plastic is necessary. By partnering with organizations like 1% for the Planet and B Corporation, RŌZ further solidifies its dedication to environmental consciousness. The brand emphasizes the use of nourishing botanicals and lightweight formulas that adhere to EU standards that prioritize hair health without compromising performance. RŌZ’s products are vegan, cruelty-free, and extension-safe, aligning with the growing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable beauty solutions.

    RŌZ Hair stands out as a brand as it beautifully blends sustainability, inclusivity, and planet focused ingredients. The brand is opening doors for the industry to follow suit in cultivating more sustainable practices. Sustainable haircare that is suitable for all hair types and textures can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack but RŌZ is on a mission to fill this need. Its thoughtful approach to product development and commitment to environmental and ethical standards make it an easy sustainable swap for consumers seeking more environmentally responsible haircare options.

    01

    Corpus

     Corpus appeals to consumers looking for high-quality, naturally formulated products while being climate conscious through responsible packaging and ethical manufacturing practices. Corpus launched with their fan-favorite deodorant stick and has now expanded into deodorant spray, body wash, and candles.

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    02

    Ceremonia

    The brand’s product range focuses on nourishing and strengthening hair with people- and planet-friendly ingredients. The Aceite de Moska Scalp Oil and Guava Leave-In Conditioner are consumer favorites that leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and restored. Ceremonia is helping its customers reclaim their beauty, embrace their hair type, and feel confident in their own skin.

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    03

    Everist

    Traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles not only fill up landfills but also create an excessive amount of water waste. Shampoo bottles are often made of 70% water, creating more significant carbon emissions when shipping and creating additional unnecessary waste. Everist’s waterless hair and body concentrates are aimed at solving this problem, and it’s the ultimate essential.

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    Aora Besame Mucho Classic Set

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    INBAR+co Gentle Cleanser

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    August Build Your Box

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    Biom All Purpose Cleaning Wipes

    Shop at BIOM

    Herbar The Face Nectar

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    Adaptogenic Powered Skincare by Herbar

    the unwash review

    This is a brand that is hard to miss even if you’re aimlessly scrolling. Their packaging and unique design stand out from the crowd, sure to stop anyone in their tracks. Herbar came on the scene in 2023 and has been an industry disruptor ever since. The brand has cultivated a line of fungi and adaptogenic skincare formulations that promote beauty inside and out. Much of the brand’s ethos is rooted in Eastern medicine and the power of fungi, particularly on the skin. The adaptogenic craze in the wellness industry has been around for a few years but has been explored less within skin care. The founders of Herbar Catarina Oliveira and Rui Liu knew the usefulness of fungi when ingested and founded Herbar to spotlight the topical benefits. 

    The Berlin-based company started as a two-year experimentation process to explore the possibility of adaptogenic skincare. Oliveria, a former marathon runner, felt the toll the sport was taking on her body and turned to mushrooms and traditional Chinese medicine to restore her health. After spontaneously meeting Liu at a coffee shop the two quickly bonded over their shared interests in wellness which led to the creation of Herbar. The two worked to create a product line that not only was beneficial for the skin but promoted total wellness through Eastern practices. Their formulations are completely plant-based and use ingredients such as reishi, snow fungus, rose hip, and hempseed.

    “We don’t call ourselves a sustainable brand because making new things is not sustainable, but I think we still have an obligation and a duty to be aware of our environmental footprint and try being mindful.” – Catarina Oliveira, Herbar Co-Founder

    Herbar is committed to producing its products in small batches and using sustainable materials that can be recycled, reused, or repurposed. The brand’s core products are packaged in glass, ceramic, and aluminum with little plastic usage. The products’ artful and unique packaging makes for an eye-catching display on your vanity, without compromising on sustainability. Herbar is also part of the Fungi Foundation which promotes the growth and conservation of fungi. The foundation also researches their ability to break down organic matter for sustainability advances.

    Adaptogenics are nothing new but the founders of Herbar aimed to explore new ways to benefit from these ingredients. The brand gives an alternative to traditional skincare that has been on the market for years by creating innovative uses of ingredients that people already know and love. Fun and exciting skincare doesn’t have to come at a large environmental cost or from a big box company. Small, indie brands like Herbar are consistently reshaping the beauty landscape for more mindful practices. We especially appreciate that Herbar acknowledges that the creation of any new product isn’t particularly sustainable, thus they are committed to sustainability education and transparency for consumers. Herbar brings a new take on a tried and true practice to the beauty industry to draw attention to not just skin health but wellness as a whole.

