Editor-Approved: These Beauty Products Help Build a More Responsible Beauty Routine
Looking good should not come at the expense of our planet, because these products prove that conscious choices can deliver beautiful results.
There’s an indescribable thrill in opening a new beauty purchase, be it the fresh packaging, the excitement of an untouched pan waiting to be dabbed on, or the possibility of finding a new favorite. It’s certainly a warm, fuzzy feeling that keeps beauty lovers coming back for more. But eventually, that excitement can transform a vanity into a trove of plastic tubes, tubs, jars, palettes, and compacts—a whozits-and-whatzits-galore collection of every size and color.
And while each product may have once sparked joy, it’s worth taking a moment to consider where they eventually go. Have we ever stopped to think about how many of these products end up in the trash after they’ve been loved, used up, or—worse—left unfinished until they expire? It’s a reality many beauty enthusiasts face, but that doesn’t mean every product purchase should come with guilt.
Here at Allure Philippines, as we swatch new shades, swipe on gloss, and tap on shimmer, we are conscious of taking steps toward more thoughtful choices that can help us build more mindful beauty routines without taking away the fun of self-expression.
Read to find out the responsible beauty habits we’re embracing and the editor-approved picks that support those choices. Because looking good and caring for our planet aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, beauty becomes even more meaningful when the two go hand in hand.
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules
Courtesy of Elizabeth Arden / IG: @elizabetharden
Low-waste beauty has long been synonymous with refillable packaging. But the most responsible product is one that leaves nothing behind—not in a landfill, and not on the planet. One of the best serums I recently tried comes in a capsule—and it’s been doing this since 1990. One capsule = one exact dose of ceramide serum. No waste, no guesswork. No over-dispensing, no oxidation. Encapsulated using 100% vegetable and mineral-based materials that degrade back into the environment. No plastic. No microplastic risk. In an era where sustainability is finally the standard, this quietly ahead-of-its-time formula feels more relevant than ever.
Rissa, editor in chief
Issy Créme Juice Stick in Ripe
Courtesy of Issy / IG: @issyandcompany
As a Filipino always on the go, I love multi-use handy products like the Issy Crème Juice Stick which I use as blush, lip cream, and eyeshadow. Instead of buying and bringing around multiple items, this one stick does it all for me, which helps save money and reduce product waste. It has plant-based oils, botanical extracts, and shea butter that nourishes and softens the skin. I frequently go for the shade Ripe as it complements my skin tone perfectly but they also have a lot of other shades available for different moods and skin tones!
Nicole, art director
Dermtropics Raw Coconut + Argan Oil Intensive Hair Conditioner
Courtesy of Dermtropics / IG: @dermtropics
One of my favorite new finds for sustainable beauty products is the Dermtropics Raw Coconut + Argan Oil Intensive Hair Conditioner. I’m very picky with my hair products, especially conditioners, because of my curly hair. This conditioner makes my hair feel soft and smooth, but still able to retain its curls. When the hair product has too many harsh ingredients, it makes my hair dry and brittle. This is why I love how the conditioner uses natural ingredients like organic coconut milk and virgin coconut oil because my hair really reacts well to it. Not only that, but I do respect how they advocate for plastic-free deliveries and biodegradable packaging.
Yeyen, media channels producer
Halia Super Pads
Courtesy of Halia / IG: @halia_co
I have sensitive skin and I used to get rashes from drugstore pads. Halia uses organic bamboo which makes their pads soft, breathable, and comfortable. It handled my heavy days really well and helped my irritated skin. Plus they claim to be 91% biodegradable.
Ambrosia, video editor
GRWM Cosmetics Lip Booze in Hope
Courtesy of Get Ready With Me Cosmetics / IG: @grwmcosmetics
As a morena who’s constantly repurchasing my base products from GRWM, I’m grateful for the brand’s partnership with Envirocycle, since it lets you trade in your empties for a Lip Booze in Hope. Whenever my lips feel dry, the product instantly leaves them feeling soft and smooth (and it also has a pH-adapting formula that gives my lips a natural pink flush). It’s a simple way to reduce waste but encourages customers to make more sustainable beauty choices.
