I personally reviewed the top sustainable running shoes — these are my favorite picks, with notes on comfort, performance, and durability.

In the past few years, I’ve fallen in love with running after avoiding it for years. I started by incorporating a few miles into my week and running on the treadmill at the gym. There’s something about beating your mile time or going a bit farther than you thought was possible — runner’s high is definitely real. Before I knew it, I was choosing to run every day and finding the best music, stretches, and shoes to support my new hobby.

Sustainable running shoes can be difficult to find. Finding a perfect shoe with enough cushion and support that doesn’t include virgin plastic, polyester, or rubber is a tall order. Thankfully, some of my favorite sustainable brands have taken up the challenge and created responsible running shoes that even the most experienced runners will love. And I got to take all of them for a test run so I could report back comfort and performance for you! But first:

Do I actually need “running shoes” for running?

The short answer is yes! Getting running-specific shoes is helpful for both comfort and injury prevention since running shoes are designed with extra cushioning and support that help absorb the impact each time your foot hits the ground (which is a lot of impact over the course of a run!). While regular shoes can work, walking or athletic shoes that aren’t designed for running don’t have the same level of shock absorption or support that stabilizes your foot. Running shoes also feature specific designs that support the natural movement and mechanics of your foot, which helps prevent common running-related injuries, such as shin splints, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis. Additionally, a good pair of running shoes can enhance your performance by keeping you comfortable and supported, allowing you to focus on your run rather than worrying about sore feet.

Why should I consider sustainable running shoes?

Because running shoes need to be replaced frequently — ideally every 300-500 miles — sustainability is something we want to consider when choosing a brand to shop with. While it can be challenging to find a quality running shoe made with recycled or renewable fabrics, it’s not impossible. Things we look for in a shoe and brand are eco-friendly shoe materials, a commitment to sustainability programs, certifications like B Corp, and recycling or give-back programs. Of course, we want shoes that are good for our bodies and support us as we train and run. Thankfully, the brands below offer a bit of both — shoes that perform and shoes that are better for our planet.

Our methodology & criteria:

I was sent these running shoes for testing and ran in each pair over the course of a week for multiple miles. I used all of them on the treadmill, as I prefer to run indoors. I judged these shoes based on comfort, their level of support, how I felt after running, as well as their sustainability specifications and pricing. Here are a few specifics as to our methodology and criteria:

PERFORMANCE | We’ve included running shoes that are designed for running. These shoes are engineered for sprints, distance runs, and indoor and outdoor training.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS | All of these brands incorporate sustainable and recycled materials into their running shoes.
COMFORT | Comfort is important when it comes to running! I tested each of these shoes for comfort over at least three miles to ensure they’d hold up over the course of intense training and long distances.

Looking for a sports bra to train in? Read my review of the top sustainable sports bras for support and performance.

1. On Running

Circular fashion

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Vegan

Best For | Crosstraining, sprints, distance runs, road running
Materials | Polyamide, Polyester (recycled), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (recycled)
Size Range | Women’s 5–12, men’s 7–15
Price Range | $140–$280

Swiss brand On Running designs some of the best shoes for road running, distance running, HIIT training, and everyday use. Due to its unique engineering, comfort, and performance-driven design, the brand has earned notoriety in the running space and upholds its reputation as one of the best. Their distinctive “CloudTec” technology, which features individual pods along the sole, provides a combination of cushioned landings and firm take-offs, making these shoes ideal for both long distances and short sprints. This technology minimizes impact on the joints while maximizing energy return, which can help improve speed and endurance.

As for my personal take, I received my second pair of On’s after logging hundreds of miles in Cloud X 3 (pictured left). I opted for the new Cloudsurfer Next (pictured right) for its new features, including the updated forefoot rocker that directs power to the front. I wear them for treadmill interval training and distance runs, and I notice an improved speed. Mostly, I notice that I feel good after running — no shin splints or sore joints. The high-quality materials enhance durability and adaptability, and I love that the brand has sustainability commitments as well through its Cyclon program for recycling shoes.

2. HYLO Athletic

B corp

Eco friendly packaging

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Vegan

Best For | Lightweight training shoes
Materials | 100% bio-based nylon, nitrogen-injected foam with added bio-EVA, 100% bio-based Tencel™ Lyocell laces, natural rubber
Size Range | Women’s 6–11.5, men’s 7–14
Price Range | $165

HYLO Athletic creates certified vegan running sneakers made with corn fibers, natural rubber, algae, and organic cotton. The brand also has its hyloop program, which offers care, repair, and recycling to keep shoes out of the landfill. The shoe we tested was the Hylo RUN, although it’s really designed for all kinds of athletics and is lightweight enough for both box jumps and road sprints. As the brand explains, this shoe combines the cushioning required for short to middle-distance road running with the stability needed for the gym. The science behind these shoes is quite impressive, and they are remarkably lightweight, weighing only 240g.

I personally love these shoes. HYLO knows how to make a good running shoe, and I’ve been super impressed with how comfortable these shoes are. The performance is what you’d expect from established running shoe brands, and it feels great knowing these are made with sustainable materials and by a brand with a strong sustainability ethos. For your first pair, I recommend the new HYLO Impact shoes (pictured below). They are perfect for everyday road running, maximum responsiveness, and high cushioning.

3. Saysh

BIPOC Owned

Eco friendly packaging

Family owned

Recycled materials

Small business

Warranty offered

Woman owned

Best For | Running shoes designed for women’s feet
Materials | laces made from recycled water bottles, a knit upper incorporating recycled components, supercritical foam derived from sugar cane
Size Range | 5.5–13 (women’s)
Price Range | $150–$185

Saysh is on a mission to enhance maternity rights and fairer treatment for female athletes. The brand was founded by Allyson Felix, the most decorated track & field athlete with 11 Olympic and 20 World Championship medals, alongside her brother and business partner Wes, to champion women’s specific needs. Saysh sneakers are crafted with a unique femiformity FIT technology, which celebrates the unique anatomy of women’s feet — distinct in size, width, arch height, and shape — and is responsive to hormonal changes. Traditionally, major footwear brands have overlooked these differences, designing sneakers primarily around men’s feet. To say we’re obsessed with this brand and its mission is an understatement! 

As for the actual running shoes, I tried the Felix Runner (pictured on the left) and the Evelyn Runner (pictured on the right). Both are a 10/10 in my book for long runs and interval training, but I especially love the seamless upper on the Evelyn for a sock-like fit and stability. For running outside, I definitely prefer the Felix as it has discrete reflective details on the heel logo and eyestay islands for increased visibility and safety. Honestly, I love both and will be rotating between them! Note: Saysh invites women who have experienced a change in shoe size due to pregnancy to contact customer service for a complimentary size swap!

4. Allbirds

B corp

FSC

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Best For | Breathable, lightweight running shoes
Materials | FSC-certified eucalyptus tree fibers, responsibly sourced wool, sugarcane
Size Range | Women’s 5–11, men’s 8–14
Price Range | $120–$160

Allbirds, a certified B Corp, has revolutionized the shoe game. Its sustainable running shoes and sneakers are crafted using tree fibers and wool, sugarcane for the midsole, and castor oil for the insoles. Even better, the brand is fully carbon-neutral and ships its shoes in recycled packaging. They’ve also recently launched Allbirds ReRun, a marketplace that keeps gently used or slightly imperfect products out of landfills and into new closets.

I personally tried two shoes from Allbirds for running: the Tree Dasher 2 (left image) and the Women’s Tree Flyers 2 (right image). The Dashers are the next evolution of Allbirds’ everyday active shoe, featuring more responsive foam, enhanced grip, and an improved fit. While not my favorite for sprints or breaking mile records, it’s a perfect shoe for zone 2 training and warmup jogs. The sportier, angular heel shape also softens impact, which my shins love. As for the Flyers, they are a better match for serious running and training. The external heel counter (made entirely of recycled content from the midsole foaming process) helps keep strides steady and reduces waste — win!

5. Vivobarefoot

B corp

Recycled materials

Vegan

Best For | Barefoot running shoes
Materials | Recycled polyethylene terephthalate, synthetic rubber
Size Range | Women’s 5.5–11.5, men’s 7–15
Price Range | $145–$200

Move as Mother Nature intended is the slogan behind Vivobarefoot, a shoe you may have seen more recently in fitness communities and at gyms. The science shows that there are benefits to wearing more barefoot/natural shoes, including increased foot strength, flexibility, and stability. That said, these shoes do take some getting used to! I love my Vivos, though. I pushed through the strange sensation for the first few runs and started noticing I preferred the barefoot feel over shoes with extra arch support and cushion. What makes Vivobarefoot even better is its use of sustainable materials, certified B Corp status, and regenerative mission. We’re fans!

6. VEJA

B corp

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Vegan

Best For | Supportive and durable running shoes
Materials | Amazonian rubber, rice waste, sugarcane, recycled polyester
Size Range | Women’s 4–10, men’s 9–13
Price Range | $160–$245

From one of our very favorite sustainable shoe brands comes a running shoe we absolutely love: say hello to VEJA’s running shoe collection! These shoes have gained recognition around the globe, particularly the VEJA Condors, for being the first post-petroleum running shoes. Ethically made from recycled polyester, Ricinus oil, rice waste, sugarcane, and Amazonian rubber, these shoes are comfortable and durable enough for everyday wear. The bright color options are also quite enticing.

I have a few pairs of Vejas that I already love for walking and everyday wear, and the Condors did not disappoint. They offer more support than other shoes on this list, and they are designed to be highly versatile for long runs, easy runs, and recovery sessions. I found 5k runs to be the sweet spot. (Bonus: I also have a pair of the Impalas, which I absolutely love for travel/walking/spontaneous runs on the go.)

7. Flux Footwear

Gives back

Science backed

Size inclusive

Best For | Minimal running shoe with a wider box toe
Materials | Phylon, rubber, polyester knit textile
Size Range | Women’s 5.5–15, men’s 4–14
Price Range | $139

Flux Footwear designs its shoes with runners in mind, focusing on creating a natural, supportive feel that allows your foot to move how it’s meant to. These running shoes feature a wider toe box, allowing your toes to splay (which I love), which helps with balance and stability, as well as maintaining a steady stride. The shoes are super lightweight and flexible too, adapting to your foot and the ground beneath you, so each step feels comfortable and responsive. Flux also incorporates cushioning for a softer impact absorption, supporting natural movement while providing sufficient protection for hitting the pavement or trail.

I tested the Adapt Runner, as it has more than 7,000 five-star reviews. I love that it comes in so many fun colors, and the design is fairly minimal (reminding me of my classic Nike running shoes in college). As these are crafted for distance and have a zero-drop sole, I decided to take these for a longer, ten-mile run. It includes a removable, textured insole equipped with over 100 nodes that massage your feet and engage your central nervous system with every step. The breathable knit fabric enhances airflow, and I could definitely tell the difference in terms of how cool my feet felt, even while the rest of my body was dripping. While Flux doesn’t have many sustainability initiatives, we appreciate that it offers inclusive sizing options and provides a discount for first responders and military personnel. We hope to see more recycled and sustainable materials in the future!

Kayti Christian is a Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. With an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing, her work has appeared in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. Since 2017, Kayti has been uncovering and reviewing the best sustainable home brands and wellness products. Her personal journey through four years of fertility treatments has inspired her to write extensively about women’s healthcare and reproductive access. Beyond her work at The Good Trade, Kayti is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a Substack newsletter with 6,000 subscribers, and the cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, which delves into IVF and infertility.

The post 7 Sustainable Running Shoes, Reviewed appeared first on The Good Trade.

Our editors have tested and researched dozens of non-toxic dry shampoos — these are our top picks for clean and natural ingredients, as well as efficacy.

Many of us take great pride in caring for our hair — and sometimes we care just a little too much. Over-washing strips our hair of its natural oils, and in turn causes extra oiliness and irritation. But thank goodness for dry shampoo. With it, we can opt to wash less and spray more for hair that feels just as clean, but without the hassle.

Why choose non-toxic dry shampoo?

Conventional dry shampoos often contain a cocktail of harsh chemicals, including parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. A recent study even found that many popular dry shampoo brands contain benzene, a known carcinogen. These ingredients can compromise scalp health and exacerbate sensitivities (they can also be harmful to our health). Additionally, many big-name dry shampoo options come in aerosol form, which we don’t love because these sprays release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, leading to increased allergies and possible respiratory issues.

Rather than using aerosol bottles or dangerous chemicals, you can find natural dry shampoos that have organic ingredients, are cruelty-free, and abide by eco-friendly standards. We’ve found seven brands that are giving our hair new life. Simply sprinkle a little on your roots and take on the day.

Our Criteria:

• NATURAL/ORGANIC | Each dry shampoo is free of harmful and harsh ingredients, many with certifications to back them up (like B-Corp or EWG-verified)
• EFFICACY | We’ve tested many of the below dry shampoos for efficacy. All are backed by reviews to ensure they work without leaving your hair with residue or white powder
• AFFORDABLE | Cost is a number-one factor for a lot of folks, so we’ve included a range of price points here

When you’re not washing on the go, here are our favorite natural and organic shampoo brands! Don’t miss out on our favorite organic skincare brands, too.