    01

    Lesse

    To Lesse, the brand is more of a ritual than a collection of skincare products. The founder of Lesse, Neada Deters set out to create a brand that had minimal environmental impact but offered maximum results for common skin concerns. The brand is focused on representation, sustainability, and integrity within the industry and is fueled by organic ingredients and environmentally conscious formulations. 

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    02

    Nopalera

    Nopalera is a skin and body care brand inspired by the founder’s Mexican roots. The brand focuses on formulations infused with Mexican botanicals, highlighting the rich natural agriculture of Mexico. Their namesake products include various cactus soaps, moisturizing body bars, and exfoliants. All of their products significantly cut down on water waste which is an ongoing issue in the beauty industry.

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    03

    Aora

    You can kick the plastic buying habit for good with Aora Mexico, a zero-waste beauty brand that makes plastic-free look and feel luxurious. The brand highlights the beauty of Mexican culture with bright colors, shining formulas, and ingredients fueled by ingredients indigenous to the country.

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    INBAR+co Gentle Cleanser

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    Corpus Natural Deodorant

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    Dieux Auracle Eyegel

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    Submission Beauty Biodegradable Glitter

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    DedCool Taunt Eau de Parfum

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    Kinfill is Bringing Circularity to Home Cleaning

    the unwash review

    As refillable home care products increase in popularity it takes a lot for one to stand out from the crowd. Finding a truly sustainable refillable product can also be akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Hailing from the Netherlands, Kinfill aims to reimagine household cleaning products to forge a more low-impact style of living. The brand is working to elevate the standard of home cleaning products to sustainable and vegan formations. Their glass packaging is endlessly refillable and adds a sense of luxury to your cleaning experience. Kinfill’s ethos promotes being able to live a more sustainable lifestyle without compromising on design. Sustainable cleaning products are only part of what Kinfill has to offer as the brand is committed to social and environmental responsibility not just through its products.

    The brand hit the market in 2020, an especially booming period for cleaning products but offered a more sustainable alternative. Kinfill, founded by Reda Jouahri, sets out to reduce single-use plastic from our daily lives and prioritize vegan formulations. The brand goes beyond committing to changing the cleaning industry by also having a large focus on social responsibility. The company partners with local organizations to help create jobs for those who may not have equal access to the job market to provide meaningful employment. Kinfills founder has cultivated an entire ethos around sustainability and social impact by hosting volunteer days, promoting public transportation for employees, and furthering sustainability education.

    “The packaging symbolizes a commitment to preserving and nurturing the world in a way that leaves it better for future generations.” – Kinfill Team

    One of the largest challenges the cleaning industry faces is the prioritization of transporting water. The primary ingredient in the majority of cleaning products is water, and shipping water is a leading cause of a growing carbon footprint. Kinfill tackles this challenge with their concentrated and refillable products that put the addition of water in the consumer’s hands at home. Water can be added to their concentrated formulas to create a 100% biodegradable cleaning solution. All of their products are vegan and cruelty-free with thoughtful formulations that are free of volatile organic compounds. The brand promotes circularity by incentivizing its refillable systems and offering a lifetime warranty on its packaging components. Kinfill is a certified B-Corporation and part of 1% for the Planet to further the impact of their sustainability initiatives.

    Sustainability doesn’t have to come with compromise as proven by Kinfill’s dedication to artful packaging and design. Their commitment to quality formulations also highlights that sustainability doesn’t mean less effectiveness, especially for cleaning products. The brand goes beyond its products with its dedication to social and environmental impact. The need for sustainable brands in the lifestyle industry such as Kinfill opens up doors for further innovation and creativity in the consumer product market space. 

    01

    Ries

    Ries is making the chicest refillable travel bottles you can get your hands on. Founded by a former Conde Nast staffer, Megan Graham has created sleek refillable containers with sustainability at the core. When it comes to traveling, we often buy travel-size personal care items or refillable containers that we throw away mindlessly. Graham found herself running into this problem when traveling for work and wanted to find a better solution.

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    02

    Great Wrap

    Australian husband and wife duo Jordy and Julia Kay left their former industries to create Great Wrap, a 100% compostable and marine biodegradable stretch wrap that breaks down naturally via composting in under 180 days. Great Wrap performs to the same standard as conventional plastic wraps, but is made using the abundant potato waste that comes from foods like french fries and potato chips.

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    03

    The Dirt Company

    The Dirt Company is on a mission to clean up the planet while cleaning your clothes. This small Australian team began working in 2013 to create a zero-waste laundry system using recycled and refillable products. With their Refill, Return System, customers replace bulky plastic jugs with sleek, durable glass dispenser bottles. The bottles come pre-filled with their top-rated, highly concentrated, plant-based laundry detergent.