Bianca, editorial associate
Nanny Rose Honey Wax All-Natural Hair Remover
Courtesy of Nanny Rose / IG: @nannyroseph
Body hair is natural, but there are still those who prefer to be hairless in some specific areas of their bodies. Plus, not everyone has the time and resources to book a visit to waxing salons to get the job done, so others prefer doing it themselves. A go-to product of mine is the Nanny Rose All-Natural Hair Remover, which has a DIY kit that makes things easier. Included in the kit are reusable cloth strips, which can be washed and used repeatedly for different waxing times. I love using it because not only is it economical, but my skin doesn’t react negatively whenever I do the wax by myself.
Gelene, beauty writer
The Sun People Sun Seeker SPF 50+ PA++++ Face and Body Sunscreen Lotion
Courtesy of The Sun People / IG: @wearethesunpeople
I really like how this sunscreen dries down on my skin. It works well as skin prep since it feels non-sticky and leaves a smooth finish. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, and I’m usually careful with new products, but my skin adapted to it without any issues. I also appreciate that it’s reef-safe! The perfect sunscreen for the beach, making it a mindful choice that helps reduce potential impact on coral reefs and marine ecosystems while protecting my skin.
Sacha, multimedia artist
Saie Glowy Super Gel in Starglow
Courtesy of Saie Beauty / IG: @saiebeauty
I’ve been on a personal mission to trim my makeup routine and be more mindful of the amount of products I keep in my vanity, and the Saie Glowy Super Gel in Starglow allows me to have a base illuminator, a highlighter, and a body glow in one tube. And I know there’s a huge hullabaloo about glitter not being safe for the environment, but this product delivers that luminous glow I want without traditional glitter. Plus, it does not have environmentally harmful ingredients like phthalates and sulfates. It’s no surprise that this earned them an Allure US Best of Beauty Award for Clean Makeup.
Liam, wellness writer
Lush Body Spray in Dirty
Courtesy of Lush Cosmetics / IG: @lushcosmeticsph
When we talk about sustainable beauty, shampoo bars and reef-safe sunscreen tend to be top of mind, and perfume rarely makes the cut. We spray perfume on our skin every day, which is why we should be more mindful of its contents. My go-to eco-conscious product is the Lush Body Spray in Dirty, a fragrance built on naturally derived and safe synthetic ingredients. It’s also completely cruelty-free. Lush doesn’t test finished products on animals, and they only work with suppliers who don’t either. This is my favorite Lush scent, Dirty. Contrary to its name, it actually gives off a very clean, laundry-fresh smell. Usually, scents in this profile don’t tend to last long, but I get a lot of compliments when I wear this to work. That’s why it climbed its way up to the top of my scent list. It’s proof that sustainability can smell as good as it feels!
Mikiyo, multimedia artist
Frequently Asked Questions
A more responsible product reduces waste through verifiable design — multi-use formats, refill or empties programs, single-dose packaging, or reusable tools. Vague labels like “biodegradable” or “reef-safe” are often unverified brand claims, so prioritize mechanisms you can confirm over marketing language.
Yes. A single multi-use cream stick used as blush, lip color, and eyeshadow replaces several separate products, cutting both packaging and unfinished product. It also travels lighter — a practical option for Filipinas building a pared-down, lower-waste routine without losing versatility.
No. “Reef-safe” is not a regulated term and carries no standardized definition. When choosing sunscreen for Philippine beaches, check the actual filter list, SPF, and PA rating rather than the label alone, and confirm claims against independent formulation information.
Empties trade-in programs let you return used packaging in exchange for a product or reward, diverting containers from disposal and encouraging refill habits. GRWM Cosmetics’ Envirocycle partnership is one example — a verifiable mechanism rather than a vague sustainability slogan.
Not automatically. Biodegradability depends on specific conditions and local waste infrastructure, and self-reported figures — like a “91% biodegradable” label — are brand claims, not certifications. Look for third-party verification and detail on how and where the material breaks down before treating it as fact.
