Byrdie recently announced the winners of its fifth annual Eco Beauty Awards.

Sustainability—and determining what type of packaging is the most eco-friendly—is a complex issue. Byrdie's judges rated the contenders based on these two questions: 

• Does this product's creation, from packaging to ingredients, take into account its environmental impact? 
• Does the brand employ ethical standards throughout its production process?

Byrdie named 78 winning products in its Skincare, Bodycare, Haircare, Makeup, and Under $25 categories, stating, “We placed a heavy emphasis on ingredients and sustainability this year, choosing to highlight brands that are really going above and beyond to formulate with sustainably-sourced, clean ingredients while minimizing their carbon footprint.”

Plus—six beauty industry executives were awarded the title 'Eco Beauty Hero.' 

Eco Beauty Hero Winners

Here are Byrdie's 2021 Eco Beauty Heros—

The Changemaker: Anitra Marsh, VP of global sustainability at P&G

Anitra March, vice president of global sustainability at P&G, leads a team responsible for improving all P&G brands' impact on our environment and within our communities. Under her leadership, the company introduced all-paper deodorant tubes for select Secret and Old Spice products.

At the launch last April, Marsh said, "If we convert just 10 percent of our current deodorant packages to recycled paper or another recyclable material, it could eliminate up to 1.5 million pounds of plastic waste annually. This is just one example of how we are trying to make a difference and build a more sustainable future.” 

The Disruptor: Priscilla Tsai, creator and founder of Cocokind

Priscilla Tsai, founder of Cocokind, says the brand is 'conscious,' not 'clean.' Byrdie writes that Tsai's "radical transparency" is her niche, since she is so honest with consumers about packaging, testing, and ingredients. 

The Formulator: Robyn Watkins, founder of Holistic Beauty Group

Robyn Watkins, founder of Holistic Beauty Group, is a consultant who champions the use of 'clean' ingredients. She has worked with Estée Lauder, Smashbox, and Arbonne.  

The Educator: Jen Novakovich, cosmetic scientist at The Eco Well

Jen Novakovich, cosmetic scientist at The Eco Well, hosts a podcast. She covers 'green beauty,' often explaining to listeners  the difference between 'natural' and 'sustainable,' for example. 

The Influencer: Dr. Michelle Wong, PhD scientist and educator at Lab Muffin Beauty Science 

Dr. Michelle Wong, founder of Lab Muffin Beauty Science with a PhD in cosmetic chemistry, has a popular YouTube channel. She often discusses ingredient labels, marketing claims, efficacy, and more—while giving her followers science-backed advice about which beauty products will work, and why.

The Innovator: Cary Lin and Angela Ubias, co-founders of Common Heir

Beauty industry veterans Cary Lin and Angela Ubias, co-founders, Common Heir, say they are "redefining classic beauty." The brand's debut product is a 10% Vitamin C Serum in biodegradable unit dose capsules. Common Heir says all its packaging will remain plastic-free. 

How were the Winners Chosen?

Nine editors of Byrdie—plus four guest judges—nominated over 200 products as contenders. Winners were selected based on three categories—clean ingredients, sustainability, and efficacy.

The guest judges were: Annie Jackson, co-founder of Credo Beauty; Krupa Koestline, clean cosmetic chemist; Charlotte Palermino, esthetician and clean beauty expert; and Tennille Jenkins, clean beauty blogger.

Congrats!