1. Prose

American made

B corp

Climate neutral

Cruelty free

Subscriptions available

Vegan

Best For | Custom formulations
Natural Ingredients | Menthol, tapioca starch, witch hazel extract, tea tree oil, oat flour, binchotan charcoal, white clay, aloe vera juice
Price | $32 for 1.4 oz.; discounted subscriptions available (15% off)

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect dry shampoo formula for your unique hair needs, Prose is your answer. Create your own customized dry shampoo using Prose’s selection of natural ingredients, which are safe for sensitive scalps. Based on your preferences, you can even make your dry shampoo free of silicones and fragrances (which is perfect if you avoid those in your hair products!). We recommend trying out their subscription service so you can have your custom formula sent straight to your door, hassle-free and on your schedule.

Customer Review | “I can actually go 3 full days before my hair is noticeably oily. I’m a chef and have to wear a hat all day but I just run my fingers through my hair and it’s like I never wore a hat the first 2 days. I absolutely love the Arcadia scent with the grapefruit and basil! I don’t think I’ll ever go back to store bought hair care.” – Katherine G. (Read all reviews.)

2. Handmade Heroes

Budget friendly

Cruelty free

Eco friendly packaging

Gives back

Small business

Vegan

Best For | On-the-go application
Natural Ingredients | Kaolin, rice powder,charcoal, cocoa powder, geranium rose oil, lavender flower oil
Price | $10 for 2 oz.

No time to wash your hair? No problem! Handmade Heroes’ Dry Shampoo brings your locks to life with its easy-to-use non-aerosol application. Choose from one of two naturally-derived formulas; each made for dark or light hair, to ensure no residue is left in sight. Its convenient size makes it perfect to take with you while traveling, or for throwing in your gym bag for a post-workout refresh!

Customer Review | “I’ve been using this product for about two years now, and I cannot praise it enough! This is the best dry shampoo I have ever used. I love that it is a powder instead of an aerosol, I love that it is tinted for my darker hair, and I love that it is all natural. One bottle lasts me anywhere from 3-5 months, and it is incredibly effective! I am a customer for life.” – Kelsey C. (Read all reviews.)

3. Divi

American made

Cruelty free

Gives back

Science backed

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Oil balancing dry shampoo
Natural Ingredients | Aloe vera, chamomile, rice starch, arrowroot powder, vitamin E, kaolin clay.
Price | $28 for 5.3 oz.; discounted subscriptions available (20% off first month)

With Divi’s Clean Dry Shampoo, we can keep our hair fresh and nourished, even between washes. Infused with natural ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, it absorbs oil and boosts volume, all while being gentle on our hair and scalp. We love how it refreshes without the use of harsh chemicals, leaving our hair soft, clean, and full of life — perfect for those busy days when we need a quick pick-me-up. It’s a natural solution that works effortlessly into our routine.

Customer Review | “LOVE the smell and this stuff works! I can go 5 days without washing my hair and that’s with a few Orange Theory classes!” – Emily (Read all reviews.)

4. rahua

Eco friendly packaging

Family owned

Gives back

Subscriptions available

Best For | Volume & texture
Natural Ingredients | Clay, cassava root, star anise, vanilla planifolia
Price | $32 for 1.8 oz.; discounted subscriptions available (10% off)

rahua Voluminous Dry shampoo is perfect for adding volume and shine in the most eco-friendly of ways. Using minimal ingredients, this dry shampoo harnesses the centuries-old power of cassava and clay to absorb oil, sweat and dirt from your hair — leaving you refreshed and ready for the day. No need to tease here — just a few sprays and you’re all set! Best of all, for every bottle purchased, one acre in the Amazon Rainforest is preserved through rahua’s 1 bottle = 1 acre program.

Customer Review | “This dry shampoo is the FIRST dry shampoo that makes my hair look better the next day! My hair is fine and typically after a few hours of other dry shampoo by hair would look oily and greasy at the roots. With Rahua my hair looks better for days!!!!!” – Megan (Read all reviews.)

5. Act+Acre

Gluten free

Subscriptions available

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Balancing scalp microbiome
Natural Ingredients | Rice starch, tapioca starch, rice powder, silica, water, ioniplex fulvic ionic mineral complex
Price | $26 for 0.60 oz.; discounted subscriptions available (20% off)

Act+Acre uses scalp science when formulating their bestselling Plant-Based Dry Shampoo. This benzene-free dry shampoo delivers over 65 minerals to your hair follicles upon application to protect your scalp’s health — all while effectively lifting and absorbing excess residue. Use between washes or as needed for a clean feeling without any irritation. Cheers to a healthy scalp!

Customer Review | “Love the dispensing amount and the powder feels good! Gives a lot of volume and feels great do put it in and do a scalp massage and feel refreshed instantly. It saves me into going 6 days without a wash and my hair looking great” – e (Read all reviews.)

6. kaia naturals

Cruelty free

Made in Canada

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Overnight dry shampoo
Natural Ingredients | Activated charcoal, rice starch, arrowroot powder, orange wood oil
Price | $35 for 0.8 oz.

From the brand that launched the cult-favorite takesumi detox charcoal deodorant, kaia naturals is back with their overnight dry shampoo. This dry shampoo uses their new Wing-List Technology to propel their powdered ingredients into your hair and scalp without the need for damaging propellants like butane or propane in the formula. For a just-washed feel, simply apply it before bed to wake up with fresh smelling locks!

Customer Review | “Love this dry shampoo. I use it around the clock, not just overnight. It’s light, clean, and actually absorbs. I have very fine hair and it doesn’t weigh it down.” – Briana (Read all reviews.)

Also Available At:
Credo

7. The Rootist

Biodegradable

Eco friendly packaging

Subscriptions available

Best For | Balancing scalp & delivering nutrients
Natural Ingredients | Proprietary Rootbiomic™ Ferment Powder, magnesium carbonate, allantoin, rosemary leaf oil, peppermint oil
Price | $26 for 0.17 oz.; discounted subscriptions available (15% off)

From root to tip, The Rootist makes dry shampoo that not only absorbs excess sweat and oil, but also transforms your scalp health. Thanks to the addition of their Proprietary Rootbiomic™ Ferment Powder which includes beneficial multivitamins and superfoods like reishi mushroom and red ginseng root – your hair will feel healthier and more nourished after each use. The packaging is a plus, as this dry shampoo comes with a brush attachment for easy and safe application, and offers refills once you run out keeping both your wallet and our planet in good shape. 

Customer Review | “The packaging very conveniently delivers the dry shampoo to the hair and roots. The dry shampoo is excellent. Very mild pleasant smell. Does not leave white residue on hair. That is a big one for me because my hair is dark.” – Rachel E. (Read all reviews.)

8. Briogeo

BIPOC Owned

Cruelty free

Gives back

Subscriptions available

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Detoxifying oily scalps
Natural Ingredients | Rice starch, corn starch, kaolin, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hyaluronate, bambusa arundinacea stem extract, biotin, watch hazel, charcoal powder, water
Price | $25 for 1.7 oz.; discounted subscriptions available (15% off)

Have color-treated, relaxed, or oily hair? Look no further than Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo. This miracle-maker detoxifies both scalp and hair using kaolin, rice starch, witch hazel and super-vitamin Biotin for the cleanest hair around. This product tackles the root cause of oiliness, rather than just acting as a solution. Your hair will feel healthier and cleaner than ever before.

Customer Review | “I like this product. It’s not aerosol which is better for the environment and the dry shampoo itself works very well with my sensitive scalp.” – Savanah (Read all reviews.)

9. Acure

Climate neutral

Cruelty free

USDA organic

Vegan

Best For | All hair types
Natural Ingredients | Corn starch, arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, sodium bicarbonate, rosemary oil, peppermint oil
Price | $12 for 1.7 oz

You (and your hair) can shine bright with Acure’s Dry Shampoo, made with rosemary and peppermint. Shake this 100 percent vegan and natural dry shampoo right onto your head or apply it using a comb or brush. Within minutes, you’ll have fresh, oil-free hair, no matter your hair type. It’s both results-oriented and cost-effective. Consider us hooked!

Customer Review | “Wow, I LOVE this product! I use this on both wet and dry hair. It gives my hair a boost of texture and removes oil flawlessly. It can be brushed in at your root when you really crave a touch up. I LOVE the feeling and I love that its non – toxic! Cheers to you Acure! You nailed it.” – Signature Shelley (Read all reviews.)

10. Hairlust

Cruelty free

Eco friendly packaging

Recycled materials

Small business

Subscriptions available

Vegan

Best For | Sensitive scalps
Natural Ingredients | Kaolin, organic aloe vera, organic at kernel extract, tapioca starch
Price | $34 for 1.4 oz.; discounted subscriptions available (20% off)

Soak up that excess scalp sebum, no matter your hair type with Hairlust’s gentle Refresh Powder Dry Shampoo. Made with all natural and organic ingredients like aloe vera, oat kernel extract, and kaolin, this aerosol-free formula purifies and refreshes your scalp without the harmful effects of any added fragrances or endocrine disruptors that aerosol products typically contain. One bottle of Hairlust dry shampoo lasts between 60-80 uses meaning your hair will feel squeaky clean for the long-run!

Customer Review | “Have been buying the products from Hairlust for the last several years – my husband will probably call me crazy, but hey, the products work and are absolutely fantastic, and then I know that he thinks I have great hair, so he gets something out of it too!” – Laura (Read all reviews.)

The post 10 Nontoxic Dry Shampoos For Healthier Hair In 2025 appeared first on The Good Trade.

We’ve personally tested and researched dozens of CC creams — these are our editors’ top picks for organic, clean, luxury brands at a range of price points.

Looking for a CC cream you can wear as a substitute for your regular, everyday foundation? You’re in luck! Our team has researched and tested the best of the best to find the most natural CC cream options currently available — and we’ve made it a point to find brands that offer clean ingredients, inclusive color options, and affordable price points. But first: What actually is CC cream?

What is CC cream?

Maybe you’ve heard of BB creams that provide light moisturizing coverage — but have you heard about CC creams? As a three-in-one formula, CC creams provide foundation-level coverage, color correction (where the “CC” comes from), and overall nourishing skincare. If you have dry, combination, acne-prone or mature skin, we’ve found that CC creams are a better fit than BB creams, since they provide additional hydration and coverage.

Depending on your desired look, you can apply a CC cream directly onto your skin or apply a primer first. Either way, you only need a pea-sized amount, and you can gently use your fingers or a sponge/makeup brush to apply it, building as you go.An extra reason we love them? Some CC creams even include SPF for sun protection! So you can skip paying for multiple products and just get one instead.

Our criteria:

Our editors have tested, researched, and scoured thousands of customer reviews to determine the very best natural CC creams that are organic, chemical-free, and luxurious at a variety of prices. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet the below criteria.

• NATURAL/ORGANIC | Each of these CC creams is made with clean, natural, and organic ingredients that are safe and nourishing for your skin.
• EFFICACY | We’ve tested and researched these skincare brands to ensure their formulas are effective and will support your skin’s needs with consistent use.
• AFFORDABILITY | Natural beauty can be expensive! We’ve included brands that are easy on the wallet so we can all benefit from incorporating a little more clean skincare into our routines.

Looking for more natural skincare? Here are our favorite clean and nontoxic skincare brands.

1. Daybird

BIPOC Owned

Cruelty free

Gluten free

Soy free

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | 4-in-1 multitasking serum
Natural Ingredients | Niacinamide, bisabolol, zinc oxide
Price | $40

Simplify your routine with this all-in-one multitasker by Daybird — it’s a vegan serum, moisturizer, sheer tint, and SPF 50 sunscreen all in one. Available in three flexible, tinted shades, it combines niacinamide for smoother skin, bisabolol for even tone, and zinc oxide for broad-spectrum sun protection. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it offers a natural, slightly dewy finish and is free from common irritants and fragrances.

Our Editor’s Review | “I apply 2 pumps first thing in the morning and then go the entire day without reapplying or adding any additional sunscreen, even if I know I’m going to be outside for an extended period of time, and by the end of the day, my skin still looks as radiant as it did in the morning. Plus, I have not burnt once since wearing Daybird. I feel like I look like ME, only more fresh and dewy and even-toned.” – Trinity Wilbourn, Contributing Editor at The Good Trade [Read the full review.]

2. Juice Beauty

Cruelty free

Eco friendly packaging

FSC

Gives back

Recycled materials

Subscriptions available

USDA organic

Vegan

Vegetarian

Woman owned

Best For | Organic & plant-based ingredients
Natural Ingredients | Organic aloe juice, organic coconut oil, organic grape juice, vitamin C & E
Price | $40

When it comes to ethics, it’s hard to beat Juice Beauty — this brand is certified vegan, cruelty-free, and even uses certified organic ingredients for all its formulas. And the products are effective, too — like the reef-safe Stem Cellular CC Cream, which boasts nearly 1000 five-star reviews. This CC cream includes zinc SPF 30, aloe leaf, and coconut oil, but does so without the 4 Ps: parabens, petroleum, pesticides, or phthalates. Sun protection, a dewy finish, and a multi-tasking product for under $40? Can’t do better than that.

Customer Review | “The only CC cream I use, goes on smoothly and feels great on my skin” – Susan P. (Read all reviews.)

3. thrive causemetics

Cruelty free

Gives back

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Blurring & high coverage
Natural Ingredients | Vitamin C, flaxseed extract, zinc oxide
Price | $38

Meet your new skincare MVP! thrive causemetics’ 4-in-1 multitasking cream combines a vegan serum, moisturizer, sheer tint, and SPF 50 sunscreen to create an effective high coverage formula. With 16 inclusive shades to choose from, this all-star cream uses Blur Effect Technology to smooth out fine lines and pores, while Smart Pigment Technology adapts to your skin tone for flawless coverage. Plus, it’s dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and perfect for all skin types, making your morning routine a breeze!

