I am no beauty blogger, but I know that what you put on your face matters. Choosing the right skin care option for you can be a life long mission, especially when you are looking for low waste natural skincare options.

Over the past few years, I have trialled natural moisturisers, sustainable oils, organic skincare, eco serums, and low waste lotions. I thought it would be a disservice to watch you waste money while trying out the crap ones, so here is a review of 17 low waste natural skincare brands that are available in New Zealand; better for the environment and for you.

I couldn’t do this myself (I was going wild from product trial overload), so I enlisted my sister, my mum, and friends to help. Refer to the reviewer’s name listed beneath each product to know who is talking.

Note: Some of these products were gifted, some were purchased. All words are honest.

Corbin Rd. Multivitamin Restorative Face Oil

Cost per 10ml: $19.30.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? No.

Packaging can be reused? Not readily.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Kate.

I love this oil. It’s simple, it’s not overpowering, and it’s something I would use again. The ingredients are luxurious (kawakawa oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil, cannabis sativa seed oil etc.) and I could tell my skin loved it. The instructions say 3-4 drops, but you only need 2-3 for a light coverage that goes easily under makeup too. This non toxic skin care is a winner.

Buy it here.

Aleph “The One” Moisturiser

Cost per 10ml: $20.00.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? Send the empty jar back to Aleph to reuse.

Packaging can be reused? See above.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Kate

This could easily be the only skincare product I use going forward. A little goes a long way, my skin feels instantly nourished after using it - it really lives up to it’s name. This is probably my favourite product in this whole list. The smell is subtle. I personally like moisturiser in a tube too so I can simply swipe my finger through and apply.

Buy it here.

Agnes + Me Face Cream

Cost per 10ml: $9.30.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? Tub can, top cannot.

Packaging can easily be reused? Yes.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Nicky (mum).

The first impression of this low waste natural skincare was of the delicious smell. It’s a cute wee container (60ml) and is what it says on the label – rich, nourishing, ultra-hydrating. It applied easily – you didn’t need much. It felt a much more substantial cream than what I’d been using previously (Tailor Moisture). I enjoyed using it. My skin is probably in the “normal” range with regards to its oiliness. This face cream would be fabulous for people who work outdoors in the weather or have very dry skin. It was possibly a bit too moisturising for me (or maybe I needed to apply a little less?)

Buy this if:

You love the scent

You need a rich moisturiser

You have normal to dry skin

You’d value a small, easy to travel glass container

2nd Reviewer: Georgia (sister).

This was certainly a luxuriously moisturising face cream, it felt super deem nourishing on my skin. I have combination skin - oily in some spots and dry in others, and it evened out everything pretty well. I enjoyed the smell and the consistency, and you didn’t have to apply too much. It was maybe a bit too decadent for my skin, but I think would be perfect for people with dry skin as it really seeps in and moisturises. Love the glass container and packaging, means it is reusable!

Buy it here.

Ethique ‘Quench’ Lightweight Solid Moisturiser

Cost per 10ml: $6.90.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? Rip up the cardboard box and put it in your compost bin.

Packaging can be reused? Reuse the box or compost it as per above.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Kate

I love the simplicity of this bar. It’s in a different format to your usual moisturiser; it’s a concentrated bar in a cardboard tube that you swipe onto your face. It’s functional and easy to apply exactly how much you want to your skin. Again, I like a subtle scent for my low waste natural skincare products so this ticks that box (the scent is barely there). The cost per use is incredibly affordable and this would be my preference when travelling too as the packaging is so light and the moisturiser cannot spill.

Buy it here.

Aleph Serum

Cost per 10ml: $48.00

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? Send the empty vial back to Aleph to reuse.

Packaging can be reused? See above.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Kate

While this organic skin care shouldn’t replace your main natural moisturiser, it’s an absolute essential in my skincare routine. After all these trials, the serum is one I will continue to use. It doesn’t smell, isn’t oily (like most serums), and is great to use before applying foundation. I use a heavier moisturiser at night time, then use the serum in the morning.

Buy it here.

Agnes + Me Face Oil

Cost per 10ml: $14.60.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? Bottle can, dropper cannot.

Packaging can be reused? Potentially if you wanted to use it as a oil dropper again.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Nicky (mum).

I have never used a face oil before and this was easy peasy (as long as you didn’t let the dropper drop oil on anything else before it reached your hands!). I felt like after applying (which took only seconds), it gave me a nice healthy glow. It was also the easiest to apply my Aleph Beauty make up over. No smell.

Buy this if:

You need organic skincare that assists the spread of foundation

You want a natural moisturiser that lasts a long time

You like the ease of one application of only a few drops

2nd Reviewer: Georgia (sister)

I used to use face oils quite often but had stopped for a while until this face oil. This is definitely a macadamia smell which is quite nice, however I found it clogged my nose pores a bit. I already have issues with this area, my nose is definitely the oiliest spot on my face and I think this mix didn’t quite go together. Again, it is something I’d recommend to someone who has less congested skin/drier skin. Packaging is super cute and I especially love the cover that you can put over the nozzle, make its great for travelling with.

Buy it here.

Skin Reset Emma Lewisham

Cost per 10ml: $50.60.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? Not in curbside recycling, but can be in the Emma Lewisham Beauty Circle.

Packaging can be reused? Yes. You can purchase a refill of this product - a pre used bottle that has been sterilised and refilled.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Nicky (mum).

This non toxic skin care looked the most fancy in a purple box with pink inset and a purple pump bottle. It had a pleasant smell and applied easily. I’d definitely use this as an everyday moisturiser but I’d have to be honest and say I didn’t notice my skin getting a bright or even toned look. Sadly, no one told me that I was looking less wrinkly either (both claims on the box). But this was probably suited more to my skin for everyday use.

