As our awareness of our ecological footprint grows, it is becoming increasingly important to consumers to make conscious choices that promote sustainability. Sustainable skincare is all about minimizing the environmental impact of the products we use by considering the full life cycle of the products, from their ingredients and manufacturing process to packaging and disposal.
This guide to sustainable skincare will explore how to make your skincare routine more eco-friendly. We’ll cover the importance of choosing products with natural ingredients, reducing waste through packaging choices, and supporting ethical and environmentally responsible companies.
What Does “Sustainable” Really Mean?
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without destroying resources for future generations. Creating a sustainable skincare routine involves choosing products with ethically sourced ingredients, low- or zero-waste packaging, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
While terms like natural, organic, clean, green, zero-waste, and eco-friendly are related to sustainability, they do not necessarily mean the same thing.
- Natural refers to ingredients that are sourced from plants or other natural sources.
- Organic refers to natural ingredients grown without the use of synthetic chemicals.
- Clean refers to products that are free from toxic ingredients.
- Green products are those made with environmentally friendly practices.
- Zero-waste products do not generate any waste in their production or use.
- Eco-friendly refers to products that are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment.
These terms are important in their own right, but they don’t guarantee that a product is sustainable. Sustainable skincare involves a holistic approach that considers not only the ingredients and manufacturing processes but also the social and environmental impacts of the product.
Greenwashing in the Skincare and Beauty Industries
Greenwashing is a deceptive marketing tactic some companies use to make their products seem environmentally friendly or sustainable, without actually taking significant steps to reduce their environmental impact.
Today, more shoppers than ever before want to make eco-conscious purchases, but greenwashing has left them uncertain about what brands really mean when they claim to be environmentally friendly. Nearly 80% of beauty consumers question whether brands are truthful about their sustainability claims, and a lack of transparent information prevents them from adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Greenwashing is also bad for business. Just ask Kim Kardashian and her beauty brand SKKN. It may initially boost sales, but as consumers become more savvy about sustainability, they’re able to see through this commercially-driven tactic. Companies that greenwash their products will eventually be discovered and lose their customers’ trust. It’s better to be transparent about your practices and how you plan to improve them over time.
How to Make Your Skincare Routine More Sustainable
Here are easy changes you can make to your current skincare routine to make it more sustainable.
Use Products With Sustainable Ingredients
To clean up your skincare routine, look for ingredients known to be harvested unsustainably or directly harmful to the environment. Here are some common ingredients to avoid when shopping for sustainable skincare products:
- Microbeads are tiny plastic beads commonly found in exfoliating products. They’re too small to be filtered out at water treatment plants and end up in the water system, where they can harm marine life.
- Palm oil production often involves the destruction of rainforests and the displacement of local communities.
- Synthetic fragrances are usually made with harmful chemicals that wash off into the water system, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.
- Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens. It’s toxic to coral and is largely responsible for the decline of coral reefs.
- BHA and BHT are popular preservatives in skincare and makeup products. These cause bioaccumulation in aquatic life, leading to mutations and death.
Reduce Your Water Use
Climate change has led to serious concerns about water consumption. Considering that only about 1% of the water on earth is drinkable, we really can’t afford to waste it. Traditional beauty products are guilty of high water consumption, with many formulations ranging from 60% to 95% water.
Thankfully, there are eco-conscious beauty brands out there like LOLI and Lush that are creating products that use little to no water. You can be a more water-conscious shopper by seeking out these types of brands and checking your beauty products to see if they contain water.
Here are some other ways you can cultivate a more water-friendly lifestyle:
- Introduce more plant-based meals into your diet, which requires about half of the water a meat-heavy diet does. You’ll contribute to a more water-conscious lifestyle while providing more opportunities to eat skin-boosting greens, vegetables, and fruits.
- Turn off the faucet while you wash your face. You can save a significant amount of water over time by only turning the water on when you need it.
- Aim for 5-10 minute showers. This will save water, and it also helps keep your skin hydrated. You may not realize it, but during a long, hot shower, your body sweats and your skin loses moisture.
- Use a bucket to collect the shower or bath water that would otherwise be wasted as you wait for it to warm up. You can use it to water your houseplants or even flush the toilet.
Avoid Disposable, Single-Use Products When Possible
An easy way to create a more sustainable beauty routine is to cut out as many disposable, single-use products as possible, such as face wipes, cotton rounds, and razors. Choose more sustainable options, such as washcloths, makeup eraser cloths, reusable cotton rounds, and even laser hair removal.
Recycle or Reuse Containers
Reusing beauty product containers is another easy change to create a more sustainable lifestyle. Be sure to use as much of the product as possible before cleaning out the container for reuse. Get creative with your upcycling. Consider beauty containers for plant propagation, storage of small items, or even crafts.
Reduce Product Use with Professional Treatments
You can also reduce your skincare product use by opting for regular professional treatments.
Skincare professionals have access to more effective ingredients and cutting-edge technologies that ensure you get excellent, long-lasting results. They also provide personalized treatments tailored to your specific skin concerns, allowing for more efficient use of products and resources and more effective, long-lasting results. You’ll be able to maintain healthy, beautiful skin with just a few high-quality products at home.
Get Healthy, Glowing Skin Sustainably With a Glo2Facial Treatment
Be kind to your skin and the planet. Look for products that use natural, biodegradable ingredients, and choose companies that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Glo2Facial can help you on your journey to more sustainable skincare. We provide treatment customizations using all-natural ingredients to ensure you get healthy glowing skin, no matter your age, gender, or skin type. Find a Glo2Facial provider near you and book a personalized treatment today.