Customer Review | “Buildable Blur Cream does just what it says it will do! My age spots virtually vanish when I wear it, and it is not heavy or cakey. I had to play around to find the right shade, but when I found it I was thrilled! Definitely a keeper!” – Jamy C. (Read all reviews.)

4. Pacifica

Budget friendly

Eco friendly packaging

FSC

Gives back

Recycled materials

Subscriptions available

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Budget-friendly cc serum
Natural Ingredients | Vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, caffeine
Price | $14

Pamper your skin with Pacifica’s multitasking tinted serum that blends skincare and makeup in one. Infused with vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and niacinamide, it hydrates, brightens, and evens out your complexion while giving you a fresh, radiant finish. With 12 versatile shades and eco-friendly packaging made from 50% PCR, it’s a feel-good choice for your beauty routine and the planet!

Customer Review | “Love this serum! Goes on smoothly and blends well. Very lightweight!” – Ashe (Read all reviews.)

5. MERIT

Cruelty free

Eco friendly packaging

FSC

Gives back

Recycled materials

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | CC cream stick
Natural Ingredients | Sea daffodil extract, glycerin
Price | $38

Though not officially labelled as a CC cream, MERIT‘s Minimalist complexion stick has made our list thanks to it’s impeccable color correcting properties. MERIT boasts that this complexion stick is not quite a foundation, nor a concealer, but will replace both in your makeup bag — and we have to agree! The vegan and cruelty-free formula offers lightweight and buildable coverage, while keeping your skin hydrated all day. Our editor suggests using this complexion stick as a spot corrector to cover up any redness or sun spots as the formula seamlessly blends into the skin. Perfect for those no-makeup days!

Our Editor’s Review | “The Minimalist is hands-down the closest I’ve ever come to the ideal stick color-correcting product. It is, sorry for this, moist. I don’t know what else to call it! It’s like if an oil pastel was not made of art materials but something slick and nourishing.” – Stephanie Fallon, Contributing Editor at The Good Trade [Read the full review.]

6. CLE Cosmetics

BIPOC Owned

Cruelty free

Gluten free

Subscriptions available

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Primer & foundation combo
Natural Ingredients | Titanium dioxide, fruit & essential oils, flower extracts
Price | $38

Tackle your makeup routine in one easy step with CLE Cosmetics’ CCC Cream (yes, really!). The CCC stands for “Color Control and Change” and is simultaneously a primer, foundation, and moisturizer packed with up to SPF 50. There are an impressive 14 shades available, and thanks to the microcapsule technology, the cream will adjust to your skin as it settles in for a sheer and satiny finish. (It even smells like a summertime dream, with notes of ylang ylang and bergamot essential oils.) Vegan, safe to use, and inclusive, there’s a reason you’ve seen rave reviews about this brand in Vogue, Allure, and WWD — and here, too.

Customer Review | “I am getting so many compliments on my skin since using CLE CCC cream. And several friends have purchased it now as well. Love it!” -Jennifer P. (Read all reviews.)

7. Hey Honey

Cruelty free

Subscriptions available

Vegetarian

Woman owned

Best For | Color correcting & skincare combo
Natural Ingredients | Honey, bee propolis, squalene, dead sea minerals
Price | $42

If you’ve been on the hunt for a CC cream that provides lasting all day coverage, sun protection, and skin boosting benefits, Hey Honey‘s got your skin covered. (Literally!) This self-adjusting SPF 46+ formula uses a unique triple pigment technology to adapt to your skin tone, while neutralizing redness and any other discolouration on the skin. Alongside impressive skin coverage, this CC cream acts as a skincare hybrid too. The addition of honey, bee propolis, and squalene nourish and protect the delicate skin barrier. All this for under $45 makes this CC cream a winner in our books.

Customer Review | “This is a great product! It is very natural looking and just gives a polished look without looking like you have makeup on.” – Kirsten M. (Read all reviews.)

The post The 7 Best Natural CC Creams (2025) appeared first on The Good Trade.

Key Takeaways:

• Cocokind’s serums trio offers unprecedented hydration and barrier support. You start losing ceramides at age 30. Using cocokind’s Ceramide Barrier Support Serum will protect your current ceramides and help you generate new ones.
• Each of cocokind’s cruelty-free, sensitive skin skin-friendly products is backed by extensive research on all ingredients to ensure they meet strict efficacy, safety, and sustainability standards.
• All of the ingredients are formulated without gluten or peanuts. Most of their ingredients are certified organic, soy-free, and vegan. Anything that isn’t is revealed with full transparency on the brand’s website. For example, their beeswax products are the only products listed as non-vegan, and along with this disclosure, they reveal they use ethical treatment of their bees in an organic environment.
• Cocokind offsets its carbon footprint with dollars, but not only that, the company continues to do proactive yearly research on how to further reduce its carbon footprint.
• Every product page offers fun recycling suggestions, such as repurposing containers as food storage options or spray bottles for plants. Ongoing sustainability work is published on the brand’s blog.
• Cocokind is available at Target and online.

Let me begin with a confession: until I heard about cocokind’s trifecta of serums, I had never tried a serum in my life. Most skin products describe what they do: Moisturizer, exfoliant, toner, primer, cleanser. These nouns are also verbs. Serum does not turn into a verb. To serumize? Not a thing.

For years, nothing changed until I came away from lunch with a friend one day thinking, “Damn, her skin looked good.” and texted her to find out her secret. The secret was serum, which prompted me to do some research, resulting in my professional suggestion that serum should be renamed sealum because what it does is keep in all the good things and keep out all the bad things.

“Serum should be renamed sealum because what it does is keep in all the good things, and keep out all the bad things.”

Serum is a base layer and protects against free radicals, discoloration, and dehydration. You put serum on after cleanser (and after toner if you use toner), but before moisturizer, and because serum is made of tiny molecules at a high concentration, it sinks deeply into the skin, targeting specific areas with precision-like accuracy. 

I decided I needed to try serum for myself, specifically cookind’s serums trio.

Cocokind was founded in 2014 by Priscilla Tsai after years of her own skin struggles with cystic acne, redness, and pain. She wanted to create a skincare line for all of us regular people who don’t have the kind of skin that shows up in magazine ads. Case in point: she often uses makeup-less humans with skin conditions in her marketing because she is a skin positivity advocate. She knew firsthand the emotional toll it takes when you feel like you have to hide your face to be seen in public.

Skin is physical, but it’s also psychological. A bad face day can ruin an entire day, sabotaging a sense of well-being and confidence. Tsai names this on her website, reassuring us her products are here as a reminder that you are enough, just as you are.

In the spirit of no longer hiding our faces, Tsai created a company that invests in “highly effective but gentle formulas and sets fair prices based on what’s inside the bottle.” You can find all of cocokind’s formulas on their website and a robust FAQ section with real talk about the company’s ethos, humanitarian efforts, and learning curves. 

One company standout: cocokind has an impact foundation that provides a financial grant to one female-identifying entrepreneur in health, wellness, and sustainability industries who is focused on creating social impact through business.

Now for the actual product.

Cocokind’s two universal truths are hydration and barrier support. Their Ceramide Barrier Support Serum is consistently voted “Best Serums Under $30,” according to dermatologists. It contains five types of ceramides (np, ns, ap, eos, eop); beta glucan, a powerful humectant that basically humidifies skin; lipids (fatty acids, cholesterol, and squalane) to reduce moisture loss and signs of irritation and aging; and ceramide precursors which encourage the production of new ceramides.

“Cocokind’s two universal truths are hydration and barrier support.”

You might be thinking, “Ok, just when I learn what a serum does, she throws in ceramides.” 

In short, ceramides are a type of lipid naturally found in the outermost layer of your skin. They make up around 50% of your skin barrier and are critical in protecting you against dehydration, among other things. Maybe most importantly (at least for me at age 43), as your skin produces a lower percentage of ceramides starting at age 30. 

Basically, cocokind’s Ceramide Barrier Support Serum keeps you from losing ceramides while encouraging the production of new ceramides.

Two other serums come in the cocokind serum trifecta: Vitamin C Glow Serum and Postbiotic Acne Serum. I offered the Postbiotic Acne Serum to my two teenage sons (sure enough, their acne is disappearing), and kept the Vitamin C Glow for myself.

Cocokind’s Vitamin C Serum uses a stable form of Vitamin C (2% ascorbyl glucoside) to boost collagen, paired with 2% azelaic acid to reduce dark spots and even out skin tone, and hyaluronic acid and sea grape caviar to plump and moisturize. Sea grape caviar is a nutrient-rich algae sustainably harvested from the Bohol Sea in the Philippines. It improves water retention by using moisture absorbed from the air. (Doesn’t that sound like magic?)

These clinically effective ingredient levels align with the company’s philosophy of “a little bit often.” (I love this phrase. It reminds me of “everything in moderation,” but it sounds more fun.)

Postbiotic Acne Serum treats blackheads, clogged pores, and acne with 1.5% salicylic acid to decongest pores and slough off dead skin. “It’s paired with microbiome-friendly postbiotics (beneficial bacteria produced by fermentation) and beta glucan (derived from oats) to help reduce excess oil and hydrate and soothe sensitive skin without drying it out.

These products are easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine. Clean and tone your face, then apply 2-3 drops of the Ceramide Barrier Serum followed by the Vitamin C Glow Serum at night (or the Postbiotic Acne Serum) and repeat in the morning.

Since beginning to use cocokind’s serums, I feel younger. My skin feels well-hydrated and happy, and so does my spirit. I don’t know how much better my skin might look if I had been using serum (I choose not to dwell on the past), but I can say the first night I used cocokind, my skin honestly tightened and plumped and I woke up the next morning looking TAUT…which is different than HOT…but still awesome.  

Now that I’m three weeks into using cocokind, my skin is retaining moisture, holding makeup longer, and staying soft and plump, which makes me wonder how I survived so long without serums in my life. I truly have no idea.

Trinity Wilbourn is a Denver-based freelance writer, mind/body coach and intuitive guide. As an educational consultant, she works at the intersection of Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, and the science of nervous system regulation. In her free time, she can be found hanging with her four kids, spooning her Bernedoodle, singing opera, and dancing in the kitchen. Learn more and explore her offerings at www.trinitywilbourn.com or follow her on Instagram.

The post Clean And Affordable—Cocokind Serum & Skincare Review appeared first on The Good Trade.

We’ve reviewed dozens of sustainable boots for women— these are our top fair trade and ethical boot selections for comfort and style with a range of price points and size options. 

No matter the season, boots are always trending when it comes to our sustainable wardrobe. From calf-high boots and ankle booties to chunky boots we can pair with dresses or hiking boots we can take on the trails, a quality shoe knows no bounds—and, for us, a boot is always classic. That said, many boots (like anything in fast fashion) often compromise when it comes to sustainable materials and ethical production methods, which has us begging the question: how can I find a quality boot that’s also sustainable?

What makes a boot sustainable?

Sustainable boots should be made with the utmost craftsmanship and with the best of the best in materials. Some materials we love to watch for include deadstock fabrics, Leather Working Group-certified leather (or vegan options), and recycled rubber. Another sure sign a boot is likely made with sustainable materials is handmade and/or made-to-order options. Though the price point will be higher, these boots will last for decades and can be repaired by a cobbler if/when the time comes.

Our criteria:

• ETHICAL PRACTICES | These boots are made by sustainable brands that adhere to ethical and responsible labor practices, ensuring their employees receive fair wages and have safe working environments.
• ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | Each of these boots is made by a brand that practices sustainability throughout their manufacturing process, including using all-natural and organic materials, low-impact processes, and recycled/upcycled materials where possible.
• DESIGN | From knee-high boots to classic Chelseas, we’ve compiled a roundup of boots for every possible occasion and need.
• COMFORT | Comfort is key when it comes to boots. We’ve read thousands of reviewers from real customers and tested these brands ourselves to ensure optimal comfort.

These sustainable boots form women pair perfectly with sustainable jeans and these cozy sweaters! For a summer look, pair with one of our favorite sustainable dresses.

Best Overall | Most Stylish | Best For Activewear  

1. Patagonia

1% for the planet

B corp

Fair trade

Handcrafted

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Best For | Buffalo hide work boots
Sustainable Materials | Vegetable tanned leather, recycled materials in soles, handmade by 5th generation cobblers in Portugal
Size Range | US 6–11
Price Range | $369

Patagonia is well-known for its rigorous eco-friendly and sustainable practices, and these work boots are no exception. Made from byproduct hides of the brand’s humanely harvested meat for their popular Patagonia Provisions® Buffalo Jerky, these tough yet comfy work boots are durable, breathable, and naturally moisture-wicking. The soles are crafted in part with recycled rubber, and the leather is treated with wet-green tanning technology that uses tannins from waste olive tree leaves (aka, safe for the environment and safe for you!).

Customer Review | “Received as a gift. Truly beautifully crafted boots. They fit perfectly and I imagine will soften in time. If you appreciate quality and are able/willing to make an investment, these are worth it.” – Kelly (Read all reviews.)

2. Sézane

B corp

Eco friendly packaging

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Parisian-style boots
Sustainable Materials | Made in the European Union, shipped in recycled packaging, third party audited factories
Size Range | US 5–11
Price Range | $205–$450

Sézane effortlessly combines fashion and function for its Parisian-inspired style. This French brand is thoughtful in the sourcing and production of its materials, including for its dreamy Lena Low Boots. These boots are made from eco-friendly vegetable-tanned leather, a natural and biodegradable process that does not leave harmful chemicals in the environment. The majority of these pieces are made within the European Union, partnering long-term with ateliers. Seamlessly go from day to night with these investment boots.

