Sustainable Skincare

Sustainability is all about creating an enterprise or business model that has the least impact on the environment. In skincare and beauty, sustainability means having recyclable packaging, reducing the use of single-use plastics, carefully selecting non-toxic ingredients, ensuring product safety, and decreasing the carbon footprint from manufacturing to delivery.

WHY SUSTAINABLE SKINCARE IS IMPORTANT 

Since sustainable skincare products are made with ingredients that were harvested using eco-responsible and natural methods, you can feel more secure knowing that your skincare product is devoid of harmful chemicals.

Sustainable skincare is much more appreciated during these times when consumers are demanding accountability and transparency from almost every brand in order to make educated and informed choices.

Sustainable skincare brands also make it a point to be transparent and truthful to their consumers. 

Cosmetic waste is a huge issue. It’s estimated that between 20 and 40% of beauty products, depending on the category, end up as waste. In fact, about 70% of the beauty industry’s waste comes from packaging which almost always ends up in landfills or “swimming” in the ocean. 

SUSTAINABLE CLEAN SKINCARE

Eco friendly beauty brands, on the other hand, not only manage to keep their products natural but also avoid wasteful packaging without forgoing quality, effectiveness, or aesthetics. Beauty brands with sustainable packaging mostly use refillable containers made of glass, paper-based tubes, and aluminum tins to “dress” their clean skincare formulas. A few extra special brands (like activist skincare and plain products) have refillable options!

Stainless steel and tin are by far the most eco-friendly skincare packaging due to the high recycling rate. Aluminum is also a great sustainable and 100% recyclable option. In fact, aluminum can be recycled an infinite number of times, which means that it’s a truly circular material.

HOW TO MAKE OUR SKINCARE ROUTINE MORE SUSTAINABLE 

• Recycle Jars and Containers 

By now, you hopefully know that recycling is important. The container holding your face serums, facial cleansers, and moisturizers don’t have to go to waste. Check their packaging to ensure they can be recycled, and then make sure you recycle them so they can be repurposed. 

• Don’t Leave the Water Running

You may not realize it, but the water you use can take a real toll on the planet. When washing your face, or during any other parts of your routine where water is required, don’t leave the water running. 

It is recommended that you splash your face with water and apply your cleanser with damp fingers before turning off the tap. Massage the cleanser over your face, then turn the water back on to rinse off. It may seem easier to just leave the water running, but this little bit of time can make a big impact.

• Bring Reusable Shopping Bags 

Reusable shopping bags are not new. However, you may be used to only bringing them with you when you’re shopping for groceries. But bringing them along when you’re shopping for beauty products can make a difference, too.

• Stock Up On Eco-Friendly Beauty Tools 

Your beauty tools can be sustainable, too. Makeup blenders, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, are a more eco-friendly alternative to using disposable applicators. Rather than tossing them into the trash after a use or two, you can wash them and continue using them for months. 

• Use Reusable Cotton Pads