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    Davids Peppermint Toothpaste

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    DedCool Taunt Laundry Detergent

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    SOSHE Refillable Mascara

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    OUI the People Body Gloss

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    Biom All Purpose Wipe Kit

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    Aora is Bringing Mexican Beauty to the Forefront

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    Something that we’re continuously excited about is when plastic-free brands take a unique approach to packaging solutions. Every sustainable brand tackles the plastic problem differently but when a brand stays true to its beautiful and artful packaging without plastic is always great to see. You can kick the plastic buying habit for good with Aora Mexico, a zero-waste beauty brand that makes plastic-free look and feel luxurious. The brand highlights the beauty of Mexican culture with bright colors, shining formulas, and ingredients fueled by ingredients indigenous to the country. The Indigenous people of the country would decorate their faces and bodies with pigments from flowers or insects and hydrate their skin with vitamin E from avocados. Our daily routines are routine in ancient techniques and much can be learned from their ways of caring for their skin, hair, or nails. Aora is rooted in Mexican tradition and puts Mexican beauty on a global stage.

    When you think about the beauty industry the first places that come to mind are Europe, the United States, and maybe Australia, all euro-centric countries. Mexico and South America are often left out of the picture and not offered a seat at the table. Aora is on a mission to change that and highlight that great brands are coming out of different countries that deserve their chance to be seen. Aora is about wanting change and the need for something new which is much overdue in the beauty community. The brand offers a departure from what has become the standard with its bright colors, unique packaging, and zero use of plastic. In a sea of neutrals that have become so common in the beauty industry, Aora stands out with its bold colors and formulations.

    “We’re not doing plastic-free to say we’re doing plastic-free.” – Nour Tayara, Co-Founder of Aora México 

    Aora was founded in 2022 by professional makeup artists Nour Tayara, Rodrigo Peñafiel, and Jaspar Eyears to celebrate the rich culture of Mexico through beauty. Their industry experience led them to want to innovate beauty packaging, formulations, environmental responsibility, and representation. The founders are committed to platforming Mexican creativity and creating opportunities for a creative economic ecosystem to thrive. The founders are redefining luxury beauty in the sustainability space and amplifying sustainability possibilities in the industry. The brand goes beyond selling beauty products by ensuring consumer education, cultivating community, and promoting environmental responsibility. 

    Plastic-free makeup isn’t a limitation but rather offers an opportunity to defy expectations of how innovative products can be without the use of plastic. Aora is not only highlighting the possibilities of zero-waste makeup but is also showcasing the power of Mexican brands in the beauty space. Find your inner artist with their exciting products and unique formulas meant to embrace behind bold rather than blending into the crowd. Aora positions itself as a force for change and invites much-needed transformation for the industry.

    01

    Nopalera

    Nopalera is a skin and body care brand inspired by the founder’s Mexican roots. To us, sustainability isn’t just about the environmental impact but also the impact on people. The brand focuses on formulations infused with Mexican botanicals, highlighting the rich natural agriculture of Mexico. Their namesake products include various cactus soaps, moisturizing body bars, and exfoliants.

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    02

    Completedworks

    The brand is regularly searching for new and innovative ways to further its sustainable practices. Completedworks has a strong identity and mission around reducing consumerism but rather making more thoughtful purchases. Clothing, jewelry, and style overall allow consumers to embrace self-expression. Completedworks jewelry becomes wearable art that withstands trends and is built to last.

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    03

    Ceremonia

    Ceremonia is a brand inspired by the traditions of Baba’s childhood and the larger Latinx community focusing on hair. Her father being a hairdresser in Chile, had a large inspiration for the brand’s foundation. The brand’s product range focuses on nourishing and strengthening hair with people- and planet-friendly ingredients. Ceremonia is helping its customers reclaim their beauty, embrace their hair type, and feel confident in their own skin. 

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    Klur Sculpture A Overnight Cream

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    Henry Rose Torn Eau de Parfum

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    Krave Beauty Makeup Re-Wined

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    Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner

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    Lesse Face Serum

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    How To Do the Holidays Sustainably

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    When thinking about sustainability for the holidays our thoughts often stop at the gifts. Choosing sustainable gift options is only part of the equation. Regardless if you commit to the most zero-waste, most sustainable presents around doesn’t mean that everyone else around you will. The holidays aren’t always green in the way we want, no matter how hard we commit to it ourselves individually. So, how else can we lean into environmental responsibility during a time fueled by consumption? Let’s explore how to do so when entertaining, wrapping presents, and what to do with all of the inevitable waste.