Shop Sézane Boots

3. Koio

Family owned

Handcrafted

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Best For | Handmade Italian boots
Sustainable Materials | Leather Working Group certified, handcrafted in Italy
Size Range | US 5–11
Price Range | $365–$395

Koio, a luxury sustainable brand, crafts shoes ethically in Italy with high-quality eco-friendly materials. The family-owned brand is so committed to the highest quality of luxury and sustainable design that every pair of shoes passes through the hands of 42 master craftsmen for a flawless finish. Their materials are eco-conscious, aiming not just for climate-neutral but climate-beneficial options like ecosystem-restoring regenerative leathers from the Swiss Alps and LWG-certified leathers from Italy.

Customer Review | “She loves this! Was looking for a chunky boot with excellent quality, and this is perfect! If you want a major step up from platform chunky Doc Martens, this is it!” – Phill (Read all reviews.)

Shop Koio Boots

4. Nisolo

B corp

Climate neutral

Handcrafted

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Best For | Handmade casual boots
Sustainable Materials | Leather Working Group certified, 100% carbon offsetting, artisan-made in ethical working conditions
Size Range | US 5–11
Price Range | $200–$250

Rain or snow, Nisolo’s boots have got your feet covered—literally. Best known for its chukka boots, the brand has paved the way for intentionally designed, responsibly made products. For example, the leather used is always a byproduct of the meat industry—like in our favorite Mia Everyday Boots. Plus, these boots are made ethically in a Nisolo-owned and operated factory in Peru, where all makers are paid fair wages.

Customer Review | “I love these Mias, they fit my feet perfectly and they are so comfortable. The heel is just the right height . I have several pairs of Nisolos and this is my favorite, waiting for a sale to get another pair!” – Amy S. (Read all reviews.)

Shop Nisolo Boots

5. Alohas

Fair trade

Handcrafted

Made to order

Natural materials

Vegan

Best For | Knee-high boots
Sustainable Materials | Pre-ordering system, made locally in Spain & Portugal, sustainable leather, vegan options available
Size Range | US 5–14.5
Price Range | €160–€362

Alohas add a flair to your wardrobe with their unique and trendy multi-style boots. Handcrafted in Spain and Portugal using sustainable cow leather or vegan alternatives, Alohas only works with artisans who believe in ethical and sustainable craftsmanship. Their pre-order model also helps prevent the overproduction of shoes and materials wastage. We love all of its designs, especially the bi-color options. They are super comfy, easy to style, and will give your outfit just the right amount of oomph!

Shop alohas boots

6. Beklina

Handcrafted

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Small business

Woman owned

Best For | Artsy boots
Sustainable Materials | Ethically handmade in Peru, some recycled materials
Size Range | US 5.5–11
Price | $456

Beklina was one of the original eco-boutiques to be found online, since its launch in 2006. For more than 15 years, this brand has curated quality products include handmade clogs, swimsuits, and more—all of which is produced ethically in Peru, Nepal, and the USA. We love the Matisse Booties for their hand-carved heel, durable Italian leather, and a deep black color that’s sure to match any wardrobe.

Shop Beklina Boots

7. Reformation

Circular fashion

Climate neutral

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Dressy or work-appropriate boots
Sustainable Materials | Deadstock and recycled materials, ethically produced, small batch production
Size Range | US 5–11
Price Range | $298–$598

It’s no secret that we are big fans of sustainable brand Reformation, whose denim, formal dresses, and shoes are consistently top of our lists. Their boot collection similarly delivers on style and sustainability, using deadstock fabrics and ethical production, so you can feel good about your beautiful new kicks. We especially have our eye on the Remy Knee Boot, which is made in multiple colors and materials.

Shop Reformation Boots

8. VIVAIA

BIPOC Owned

Eco friendly packaging

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Small business

Woman owned

Best For | Breathable, water-repellent boots
Sustainable Materials | Recycled PET, recycled faux fur, sugarcane EVA, rice husks, natural rubber, herbal insoles
Size Range | US 5–13
Price Range | $145–$200+

We always look to VIVAIA for their comfy and breathable boots! These boots are water repellent and made with a stretchy fabric that molds to your feet—additionally their antimicrobial soles to help you feel fresh all day. The popular Square-Toe Ankle Boots come in a rich, classic black and also in fun prints like leopard and tweed making them a gorgeous addition to our wardrobe for all seasons. 

Customer Review | “These boots are great looking but even more importantly they are so comfortable! I recently purchased another pair!” – Lois V. (Read all reviews.)

Shop vivaia boots

9. On

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Vegan

Best For | Athletic boots
Sustainable Materials | Circularity program, International Labor Organization and Ethical Trading initiative standards
Size Range | US 5–11
Price Range | $170–$330

Sustainable athletic wear company On is at the forefront of technological innovation when it comes to running shoes that are as high performing as they are environmentally friendly. In their Zurich-based lab, the brand has created materials from carbon emissions and bio-based renewable materials that will help guide the industry away from fossil fuels and into the future. With a line of clothing and shoes designed to be recyclable and transformed into new products, we are especially excited to take these sustainable (and adorable!) boots on our next hike.

10. Thesus Outdoors

Fair trade

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Small business

Vegan

Best For | Hiking-style boots
Sustainable Materials | Eco-friendly, natural, and recycled materials, water-based vegan glue, handmade in a family-run factory in Portugal
Size Range | US 6–12
Price Range | $190–$250+

Thesus Outdoors aims to be sustainable by design; more than 90 percent of its materials are eco-friendly and traceable, and the brand is aiming to close that 10 percent gap! Its footwear is crafted with fair trade natural rubber, recycled plastics, and reclaimed ocean waste—including its famed weekend boot. Our editors have personally tried this shoe and love it for weekend hikes around LA or trips with friends to the mountains. While we wouldn’t recommend it for long-distance trekking, it’s a perfect boot for nature escapes and weekend adventures. Like Timbs, but sustainably made.

Shop Thesus Outdoors Boots

11. Zou Xou

BIPOC Owned

Handcrafted

Made to order

Natural materials

Small business

Woman owned

Best For | Lug boots
Sustainable Materials | Made on-demand by artisans, family-owned Leather Working Group certified tanneries, vegetable tanning
Size Range | US 5–11.5
Price Range | $320–$365

Zou Xou (prounounced ‘zu – ‘zu) is a slow fashion and footwear brand bringing you the best from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The brand offers both ready-to-ship and made-to-order collections so you can get the perfect fit, every time. Each pair is expertly handcrafted by Argentinian shoemakers using age-old techniques in small batches. These are boots you’ll love for a lifetime.

Customer Review | “This is the exact boot I was searching for! It’s comfortable, stylish, but can easily be dressed down as well. The leather is gorgeous. Pretty obsessed!” – Maria G. (Read all reviews.)

Shop Zou Xou Boots

Featured image from Reformation

The post 11 Sustainable Boots For Women (Fall 2025) appeared first on The Good Trade.

We’ve carried these sustainable backpacks everywhere, from school to weekend getaways — these are our top picks for materials, construction, and price.

Whether you’re heading back to school, running errands around town, or hiking a trail, there are lots of reasons a backpack can come in handy. And as functional as they may be, we love for them to be fashionable, too. But what’s most important to us is to find one that is ethically and sustainably made — a bag that is kind to its makers and the environment.

These bags are responsibly made and/or give back to communities in need, and as they come in different volumes and are equipped with all sorts of compartments, can take you from a workday to the weekend with ease.

Our criteria:

Our editors have worn, researched, and scoured thousands of customer reviews to select the best brands for sustainable backpacks. We regularly update this list with emerging favorites that meet the below criteria.

• SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS | These backpacks are made using sustainable materials and recycled fabrics, minimizing waste and excess production in their manufacturing.
• AFFORDABILITY | If you’re on a budget, you’re in luck, as we’ve made sure to include affordable, sustainable backpack options on this list.
• ETHICS | Each of these sustainable brands is intentional about sourcing and manufacturing, employing cruelty-free practices, and ensuring safe and fair working conditions.

If you’ve got back-to-school vibes on the brain, check out our guides to online classes, shoes, and handbags.

Best Overall | Patagonia, $69+
Best For Commuters | Quince, $45+
Best For Kids | STATE, $80+

1. STATE

Fair trade

Family owned

Gives back

Second hand

Vegan

Best For | Personalized backpacks
Ethics | Gives back, ethically made in China, nontoxic
Price Range | $80 – $210

If you (or your kid) are into monogrammed bags, look no further than STATE, which allows you to personalize your backpack with both your initials or embroidered symbols. More than just style though, STATE has got substance: For every bag purchased, the company supports American families in need, including donating backpacks full of supplies to local students and partnering with schools and charities. With a variety of vegan, water-resistant, and recycled material options, you’ve got plenty to choose from.

Customer Review | “Absolutely love this bag. I had tried out some other bags, even settled on another one which I had been using but didn’t love. Came across this one when I saw it on a mom while I was at an ice cream shop and just knew it would be a good fit. It has exceeded my expectations and while this may sound silly, it brings me a lot of joy.” – C.D. (Read all reviews.)

2. Patagonia

1% for the planet

B corp

Eco friendly packaging

FSC

Fair trade

Gives back

Recycled materials

Second hand

Best For | Technical & casual backpacks
Ethics | Certified B Corp, recycled & sustainable materials, fair trade, gives back
Price Range | $69 – $359

Patagonia is known for creating products that are versatile, and this is also the case for its extensive backpack collection. Carefully constructed for more conscious living, the Patagonia packs are made to meet all your needs. Find what you need by sorting the bags by volume, materials used (like recycled polyester and nylon), or features (like hydration compatibility and laptop compartments). Whether you use it for school, as a carry-on, or as an overnight bag, Patagonia backpacks are built for transition.

Customer Review | “Awesome backpack. Holds a lot but distributes the weight so you don’t feel like you are carrying a super heavy pack.” – Mary (Read all reviews.)

3. Quince

Budget friendly

Eco friendly packaging

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Best For | Sustainable children’s backpacks
Ethics | Eco-friendly, natural & recycled materials, BSCI & Sedex Certified factory production, transparent manufacturing & pricing
Price Range | $45 – $150

Back to school is upon us each year and Quince makes it easy to get organized with their collection of sustainable and child-friendly backpacks. These affordable and eco-friendly knapsacks are the perfect size and have all the necessary compartments needed for kids to keep all their essentials. Choose from recycled nylon, organic cotton or even neoprene options in a number of fun solid colors and patterns. Even better, these recycled backpacks are crafted from up to 29 recycled water bottles! (Psst – be sure not to miss their new collection of adult-friendly backpacks made with Italian leather, and other water-repellent, commuter-friendly materials for the long haul!)

Customer Review | “I absolutely love my new leather backpack!!! The quality of the leather is amazing and it is a beautiful camel color. This is the perfect bag for my laptop and is much easier on my back. I can fit my computer in the back and keep the zipper up front hold so much too! I would highly recommend buying this. It was even better that I thougth it would be!!!” – Lisa C. (Read all reviews.)

4. Pixie Mood

1% for the planet

Cruelty free

Eco friendly packaging

Plant trees

Recycled materials

Vegan

Best For | Recycled backpacks that are work-friendly
Ethics | Sustainable & eco-friendly materials, ethically made, fair wages, vegan
Price Range | $99 – $190

Love the sleekness of a leather moment but not the animal product? Pixie Mood’s recycled vegan leather backpacks are the chic, versatile alternative you’ve been looking for. These backpacks are lined with material made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and most are tech-friendly and even convert into shoulder bags. Perfect for fashionable professionals looking for an efficient yet gorgeous backpack that will complement your work look.

Customer Review | “Ive been looking for a stylish backpack to hold my laptop and I finally found it! Love this design and the material is so soft!” – June M. (Read all reviews.)

5. Terra Thread

B corp

BIPOC Owned

Budget friendly

Fair trade

Family owned

GOTS certified

Gives back

Natural materials

Plastic/Pfas free

Size inclusive

Best For | Everyday & mini backpacks
Ethics | Certified B Corp, fair trade, GOTS certified organic materials, gives back, carbon-neutral, eco-friendly packaging
Price Range | $66 – $77

Made in fair trade factories using organic cotton, Terra Thread‘s affordable canvas backpacks are perfect for just about anything. With pockets and compartments for water bottles, laptops, and more, they’ll feel right at home when traveling or simply running errands. They’re also free of toxic dyes, lead, and any carbon footprint! Plus, in partnership with Feeding America, each purchase of a backpack provides meals to kids and families in need.

Customer Review | “I was so happy to find a backpack made with just canvas, no polyester or plastic, and ethically sourced. It’s really good quality, and I love the color options, though I expect I’ll need to get used to the firmer shoulder straps. Thank you!” – Julia V. (Read all reviews.)

6. Solgaard

B corp

Circular fashion

Gives back

Recycled materials

Warranty offered

Best For | High tech features
Ethics | Certified B Corp, supports the prevention & removal of ocean-bound plastic, recycled materials, carbon neutral
Price Range | $145 – $275

What do you get when you blend modern technology with sustainability? Solgaard! The brand’s Compass Backpack is a Red Dot Award winner for product design — and it’s easy to see why. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted, from hidden compartments and laptop sleeves to cord pass-throughs, all in a slim profile made with recycled materials. Solgaard even offers backpacks with solar charging panels and a built-in travel closet system, so you can choose the pack that best fits your lifestyle. Plus, each bag comes with a two-year warranty that covers essential components, so your investment is protected for the long haul.

