Sustainable Beauty: Longevity’s Beauty Guide for Greener Skincare

Over the past few years, consumers have become more aware of the environmental impact of their beauty purchases and behavior. This growing consumer awareness has translated into a simple question: what are we putting on our skin? The demand is so great that it’s entirely changed the trajectory of the beauty market, with some of the world’s most significant legacy cosmetic brands quickly buying up clean beauty brands. In this post, which comes from our annual magazine edition, we share skincare products that offer beauty-conscious, alternative, non-toxic choices for skincare.

A Longevity Clean Beauty Guide

The definition of “clean beauty” appears to differ among brands. Some claim it excludes harmful ingredients such as parabens and phthalates. For others, it’s more holistic, excluding toxic ingredients and embracing vegan and cruelty-free formulations, responsible sourcing, reduced packaging waste, and a lower carbon footprint. In other words, it’s not just about what goes into the bottle, but also how it’s made, used, and eventually – ideally – recycled or biodegraded.

With that, we’re discussing all things green beauty to guide you in making your choices a little cleaner.

1. CLEANSERS

SOTHYS ORGANICS CLEANSING OIL FACE AND EYES

An organic and certified-vegan cleansing oil, it’s enriched with honeysuckle oleo-extract, which boasts soothing, antioxidant-rich properties, and removes impurities without stripping the skin. Grab it here.

ROOT4 CLEANSING ELIXIR

With a prebiotic complex, this cleanser is ideal for even the most sensitive skin microbiome, working to cleanse, soothe, and hydrate. Grab it here.

THE BODY SHOP EDELWEISS CLEANSER

This vegan and cruelty-free hydrating cleanser leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed. It contains edelweiss extract, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Grab it here.

2. MASK

AFRICOLOGY CLAY MASQUE

Using mineral-rich bentonite and kaolin clays, combined with sustainably sourced botanicals such as African potato, marula, and aloe ferox, this paraben-free mask helps to clear impurities, soothe irritation, and balance oil production. Grab it here.

MARY & MAY ROSE HYALURONIC HYDRA WASH-OFF PACK

This vegan and cruelty-free clay mask absorbs excess sebum and skin impurities, hydrates the skin, and reinforces the skin barrier. Grab it here.

FARMSKIN OLIVE FACIAL SHEET MASK

An organic face mask rich in olive oil, it exfoliates and provides healthy elasticity to the skin. Grab it here.

3. DAY CREAM

WELEDA POMEGRANATE & MACA PEPTIDES FIRMING DAY CREAM

It’s infused with organic olive leaf, sesame, and macadamia oil, targeting fine lines and wrinkles, while firming and boosting elastin for youthful skin. Grab it here.

ECO DIVA REJUVENATE CANNA BALM

Powered by full-spectrum hemp, African botanicals, and vitamin-rich plant oils, this balm calms inflammation, repairs damage, and restores harmony to even the most sensitive skin. Grab it here.

ESTÉE LAUDER’S REVITALIZING SUPREME+ YOUTH POWER CRÈME

With 99% naturally derived hibiscus morning bloom extract and moringa extract, this refillable product leaves skin firmer and more resilient. Grab it here.

4. SERUM/FACE OIL

NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE RICHE OIL

Enriched with seven 100% botanical oils, including argan, macadamia, and sweet almond, this vegan, multi-purpose, and lightweight dry oil offers intense hydration, leaving skin and hair feeling soft and radiant. Grab it here.

N°1 DE CHANEL REVITALIZING SERUM

Formulated around the antioxidant-rich red camellia flower, this 95-97% naturally derived serum actively smooths wrinkles and boosts radiance. Grab it here.

L’OCCITANE IMMORTELLE RESET SERUM

Made with 97% natural-origin ingredients and 96% readily biodegradable ingredients, it provides antioxidant protection and helps to restore a youthful appearance. Grab it here.

