Sally Foran: Sustainable Irish brands worth adding to your beauty routine

Greenwashing is a part of the beauty industry, but sustainability is woven into the identity of these Irish companies, writes Sally Foran

Thu, 21 May, 2026 - 11:08

Sally Foran

As May is sustainability month here at the Irish Examiner, I thought it would be a good opportunity to highlight some of my favourite Irish brands playing their part. From innovative packaging solutions to ethical sourcing, these homegrown brands are proving that luxury, environmental responsibility, and effectiveness can go hand in hand.

1. Voya Renewal eyes

Luxury organic seaweed skincare brand Voya became a Certified B Corporation on its very first attempt, underlining how deeply its founding values of sustainability, care, and integrity are woven into every aspect of the business.

Seaweed remains at the heart of Voya and is hand-harvested from the Atlantic by eye — never by machine — to protect regrowth, preserve biodiversity, and harness its natural ability to act as a powerful carbon sink, benefiting people and planet alike.

The Sligo-based company is committed to using environmentally responsible materials across its products and packaging, including recycled, recyclable, biodegradable, and glass options to reduce waste and protect the environment. Its carton packaging uses FSC certified pulps with its own harvested seaweed, and packing chips are 100% biodegradable and dissolve in water.

Try: Voya’s 100% organic seaweed eye masks, Renewal Eyes, hydrate, reduce puffiness, and refresh tired eyes instantly. The best part? They’re reusable.
€42, voya.ie

2. Kinvara Skincare

Sustainability has been woven into Kinvara Skincare from the beginning, supported by founder Joanne Reilly’s background in conservation ecology.

The Galway brand describes its approach as “people, plants, and planet”, and this is evident in use of concentrated, often waterless blends, cold-processed oils, and high levels of plant actives. For packaging, they use glass, sugarcane-based tubes, and PCR packaging, with measured pumps and dispensers to reduce mess, overuse, and waste — while refill solutions, reduce plastic waste by over 85%.

The brand works with Greenspark, supporting environmental projects such as plastic waste collection, cook stoves in Malawi, mangrove and kelp restoration, and tree planting.

Try: The Eye Wow Serum features a cooling eye roller ball formulated with a blend of botanical actives, including hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing cucumber extract and circulation-boosting coffee and horse chestnut, to visibly brighten dark circles, smooth fine lines and reduce puffiness.
€30.95, kinvara.ie

3. Doctrine Skinware

Sustainability is embedded into every stage of product development at Doctrine Skincare — from ingredient sourcing and formulation to packaging and production.

With a diploma in sustainability and climate action for enterprise, the Tipperary-born, Cork-based cosmetic formulator and founder Tracey Ryan leads sustainability strategy, ensuring careful consideration of ingredient sourcing, packaging choices, and environmental impact.

Try: The Divinity Cleansing balm effortlessly melts away make-up and impurities, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and never stripped. Plus, it feels like a luxurious spa experience thanks to its calming scent.
€42, doctrine.ie

4. Tan Organic

Tan Organic combines ethical formulations with environmentally conscious business practices. As the world’s first tan brand to achieve B Corp certification, they meet high standards for social and environmental impact, having been independently verified and achieving the highest ever score in its B Corp category.

They use vegan and organic ingredients, reducing reliance on animal- derived components, and aligning with cleaner formulation standards. They avoid unnecessary plastic packaging by using recyclable glass bottles and biodegradable bamboo packaging. For every bottle sold, they remove a pound of plastic from the ocean.

Try: The self-tan oil hydrates as it tans with nourishing plant oils, which ensure an even fade off. Somehow, it doesn’t smell either. Foolproof to apply, you can even scrap the mitt and just use your hands (just don’t forget to wash them after!).
€30, tanorganic.ie

5. Holos skincare

This conscientious brand is vegan, cruelty-free, and committed to using ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced. Its packaging is thoughtfully designed, using widely recyclable materials such as glass and aluminium, while all delivery packaging is paper-based. They believe in reducing and reusing first, and only recycling where those options aren’t possible, so they collect boxes and packaging from other businesses to reduce waste.

Having worked with them as a brand ambassador, I know they only work with partners who are open about their practices, sourcing, vegan and testing credentials, and involvement in replanting or farming initiatives — prioritising small and local suppliers where possible.

Try: I don’t think there’s anything the anti-ageing oil doesn’t do for the skin, from softening lines to reducing redness, fading hyperpigmentation and even helping concealer sit better.
€30, holos.ie

6. Fréamh

An Irish-made sustainable spa brand exclusively available in spas across the FBD Hotel and Resorts portfolio.

Fréanmh is the Irish word for ‘root’, and reflects grounding, balance, and a deep connection to the natural rhythms of our island. The brand believe that caring for ourselves goes hand in hand with caring for the world we live in. Their commitment to sustainability touches every stage of the journey, from how ingredients are sourced, to the design of packaging, to the partners they work with.

Try: The calm body balm is a nourishing blend of shea butter and vitamin E, which softens skin overnight. Infused with soothing jasmine and geranium, it supports skin health, while releasing a calming, grounding aroma as you rest, ensuring a peaceful nights sleep.
€27, fbdhotels.com