Remi Chauveau Notes
Ireland's beauty industry is embracing sustainability, with both local and global ethical brands offering refillable, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious makeup that enhances skin health while reducing environmental impact.
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Sustainable Glow: Ethical Makeup 💄 ✨️ Brands That Care for Your Skin

14 May 2025
@kinvaraskincare Skincare that Is Good, Does Good and Feels Good 🌼💚 @Provenance #provenancepartner #kinvaraskincare #naturalskincare #plantpoweredskincare #vegan #skinimalism #sustainableskincare #irishskincare ♬ original sound - Kinvara Skincare


Ireland is witnessing a beauty revolution—one that prioritizes sustainability, ethical practices, and high-performance cosmetics without compromise.

As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of traditional beauty products, the demand for cruelty-free, organic, and eco-conscious makeup has surged.

The modern Irish beauty enthusiast is looking beyond aesthetics, seeking products that nourish the skin while protecting the planet. Ethical makeup brands are stepping up, offering innovative formulas that use refillable packaging, natural ingredients, zero-waste production, and carbon-neutral operations. From homegrown Irish innovators to global leaders redefining sustainable beauty, here’s a comprehensive look at the brands driving this shift.

Irish Ethical Makeup Brands: Homegrown Innovation

Sculpted by Aimee – Luxury Meets Sustainability in Ireland

Founded in 2016 by Irish makeup artist Aimee Connolly, Sculpted by Aimee has become a powerhouse in sustainable beauty. Starting with just €10,000 in savings, Connolly built an empire that now generates €22.23 million in annual revenue.

From refillable palettes and plastic-free packaging to skin-enhancing formulas, the brand exemplifies modern ethical beauty. The Second Skin Foundation (€32) is a favorite among Irish consumers, offering hydration without harsh chemicals.

Pestle & Mortar – Irish Minimalism for Conscious Beauty

Founded in 2014 by Sonia Deasy, Pestle & Mortar is an Irish beauty brand revolutionizing skincare and cosmetics. Its clean beauty ethos ensures no parabens, synthetic fillers, or silicones.

The Hyaluronic Acid Serum (€48) is a global bestseller, driving expansion into Harvey Nichols Hong Kong, Russia, UAE, and Australia. With sustainability at its core, Pestle & Mortar continues redefining ethical skincare in Ireland.

Kinvara Skincare – Galway’s Organic Beauty Pioneer

Established in 2012 by Joanne Reilly, Kinvara Skincare is rooted in botanical science and sustainability. This Galway-based brand champions biodegradable packaging, cruelty-free formulations, and organic skincare.

Their Absolute Cleansing Oil (€25) has gained popularity among Irish consumers seeking 100% plant-based alternatives for gentle yet effective cleansing.

Nunaïa – Soil to Skin, Amazonian Beauty Meets Ireland

Founder Nicola Connolly developed Nunaïa after working extensively with indigenous communities in Ecuador and Peru. The brand follows a "Soil to Skin" ethos, ensuring ethical ingredient sourcing and eco-friendly packaging.

Their Nourishing Radiance Serum (€65) harnesses the power of Amazonian superfoods, providing deep nourishment with minimal environmental impact.

Oxmantown Skincare – Handcrafted Excellence from Dublin

Established in 2022, Oxmantown Skincare operates from Stoneybatter, Dublin. COSMOS-approved ingredients ensure the highest standards in organic, cruelty-free formulations.

The Pink Clay Exfoliating Mask (€23) brightens and revitalizes the skin while promoting low-waste beauty.

The Burren Perfumery – Ireland’s Sustainable Beauty Treasure

Operating from Clare since 1995, The Burren Perfumery crafts organic perfumes and skincare, with zero synthetic preservatives.

CEO Sadie Chowen leads the brand, which has €1.3 million in total assets, highlighting its financial sustainability alongside its environmental consciousness.

Global Ethical Makeup Brands Popular in Ireland

Elate Beauty – Refillable Makeup for a Greener Future

Founded in 2014 by Melodie Reynolds, this Canadian brand generates $12.7 million in revenue. It’s famed for bamboo-encased refillable makeup, reducing waste while maintaining luxury-quality performance.

PHB Ethical Beauty – UK-Based Vegan Makeup

Established in 2011, PHB Ethical Beauty focuses on vegan, cruelty-free formulations, but has faced financial instability. Despite challenges, their Pressed Mineral Foundation (€28) remains popular in Ireland.

Lavera – German Organic Makeup with Irish Popularity

Founded in 1987, Lavera operates with 100-250 employees, generating $5-25 million in revenue. Its plant-based lipsticks (€18) have become favorites among Irish consumers.

