13 Eco-Friendly Face Masks for Sustainable COVID Protection

Using eco-friendly face masks is a good way to help reduce the alarming environmental impacts of disposable face masks.

Unlike single-use face masks that are responsible for tons of medical waste every day, eco-friendly face masks are washable and reusable.

And besides reducing waste, eco-friendly face masks are generally made with sustainable materials that are organic and completely biodegradable.

But you’re probably wondering:

“Where can I buy the best eco-friendly face masks?”

We know you don’t want to waste money, especially during this pandemic, so we did the job for you.

Below is a list of the best eco-friendly face masks (including lesser known eco-friendly face mask brands) that are highly rated by eco-warriors like you.

But first…

What is the Best Eco-Friendly Face Mask for You?

The most important consideration when choosing an eco-friendly face mask is to figure out what works best for your protection.

Also, are you looking for comfort, style, type of fabric, or other things in your COVID mask?

Here are some tips for finding the best eco-friendly face mask that you’ll love:

• Comfortable for daily use
• Made with the material or fabric that you like
• Made from sustainable or recycled materials
• It fits snugly over your nose and mouth
• Durable and high quality
• Easy to wash and clean

So without further ado, here are 13 of the best eco-friendly face masks that will protect you and our planet from COVID and trash, respectively.

1. Reusable Hemp Face Mask by First Crop

This US-made, 4-layer hemp mask is hand-washable and is equipped with a soft tubular elastic earloops that properly secures the mask on your face.

It features:

• an adjustable nose bridge;
• antimicrobial properties and resilience of hemp fiber; and,
• a non-woven filtration barrier to provide the highest level of protection, comfort, and breathability

The patent-pending adjustable, foam nose bridge of this hemp face mask provides proper fitting and mitigates fogging when worn with eyeglasses.

First Crop is a New Mexico based company that utilizes hemp to support rural communities and provide the highest-quality, effective, organic products to consumers.

While this face mask is from a new company, we particularly love it due to the fact that it is made with hemp, and hemp is a very sustainable fabric.

Some even argue that hemp fabric is even more sustainable than bamboo!

2. Salvaged Hemp Face Mask by United by Blue

This eco-friendly face mask is crafted according to the CDC specifications for cloth face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

And although these face masks are not medical-grade, they provide excellent daily protection for average people when leaving their homes.

But what do we love about the United by Blue face mask?

It is made using deadstock eco-friendly fabrics that include a blend of hemp, organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL.

Deadstock fabrics are cuttings, pieces of cloth, and leftover materials from other textile and fashion manufacturers.

The company is basically repurposing otherwise trash materials and turning them into fashionable and reusable face masks.

But it doesn’t end there!

United by Blue dedicates a fund to remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product purchased.

And if you purchase a 3-pack of United by Blue face masks, the company will donate one mask to homeless people in Philadelphia through the Chosen 300 organization.

Moreover, United by Blue products are made in GOTS-certified factories from sustainably-sourced materials.

GOTS or the Global Organic Textile Standard only certifies fabrics proven to be at least 70% organic and meet strict environmental standards.

3. Washable Cloth Face Mask by WITHMOONS

This cloth face mask has an average rating of 4.5/5 from 17,000+ customer reviews in Amazon, and counting.

It is no doubt one of the most popular reusable face masks among eco-conscious consumers today and we can understand why.

Unlike typical reusable face masks, it isn’t made with a polyester blended fabric.

Polyester are known to sometimes cause irritation on sensitive skin and it is not exactly and eco-friendly fabric.

Moreover, this mask’s triple layers of cotton fabric (as recommended by CDC) absorbs moisture quickly and gentle on the skin, reducing skin irritations.

It also have a nose wire to limit fogging for people wearing glasses and is completely machine washable.

This eco-friendly facemask also features a sophisticated ergonomic design for a comfortable every day wear.

Finally, it has stretchy cotton ear loops for a snug fit and to minimize pain behind ears.