Customer Review | “I love my new lifepack backpack. I am a school bus driver, plus I homeschool my kids. They ride the bus with me every day, and this holds so many snacks, plus their tablets and our juicepack. They can plug in and not bother me while I concentrate on the road and get the kids home safely.” – Jill (Read all reviews.)

7. 8000Kicks

Eco friendly packaging

Gives back

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Vegan

Best For | Hemp backpacks
Ethics | Industrial hemp & recycled material, eco-friendly packaging, gives back, OEKO-TEX Certified
Price Range | $99 – $199

8000Kicks makes durable, waterproof, and sustainable hemp backpacks for everyday use. Made from eco-friendly hemp, these backpacks are known for their strength, water resistance, and lightweight design. Most models feature laptop compartments making them ideal for work or travel, with additional features including waterproof zippers, side pockets for bottles or umbrellas, and reinforced straps for comfort and durability. 8000Kicks carbon offsets through their hemp farms and tree planting, and is also committed to only using OEKO-TEX certified materials.

Customer Review | “I’m impressed; bigger than I expected but that means I can pack a jacket. I like the way the top opens like a bag and pockets of all sizes. Well designed, minimal but complete. More secure than most . I like that it’s made of hemp, where appropriate and waterproof is a plus. I’m a designer myself and I say well done!” – Michael Kotting (Read all reviews.)

8. Bellroy

B corp

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Warranty offered

Best For | All-day carrying
Ethics | Certified B Corp, recycled materials, LWG certified
Price Range | $99 – $449

Bellroy is an Aussie-based brand dedicated to creating tech, travel, and work products better and more sustainable for all. The fabric of each of their backpacks use either recycled materials like nylon offcuts and plastic water bottles or premium Leather Working Group gold-rated leather. Each backpack is lightweight and optimized for comfort, while still holding all your essentials, so you can carry what you need during long work or travel days without the extra baggage. We’re also seriously impressed by the availability of styles and the included six-year warranty — whether you’re on the market for a simple and functional work backpack, or a playful totepack or minipack, this B Corp has it handled!

9. ORI London

B corp

Eco friendly packaging

Recycled materials

Vegan

Best For | Wide mouth backpacks
Ethics | B Corp Certified, recycled & upcycled materials, vegan friendly, carbon zero commitment
Price Range | $80 – $113

Since 2020, ORI London has focused on reducing plastic waste by repurposing items like plastic bottles and pre-consumer fabric scraps for their eco-friendly bags and backpacks. Their canvas and nylon materials are not only recycled, but also water-resistant and vegan-friendly, packaged in biodegradable cornstarch. As a certified B Corporation, ORI is dedicated to making a positive impact beyond their profits. Their goal is to achieve Carbon Zero within five years by supporting environmental and community initiatives.

Customer Review | “I love the backpacks and crossbody bags, they’re well made and handy as I walk with crutches.” – Jennifer Gall (Read all reviews.)

Featured image is from State

The post 9 Eco-Friendly Backpacks From Sustainable Brands (2025) appeared first on The Good Trade.

We’ve spent the past ten years researching and wearing ethically sourced jewelry. These are our picks for brands with colored diamond rings.

Fine diamond jewelry adds a touch of elegance to your accessories, and colored diamonds add a beautiful pop of color that glistens and stands out. For those who are ethically and sustainably minded, it can be challenging to shop for fine jewelry. Thankfully, these brands are not only keeping in mind ethics, sustainable practices, and fair working conditions, but they’re also creating stunning, heirloom-quality colored diamond jewelry that you’ll want to keep and pass down for decades. 

What are colored diamonds?

Regular diamonds, or colorless diamonds, are graded based on their absence of color. The clearer they are, the higher quality they are. They’re even graded on a scale to determine how colorless they are. Colored diamonds, on the contrary, extend beyond the normal colorless and lightly colored range of diamonds, beyond any “imperfection” range, and instead are bright colors that actually are quite rare and valuable in nature. These are often called “fancy colored diamonds” and can be found in colors like blue, green, pink, yellow, orange, and red. Unlike colorless diamonds, these are graded on the presence, strength, and distribution of their colors. Colored diamonds can also be grown in a lab, where the specific colors and hues can be specifically chosen. 

What should I consider when buying colored diamonds?

Just like when you purchase any diamond, you want to first consider the ethics and sustainability of the diamonds, especially when you’re purchasing natural diamonds (versus lab-grown). It’s important to consider where the materials came from — including the diamonds themselves, the metals, and any other stones or materials — as well as how they’re sourced. 

Another consideration is whether you want to use natural or lab-grown diamonds, which are inherently traceable because they are made in controlled environments with fair labor practices. They have the exact same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, but they can be produced in batches in just a few weeks, versus the millennia that it takes for natural diamonds to form. Lab-grown diamonds are a great option to consider if you’re looking for a more affordable option or a specific color, as they are not as rare as natural colored diamonds, and the colors can be created exactly as you wish. 

What certifications should I look for when buying colored diamonds?

The Kimberly Process is a system designed to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds, ensuring that the diamonds are not used to fund wars against legitimate governments. Many of the diamonds on this list are conflict-free beyond the Kimberly Process, which means they are being even more rigorous in ensuring the diamonds are free from conflict, as well as any human rights violations, environmental damages, and more. 

Additional certifications to look out for include Fairmined and Fair Trade, which are external certifications that guarantee your diamonds meet fair wage, ethical labor, and environmental responsibility practices. Another environmentally friendly practice to seek when buying jewelry is that they are using recycled metals, as this reduces the need for new mining while still providing jewelry made from high quality materials. 

Our criteria: 

Our team has researched and tested dozens of fine jewelry brands, scouring thousands of customer reviews to find the best brands offering lab-grown diamond rings. We’ve prioritized options that combine ethical sourcing, sustainability, and beautiful craftsmanship. We regularly update this list with new options that meet the following criteria.

• ETHICAL & CONFLICT-FREE | Each of these rings is composed of lab-grown or sustainably mined diamonds and other ethically mined, recycled, or sourced gems and metals. We prioritized brands offering traceable supply chains.
• SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES | Our favorite brands invest in eco-conscious practices — from using recycled metals to carbon offsets and closed-loop recycling — and we’ve noted their initiatives in the list below.
• DESIGN & DURABILITY | Whether you’re looking for simplicity or something stunning, all of the rings on this list are made to be cherished for generations.

Doing some jewelry shopping? Check out our guide to ethical and sustainable jewelry, lab-grown diamond rings, and engagement rings to see more great options!

1. Brilliant Earth

Eco friendly packaging

FSC

Gives back

Made to order

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Warranty offered

Best For | Custom-colored diamond rings
Ethics and Sustainability | FSC-certified sustainable packaging, recycled precious metals, gives back  
Product Range | Engagement rings, wedding rings, earrings, necklaces
Price Range | $190-$100,000+

Brilliant Earth, a brand well-known for its ethical and sustainable jewelry, was one of the first brands to provide traceability for its conflict-free gems. Brilliant Earth offers diamonds in the range of D-J, also known as colorless and near colorless diamonds, but they also have a wide selection of fancy colored diamonds. They have both natural and lab-grown colored diamonds, both with beautiful hues. For natural diamonds, you’ll find mostly blue, pink, and yellow diamonds, and for lab diamonds, you’ll find green, blue, red, pink, yellow, and more color options, because they are manufactured instead of mined. Brilliant Earth’s jewelry is free of “dirty gold,” as they support a circular economy and use only recycled precious metals. So when you go to set your colored diamonds, the silver and gold in the setting is not mined, but instead repurposed. We also love that Brilliant Earth is committed to sustainability: using FSC-certified wood ring boxes, for example, and packaging their orders in recycled materials. 

Our Editor’s Review | “[Brilliant Earth is] the epitome of everything that people love about elegant, modern, enduring design and forward-thinking innovation meant to preserve what we hold most dear – each other, our planet, and our one precious life.” – Kate Arceo, Contributing Editor [Read her full review here.]

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2. Blue Nile

American made

Eco friendly packaging

Handcrafted

Made to order

Recycled materials

Warranty offered

Best For | Lifetime diamond upgrades
Ethics and Sustainability | Low-energy-use facilities, diamond upgrading
Product Range | Earrings, necklaces, engagement rings, rings, bracelets
Price Range | $1,660-$126,000+

Founded in 1999, Blue Nile was one of the first online jewelry retailers. They have a wide range of fancy colored diamonds, including both natural and lab-grown diamonds. You can easily search for exactly what color, intensity, and shape of colored diamonds you want on their website — and you’ll see that they have a huge variety of options to choose from. And once you pick out your diamond and setting, Blue Nile handcrafts all of its fine jewelry in its New York headquarters, where they use low energy in their daily operations. One thing that makes Blue Nile stand out is that they offer a lifetime upgrade program for all of its GIA-graded diamonds, including colored diamonds. They also have a lifetime guarantee, 30-day returns, a price match-guarantee, and diamond education and advice experts on call 24/7 to help you find the perfect piece. 

Customer Review | “This is an understated, classy ring. The black diamonds catch the light in a beautiful way without being overpowering. Though I wear it alone, it would also look great in a stack.” – Melanie P. [Read more reviews.]

3. Bario Neal

Climate neutral

Gender inclusive

Gives back

Handcrafted

Made to order

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Warranty offered

Woman owned

Best For | Gender neutral colored diamonds
Ethics and Sustainability | Reclaimed metals, fairmined gold, small footprint, gender-neutral & size-inclusive jewelry, gives back
Product Range | Earrings, engagement rings, necklaces
Price Range | $648 (earrings)-$3590+(engagement rings)

Philadelphia- and Brooklyn-based jeweler Bario Neal is known for its gender-inclusive, high-quality jewelry, progressive manufacturing processes, and commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ rights. You’ll find engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, and more fine jewelry, all made using fairmined gold, ethically sourced and/or lab-grown diamonds, and reclaimed precious metals. They have a few colored diamond options, mostly in colors like champagne and black. We love this abstract champagne diamond ring, or for a more minimalist vibe, we love this black diamond narrow band ring. Bario Neal also creates custom rings, where you can select your own colored diamond – champagne or salt and pepper diamonds. And then you can customize your piece to have the setting, metals, and other details to make your ring exactly how you imagine it. 

Customer Review | “Absolutely love my new ring. It’s gorgeous and I’m so proud to show it off!” – Dorothy T. [Read more reviews.]

4. Catbird 

American made

Gives back

Handcrafted

Recycled materials

Warranty offered

Woman owned

Best For | Black diamond rings
Ethics and Sustainability | Recycled gold, conflict-free stones, gives back
Product Range | Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings
Price Range | $152-$5,232+

Catbird, a continuously growing woman-owned and operated fine jewelry brand, makes its jewelry entirely in-house at its studio in Brooklyn. All of its pieces are made with recycled gold, and conflict-free, responsibly sourced stones, and they have over 40 fairly paid jewelers and artisans on-site creating their delicate and stunning pieces for everyday wear and occasions. Catbird has a few colored diamond options, ranging from this dainty black diamond ring to this playful cat charm with black diamond eyes. And beyond its beautiful jewelry, Catbird also gives back to the community, donating one percent of all sales to organizations like the ACLU and the Food Bank of New York City.

Customer Review | “These are small enough to be dainty but not so small that they are not noticeable at all. They’re a good size, I love the black and gold, very comfy hoops.” – Elisa B. [Read more reviews.]

5. Plum Diamonds

American made

Made to order

Recycled materials

Warranty offered

Woman owned

Best For | Lab-grown colored diamonds
Ethics and Sustainability | RJC certified, American lab-grown diamonds, recycled gold & metals
Product Range | Engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, bracelets
Price Range | $910-$3,490+

Plum Diamonds is a woman-owned, sustainable brand that crafts its rings using lab-grown diamonds. They have many colored diamond rings in several different cuts, styles and colors, including pink, green, blue, yellow, and more. We love that you can also customize the rings to change out the diamond color, cut, and other details to make it exactly how you want it to be. And if you’re not sure where to begin, they also offer a “Find Your Diamond Kit” to help you figure out exactly what you’re looking for. Because they use lab grown diamonds, all of their diamonds are guaranteed conflict-free and more environmentally-friendly than natural diamonds. And their commitment to sustainability and ethics goes beyond their diamonds, too. They also use 100% recycled metals, ensure ethical labor practices, source responsibly, and focus on having a minimal environmental impact. 

Customer Review | “Our experience with Plum has been nothing short of amazing. My fiancée and I were a little skeptical about using an online jeweler for such a large purchase but we are so happy that we did.” – Lamont C. [Read more reviews.]

6. Jennie Kwon Designs

American made

Fair trade

Made to order

Woman owned

Best For | Artistic colored rings
Ethics and Sustainability | Fairmined gold, ethically sourced & conflict-free diamonds
Product Range | Rings, earrings, necklaces, engagement rings, bracelets
Price Range | $175-$10,500

Jennie Kwon Designs creates romantic, thoughtful, sustainable jewelry using ethically sourced and conflict-free stones, and Fair Trade and Fairmined gold. The woman-owned and operated brand carries hundreds of stunning pieces, including many colored diamonds. We love this art deco black diamond ring, this unique arched black diamond ring, and this gorgeous champagne diamond ring. A native of Los Angeles, Jennie Kwon’s pieces reflect the art and natural beauty that surround her.

