Sustainable Beauty Buys From Nordstrom: Editor-Approved Eco Essentials

Discover the best sustainable beauty buys at Nordstrom that help you look good while doing good for the planet.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Discover the best sustainable beauty buys at Nordstrom that help you look good while doing good for the planet.

As consumers become more eco-conscious, the demand for sustainable beauty options has skyrocketed. Nordstrom, a leader in retail, is responding with a robust selection of beauty products that are as good for you as they are for the planet. In partnership with Cosmo’s Beauty Director Julee Wilson, we’ll explore top picks from Nordstrom’s Beautycycle program, curated for both efficacy and environmental impact.

Why Sustainable Beauty Matters

The beauty industry is one of the largest contributors to plastic waste, but Nordstrom is taking steps to change that. With its Beautycycle initiative, the retailer aims to recycle 100 tons of beauty packaging by 2025 by collecting used containers in-store and repurposing them into everyday items like park benches and picnic tables. This commitment, along with a curated selection of over 900 eco-conscious beauty products, makes Nordstrom a go-to for the environmentally aware shopper.

But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where expert curation comes in. Julee Wilson, Cosmo’s Beauty Director, handpicks brands and products that stand out for their sustainable credentials—spanning skincare, hair, makeup, and fragrance.

How Nordstrom’s Beautycycle Program Works

Nordstrom’s Beautycycle program is simple and effective:

Collection Bins: Bring your empty beauty containers to any Nordstrom store and drop them in the designated collection bins.
Recycling Process: The collected packaging is processed and recycled, often into new materials for products such as park furniture.
Curated Shopping: Shop from an extensive range of beauty products that meet strict sustainability criteria, including recyclable packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and brand philanthropy.

Top Sustainable Beauty Picks at Nordstrom

Sienna Naturals Dew Magic Leave-In Conditioner

Designed for all curl types, this lightweight leave-in conditioner moisturizes, smooths, and revives curls. Its packaging is fully recyclable and contains no secondary materials, making it a standout in sustainable haircare.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

This luxurious mask uses a BHA- and enzyme-infused formula to refine pores and brighten skin. All ingredients, including 100% certified sustainable palm oil, are natural and responsibly sourced. The product comes in a recyclable glass jar, further minimizing environmental impact.

54 Thrones Egyptian Lavender + Moroccan Mint Beauty Butter

A multitasking hero, this body butter combines African shea butters and oils for intense hydration. The ingredients are ethically sourced from cooperatives across Africa, and the packaging is recyclable. The sensory experience—thanks to Egyptian lavender and Moroccan mint—sets it apart.

RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up Concealer

This creamy, buildable concealer uses organic, food-grade ingredients and auto-adjusting minerals to even out skin tone. Packed in 100% recyclable packaging, it’s a favorite for those seeking both performance and planet-friendly solutions.

More Editor-Loved Sustainable Brands at Nordstrom

Brand	Product Type	Sustainability Highlights
Westman Atelier	Makeup (e.g., Blush Stick)	Clean, luxury formulas with recyclable packaging
Ilia Beauty	Skincare-infused Color	Eco-conscious ingredients, recyclable containers
Kiehl’s	Skincare	Refillable options, ethically sourced ingredients
Biossance	Skincare	Sugarcane-derived squalane, recyclable packaging

Shopping Sustainably Beyond Beauty

Sustainability at Nordstrom isn’t just about beauty. The retailer’s broader environmental strategy includes:

Apparel and Accessories: Increasing use of recycled fabrics and materials in clothing, as well as offering repair services via in-store tailors or partnerships like the Renewal Workshop.
Packaging: Transitioning to paper bags and aiming for 100% reusable or recyclable packaging by 2030.
Energy & Emissions: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in stores through initiatives like LED lighting.
Waste Diversion: Targeting 80% landfill diversion by 2030 and increasing the volume of clothes donated, resold, or repaired.

How to Shop Sustainable Beauty Like a Pro

Look for Certifications: Seek out products with certifications like Ecocert, Leaping Bunny, or EWG Verified.
Check Packaging: Opt for recyclable, refillable, or glass packaging when possible.
Research Ingredients: Favor brands that use non-toxic, ethically sourced, and plant-based ingredients.
Give Back: Support brands that donate a portion of sales to environmental causes or sustainable community initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Beautycycle program?

Nordstrom’s Beautycycle program collects empty beauty packaging in stores for recycling, aiming to repurpose 100 tons of packaging by 2025.

Can I recycle any beauty packaging at Nordstrom?

Yes, bring any empty beauty containers to a Nordstrom store and deposit them in the designated Beautycycle bins for recycling.

What makes a beauty product “sustainable”?

Sustainable beauty products use responsibly sourced ingredients, minimize environmental impact (e.g., recyclable or refillable packaging), and often give back to the planet or local communities.

How does Nordstrom support sustainability beyond beauty?

Nordstrom has a comprehensive sustainability plan, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing recycled materials in apparel, offering repair services, and transitioning to paper bags.

Are sustainable beauty products more expensive?

Some are, but there are affordable options, and Nordstrom’s curated selection includes products at a range of price points. Sales like the Anniversary Sale can make sustainable picks more accessible.

Nordstrom’s Sustainability Initiatives at a Glance

Initiative	Goal	Deadline	Progress
Beautycycle Program	Recycle 100 tons of beauty packaging	2025	Ongoing
Greenhouse Gas Emissions	Reduce by 40%	2025	In progress
Packaging	100% reusable/recyclable	2030	Planned
Waste Diversion	80% from landfill	2030	Planned
Sustainable Style	15% of products	TBA	Progressing

Join the Movement

Shopping sustainably at Nordstrom is now more accessible than ever. Whether you’re stocking up on skincare essentials, searching for the perfect concealer, or refreshing your haircare routine, there’s a conscious option for every need. Remember to return your empties to Beautycycle bins and consider the environmental impact of each purchase. Every small step counts toward a greener future.

Ready to dive deeper? Tune into Cosmo’s live shopping event with Julee Wilson on Earth Day for a closer look at these sustainable buys and more expert recommendations.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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