Dr. Hauschka – Biodynamic Beauty Rooted in Germany

Established in 1935, Dr. Hauschka integrates biodynamic farming into its cosmetics. CEO Marrian Raphaely oversees $10-100 million in annual revenue.

Axiology – Zero-Waste Lip Products for Conscious Consumers

Axiology, founded in 2018, has raised $2.17 million in funding, with operations in Vilnius, Lithuania. Their Balmies (€13) are a plastic-free alternative to traditional lipsticks.

Ere Perez – Botanical Makeup for Sensitive Skin

Founded in 2004 by Juan Jose Perez, Ere Perez operates with $5 million in revenue and 35 employees. Their Oat Milk Foundation (€38) is ideal for sensitive skin, combining botanical hydration with ethical sourcing.

Kjaer Weis – Refillable Luxury Makeup

Founded in 2010 by Kirsten Kjaer Weis, this Danish luxury brand offers refillable metal compacts, cutting down single-use waste. It operates from New York with 38 employees.

Lush Cosmetics – Handmade, Plastic-Free Beauty

Founded in 1995 by Mark and Mo Constantine, Lush operates 857 stores globally, generating £816.8 million annually. Its biodegradable lipstick refills (€14) align with Ireland’s eco-conscious beauty movement.

Beautycounter – Non-Toxic Formulations with Billion-Dollar Success

Founded in 2011, Beautycounter was acquired for $1 billion by Carlyle Group. With $1.5 billion in revenue, the brand is a leader in high-performance sustainable beauty.

Alima Pure – Mineral Makeup for Ethical Consumers

Established in 2004, Alima Pure operates with $11 million in revenue and 16 employees. Their Loose Powder Foundation (€32) appeals to Irish consumers who seek breathable, non-toxic coverage.

Gabriel Cosmetics – Marine Botanical Beauty

Founded in 1992 by Gabriel De Santino, this plant-based brand generates $9.3 million in revenue, with ethical beauty as its core mission.

100% Pure – Fruit-Pigmented Makeup for a Natural Glow

Established in 2005 by Ric Kostick, 100% Pure operates with $25-100 million in revenue and 100-250 employees. Its berry-pigmented lip gloss (€20) is a hit among Irish beauty lovers.

Hynt Beauty – Non-Toxic Formulations for Conscious Consumers

Founded by Meryl Marshall, Hynt Beauty has $24 million in revenue. Their Concealer (€24) blends skin-friendly ingredients with a commitment to sustainability.

Vapour Beauty – Organic Ingredients with Sustainable Packaging

Founded in 2009, Vapour Beauty was based in Taos, New Mexico, but has since ceased operations—leaving a lasting impact on sustainable beauty.

Conclusion: Ethical Beauty is Ireland’s Future

Ireland is at the forefront of the sustainable beauty revolution. With both local innovators and global leaders offering high-performance, eco-conscious makeup, Irish consumers can enjoy luxury without guilt.

Ethical beauty is not just a trend—it’s a movement. By choosing brands that prioritize sustainability, cruelty-free ethics, and skin health, consumers play an active role in shaping a greener future for cosmetics.

From refillable foundation compacts to zero-waste lipstick, every purchase is a step towards a more sustainable beauty industry. And in Ireland, the demand for conscious cosmetics is only growing.

🌿 #SustainableBeauty 💄 #EthicalMakeup 🌍 #EcoFriendlyCosmetics ✨ #ConsciousBeauty 🧴 #GreenBeautyRevolution 🐰 #CrueltyFreeMakeup ♻️ #ZeroWasteBeauty 🍃 #OrganicCosmetics 💚 #CleanBeautyMovement 💫 #RefillableMakeup

Brainy's Sustainable Nook

The Hidden Cost of Beauty: Mica’s Ethical Dilemma
One fascinating insight about sustainable makeup is the hidden environmental impact of mica, a mineral used in many cosmetics for its shimmer and glow. While ethical brands often promote cruelty-free and organic ingredients, few discuss the human cost of mica mining. In certain parts of India and Madagascar, mica mining is linked to child labor and unsafe working conditions, raising ethical concerns about ingredient sourcing—even for brands committed to sustainability. To combat this, some ethical beauty brands are shifting to synthetic mica, also known as synthetic fluorphlogopite, which offers the same radiant effect but is lab-made without environmental or human exploitation. However, not all "clean" brands have transitioned, making it crucial for consumers to check ingredient transparency when choosing truly ethical makeup.

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