7. Taylor & Hart 

American made

Fair trade

Made to order

Recycled materials

Warranty offered

Best For | Pink and yellow diamond rings
Ethics and Sustainability | Fair trade & recycled metals, ethically-sourced diamonds
Product Range | Rings, engagement rings, earrings, necklaces
Price Range | $840-$15,195+

Taylor & Hart’s team helps you create your perfect ring by working with you to customize every detail. If you’re looking to design a fancy colored ring, Taylor & Hart can create custom pink or yellow diamond rings. They offer both lab-grown and ethically sourced, conflict-free natural diamonds that go beyond the Kimberly process, a testament to their commitment to sustainable and ethical jewelry.

Featured image is from Brilliant Earth

Brianna Schubert is a writer and editor based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade, an editorial assistant at Motley Bloom, and a freelance writer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Since 2023, Brianna has combined her expertise and investigative skills to deliver thoughtful reviews of sustainable products and home goods, helping readers make informed, eco-conscious choices. Brianna is also the writer behind The Mood Board, a Substack newsletter for creativity and inspiration. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking up a new recipe, reading and recommending books, cuddling with her cat, or yapping with her friends at a café. Say hi on Instagram!

The post 7 Ethically Sourced Colored Diamonds Rings For 2025 appeared first on The Good Trade.

Pros:

• Products are made with raw, food grade, certified organic, wildcrafted and naturally derived ingredients, and the brand is Credo compliant for the highest quality clean beauty.
• Packaging is made at least in part from recycled or recyclable materials, and the brand is cruelty free.
• The colors of these products were incredible: Even the Eyelights, which when swatched appear to be so highly pigmented and almost metallic that neither of us thought we would possibly ever use it again. And now we are sharing joint custody of this little tube because we loved it so much!
• Everything is very blendable and we were both able to create a standout but not over-the-top look according to our preferences.
• The products have no fragrance and feel comfortable, wearing beautifully throughout the day. Neither of us experienced any irritation or noticed inconsistencies of the makeup against our skin. It looks just as good in hour eight as it did right after application.

Cons:

• Application of the Uncoverup, Lip2Cheek, and Eyelights require a touch more time and patience than either of us prefers.
• Lip2Cheek is better for cheeks, and lacked the glide and moisture we both prefer for our lips.
• The Super Natural Radiance Serum only has three shades that might not work as well for skin tones that are right on the border between them. It was a bit dark for us both, but the lighter shade would be far too light for my mom.

I have always admired my mother’s taste. As I grew up and began to explore more adult looks and styles, I helped myself to her closet, jewelry, and beauty products. My mom was always pretty gracious about my sticky fingers, so I’ve tried to return the favor in my adult years, especially when I’ve lived out of state and she’s come to visit. (Nothing makes packing easier than knowing if you forget anything, you can just shop your host’s closet!) But my mom is definitely more of a trendsetter than I am, and she is usually several steps ahead of me on brands, particularly beauty. So I was over the moon at the chance to do a makeup review together for a brand we’ve both heard about but haven’t tried.

“RMS Beauty is a clean beauty brand launched by master makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift in 2009 –– making her a pioneer of the clean beauty movement.”

RMS Beauty is a clean beauty brand launched by master makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift in 2009 — making her a pioneer of the clean beauty movement. With decades of experience in the beauty industry, Swift felt that traditional makeup could be improved with cleaner, safer ingredients that would not only be better for our bodies, but would actually look better too (no irritants that dry or break out our skin!). Cleaner, quality products made with health at the forefront means that RMS products never contain parabens, gluten, synthetic fragrances, GMOs, sulfate, phthalates, talc, and over 2700 more banned ingredients. The brand is committed to transparent sustainability, and the products are manufactured at GMP-certified facilities to ensure FDA-quality approval. They are never tested on animals, and the packaging is made from glass, post-consumer recycled plastic, and shipped in cartons made of at least 80% FSC-certified recycled paper, manufactured with wind energy, and made with vegetable ink.

While the brand maintains a strong foothold in clean beauty, it stands apart in a few ways that both my mom and I noticed instantly. The colors for their products are bold and vibrant, with signature lip shades designed to stand out, resembling tropical fruit more than what I would call “natural” lip colors. Their eye shadows come in polishes and creams rather than pressed powders, with swatches that look like precious metals.

“The most distinct aspect of the RMS Beauty brand is perhaps Rose-Marie Swift herself.”

But the most distinct aspect of the RMS Beauty brand is perhaps Rose-Marie Swift herself. It was Swift’s charming, vivacious how-to videos on Instagram that first hooked both me and my mom. We loved the down-to-earth way she delivered expert-level advice on how to apply her makeup, but honestly, I could listen this woman talk about her grocery list — she is simply a delight! Though the makeup is not targeting a particular age, many of her videos discuss how to use each product on older skin, addressing common changes like less lip pigmentation, under-eye pouches, and thinner brows. And throughout these videos, Swift never sounds anti-aging or fearful, but rather like a knowledgeable and friendly person who can help you adapt your makeup routine to the natural stages of growing older. Love this! 

We spent a few afternoons playing with several products, and wore our looks out on errands, around the house, and then to a hot, outdoor Memorial Day party. We chose a range of products, including some of their best-sellers like the UnCoverup Concealer, Legendary Serum Lipstick, and a tube of Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow.

We chose hues that were considered either a brand favorite or “universal” for all skin types and tones. My mom’s skin is warmer with yellow undertones and mine is several shades paler, and cool to neutral. We both have drier skin and fine, barely-there eyebrows. Would RMS products be versatile enough for both of our needs? Would the same Lip2Cheek shade “Beloved” be as lovely on both of us? And was it remotely possible for the Eyelights shade “Strobe” to somehow be flattering and not just a great base for a Tin Man costume? The people (my mom and me) had to know!

UnCoverup Concealer, shades 22 and 11.5 | $40

I was most excited to test out this one, despite the fact that I don’t tend to use concealer much. I always prefer whatever tinted-all-over skincare thing is on offer that doesn’t require any skill or artistry to apply. But living in the South, where Rose-Marie herself also lives, I knew a few local friends and influencers who had come across the makeup IRL in the wild as far back as 2016, and they all uniformly raved about this product.

This multitasking concealer is lightweight but not sheer, very buildable, and with a skin-like finish that I instantly noticed. The website says the “3-in-1 concealer, color corrector and tinted moisturizer covers dark circles, blemishes, and redness,” and both my mom and I can enthusiastically endorse this statement as true!

We aren’t beauty blender people, opting instead to just pat the product onto our skin using our fingers (I’m sure a beauty blender would work for those of you who might not want to finger paint with your makeup!). My mom said it was easy to apply and blend, and she felt pleased with the general effect. She targeted some sunspots and felt that the coverage was seamless and felt moisturizing on her normally dry skin.

I tried two application techniques: blending it with a beauty oil (I used my beloved glow serum from Merit) with a brush to create a tinted moisturizer effect, and the finger dabbing method. The oil and brush method produced a kind of wash that was nice but didn’t cover up my redness, sunspots, or pores. I thought dabbing it with my finger would be tedious, since the concealer has a kind of textural quality that is close to a potted lip balm and just shy of tacky. But I was surprised to find I much preferred the results of this application. The concealer had a shockingly natural finish. I don’t usually use concealers because I’ve never been able to spot-treat certain areas of my face without feeling like the difference between the makeup and my bare skin was too noticeable. But that’s exactly what I was able to do with the UnCoverup concealer.

Using the pad of my ring finger, I dabbed a bit of concealer on my cheeks, around my nose where the pores are largest, and under my eyes. And it truly blended perfectly in both shade and texture to the rest of my skin. I still can’t believe it! I barely used any of the product to achieve this result. I completely understand why all those women were raving about this product. I’m joyfully joining their ranks.

Super Natural Radiance Serum, Medium Aura | $49

This was my mom’s pick, because she’s always on the lookout for an affordable all-in-one skin makeup with SPF to replace the one she loves the most, which is on the *ahem* pricier side of Sephora. It’s been her white whale! The Super Natural Radiance Serum has a broad spectrum SPF 30 from mineral zinc oxide, but has zero white cast. Combined with trademarked GlowPlex, a complex of natural peptides like quinoa seed extract and pea extract, plus niacinamide to smooth the appearance of pores and fine lines while hydrating the skin, this serum looked like the dream!

Let’s start with what we loved: The texture was true perfection. Lightweight but moisturizing, it felt like a nourishing cream. Unfortunately, the serum only comes in three shades, and my mom’s UnCoverup shade was just on the line between the Light and Medium Aura, and the Medium was just a bit too dark. Since the lighter shade was described as “an ultra sheer champagne,” we knew it wouldn’t be a match for her. It was a bummer, but maybe as the summer wears on she’ll be able to use it more as she gets sunkissed.

Lip2Cheek, Beloved | $40

The Lip2Cheek product is a multitasking lip and cheek cream with all the heavy hitters from the natural moisturizing hall of fame: Coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter blended up with castor seed oil and beeswax makes for a rich, slightly waxy balm. Using our fingers, we tried this guy on our cheeks and lips to see if the shade we chose, “Beloved,” would live up to its claim to “suit all skin tones.”

Our verdict? It looked lovely on us both! Interestingly, it actually looked a bit peachier on my cooler-toned skin and a little pinker on my mom’s warmer coloring. We both agreed that we preferred it as a blush, since the texture wasn’t quite what we prefer for our lips. I did like the way the color was more of a casual stain as a lip color, but my mom thought it wasn’t pigmented enough to wear on its own for her lips.

Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow, Strobe | $29

This was hands down the product we were both the most curious about. In her video that you can see on the product page, Rose-Marie says that people often worry that the shade we chose, “Strobe,” is too shimmery. “It’s not shimmery it’s luminous,” she sassily informs us. “There’s a big difference.”

I have to admit, I was skeptical about this one! I almost never wear eyeshadow or color on my lids anymore, and my mom tends toward more neutral powders (which she blends like the glam queen she is!). When you squeeze the cream from its cute little tube, it looks thick and like literal metal, like something you’d use to touch up a ding on your car door. The website says, “It is subtle enough for daytime and buildable for dramatic effects at night,” but the product resembled a blob of mercury on my hand. I was certain we would look ready to audition for the Wizard of Oz once we were finished smearing this stuff on our eyelids.

I’d like to, at this time, take a moment to personally and publicly rescind my doubt in you, Rose-Marie. You were, as always, right.

The cream spreads like magic. With just a few gentle swipes, the opaque metallic shimmer melts into a much softer, and yes, luminous, gray. It’s very mellow and striking at the same time, and it also transformed on each of our skin tones to a shade that we both found complementary to our individual coloring. This shade is Rose-Marie’s favorite, and we both can see why. It’s flattering and subtle but still distinctive, and it worked on both our skin (and on my four-year-old’s, who inherited her dad’s true porcelain complexion). It didn’t crease, and looked a little smoky without much effort. We called this one the equivalent of the jeans in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” You’ll have your doubts about the look on you, but trust! It just works on everyone.

Ultimate Brow Kit, Medium | $79

You may have noticed that my mom and I were not blessed with eyebrows. Which is perhaps why, after catching me plucking out 80% of mine with her tweezers in the early aughts, my mom audibly gasped and cried, “Stephanie, no!” She knew what it would cost me: Decades of hunting for the right tools and techniques to draw the slow-growing patches that were once my eyebrows back onto my face.

The kit comes with a powder, tool with dual brush and spoolie, an eyebrow pencil (which also has a spoolie on its end), and a small sharpener. (Can we take a moment to appreciate the inclusion of helpful little tools like the sharpener here, or the reusable metal tube key that comes with the Eyelights? Hat’s off, and deep thanks from someone who will often just stop using a product if I have to buy a separate tool to make it work after a point.)

The brush is G-E-N-I-U-S. Rose-Marie designed the shape intentionally so that the shorter, stockier, thin, round-edged brush would be perfect for enhancing a natural brow. Starting with the brush and the Back2Brow powder, you simply follow the natural arch of your brow line and articulate an eyebrow. You can then use the pencil to either fill in fine areas or add a few lines to mimic individual hairs, using the spoolies throughout the process to brush the hairs and blend the products.

I have no idea how this kit would work for people with actual eyebrows. If you have the kind of textured brows that require pomade, this might be white noise for you. But the name “Back2Brow” is the hint here: As we age, our brows naturally fade. This is who the kit is made for (and also probably those of us who never had much to begin with…). It’s not a brow-tamer, it’s a brow-creator. We both loved it, though Mom said she could do without the pencil.

Legendary Serum Lipstick, Audrey | $36

This one was a pick for me, as my mom doesn’t typically go for a red lip (although she should right?? She looks gorgeous!). I was an instant fan of this lipstick, which feels so natural and wears so beautifully I still can’t believe how much pigment is in the color. It looks almost like suede in the tube, and I was a little worried that it would feel as matte and saturated as it appeared. But it has a slick, easy glide and the color lasts for hours (though I would push back a bit on the 8-hour claim the brand has on their website).

The combination lipstick and stain serum provides a bold, rich lip that feels luscious and hydrating. The one thing I’ll note is that the packaging is not a typical lipstick design: Once clicked, it doesn’t appear to be able to retract back into the tube. The product page says that you’re meant to “Use the tube’s edge as a guide for flawless application.” So rather than clicking the product until you have a thumb-sized portion of lipstick sticking up above the tube, you’re meant to keep the product as airtight as possible, and flush to the opening of the tube. It took a little getting used to, but if you’re looking for a red lip that feels like a nourishing lip oil and wears like a stylish, Parisian-like stain, this is the lip product for you.