5. EYE CREAM

DR. HAUSCHKA REGENERATING INTENSIVE EYE SERUM

It combines almond and white poppy oils with extracts of blackthorn blossom and sea buckthorn berry, providing hydration and soothing tightness. Grab it here.

LUMI GLO THE GLO RADIANCE EYE CREAM

This vegan and cruelty-free eye cream plumps fine lines, boosts radiance, and visibly reduces dark circles. Grab it here.

ERBORIAN SKIN HERO EYE

A lightweight, vegan formula that brightens the eye area and reduces the appearance of dark circles. Grab it here.

6. SUNSCREEN

MESOESTETIC MESOPROTECH HYDRA CREAM SPF 50+

This water-resistant and collagen-boosting sunscreen respects both skin and the ocean. It’s free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, sulfates, and mineral oils. Grab it here.

NEOGEN DAY-LIGHT PROTECTION AIRY SUNSCREEN SPF 50

A lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen, it hydrates, soothes, and regulates sebum without harming coral reefs. Grab it here.

COSRX ULTRA-LIGHT INVISIBLE SUNSCREEN SPF50 PA++++

Reef-friendly and cruelty-free, it calms and moisturizes sun-stressed skin. Grab it here.

7. SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

EARTHSAP TEA TREE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

The products help to repair and strengthen damaged or normal hair. Grab it here.

IWORI ROOIBOS DETANGLING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Enriched with antioxidant-rich organic African rooibos extract, they cleanse, soothe, and nourish the scalp, while a unique protective shield guards against free radicals, pollutants, and impurities. Grab it here.

INOAR MY CURL, MY CRUSH SHAMPOO, AND CONDITIONER

Vegan and cruelty-free, they contain vegetal collagen, amaranth oil, jasmine, and vitamin E to deeply hydrate, strengthen the hair shaft, and reduce breakage. Grab the shampoo here and the conditioner here.

8. BODY WASH

GOOD EARTH OLIVE OIL BODY WASH

Enriched with olive oil, it moisturizes and softens while cleansing and protecting the body from dryness. Grab it here.

FARMER ANGUS BEEF TALLOW SOAP

Containing fats that are in similar concentration to the skin’s sebum levels, the soap is gentle and healing, featuring tallow, lye, and buchu to support the health of the skin. Grab it here.

DOWN TO EARTH ALL OVER WASH

Powered by 99% natural-origin ingredients, including soothing aloe ferox, this sulfate-free wash is suitable for the body, face, and hair. Grab it here.

9. BODY MOISTURIZER

KINDNESS CO.’S NATURAL BODY BUTTER

It’s crafted with three nourishing butters: avocado, shea, and cocoa. Grab it here.

THE HONEST COMPANY HYDRATING FACE + BODY LOTION

This lotion nourishes the skin while providing lasting hydration. Grab it here.

APIVITA ROYAL HONEY MOISTURIZING BODY CREAM

Featuring 98% natural-origin ingredients, in addition to oils and butters (olive, almond, shea, and cocoa), it deeply nourishes the skin and soothes irritation. Grab it here.

10. BLUSH

GLOEI SKYLIGHTER MULTI-USE BLUSH BALM

With a vegan and cruelty-free formula, it provides a lightweight and long-lasting flush for the cheeks, lips, and eyes. Grab it here.

ESQ SKINCARE BAOBAB BEAUTY CREME BLUSH

This non-comedogenic blush is infused with baobab oil, mango butter, and olive oil, adding a touch of color while gently nourishing the skin. Grab it here.

LA CRIQUE EYESHADOW & HIGHLIGHTER

Containing 99% natural-origin ingredients and infused with hyaluronic acid, it’s both an eyeshadow and highlighter, illuminating the entire face. Grab it here.

11. EXFOLIATOR

AESOP LUCENT FACIAL REFINER

Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, it gently removes dead skin cells, leaving skin softer and nourished. Grab it here.

