Art by Stephany Torres for Remezcla
Your beauty and skincare routine is a cherished act of self‑care that just makes you feel good after a long day, but you’re also mindful that every new product also creates waste that could linger in landfills for decades.
With this being Earth Month, and Earth Day on April 22nd, you’re in luck, because there’s a crop of “It Girl” Latina owned brands that have made it their mission to create zero – or close to zero – waste beauty products. These are brands that go all in on their eco friendliness and that offer products beautiful enough to make them your go-to picks.
This brand, owned by Mexican-American Ericka Rodriguez, is a rarity in that it is one hundred percent plastic free. Axiology Beauty’s Balmies come in cute little paper containers, but you’ll also love what’s inside them because they’re packed with soothing, hydrating ingredients like organic hemp oil, in a gorgeous variety of vibrant colors. I have a Balmie in every purse.
Most liquid shampoos come in bottles that can remain in a landfill for hundreds of years, but a single solid bar is sold in a paper box, cutting dozens of bottles per person per year. Nevermind that a bar doesn’t need as much water as liquid shampoo. Owned by first gen Mexican-American Olivia Sanchez, Sudz Cauldron is a plant-based brand that offers shampoo & conditioner bars in fully compostable pouches that actually work for all kinds of hair. I’m also a big fan of their deliciously scented seasonal lotion bars, which you’ll find me applying to my hands and arms all day long. My fave is the wildflower.
Angelica Romero is a Colombian-American founder who created Pyra Beauty, a clean beauty foundation that offers a unique shade for every skin tone, with a shea butter foundation and low waste paper packaging. Her heavenly loose powder vegan illuminator is…pure heaven.
Mexican American Sandra Velasquez’s brand Nopalera has created true powerhouse products that generate little waste through minimal packaging, sustainable materials, and a dedication to reduce single-use plastics. Her original botanical lotion melts into your skin without being greasy and the cactus soap, infused with charcoal and cactus fibers, are great for oily skin.
Created in 2015 by founders Des and Zal from Puerto Rico, Necromancy Cosmetica is one of the most unique brands in the market right now. They offer a refillable lipstick in a bamboo case with no separate box that’s 80% recycled. The deep blue Purple Hex lipstick and the mauve nude from the I Am Not A Witch collection, and their Gothic Romance Palette offer super unique colors. Visit their brick and mortar store next time you’re in PR.