Bonus: Deluxe Mini Kakadu Luxe Cream | $25

We received this free mini version of the brand’s Kakadu Luxe Cream as part of a promotion at the time of our order. This stuff is incredible! Rich but not heavy, it feels like it sinks into your skin weightlessly and almost instantly so your face feels refreshed but not sticky. Made with the same GlowPlex powerhouse blend they use in the Super Natural Radiance Serum combined with Kakadu plum, which is known for its high concentrations of Vitamin C, this cream is basically like putting a blended vitamin butter all over your face. It has no fragrance at all, and is KIND TO BIOME certified, so that it is gentle and safe for even the most sensitive skin. We both wanted to keep this one, but I sent it with my mom because I love her and well, I definitely owe her for some of the many items I’ve um, liberated from her own makeup bag over the years.

Final verdict: Does RMS look good on skin of any age?

The TL;DR is YES.

RMS Beauty is a brand helmed by an expert who not only understands how to make a product that is high-performing, clean, and comfortable, but also by someone who isn’t afraid of aging. Rose-Marie has undyed hair and a bold red lip, and she speaks frankly about the changes that occur in our skin without pity, fear, or disgust. She is joyful and matter-of-fact, and her spirit is present in these products.

Everything we tried (apart from the wrong shade of Radiance Serum) was an easy-to-use, high-quality product that felt great and made us look great, even when it pushed us a little bit outside of our comfort zones (hello Eyelights!). These are products designed for people who aren’t trying to cover themselves up or fight their natural features; RMS Beauty products help us to retain a sense of play and fun, while making it possible to gracefully adapt to changes in our aging skin without fear.

We both enthusiastically recommend this brand for any age, and suggest you start with a pop of color to remind you that no matter how your skin changes, you deserve to have fun and make a statement with any look you want.

Stephanie H. Fallon is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She is a writer originally from Houston, Texas and holds an MFA from the Jackson Center of Creative Writing at Hollins University. She lives with her family in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where she writes about motherhood, artmaking, and work culture. Since 2022, she has been reviewing sustainable home and lifestyle brands, fact-checking sustainability claims, and bringing her sharp editorial skills to every product review. Say hi on Instagram or on her website.

The post RMS Beauty Tested On 38 Vs. 65-Year-Old Skin (Review) appeared first on The Good Trade.

Our editors have personally used, researched, and corresponded with natural skincare brands for a decade — these are our top picks of beef tallow products for your skin.

Natural skincare has been on the scene for years, but the back-to-basic skincare used by some of our ancestors is about to have its moment. And if, like us, you crave minimalist and sustainable beauty and skincare options, let us introduce you to the versatility of tallow. While traditionally used as cooking oil, when applied topically to the skin, tallow — rendered pure saturated animal fat mostly from cows — provides a healthy, non-toxic, and highly effective option for nourishing and protecting one of the body’s most essential barriers. We respectfully acknowledge that tallow is not a choice suitable for those embracing a vegan lifestyle — but we also want to point out that when ethically sourced from cattle farms that provide a humane lifestyle for grass-fed cattle, tallow is an incredibly eco-friendly and sustainable way to close the loop on modern regenerative farming, making use of a by-product that may otherwise go to waste.

Why use beef tallow for your skin?

When the natural oils produced by our skin decline due to aging or are stripped for various reasons like environmental factors and harsh soaps and cleaners, our skin craves nourishment and moisture. Tallow-based balms, lotions, soaps, and even makeup can mimic the beneficial and protective oils produced by the skin as part of our first line of defense in our immune system. Tallow is absorbed by the body’s cell membranes, replenishing that moisture and nourishing our skin barrier, which is responsible for warding off harmful bacteria, free radicals, and environmental toxins.

Thanks to its hefty lipid (fatty) composition, tallow provides unparalleled nourishment while also delivering nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K deep within the layers of the skin. This facilitates cell regeneration, elasticity, and healing. Tallow is jam-packed with beneficial triglycerides like oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid, which offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Tallow is gentle and said to be great for all skin types. It is effective in combating fine lines and wrinkles, stubborn skin irritation and redness, and even for tackling common skin issues like psoriasis, acne, and eczema. Also in the plus category, tallow has an incredibly long shelf life, as it can be stored for years without the need for added stabilizers or preservatives. The bottom line is that if you are looking for one skincare product to have in your routine, tallow can offer versatile skincare, whether used alone as the base for other products.

Our criteria:

Our editors have used, researched, and scoured thousands of customer reviews of natural and nontoxic skincare and beauty brands to compile this list of our favorite tallow skincare alternatives. We’ve selected brands that use all clean ingredients without harsh chemicals, are proven to be effective, and have ethical commitments that we love. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet the following criteria.

• NATURAL & NONTOXIC | Each of these tallow products is made with clean, natural, and organic ingredients so you can safely nourish your skin without any of the unnecessary chemicals found in other skincare.
• EFFICACY | We’ve scoured hundreds of customer reviews, read testimonials, and chosen brands that are backed by professionals to ensure each product actually works.
• BRAND ETHICS | We’ve chosen brands that are committed to sustainability and promote other thoughtful business practices. Many of the brands on this list are small businesses owned by women.

If you’re looking to build out your bathroom cabinet with other clean and natural products, take a look at our favorite organic skincare brands and organic makeup brands.

1. Primally Pure

Eco friendly packaging

Grass fed

Handcrafted

Subscriptions available

Woman owned

Best For | Irritated skin
Natural & organic ingredients | Tallow, olive oil, emu oil, unrefined beeswax, essential oils, marshmallow root, calendula flower, rosemary extract, vitamin E
Prices starting at | $30

Primally Pure carries tallow-based products for every age and stage of life, including deodorant and baby products. Primally Pure tallow balms include tallow sourced from a regenerative and organic livestock farm in Southern California. All other ingredients are thoughtfully sourced from farms, forests, and fields, and their products steer clear of added chemicals, fragrances, or fillers. One of the brand’s most popular and versatile products is the Everything Balm, which can be used as the final step in anyone’s minimalist skincare routine. It’s a nutrient-dense moisturizer said to calm irritation and penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. Not only does this balm contain nourishing tallows from grass-fed cows, but it also contains emu oil, which, from personal experience, can calm the peskiest of skin troubles, including rosacea and eczema. All balm reviews claim this one-stop balm has helped reduce redness and the appearance of scars, as well as replenishing moisture. One review goes as far as to call this their “secret weapon.” This balm can be used anywhere at any age, and it’s a great introduction to the beauty of tallow.

Customer Review | “This balm has been such a wonderful addition to my skincare routine. A little goes a long ways and it is a great product for dry skin. I love to put it on before bed. I have been using it for 2 weeks and my skin has cleared up completely.” – Alexis K. (Read more reviews)

2. Lady May

Budget friendly

Family owned

Handcrafted

Best For | Tired eyes
Natural & organic ingredients | Grass-fed beef tallow, beeswax, jojoba, caffeine, olive oil, vitamin E
Prices starting at | $18

Lady May‘s products are good enough to eat. No, really, the origin of their products came via the request of an elderly Lady May restaurant customer who asked them to “whip” some cooking tallow for her to use as a skin application. Lady May sources tallow from a small network of sustainable farms in the Southern United States, each that prioritizes animal welfare and environmental stewardship in order to promote a healthier planet.  Lady May Tallow is hand-whipped and packaged in small batches. Each batch is crafted using a traditional wet rendering method, ensuring the highest quality and purity. Tallow is the primary component in Lady May products, including their tallow balms, beard butter, essential oil-infused eye cream, and lip balm. One of our must-have products — is Lady May’s coffee-bean-infused eye cream, which incorporates caffeine in order to reduce puffiness naturally in addition to softening fine lines, priced at $23.

Customer Review |  “The scent is amazing. Bought this to try and love it. I feel like my skin around the eyes has improved significantly.” – Emily (Read more reviews)

3. Ancestral Cosmetics

Family owned

Handcrafted

Made in the UK

Subscriptions available

Best For | Sun protection and acne 
Natural & organic ingredients | Grass-fed Irish beef tallow, raw Irish honey,  unrefined beeswax, 100% pure essential oils, non-nano Zinc Oxide, cocoa butter, black seed oil
Prices starting at | $29

Ancestral Cosmetics was born out of a husband and wife’s desire to use only clean and natural skincare products on their four children. Now, those same kids are part of the business, packing orders and labeling jars of their tallow-based products. All Ancestral Cosmetic products are made using Irish grass-fed beef tallow, sourced locally from a small regenerative farm. Their signature tallow and honey balm can be used on any part of your body and is suitable to replace body lotion, face cream, day or night cream, or hand cream. Of note is their Tallow Sun Balm, which combines premium tallow with non-nano oxide as a physical barrier to block the sun. It’s one of the cleanest and healthiest alternatives to chemical sunscreen around. Ancestral Cosmetics also carries a Tallow and Black Seed Clarifying Balm that contains black seed oil, which is suitable for managing acne-prone skin. 

Customer Review | “I am a licensed aesthetician in the USA and I absolutely Love the tallow sun balm. Just received the original tallow and am I Loving it too! Thank you for the Awesome, Clean products. 🙂 ” – Cynthia (Read more reviews)

4. Summer Solace

American made

Small business

Woman owned

Best For | Whole-family care
Natural & organic ingredients | Regenerative Tallow® (suet) from certified regeneratively-raised cattle, heritage leaf lard, raw beeswax, calendula, extra virgin olive oil, bentonite clay, wildcrafted essential oils
Prices starting at | $22

Summer Solace is the brainchild of chef Megan Bre Camp, who believes what we put on our body is just as essential as what we put in it. Guided by her indigenous roots, she’s deeply committed to sustainability and its connection to what we put on our skin. Summer Solace offers a collection of handmade, tallow-based balms, soaps, and candles, all handcrafted in Oakland, California. Bre Camp sources beef suet tallow used in her skincare from regional, pasture-raised, grass-finished cattle from Northern California ranchers. The Cacao Rose Lip, Cuticle, and Brow balm are designed to hydrate and soften skin. It includes aromas of jasmine, rose, and magnolia married with cacao to create what she calls an “enchanting” experience for the skin and the senses. The Seele Celtic Sea Salt Scrub is a fan favorite, and it can be used on the face and body as well as on the scalp as a clarifying scalp scrub. The Baby Soft Family balm is made with four organic fats, has a light cacao scent, and is gentle enough for a baby’s skin but also fantastic for the entire family.

Customer Review | “I’m in love with this scrub. The only scrub I use on my face and my skin has never felt better. Also- a surprising benefit… I’ve always had very chapped lips and no chapstick or balm has ever made a difference. This scrub has eliminated any dry skin from my lips and they feel SO GOOD. Will be buying this product for as long as it exists.” -Taylor (Read more reviews)

5. Hello Selah

Handcrafted

Natural materials

Text message availability

Best For | Scented tallow balms
Natural & organic ingredients | beef tallow, jojoba oil, blue tansy, vanilla, essential oils
Prices starting at | $56

Hello Selah‘s tallow products can be praised for their effectiveness through faith and simplicity. The Hello Selah approach with their skincare products is to remain rooted in the idea that nature provides everything we need to look and feel our best. Hello Selah tallow and any other ingredients are ethically sourced and organically grown on small, U.S.-based farms. The grass-fed beef tallow, nutrient-dense botanicals, and organic oils are hand-selected for purity, with the goal of ensuring each product is wholesome and luxurious. In addition to their unscented balm, Hello Selah offers two other thoughtfully scented options, including blue tansy and blood orange vanilla. The company claims a little goes a long way, as each jar is meant to last anywhere from two to four months.

Customer Review | “I love this product I have super sensitive skin and it doesn’t cause breakouts and has made my skin so much softer. It is so hydrating and lays great under my makeup! I definitely recommend this as you can see in my photos my pores and texture look great and before using I was flakey and my pores we noticeable.” – Karsyn G. (Read more reviews)

6. Darlin’ Skincare

American made

Grass fed

Small business

Woman owned

Best For | Relaxing skincare
Natural & organic ingredients | grass-fed beef tallow, magnesium oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, shea butter, essential oils
Prices starting at | $28

Based in Sarasota, Florida, Darlin’ Skincare has a fun cowgirl vibe and aims to celebrate hardworking skin. Owner Suzy struggled with severe skin challenges before turning to pasture-raised tallow and nourishing oils and butter to fortify and heal her skin. Now, her company crafts products using natural ingredients like tallow to promote skin resilience and overall well-being. Darlin’ Skincare uses ethically sourced Wagyu tallow because they consider it to have superior quality and a richer nutrient profile than other tallow – making it ideal for sootihing and restoring skin. Darlin’ offers a great tallow face balm, but other standouts include the magnesium cream – great for nighttime relaxation – and an incredibly convenient lotion bar that can travel far and wide. Darlin’ products also smell delightful, thanks to the addition of essential oils like sweet orange, vanilla, and jasmine. 