DERMALOGICA DAILY MILKFOLIANT

A gentle oat and coconut-based powder exfoliant, it smooths and replenishes and is fully biodegradable. The bottle is made from 50% recycled plastic. Grab it here.

GÈVE DAILY EXFOLIATING ENZYMATIC CLEANSER

This vegan cleanser offers daily enzymatic exfoliation action thanks to a pH-balanced blend of pineapple and papaya enzymes and lactic acid, which dissolves dead skin cells, unclogs pores, smooths rough texture, and reveals softer, more radiant skin instantly. Grab it here.

12. FOUNDATION

ZAO ESSENCE OF NATURE STICK FOUNDATION

Available in four shades, this buildable foundation features a creamy, vegan formula that offers full or lightweight coverage. Grab it here.

INTHUSIASM LIQUID FOUNDATION

Available in eight shades, it offers a non-comedogenic and radiant finish. Grab it here.

LULA FOX MOISTURIZING FOUNDATION

This aloe-based foundation nourishes the skin while providing breathable, lightweight coverage and is available in eight shades. Grab it here.

13. HAND CREAM

LEIF FLANNEL FLOWER HAND BALM

Formulated with Australian flannel flower extract, it promotes softer and more hydrated hands. Grab it here.

MOLTON BROWN ORANGE & BERGAMOT HAND CREAM

This vegan-friendly hand cream is enriched with shea butter and meadowfoam seed oil for lasting moisture and softer hands. Grab it here.

PANIER DES SENS REGENERATING HONEY HAND CREAM

Made with 97% naturally sourced ingredients, including organic honey extract from Provence, shea butter, and propolis, it leaves hands soft and scented. Grab it here.

14. FRAGRANCES

CREED ELADARIA

A fresh and citrusy fragrance, it features top notes of zesty bergamot and juicy grapefruit. The fragrance then develops into jasmine and rose, finishing with musk and sandalwood. The brand donates a tree for every online fragrance order. Grab it here.

MARC-ANTOINE BARROIS ALDEBARAN

This spicy floral scent – with top notes of tuberose absolute, a paprika accord heart, and a mate and tonka bean base – is formulated without preservatives and contains ethically sourced ingredients. Packaging is recyclable. Grab it here.

CALVIN KLEIN EVERYONE

With a vegan formula and 77% naturally derived ingredients, including naturally derived alcohol, this unisex fragrance starts with zesty organic orange oil, before delving into warm black, and settling into warm vetiver. This warm scent comes in a recyclable glass bottle. Grab it here.

14. LIP TREATMENT

SIMPLY BEE LIP BALM STICK

Infused with beeswax and propolis, this natural lip balm provides nourishment to the lips. Grab it here.

GOOP BEAUTY HYDRA-BARRIER GEL GLOSS

It features clean, non-toxic ingredients and not only provides instant hydration but also protects and restores the lips’ barrier function. Grab it here.

MINERAL FUSION SHEER MOISTURE LIP TINT

Offering both color and hydration, this vegan lip tint leaves lips softer, fuller, and firmer. Grab it here.

Read About The Latest In Sustainable Luxury Spas

Over the past few years, consumers have become more aware of the environmental impact of their beauty purchases and the services they choose to support. As such, we’re featuring leading luxury South African spas committed to sustainable beauty therapies.

GRAB A COPY OF OUR LATEST LONGEVITY

This beauty guide, and many other articles, can be found in our latest “Back to the Earth” edition.

From expert insights with Dr. Zach Bush, Dr. Ash Kapoor, Oscar Chalupsky, Dr. Ela Manga, Dr. Maureen Allem, Dr. Anushka Reddy, Dr. Des Fernandes, Dr. Craige Golding, and many more, this issue explores everything from food, clean beauty, sustainable living, fashion, travel, and other mindful choices.

While available nationally in Southern Africa at your nearest Woolworths, Exclusive Books, and selectively at Superspar, Pick’n Pay, Airport lounges, and your local garage shop, you can also buy a digital copy at Zinio.com.