You’ve heard the marketing terms, you know the lingo, but what does it REALLY mean? Going ‘green’ and sustainable are marketing terms that have become greenwashed in our society. However, I think we can all agree that green and sustainable products mean truly natural and sustainably sourced ingredients safe to eat and packaging that are good for our environment.
To us, sustainable skincare ingredients = good enough to eat, in packaging that is either recyclable, reusable, recycled, or biodegradable.
5 Care Products You Can Use to Become More Sustainable
- Shampoo Bars
- Natural Deodorants
- Bamboo Toothbrushes
- Handcrafted Bar Soaps
- Toning Mists
Shampoo Bars
Most shampoo bars are a step up from a traditional handcrafted soap with added emollients and natural cleansers. Avoid sulfates and fragrances, which can still be present in the solid shampoo bars and harmful to our environment. Less packaging, easy to travel with and safe for our waterways! Check out our Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar to learn more!
Natural Deodorants, specifically those packaged in a tin or paper container.
Choosing a natural deodorant is not only safer for you, but also for our environment when it does not have damaging ingredients such as aluminum and triclosan. In addition, most antiperspirant and deodorant containers cannot be recycled, thus creating tons of waste. Choose a deodorant (and other products) that come in tins. Most tins can be recycled, and all of them can be repurposed! Clean them out, and use them for bobby pins, needles, coins, and more! Check out our Natural Deodorant Cream and our Muscle Balm with CBD, both packaged in reusable tins.
Toothbrush
About 1 BILLION plastic toothbrushes are thrown into the landfills, and that is just in the United States! This adds up to about 50 million pounds of waste. There is an easy solution to this, and it is switching to a bamboo compostable toothbrush. Check out the Bogobrush where they offer recycled or biodegradable brushes.
Bar Soaps
One of the most sustainable and Earth-friendly products in skincare are handcrafted bar soaps. Less waste, safe for our waters, and easy on the skin!
What to look for:
- Sustainable Packaging (recyclable, reusable, biodegradable) Cardboard box and paper packaging is best.
- Sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Free of synthetic ingredients and fragrances. Unfortunately, bar soaps do not have to tell you ingredients, so that should be a first red flag if they are not listed. If they are, look for sulfates, sulfites, sulfonates, and fragrances and avoid these soaps.
Toning Mists
By using a mist for a toner, you eliminate the waste of using a cotton ball or pad (unless you have one that can be reused). It is an easy ‘take with you’ option, too! Plus, mist containers can be reused in a variety of ways, including a mist for your plants, using as a bottle for cleaner, and more!
5 Ways to Change Your Skincare Routine to Become More Sustainable
- Reusable Cotton Pads or Cotton / Microfiber Washcloths!
- Jars & Containers that can be reused or recycled.
- Turn off the water!
- Cut back on waste in packaging and in your routine.
- Reuse your mascara wand!
1. Using a cotton pad or washcloth to remove your makeup and wash your face is an easy alternative to the throw away pads and wipes. After using, simply pop in your next wash cycle. There are many options to choose from, so while you are looking, make sure it is an organic cotton that has not been treated with chemicals or bleached.
2. Recycling or repurposing your skincare jars and containers so they don’t go to waste! Find out what # and type of plastic you can recycle in your area and be sure that colored and clear glass is also recyclable. If not, find ways to repurpose the containers. Not sure who to contact in your area about recycling? Visit Earth 911.
3. While brushing your teeth or washing your face, turn off the water when you are not using it! You may not think this has a big impact, however, over time the extra water usage adds up.
4. Cut back on waste by choosing products that have less packaging = less waste, like bar soaps and bar shampoos. If your skincare serum must come in a plastic bag, in a box, and in another container, make sure the packaging can be reused or recycled. Another way to cut back on waste is to use products that are multi-purpose, like our skincare line!
5. Reuse your mascara wands by cleaning them with an alcohol-based cleanser. Wands can be reused to help separate lashes, define your brows, or use for lash extensions!
These simple steps can show our planet some love while taking care of yourself in the process!
