By Katherine Martinko / Source: TreeHugger

Elate Cosmetics

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Elate Cosmetics are made in Canada, using non-toxic ingredients that are safe for your skin. The products are certified cruelty-free by PETA, gluten-free, and vegan. They come in sustainable packaging, such as wooden-handled lip glosses, glass jars, and minimalist cardboard envelopes for pressed powders and eye shadows. Free shipping throughout North America on all orders over $100.

Au Naturale

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The founder of Au Naturale was inspired to make her own cosmetics after finding that her own skin reacted to leading brands’ products. Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Au Naturale has grown into a well-established company that manufactures fresh cosmetics on a daily basis. They contain no preservatives, are vegan, non-nano, free from gluten and animal testing. Made with organic ingredients. Order online.

Revescent

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With the lack of regulation that exists in the cosmetics industry, it’s important to know exactly what’s in the products you buy. Revescent prides itself on selling only products that are rated ‘Low Hazard’ or ‘Low Concern’ on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Guide. It does not make its own line, but rather sources cosmetics from other companies to create a full range of makeup and natural nail polish, as well as some skin care products.

Gabriel Cosmetics

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Made in the USA, Gabriel Cosmetics are non-toxic, gluten- and lead-free, vegan, and free from preservatives (grapeseed extract is used instead). The mica used in eyeshadow powders is fair-trade; the nail polish is 5-free (meaning it does not contain the five usual culprits found in conventional polish). Gabriel’s mascara comes recommended by Gillian Deacon, author of bestseller There’s Lead In Your Lipstick.

Lavera5

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Lavera is a German company that sells internationally. Germany’s standards for chemical use are much stricter than in North America, so you know you’re getting a safer, cleaner product by purchasing anything made there. Lavera sells a wide range of cosmetics that are formulated without parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals. I like their mascara a lot, although it’s much lighter than most drugstore varieties – perfect for everyday wear. You can order online, or look for it at local retailers.

Ecco Bella

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The name of this company, Ecco Bella, translates from Italian as “Behold Beautiful!” It was founded in 1992 by Sally Malanga, who was fed up with the cruel exploitation of animals by the cosmetics industry. She wanted an ethical, compassionate alternative at a time when few other companies were paying attention to these issues. Ecco Bella, which manufactures its cosmetics in the USA, does not allow microbeads in any of its products. It also features something unusual called ‘flower wax’, which is the same coating on flower petals infused in the makeup.

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