Buy this if:

Your budget has no limits

You like a pump bottle

You want an everyday easy, non oily natural moisturiser.

Buy it here.

Tailor Moisture - Everyday Moisturiser

Cost per 10ml: $6.55.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? No, but shouldn’t be recycled as you can purchase refills that come in a home compostable pouch.

Packaging can be reused? Yes, the idea is to refill the same one over and over.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Nicky (mum).

Easy to apply with a small 100ml pump bottle. This natural moisturiser is very light and non smelling. Not very oily so good for people with oily skin. Absorbs quickly into the skin.

Buy this if:

Your budget is a consideration

You like a pump application bottle

You want a light non oily moisturiser

Buy it here.

Ethique Saving Face Serum

Cost per 10ml: $6.90.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? Composted in your home compost bin.

Packaging can be reused? Yes.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Georgia (sister)

This was a winner for me. First off, the smell is AMAZING, I can’t get enough of it. With all the Ethique moisturisers I have, I notice a similar feeling of it really locking in all the good nutrients and oils on my skin when I apply it, meaning it isn’t just adding unnecessary bulk to my skin. It’s very cohesive and doesn’t feel too heavy. I love the application, using the bar is actually quite fun. Waste free packaging is an absolute win.

Buy it here.

Linden Leaves Essential Facial Moisturiser

Cost per 10ml: $5.99.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? No.

Packaging can be reused? Nope.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Kate.

To be honest, I used it once then said I would never use it again. I really didn’t like the smell, and when you’re putting it on your face, smell matters A LOT. However, when I told Linden Leaves my negative review, they suggested mixing it with the Linden Leaves Miraculous Facial Oil. Reluctantly, I gave this a go. The combo was a winner! I started to love the process of putting the moisturiser on the back of my hand, then dropping 2 drops of the oil onto it and mixing it together. The combo has surprisingly become a favourite.

Buy it here.

Linden Leaves Miraculous Facial Oil

Cost per 10ml: $21.66.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? No.

Packaging can be reused? Not easily.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Kate

This product seems too thick and heavy on it’s own, though might be okay to use solo if you have dry skin. Paired with the Linden Leaves Essential Facial Moisturiser, it’s a treat (see above).

Buy it here.

Linden Leaves Regenerating Night Cream

Cost per 10ml: $6.49.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? No.

Packaging can be reused? No.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Kate

I wouldn’t rave about this natural skin care product, but I also would consider buying it again for sure. I personally love using a thicker moisturiser at night time, so the product can do it’s thing and I don’t have to use much during the day. This is a great overnighter, and is supposed to be good for sensitive skin too (I don’t have sensitive skin, so I cannot comment on if this is true or not).

Buy it here.

Matakana Skincare Night Cream

Cost per 10ml: $6.50.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? Tub can, lid cannot.

Packaging can be reused? Yup! Could use for lots of different things.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Courtney.

My friend Courtney trialled the night cream from this non toxic skin care brand. If you have dry skin, use it as a lovely overnight remedy. If you are prone to oily skin and breakouts, don’t use it. It’s locally made, and smells delish. A proper treat for dry skinned humans.

Buy it here.

Antipodes

Cost per 10ml: $8.67.

Packaging can be recycled in NZ? The glass tub, not the lid.

Packaging can be reused? Yes.

Made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reviewer: Amanda.

I was skeptical about this organic skin care when I first tried it. I was using moisturising lotion bars exclusively for the past few years, and I didn't really buy into the product marketing of the Antipodes gel. It was my partner who was quick to make the switch after his regular lotion ran out. He liked how smooth and light it was to put on, and it worked nicely with his stubble. The gel is great at keeping my face hydrated throughout the day, I have especially dry skin and notice when I forget to put it on. The product doesn't have any SPF, so I wear it in combination with a face sunscreen. The packaging is minimal, there is a soft plastic wrapper on the outside, and the jar is glass, which we reuse when it's empty.

Buy it here.

Low Waste Natural Skincare Q&A

What is the best sustainable packaging for skincare?

If it can be returned to the company and kept in their resource pool, that’s ideal! Aleph are a great example of this. I save up all my empties and then send them a bundle when I have a box full. The next best is something that can be reused in your own life; like a jar that could hold your spices. If it cannot be reused or returned to the company to be reused, the best sustainable packaging is something that can be recycled in your area. In Aotearoa New Zealand we can recycle plastics 1,2, and 5 in our curb side bins. We can also recycle glass and many councils have a separate bin for glass too (which is ideal!). Avoid packaging that is a combination of materials, for example when wooden caps are fused with plastic rims, they cannot be recycled.

What is zero waste skincare?

Zero waste skincare refers to the practice of minimising waste in skincare routines by using products with sustainable packaging, reducing single-use items like cotton pads, and opting for DIY or refillable options. It emphasises environmentally friendly choices that prioritise natural ingredients, reusable containers, and minimal packaging.

Are natural skincare products better?

Yes! Natural skincare products are better for our skin, our bodies, and for the environment.

What is low waste natural skincare?

Low waste natural skincare involves using skincare products made from natural, sustainable ingredients, and packaged in minimal or compostable packaging to reduce waste. Low waste natural skincare focuses on environmentally conscious choices that are simple, sustainable, and use non-toxic ingredients to promote healthier skin and a healthier planet.

Note: This article was linked in Twinkl's Eco-Friendly and Sustainability campaign (yay!) and is part of their article ‘Some great ideas to be more sustainable in 2021’.