A sustainable skincare routine is about making better choices for your skin and the planet. Many think sustainability means giving up quality, but that’s far from true. Here’s how to do it.
Why Choose a Sustainable Skincare Routine?
- Reduces environmental impact
- Supports cruelty-free and ethical brands
- Avoids harmful chemicals
- Promotes healthier skin with natural ingredients
Step 1: Choose Cruelty-Free and Vegan Products
Many high-quality skincare products are now cruelty-free and vegan. Look for brands that do not test on animals.
- Check for certifications like Leaping Bunny and PETA-approved.
- Avoid brands still involved in animal testing.
- Choose plant-based formulas for a more ethical approach.
Step 2: Buy Ethnically Sourced Ingredients
Choose brands that source ethically. Many skincare products use ingredients that harm the environment or exploit workers.
- Look for Fair Trade labels.
- Choose products with organic, non-GMO, and sustainably harvested ingredients.
- Avoid ingredients like palm oil unless sustainably certified.
Step 3: Cut Down on Packaging Waste
Look for alternatives. Excessive plastic packaging is a major issue.
- Purchase products packed in glass, metal, or biodegradable materials.
- Purchase from brands that have refillable options.
- Do not throw away containers; repurpose or recycle them.
Step 4: Relook Your Process
As more products accrue, more waste is generated. Keep it simple- the basics work best.
- Cleanser – Get a gentle biodegradable cleanser.
- Moisturizer – Get creamy or oil-based moisturizers in glass jars.
- Sunscreen – Use mineral sunscreen that is reef-safe.
- Serums and Treatments – Use multi-functional products instead buying too many.
Step 5: Conserve Water
Mind water usage in skincare. Aim to minimize waste wherever possible.
- Use a micellar water or Oil-based cleanser rather than excessively washing your face.
- Keep your showers short so you conserve hot water.
- Forget wipes, switch to reusable cloth pads.
Step 6: Stand Behind Sustainable Brands
Many brands have gone the extra step in making efforts towards sustainable skincar brands.
- Biossance – Incorporates recyclable sugarcane squalane base squalene packaging.
- REN Clean Skincare – Skincare that focuses on waste free packaging
- Ethique – Provides skincare bars packaged in compostable packing.
Step 7: DIY Skincare For An Eco-Friendlier Option
Homemade products are a guarantee of almost no waste and safety, making the ideal approach.
- Mask with oatmeal
- Scrub with coconut oil and sugar for mild exfoliation
- Moisturizer: aloe vera gel
Step 8: Greenwashing- Do Not Use the Copy
- Empties needs to be recycled
- Send back the empty jars to the brands who have a recycling program
- As and when possible compost the biodegradable boxes
Conclusion: Quality and Sustainability Can Go Hand-in-Hand
A sustainable skincare routine does not have to be low quality. Choosing the right products with ostensible features and making a point to reduce waste, even small changes, can make all the difference. Ethical, cruelty-free, eco-friendly are massively accessible, proving that beauty can be highest quality while still being gentle on the earth.