When it comes to sustainability, it’s no secret that most of us could be doing better to help limit the damage done to our planet. Discover how to spot sustainable beauty products and how you can take small yet effective steps towards becoming more sustainable in your beauty regime.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS?
Sustainable beauty is a branch of beauty that is made up of eco-friendly cosmetics. A sustainable beauty product means that the ingredients on the inside of the product (including how those ingredients were sourced and packaged) should not be harmful to the planet. These products rely on the healing power of nature to show their effect on the skin and body.
To make your beauty routine sustainable, it must meet certain criteria:
1. CONTAIN PRODUCTS WITH CLEAN INGREDIENTS
Clean beauty products aren’t subject to much official regulation. At its essence, clean beauty means products that don’t use anything harmful in their formulations, spanning from natural to organic ingredients. They are free from any harmful chemicals that may potentially harm the environment like sulphates, parabens, artificial colourants, and phthalates, amongst others.
Our skin is especially sensitive to harmful ingredients, as it soaks up the products that we put on it every day, including any harmful chemicals that may be in them. Beauty products containing harsh chemicals can strip the moisture out of our skin, leaving it dry, dull, and uncomfortable. Clean beauty ingredients will help to lower the risk of irritation and enhance overall skin health while protecting the environment.
Top Tip:
The best way to pick out clean beauty products is by examining the ingredients list and checking the formula for safe and sustainable ingredients.
2. CONTAIN PRODUCTS WITH VEGAN AND CRUELTY- FREE INGREDIENTS
Vegan beauty simply means products that use no animal-derived ingredients of any kind in their production process and formulas. Cruelty-free means the products haven’t been tested on animals during their production. To find these products look out for icons or words like “cruelty-free” or “vegan” on the packaging.
3. CONTAIN PRODUCTS MADE UP OF MINIMAL, REUSABLE OR RECYCYLABLE PACKAGING
The best way to reduce the waste we produce is by reusing or recycling what we can. Swaps and eco-conscious solutions you make in your daily routine will make your routine more sustainable while reducing waste:
- Choose multi-use products like lip and cheek tint or lash and brow serum.
- Use biodegradable items when you can like paper packaging.
- Use refillable products like refillable bottles and containers.
- Recycle your empties.
- Find other uses for products you don’t like.
- Choose reusable instead of disposable products like reusable cotton pads and microfibre makeup remover towels.
- Seek out products with minimal packaging.
Top Tip:
Many beauty brands now offer products in recyclable and biodegradable packaging. Make sure to check for recycling symbols on packaging.
BENEFITS OF A BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ROUTINE
- Environmentally conscious: Many chemicals found in beauty products can be harmful to the environment especially when they are not disposed of properly. For example, some can contaminate waterways and harm aquatic life while others can contribute to air pollution. Sustainable ingredients protect the ecosystem as they are natural and ethically sourced.
- Healthier skin & body: Sustainable beauty products are made with natural ingredients, and they are also free from harmful chemicals, making them a safer choice for your skin. They’re also ideal for all skin types and concerns.
- Increased Effectiveness: Natural and organic ingredients are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Without synthetic, harmful chemicals or artificial colours, sustainable products rely on the healing properties found naturally in plants and animals.
- Saves money: Due to the enhanced quality of natural, eco-friendly make-up and skincare, you’ll find yourself needing less products. Using fewer products means saving on your beauty needs.
