- Image by Raygar He via Unsplash
Summer in the northern hemisphere, and this thalassophile is here for it—quite literally, as my location is coastal.
Heading seaside during the off-season has its own kind of charm, but there’s nothing quite like a quintessential, sun-soaked summer beach day—the kind that leaves you exhausted from the heat and exasperated with the sand but rejuvenates your soul for the days ahead.
Salt and sand in your hair, but you don’t care? Aggravating for your scalp, but otherwise not a big deal. Don’t care about prepping your beachcapades with earth-approved products? Houston—or in this case, Miami, Nice, Seychelles, etc.—we have a problem.
To refresh my beach bag this year, I curated a shortlist of eco-conscious companies that don’t skimp on style. By implementing green practices, they inspire consumers—and each other—to do better for themselves and the planet.
Embrace a sustainable summer by putting these brands on your vacay radar:
Skincare:
Earth Harbor
Founded by a professional herbalist and toxicologist, Earth Harbor is committed to using bio-based ingredients boosted by minerals and other nutrients in their bath and body goods, and recyclable and biodegradable materials in their packaging. Ocean inspiration flows through product names: “mermaid milk” moisturizer, “mystic waters” mist, “nymph nectar” facial balm, “sea kiss” lip balm, and many more.
Through Thrive Market, I’ve tried and loved some of these products at a discounted price, and once scored the “beach waves” hair texturizer as a gift with purchase. Visit the website!
Urban Hydration
The clean skincare products by Urban Hydration are widely accessible in the U.S., stocking shelves at more than 30,000 retail locations across the country, from pharmacies such as CVS to beauty-focused outlets such as Ulta. Many of their cleansers, moisturizers, creams and oils incorporate fruit extracts and other plant-based, natural ingredients, giving skin a taste of the tropics.
Try the algae line to “sea the glow” and target blemishes, or the aloe vera collection to soothe the beatings of the sun. Visit the website!
Swimwear:
Vitamin A Swim
As the first swimwear company to use recycled fibers, Vitamin A holds sustainability at its core. Expanding from nylon and polyester, their newest all-recycled material combines 80% ghost fishing nets with 20% spandex. Besides swimsuits, the brand offers a wide variety of other beachwear, such as sarongs, caftans, and loose-fitting trousers.
Collections heavily utilize organic and recycled cotton, high-quality flax linen, and TENCEL™, made from sustainably sourced wood fibers processed in a nontoxic organic solvent. Visit the website!
Rhyle Swim
These bathing suits are responsibly made in Brazil and live up to sexy bikini expectations. Designs are boldly cheeky yet subtly unique, with small cutout features and a range of textures. The details are thoughtful but not over the top, fashioning a girl-next-door vibe. Pieces are luxuriously soft, with a growing focus on using recycled fibers and minimizing textile waste.
And they are delivered in a reusable laundry bag, extending their longevity. Visit the website!
- Image by Kelly Milone, author
Footwear:
Teva
Going strong after more than 40 years in business, Teva has become a household name in functional footwear. Founded by a Grand Canyon river guide, the company pioneered the modern sport sandal. Specializing in strappy architecture constructed with 100% recycled polyester, “Teva’s,” as the kids call them, provide secure grip, in and out of the water. Water conservation drives minimal packaging goals. Visit the website!
Fleks Footwear
Founded in 2024, Fleks Footwear boldly burst onto the market with a future-focused agenda, offering a curated collection of popular styles in ultra-comfortable, ultra-sustainable form. Slides (platform optional), flip-flops, double-strap sandals, and clogs are proudly made with 85% high-performance foam waste.
The remainder of materials are either salvaged or recycled, and no solvents are necessary. I picked up the East Beach Slide in Coconut Milk and, because I couldn’t resist another pair, which I mainly wear as house slippers, the San Ysidro Slide in Morning Coffee, featuring a fluffy shearling strap. Visit the website!
And there you have it: A handful of brands to help you look and feel your best as you head out to shore.
Add a sunhat—preferably made from raffia, wheat straw, or seagrass—and a pair of upcycled shades, and you’re golden! Just like the sun intended.
