Skincare in a sustainable spirit

If I was to choose one benefit that three lockdowns gave to most of us, it would be the time we gained for ourselves.

Baking became the new clubbing. Instead of spending money on fancy clothes, we invested in our house plants collections. Our skincare routines extended to multi-step rituals.

Cleansers, toners, serums, oils, day creams, night creams and masks; countless options to maintain our inner glow. Unfortunately, this wide choice we have comes with a high price. 

Most brands are still using unsustainable plastics or hard-to-recycle packaging, and many of them are still not cruelty-free (a list is available here). To help you find more sustainable skincare, here’s a simple list of dos and don’ts. 

Do’s

• DO your research: if you find a brand you love get information about their politics. Find out how they make their products, if their products are cruelty-free and how they care for the environment.

• DO look for long-lasting, natural accessories: skincare is not only the products themselves but also how we apply and remove them. Try to use sustainable solutions. These can include: reusable cotton pads, GLOV glove for removing make-up and reusable earbuds.

• DO pay attention to packaging: When it comes to sustainable beauty products, the outside matters as much as the inside. Try to look for products in glass, metal, cardboard or paper containers – everything that’s easily recyclable. You can also give those containers a second life – jars and bottles can be used as make-up brush holders or flowerpots.

Don’ts

• DON’T buy more than you really need: The choice of beauty products we enjoy can often be treacherous. Tempted to buy more than we actually need, our shelves are packed with products that may never be fully used. If you already own cream or serum that serves you well, don’t reach for two more. Less is more – for your skincare as well as for the environment. 

• DON’T believe everything you see: The more popular brand, the more likely it is that we won’t pay attention to what’s happening “behind the scenes” such as what ingredients they use, what certificates they hold. Try to take every glittery ad with a pinch of salt.

• DON’T think you won’t change anything – it is easy to say that our sustainable habits won’t make any meaningful impact on the world. Using words of brilliant Jane Goodall: 

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

Consider before buying. Recycle and upcycle. Use only as much as you need. Each of your sustainable steps matters.

For more eco-friendly skincare inspiration visit: Wearth London/Etsy/Sustainable Jungle