4. Eco-Friendly Fashion Face Mask by Collina Strada

Are you looking for stylish and unique face masks?

Collina Strada makes one-of-a-kind cloth face masks using deadstock materials, making it an eco-friendly alternative to disposable, single-use masks.

The company’s fashion masks are expensive, but they come with vibrant colors, elegant styles, and fastens with bows.

Collina Strada’s fashion masks are also machine washable and have an opening where you can insert a mask filter if you want to.

And for every successful sale, the company will donate 3 face masks to Seeding Sovereignty.

The Seeding Sovereignty advocates to stop chronic environmental, cultural, racial, and economic injustices and support regenerative community-led solutions.

But what we love about Collina Strada is that you can reach out to them if you or your loved one is sick, and they will send a free mask for you.

5. Cotton Face Mask by Hackwith Design House

This eco-friendly pleated mask is lined with a soft 100% cotton material and has elastic loops around the ears for proper snugness and fit.

It is made using a CDC-compliant pattern to help reduce COVID-19 transmission and is machine washable.

And while other companies are donating masks whenever they make a sale, Hackwith Design House takes a different route which is equally noble.

The company claims that 10% of all their mask sales go to the Domestic Abuse Project.

Domestic Abuse Project provides immediate assistance for domestic violence survivors and their families, especially during this pandemic. 

They also help victims develop safety plans, file protective orders, and find safe shelter.

So if you’re looking for an eco-friendly face mask this pandemic, this brand is worth checking out. 

6. Biodegradable Face Mask by tentree

tentree is a Canadian clothing company founded in 2012 that plants “10 trees” for every item you buy from them, hence the name tentree.

But what we love about this company is their The Tomorrow Mask.

The Tomorrow Mask is a biodegradable triple-layered mask made using 100% Fairtrade organic cotton.

And there’s more!

This mask is also Cradle to Cradle Certified, and 100% of its parts will decompose and go back to Earth.

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) is a system that certifies companies and brands for their commitment to the circular economy,

• the reduction of waste and hazardous chemicals;
• efficient use and reuse of resources;
• energy efficiency; and,
• social responsibility.

The Tomorrow Mask comes with adjustable ear straps with a built-in space for a filter.

It is durable and can be reused repeatedly. 

Just wash this mask by hands or machine using cold water and hang it to dry.

The Tomorrow Mask by tentree is an excellent eco-friendly face mask to keep you and those around you safe while looking after the planet.

Moreover, tentree is also one of the most sustainable clothing brands today.

7. Organic Reusable Face Masks by Leaf to Ember

This face mask is made from premium, all-natural, and Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) Certified fabrics.

It comes in a variety of sizes and styles to choose from and made from organic hemp, organic cotton, and organic bamboo materials.

Each of Leaf to Ember organic reusable masks are handmade and shipped directly to you from the manufacturer located in Oregon, USA.

It is made using sustainable, eco-friendly textile manufacturing practices without the use of toxic chemicals and are all non-GMO.

Leaf to Ember’s organic face mask is the perfect accessory for anyone looking to protect themselves from COVID-19, maintain a sense of fashion, and help reduce the negative impact of disposable face masks on the planet.

8. Antimicrobial Face Mask by Buck Mason

Buck Mason’s M1 washable and reusable face mask features a soft triple layer cotton stretch jersey with a soft interlining and anti-microbial coating.

It also has adjustable ear loops and reinforced seams that provide a perfect snug fit.

It redistributes pressure from the ears to the neck, providing all-day comfort.

Bucks Mason also has an ongoing “Mask for America” project where they donate one face mask for each one they sell.

The company donates face masks to communities in California and the rest of the country.

So you are not only saving money and reducing your waste by buying this eco-friendly and reusable mask.

You are also helping other people own an eco-friendly anti-COVID-19 face mask without them spending any money.

