Every year, the climate crisis becomes more urgent, highlighting the need for individual action to help “save our planet.” And while we might feel our efforts do not matter in the grand scheme of things, they carry significant weight in driving change.
Take the beauty industry, for instance; once considered one of the world’s largest polluters, top beauty brands are now stepping up to embrace sustainability. From eco-friendly packaging to clean ingredient sourcing, these companies are making conscious strides to reduce their environmental footprint. However, there’s only so much these brands can do; we, as consumers, still have a vital role in this transformation.
One way our individual efforts as skincare enthusiasts can drive change is by building a sustainable skincare routine. If you’re ready to explore the world of eco-friendly beauty, this guide will provide practical tips to make choices that benefit both your skin and the planet.
What is Sustainable Skincare?
Sustainability in skincare goes beyond choosing formulations advertised as “green” or “natural.” It involves practices that prioritize environmental preservation, resource conservation, and ethical production. This means sourcing ingredients responsibly to protect biodiversity, embracing eco-friendly beauty and cruelty-free practices, and minimizing carbon footprints.
Eco-friendly beauty is especially important because of the beauty industry’s potential to reduce waste significantly. Each year, millions of plastic containers from skincare products fill up landfills and oceans, harming ecosystems and endangering wildlife. Additionally, many conventional beauty products rely on synthetic ingredients that can negatively impact the environment during production or disposal.
By recognizing the risks that non-sustainable beauty practices pose to the planet, brands and consumers can play a crucial role in fostering a more environmentally conscious beauty industry.
Implementing a Sustainable Skincare Routine
For most people, adopting sustainable practices may feel like sacrificing their current lifestyle. However, it’s really about identifying eco-friendly alternatives. The same goes for building a sustainable skincare routine – every step, from cleansing to exfoliating and moisturizing, can remain. But altering some of the products you use, how you use them, and what you do after using them can make a seemingly normal routine more eco-friendly.
Ready to make your skincare regimen more sustainable? Here are some practical tips to get you started:
Go for Refillable Products
Plastic consumption has skyrocketed in recent decades, reaching over 400 million metric tons in 2023. What’s worse is that less than 10% of these plastics are recycled or reused; the rest end up in landfills. As you would expect, the beauty industry has significantly increased plastic consumption globally, with most skin and hair care products packaged in single-use plastic containers.
However, as the industry continues its shift toward sustainability, one impactful solution is refillable skincare products. Imagine this – you finish your favorite cream or serum, and instead of tossing the container, you simply purchase a refill to top it up at home. While this might seem like a minor adjustment, refillable products can significantly reduce the demand for single-use plastic packaging.
Several brands have incorporated refillables into their line of products, including Medik8’s Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic, Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, and Youth To The People Superfood Facial Cleanser to mention a few.
Choose Glass Packaging over Plastic
Beyond refillable products, another effective option for reducing plastic production and consumption is choosing products packaged in glass containers. Among all recyclable materials, glass is arguably the most sustainable, capable of being broken down and repeatedly repurposed, resulting in little to no waste at all.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum, iS Clinical Youth Intensive Creme, and Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream are some of the most sought-after skincare products packaged in a glass jar.
Opt for Multi-Use or Biodegradable Products
You should also keep your routine simple by opting for multi-purpose products. Take CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30, for example – this formulation serves as a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Such products present a great opportunity to cut down on waste, save costs, and free up space on your shelf.
Some other products formulated to serve multiple functions include iS Extreme Protect Tinted Sunscreen, elf Skin Holy Hydrator Face Cleanser and Makeup Remover, and all-in-one facial serums from any top brand.
Also, swapping out cotton wipes for biodegradable alternatives can make a big difference. Biodegradable, eco-friendly options like Clean Skin Club Clean Towels or CeraVe Hydrating Facial Wipes can refresh the skin and be environmentally conscious for the planet.
Choose Eco-Friendly Brands
While the beauty industry continues to be environmentally conscious, not all brands prioritize sustainability. It’s best to look for brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices, like organic ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and cruelty-free testing.
Many brands now openly share details about their manufacturing processes and environmental impact, helping consumers make informed, conscious choices. Some standout examples are Tarte, INIKA Organic, Urban Decay, and Charlotte Tilbury – all recognized for their genuine commitment to sustainability.
Make Simple DIY Products
Making your skincare products is a fun, eco-friendly way to care for your skin while reducing waste. Most skincare ingredients, from coconut oil to shea butter, aloe vera, and various essential oils, are easily accessible and can be used to create personalized treatments without unnecessary packaging.
Not ready to dive into DIY skincare? You can still cut down on waste by swapping single-use cotton rounds and disposable makeup removal pads with reusable alternatives like towels. Small changes can make a big difference.
Pay Attention to Ingredients
Natural and organic ingredients are not only great for your skin but also perfect for the planet. Typically, skincare products made with plant-based ingredients have a smaller ecological footprint than their synthetic counterparts, making them a win-win for beauty and sustainability. As much as possible, opt for vegan and cruelty-free products.
Recycle
In cases where you can’t reduce plastic consumption or reuse the plastic, then the next best option is to recycle. You can make recycling a seamless part of your beauty routine by placing a bin in your bathroom so it’s always within reach. Many beauty brands also offer take-back programs to encourage recycling. For example, MAC and Lush reward consumers for returning empty containers
Reduce Water Usage
Water is a limited resource; once it’s gone or polluted beyond use, we can’t simply make more. Yet, access to clean water is often taken for granted, with the United States alone using over 250 billion gallons of water daily.
Beyond choosing eco-friendly products and packaging, reducing water usage is another impactful way to care for the planet. Small, mindful changes, like turning off the tap while using cleansers or applying masks, can make a big difference in protecting this resource.
Creating an eco-friendly skincare routine is about embracing sustainable habits and making thoughtful choices. For starters, begin with simple changes, like reducing the amount of water you use or adding a recycle bin in your bathroom. These seemingly minor changes can trigger meaningful transformations over time.
No matter which sustainable tip you want to incorporate into your skincare routine, the important thing is to start as soon as possible. Every effort makes a difference, both for you and the planet. And don’t forget – consistency is key to building a lasting, positive impact.
