How to Find Sustainable Options in the Skin Care Industry
The skin care industry has been booming over the past few years. While it’s important to take care of your body’s largest organ, the skin care craze has started to go too far. From overconsumption to harmful ingredients and wasteful packaging, it can be hard to maintain an eco-friendly routine. However, these tips will help you find sustainable options that will keep your skin happy and healthy.
Skin Care Popularity and Overconsumption
About 60% of American women have a consistent routine, as do around 39% of men. Social media has driven the rise in popularity, with new trends and products going viral all the time.
While most people only need a simple routine to achieve clear skin, many of us have fallen victim to the trends. Instead of having two or three products, people online are showing off full cabinets and 10-step regimens that encourage overconsumption and waste.
Overconsumption has become a considerable problem in the global North. It stems from the populace having more money to spend on leisure and convenience.
Unfortunately, overconsumption can cause brands to manufacture too many items to meet demand. Using too many resources ramps up greenhouse gas emissions, and a potential excess in materials may also increase pollution.
If you want to reduce your waste and consumption, you don’t have to give up skin care altogether, though.
Finding Sustainable Options Amid Greenwashing
The first challenge is finding brands that are actually sustainable. Greenwashing has infiltrated many industries, especially personal care and beauty products. Companies know that sustainability is on trend, so they use false marketing tactics to make customers think their products are green. Even using the color green in packaging or vague words like “clean” and “simple” can give the appearance of sustainability.
Next time you go shopping, use these tips to weed through the greenwashing and find the best products.
1. Check the Ingredients List
Look up the ingredients list to see what brands are putting in their products, even if they’re marketing them as sustainable. Synthetics can require a high volume of nonrenewable and nonbiodegradable resources. Ideally, you should look for more natural inclusions, like plant extracts and oils, as these are much more planet-friendly in the long run.
2. Explore Nonwoven Materials
Several skin care products, like face masks and wipes, take forever to degrade after use. Luckily, there are nonwoven and plant-based alternatives that break down faster. These can also improve liquid retention by 10 times their weight, which can lead to better application and results in the long run.
3. Consider Sourcing and Manufacturing
Ethical sourcing and manufacturing are important factors to check in order to have a more sustainable skin care routine. These brands will typically seek local farms and suppliers for their ingredients and pay a livable wage. Incorporating renewable energy sources is also a green flag for resource conservation and minimal environmental impact.
4. Understand Certifications
Most companies incorporate certifications on their product packaging to signify that what they’re selling is sustainable. For example, the Leaping Bunny symbol means that a brand is committed to ending animal testing and avoids using it for its ingredients and manufacturing. Cruelty-free skin care is key to minimizing environmental damage. If a product looks sustainable but doesn’t have any certifications on the package, then it’s likely greenwashing.
5. Seek Recyclable Packaging
Prioritize looking for recyclable packaging, as it conserves resources and lowers your carbon footprint. Try to find brands that use recyclable packaging, or even better, refillable products. You can also reuse bottles to extend their lifespan. What if instead of buying travel-sized products for your next trip, you used small, empty skin care bottles to fill with shampoo or lotion?
Try More Sustainable Options
Turning to sustainable skin care is a chance to have a guilt-free routine while taking care of yourself. Spread the word to promote greener products and follow these tips to be more mindful when shopping in order to better care for your skin and the planet.