9. Organic Face Mask by Eileen Fisher

This nonmedical grade eco-friendly mask for women is made with the company’s signature fabric Organic Handkerchief Linen.

Organic Handkerchief Linen is Eileen Fisher’s signature fabric derived from organic French flax grown without harmful chemicals and pesticides. 

Eileen Fisher’s organic face mask features a 2-layer construction, fully lined in cotton and polyester blend.

Besides providing the public with eco-friendly face masks, Eileen Fisher also has a noble charity commitment.

For every mask you purchase from the company, they will donate one to essential workers of the community.

10. The Sustainable Mask by Christy Dawn

Christy Dawn is a popular brand that sells eco-friendly masks.

The company’s “sustainable face mask,” as aptly named, is made with 100% deadstock (leftover) fabrics: linen and cotton.

It features a finished binding and behind-the-ear elastic loops for a secure and snug fit wherever you go.

This super chic mask is reusable, hand-washable, and comes in assorted colors, floral and checkered prints.

The company has production centers in Los Angeles and India, where each face mask is meticulously hand-sewn for quality and durability.

11. Pure Silk Face Mask by Ravella

If you’re prone to rashes due to sensitive skin, then you might want to try this silk face mask.

Ravella’s eco-friendly mask is made with 100% pure Mulberry silk in monitored facilities dedicated to minimal waste.

This stylish and sustainably-made mask is silky soft on the skin with a sleek 3-layer design that contours smoothly to your face.

It also comes with a removable air particulate filter providing extra added protection from outside germs.

Finally, this eco-friendly face mask is available in 8 different colors.

It can be hand washed or machine-washed in warm water using gentle eco-friendly laundry soap. 

Ravella also set aside 10% of proceeds to be donated to the charitable cause of your choice.

12. Recyclable Face Mask by Eco Mask

Unlike the other companies on this list, Eco Mask exclusively sells protective face masks, which are also called “Eco Masks.”

Eco Mask uses five-layer filter technology to provide you with superior protection against different particle types and sizes.

It is tested in a German laboratory, and the results show up to 98% filtering efficiency against particles down to 0.3μm in size. 

The Eco Mask comes with an FFP2 filter, provides UPF 50+ UV protection, and filters bacteria, germs, dust, air pollutants, pollen, and other allergens.

Eco Masks are reusable, washable, and available in 5 sizes, so you can find one that fits you perfectly.

It is also recyclable and is shipped in compostable carbon-negative packaging.

Moreover, proceeds from each sale of Eco Mask go to Healthy Seas that help save marine life.

13. Organic Eco-Friendly Face Mask by Avocado

This list of eco-friendly face masks wouldn’t be complete without a face mask from Avocado.

Avocado’s face masks are 100% GOTS organic certified made with two layers of organic cotton.

Each mask is handmade using organic cotton that is certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX.

STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety.

Moreover, the company also lets you choose between tie straps or over-the-ear elastic loops on your eco-friendly face mask.

This face mask has a pocket for filter insertion.

And though the coverings are not particulate filtering N95 medical grade, they effectively inhibit transmission of bacteria.

Avocado was one of the first brands to sell 100% GOTS organic certified face coverings anywhere in the US.

The company is also

• Certified B Corporation
• Climate Neutral
• Fair Trade certified
• Pinnacle Award Winner from 1% for the Planet

Final Thoughts on Eco-Friendly Face Masks

Eco-friendly face masks might not be the ultimate solution to the ongoing negative environmental impacts of disposable face masks during this pandemic.

Nevertheless, they serve as eco-friendly alternatives, allowing average people like us to help reduce the waste from single-use and non-biodegradable face masks.

But keep in mind that the eco-friendly face masks on this list are not medical-grade.

They are designed for the general public who wants to protect themselves from COVID-19 transmission while being kind to the environment.

So, which of the eco-friendly face masks above are you going to try first? 

Do you know more eco-friendly and sustainable face masks that we haven’t included here?