    Sustainable Entertaining 

    When entertaining for the holiday season it can be easy to reach for single-use dishes and flatware. Sticking with items that you already have whether they be saved for special occasions or everyday pieces is a simple way to reduce waste. Cooking from scratch or doing a potluck can help reduce waste from catered events but you can’t always get around it. Plastic containers food comes in can be great to keep on hand for future events, especially to send people home with leftovers in. If you’re the host there is no hurt in asking for your guests to lean into the sustainable theme. If they’re going to bring a dish or a host gift stay away from anything single-use or gifts that will be collecting dust never to be used. Your house, your rules! And, we really don’t think anyone would make too much of a fuss about having an eco-loving holiday.

    DIY Decorations 

    We’re glad the dried orange garland is a continued theme this year because this is a sustainable swap that is probably unbeknownst to most. Wanting to get crafty? Felt and paper decorations like garlands are a super cute DIY that takes minimal effort but still creates a cozy holiday atmosphere. A DIY vibe is all over everyone’s feeds right now so you won’t be short of inspiration. We definitely appreciate the way these trends are ultimately more sustainable than going to Target or Amazon.

    “A lot of stuff ends up in the landfill. So thinking about how we can reduce the stuff is probably a big one.” – Kate White, Senior Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability at British Columbia’s Saunder School of Business

    Repurposed Gift Wrap

    Gift wrap is sneakily difficult to opt for something more eco-friendly. There’s a lot of ways to go about it. If these are gifts that are leaving your house and you have no control over whether the wrapping gets tossed or saved to reuse is a factor to keep in mind. A good entry level choice is sticking with reusing boxes, butcher paper, newspaper, or even traditional wrapping paper scraps that you already have. There are plenty of ways to spruce up the presentation which we’ll get into. Another option is to find gift wrap that is 100% recyclable or compostable. Brands like Simply Zero are a great go-to. Ready to go the extra mile? Get out of your comfort zone with fabric wrapping. Either use pieces of deadstock you have on hand or from a local retailer to make an artful gifting experience. Brands like Darn Good Yarn make reusable fabric gift wrap that can be used year after year and on a variety of occasions. Now time to add some holiday cheer. Using ribbon that can be repurposed for things such as hairbows is a great option or choosing more renewable materials such as twine that limit waste creation make for beautiful gifts that don’t have to scream ‘sustainable’.

    Tackling Waste 

    After the whirlwind of the holidays begins to settle there is a good chance you’ll look around your house seeing a plethora of wrapping paper and tape torn to shreds, boxes and plastic packaging. Before you go to throw everything in the garbage let’s get a little creative. If you search online trying to find different ways to recycle gift wrap you’ll probably come across blog posts telling you to repurpose it to make jewelry, ornaments, craft supplies, if you have time for those things then do it! But, there’s a lot of you reading this that might not be able to do so. Companies like Ridwell and Pact make recycling a lot easier and help consumers feel more assured especially when dealing with materials such as plastic. Get ahead of the problem and lean into sustainable entertaining, DIY decor, and sustainable gift wrap which will make tacking waste a whole lot easier.

    Our biggest goal is that nothing goes to waste when celebrating but that we don’t lose the joy of the holidays. Sustainability doesn’t have to be boring, especially not for the holidays. You can still have the sparkle, shine, and coziness that is embodied during this time of year, it just takes a little more creativity but that’s what I’m here for so that you don’t even have to think about it but rather have the ideas right at your fingertips.

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    Aora Mexico

    You can kick the plastic buying habit for good with Aora Mexico, a zero-waste beauty brand that makes plastic-free look and feel luxurious. The brand highlights the beauty of Mexican culture with bright colors, shining formulas, and ingredients fueled by ingredients indigenous to the country.  Aora is rooted in Mexican tradition and puts Mexican beauty on a global stage. 

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    02

    Lesse

    Lesse thinks about skincare from a different perspective where you can have minimal products that deliver optimal results. The brand is focused on representation, sustainability, and integrity within the industry and is fueled by organic ingredients and environmentally conscious formulations. 

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    03

    Submission

     Submission Beauty is a completely plastic-free beauty brand that embraces maximalism with its biodegradable glitter. Traditional glitter products are not completely body safe and do not completely disintegrate even years after disposal. Submission Beauty is changing this by making a body-safe, plastic-free, biodegradable, luxury glitter. 

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    Unplain Beauty Unplain Set

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    August Pad Starter Box

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    Halfdays Golden Bucket Hat

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    Eauso Vert Discovery Set

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    Cadence Capsules Build Your Six

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