As Russia continues to wage war on Ukraine, it’s hard not to watch the news and feel paralyzed — paralyzed by horror, sadness, and the ultimate feeling of being totally helpless. But while it can certainly feel like that there’s really not much we can do overseas, that’s not entirely true. Along with spreading awareness, contributing to reputable charities, and pressuring politicians, buying beauty products can also go a long way toward helping the people (and animals) of Ukraine, who are so unjustly suffering. Yes, we said buying beauty products. The 10 brands below are all helping to make an impact by contributing to various organizations and causes supporting Ukraine. Keep reading for more details, then go ahead and splurge, knowing you’re doing some good in the process.
KP Away
The dermatologist founder of this brand, Dr. Anar Mikailov, was born in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and still has family in Ukraine. Along with his personal $5,000 donation to UNICEF Ukraine, the brand will be donating 100% of proceeds from sales on their website to UNICEF Ukraine throughout the month of March.
No Animals
This skincare brand may be new to the scene, but they’re already making a big impact. Per the name, their 100% cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified and typically give 15% of profits to animal and wildlife causes. For the month of March they’re really upping the ante, donating 100% of their profits to Ukrainian animal shelters in desperate need of food and veterinary supplies. Plus, anyone who makes a purchase will be entered to win the complete line-up of eight products after the fact.
Skin Gym
Founder Karina Sulzer is from Ukraine and still has family in the country, making this an extremely personal cause. The brand donated 100% of their proceeds during the first week of March to Nova Ukraine, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine’s most vulnerable populations. They’re continuing to make daily donations to both Nova Ukraine and the Ukrainian military state fund, as well as supporting CARE’s Ukrainian Crisis Response via a fundraiser on the brand’s Instagram page.
Orly Color Labs
The mainstay polish brand created a unique #standwithukraine duo of polishes in yellow and blue, an homage to Ukraine’s flag. 20% of proceeds from the sale of these hues, aptly-named Blue Skies and Sunflowers for Peace, will benefit CARE, an organization working both in Ukraine and border countries to help provide relief to refugees.
Grande Cosmetics
Mark your calendars: Grande Cosmetics will be donating 50% of the sales from two of their best-selling products, GrandeLASH-MD and GrandeBROW, to the Ukrainian Red Cross for 48 hours, starting at 9 am on Thursday, March 12.
Auraiha
The super clean (it’s EWG-verified) beauty line is donating 50% of proceeds for March sales to UNICEF to help the citizens and children of Ukraine. Just make sure to put in code ‘UKRAINE’ at check-out.
O’o Hawaii
The natural, cruelty-free skincare brand that uses ingredients sourced from the Hawaiian islands, is donating $1 per to sale to Ukraine Animal Rescue efforts spearheaded by the Humane Society International throughout the month of March. (This money typically goes to the Keauhou Birds Conservation Center in Hawaii.)
Rumore Beauty
There are many Russian individuals and companies who oppose the war and support Ukraine, and here’s proof positive. 20% of all purchases made on RumoreBeauty.com, a site dedicated to Russian beauty brands, during the month of March will be donated to Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund, dedicated to providing Ukrainian families and children with basic needs and psychosocial support.
Rthvi
This traditional Ayurvedic brand is donating 10% of daily sales from their website to World Central Kitchen. Founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, WCK is providing fresh meals to Ukrainian families, both those are being forced to feel their home and those remaining in the country. The initiative will be in effect until April 15.
AveSeena
From now through the end of April, this skincare brand will donate 20% of sales from their website to International Medical Corps, an organization providing lifesaving medical services in both Ukraine and Poland, where many refugees are fleeing.
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