Customer Review | “I was skeptical about putting tallow on my face but wow, I’m so glad I made the decision to try the face balm out! My skin feels so hydrated and plump. It’s my favorite part of my night time skincare routine.” – M.P. (Read more reviews)

7. Anml

American made

Budget friendly

Plastic/Pfas free

Subscriptions available

USDA organic

Best For | Lighter moisturizer for warm climates
Natural & organic ingredients | Grass-fed beef tallow, organic cold-pressed jojoba oil, organic blue tansy essential oil
Prices starting at | $15

Anml’s tallow products’ are impressive thanks to their light, airy texture and accessibility. This tallow product comes in a smooth, whipped texture that quickly soaks into the skin — sans any greasy texture. Anml’s tallow is sourced from regenerative farms that raise and process grass-fed and finished cattle. The Anml unscented whipped tallow is perfect for troubled or sensitive skin. Anml also includes an option for whipped tallow that includes blue tansy, an antioxidant-rich flower hailing from the chamomile family that offers anti-inflammatory effects. It also is said to help improve skin texture and speed wound healing. Anml’s whipped tallow balm is suitable for all skin types, including aging, oily, and acne-prone skin.

Customer Review | “Love this tallow so much! So creamy and easy to moisturize onto my face! And does not make your skin look oily! So so good! Highly recommend.” – Karolina B (Read more reviews)

8. Toups & Co

American made

Family owned

Handcrafted

Best For | Travel and lip balms
Natural & organic ingredients | Tallow, emu oil, raw, unrefined beeswax, organic virgin olive oil, organic essential oils, mica (tinted lip balm)
Prices starting at | $14

A coastal Alabama-based husband and wife duo is behind the Toups & Co skincare company. Their best-selling Sweet Girl tallow balm is made with 100% grass-fed tallow, organic virgin olive oil, and organic essential oils, including an aromatic blend of marjoram, chamomile, ylang-ylang, spruce, and frankincense offering not only adequate nourishment but also delivering an intoxicating scent. Toups & Co. carries a line of tallow lip balms, including a merlot-tinted tallow lip balm, which offers nontoxic lip care and color in one easy step. While most tinted lip balms contain chemicals like petroleum and parabens, the Toups & Co tallow lip balm contains only those ingredients that are safe and effective. One of the best products they offer, however, is the tallow stick, which offers convenient tallow care that can follow you anywhere and be used for just about anything from healing wounds to chapped skin.

Customer Review | “I love this tallow stick. I use it on everything, from face to elbows to scratches. This is a necessity!” (Read more reviews)

9. Clara & Fritz

American made

Plastic/Pfas free

Small business

Subscriptions available

Text message availability

Woman owned

Best For | Comprehensive facial care
Natural & organic ingredients | 100% grass-fed beef tallow, organic cold-pressed Italian olive oil, essential oils, beeswax, castor oil, rosehip seed oil, primrose oil
Prices starting at | $20

After struggling with health issues and experimenting with various lifestyle changes and diets, New Jersey-based Clara & Fritz owner Nicole realized the best care for her body was that made in her kitchen by her own hands. The same went for skincare — so she started seeking alternatives in the form of makeup and skincare until she discovered tallow. All Clara & Fritz tallow products are handmade in tiny batches using real ingredients like grass-fed beef tallow sourced from U.S. farms. They are also free of synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, and petroleum. We love the Clara & Fritz capsule skincare kit, which offers a chance to try the comprehensive skin care line via travel-sized containers of four Clara & Fritz essential products to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your face. One of the stand-out products is the tallow-based oil cleanser, which removes makeup by bonding with dirt and oils to lift it off the skin — cleaning pores and balancing oily skin without stripping it of beneficial oils, leaving skin hydrated.

Featured image is from Primally Pure

Randi Donahue is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She is a freelance writer who lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida and is fortunate to live right next to a glorious nature preserve and a few miles from a white sandy beach. She and her family are passionate about nature, health & wellness, and sustainable living and believe the path to a healthy and prosperous life requires authenticity, kindness, and a whole lot of fresh air.

The post 9 Best Tallow Skincare Brands For 2025 appeared first on The Good Trade.

We’ve carried these sustainable handbags and purses everywhere from errands to dinners out — these are our top picks for materials, construction, and price. 👜

As consumers, we’re passionate about knowing whether the people who make our clothes and accessories earn fair wages and work in safe, ethical conditions. Below we’ve compiled a list of our favorite brands that check those boxes — and make gorgeous eco-friendly totes, handbags, and weekenders for everyday use, summer travels, and beyond.

Why carry ethical handbags?

Carrying ethical handbags isn’t just about being trendy — it’s about making a statement with your style. When you opt for ethical handbags, you’re saying no to unethical practices like animal cruelty and exploitative labor. Plus, you’re supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and fair trade practices through conscious fashion choices.

Some of our listed bags and purses are American-made while others are upcycled. The list includes vegan totes and artisan-made handbags, too! (And for second-hand designer bags, check out Vestiaire Collective!)

Our criteria

Our editors have worn, researched, and scoured thousands of customer reviews to select the best brands for sustainable handbags. We regularly update this list with emerging favorites that meet the below criteria.

• SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS | Each of these handbags are made using sustainable materials like upcycled leather, recycled fabrics, and eco-friendly materials, while minimizing waste and excess production in their manufacturing.
• CONSTRUCTION | Artisan craftsmanship and heritage techniques are employed in the making of many of these handbags, ensuring they are durable and long-lasting while looking and feeling luxurious.
• AFFORDABILITY | If you’re on a budget, you’re in luck as we’ve made sure to include affordable sustainable handbag options on this list.
• ETHICS | Each of these sustainable brands are intentional when it comes to sourcing and manufacturing their handbags, employing cruelty-free practices, and ensuring safe and fair working conditions for their employers.

If you’re looking to update more of your wardrobe, check out our fair trade clothing guide, our roundup of sustainable shoe brands, and our ethically made jewelry guide!

Best Overall | Best Vegan | Most Affordable 

1. Sézane

B corp

FSC

GOTS certified

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Bucket bags, raffia bags
Price Range | $160–$475

Sézane creates timeless pieces that also respect the planet and its people. This certified B Corp uses majority natural and sustainable materials, including raffia, chrome-free leather, and cotton, for its gorgeous collection of bags, wallets, and baskets. (Many can also be personalized!) Throughout production, the team’s efforts are powered by renewable energy and sent in eco-friendly packaging (ships internationally). To date, Sézane has gifted more than five million euros to support education and equal opportunity for children.

Shop Sézane

2. Cuyana

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Elegant styles, monogramming
Price Range | $128–$548

Cuyana lives by a simple mantra: “Fewer, better.” The brand believes that style is more important than fashion, and quality trumps quantity. You’ll rarely see our editor without her caramel Easy Tote from Cuyana. (She’s always been a proponent of big bags, and is glad they’re back in style and so, so chic!) Cuyana creates artisan leather bags for the modern person, with soft neutral colors and enough space for just what you need. The brand also believes in one of our favorite concepts — the Lean Closet — and provides a free shipping label (available internationally!) with every domestic online order, so that you can fill a box with used clothes and receive a credit. Be more intentional, sustainable, and live by “fewer, better.”

Cuyana Review | “Just received this bag today. As a writer and teacher, I am always looking for a bag that can carry a book, journal, pens, and whatever else I need to carry. This bag is perfect. While my 13-inch pro laptop fits, the computer’s industrial weight feels too heavy to carry in this purse — let alone any purse. I am glad I settled on this shoulder bag, even though I had been needing a crossbody. However, when I tried on the bag today, the longest shoulder strap length fits comfortably as a short, close-to-the-chest crossbody. I am so glad that I purchased this. It solves all the issues that I had kept encountering as I was looking for the right bag for over a year.” – Natalie (See all reviews)

Shop Cuyana

3. Allégorie

American made

Cruelty free

Fair trade

Natural materials

OEKO-TEX® certified

Small business

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Vegan, plant-based leather
Price Range | $198–$575

Vegan leather made from … food waste? We’re listening! Allégorie creates beautiful wallets and bags from plant-based food byproducts, saving the landfill from an excess of GHG emissions. Materials include apple, pineapple, and cactus, which provide the beautiful texture and feel of leather without harming any animals (or using petroleum-based plastics!). The small batch, women-owned brand makes all their goods in NYC, offering fair wages and full compensation with benefits to their workers in Queens. In addition to their ethical practices and eco-friendly materials, their bags are gorgeous.

Shop Allégorie

4. Quince

Budget friendly

GOTS certified

Natural materials

Vegan

Best For | Affordable leather bags
Price Range | $40–$130

Quince makes “affordable luxury” a reality. Using certifications — like OEKO-TEX, BSCI, and GOTS — as well as sustainable packaging whenever possible, the team refuses to sacrifice ethics and sustainability for affordability. You can find Italian leather and vegan crossbody purses, belt bags, totes, and even toiletry bags and travel jewelry cases to help keep you organized all day long. Ships to the US.

Quince Review | “Great quality product, the leather is really soft. Very versatile, I can see this going with many outfits. it’s big enough to fit all the essentials and still very elegant.” – Emily B. (See all reviews)

Shop Quince

5. Pixie Mood

1% for the planet

BIPOC Owned

Budget friendly

Cruelty free

Plant trees

Recycled materials

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | On-trend vegan bags, wallets
Price Range | $36–$137

Pixie Mood’s handbags are socially responsible, sustainable, and stylish. Since 2010, this brand has crafted functional and fun bags made from recycled and solvent-free vegan leather. Based out of Canada (shipping available to Canada and the US!), Pixie Mood has gained worldwide recognition for its standout products — RFID-equipped wallets and cases, monogrammed pouches, and chic crossbodies. With dozens of styles and every color of the rainbow, you’ll be sporting one of these pieces for years to come.

Pixie Mood Review | “I love my new crossbody bag—perfect size for my phone, a small wallet, and a couple of small misc items. The color I chose, blueberry wrinkled, is fun and great for day-to-day wearing. Thanks, Pixie Mood, for making fashionable vegan bags!” – Kim E. (See all reviews)

Shop Pixie Mood

6. Baggu

Budget friendly

FSC

Recycled materials

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Durable, everyday bags
Price Range | $14–$78

To give you a sense of how much we love Baggu, our Senior Editor uses a Baggu crescent bag daily and totes a reusable Baby Baggu within it. We love the brand’s thoughtful attention to the materials, production, and design (read more here). Baggu’s reusable totes are cut from a continuous piece of nylon material, and then the waste is used to make handy carrying pouches. Its factories in China are audited yearly by a third party, ensuring safe, fair working conditions. You can even send your bag back to be recycled! This is our go-to bag for just about everything — grocery shopping, beach days, road trips, laundry hauls. Hot tip: It makes for the most fun (and affordable!) gift. Worldwide shipping available!

7. ABLE

B corp

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Best For | Handcrafted leather bags
Price Range | $48–$398

Handcrafted with durable leather in Brazil (and a few upcycled leather options as well), ABLE’s versatile handbags, purses, and backpacks are made to last a lifetime. Available in a number of sizes and styles, these bags are designed with organization in mind, helping you stash your must-haves in the available front pockets and interior slots — it’s perfect for your keys, wallet, phone, and makeup. Choose from premium pebbled leather, in a variety of colors for a touch of sophistication to any outfit.  

ABLE Review | “Love This Bag!! Soft leather, unique knotted handles, long strap option. It’s the perfect size and a casual stylish shape, has useful pockets, smooth zippers. It’s my daily bag! People ask where I got it and I love the opportunity to share the ABLE brand with new supporters.” (See all reviews)

8. Stella McCartney

FSC

Recycled materials

Vegan

Woman owned

Best For | Designer vegan totes & shoulder bags
Price Range | $550–$2,650

Since Stella McCartney launched 20+ years ago, the team has never used leather, fur, or any animal byproducts in its luxury line. So while these handbags have the style and sheen of leather, they’re made with solvent-free alternatives instead (and some are woven from sustainable raffia!). Many of the handbags are styled with the recognizable Stella logo, though you can also find chain-lined totes, simple wallets, and printed designs here, too. It’s all luxury for a lifetime. The brand ships internationally.

9. HYER GOODS

Plant trees

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Upcycled leather
Price Range | $165–$355

HYER GOODS was founded by a fashion vet who was dismayed by the amount of waste in the industry. Not wanting to contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions necessary to produce leather and other materials from scratch, the brand instead creates its beautiful designs from the most sustainable materials out there — the ones that already exist! The new HYER GOODS are cut from Luxury Leftovers and made in a female-owned factory in India — the brand has combined new, state-of-the-art manufacturing with obsessive quality control and the most luxe waste yet to bring you the Best of Better Leather (read our review of HYER GOODS for more info on their leather). And because everything is made from waste, it’s all limited edition. Hyer ships internationally.

As for giving back, the brand does that too! HYER GOODS gives 1% of its monthly profits to various organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, the Malala Fund, and Transanta. We love that!

HYER GOODS Review | “I have this bag in glossy red and it is SO beautiful! The material is super sturdy and feels amazing, and it’s a really great weight to sit on my shoulder. It also fits everything I need day to day. Love!” – TW (See all reviews)

10. VIVAIA

BIPOC Owned

Budget friendly

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For | Patterned totes
Price Range | $49–$129

Since 2020, VIVAIA‘s been crafting classy, one-of-a-kind crossbody bags and totes that do good for both you and the planet. Made with recycled plastic bottles, each bag is made without any excessive waste, is mindfully designed to help you stay organized, and is machine washable! These bags look luxe and won’t break the bank, with the highest-priced bag maxing out at $129. Worldwide shipping is available.

VIVAIA Review | “Delighted with the product! Much better quality than I anticipated for the price. I bought it for an overseas travel tote (I put my purse AND little dog in my bag, and use it for shopping!). Lightweight but durable and folds neatly down to put in a suitcase. Lovely pale green/blue color.” – Kristy M. (See all reviews)

The post 9 Sustainable Handbags And Purses We Love For 2025 appeared first on The Good Trade.