By Cora Gold

Most people have a beauty routine they follow regularly. Sometimes, it’s as simple as using bath essentials and skincare products. Others have more elaborate processes that involve makeup and other additions. While indulging in a beauty routine is enjoyable and soothing, it’s wise to reflect on making this self-care endeavor more eco-friendly. Even subtle shifts can make a difference in minimizing waste and saving the planet.

1. Look for natural remedies

Consider looking for DIY natural remedies to substitute in your beauty routine. Aside from controlling what goes on your face and body, you can use more renewable resources. It also ensures excess products won’t go to waste. For example, you can make oatmeal face masks to nourish the skin if you have leftover grains. You can mix it with some honey if you want to focus on hydration. To create an exfoliating scrub, incorporate some applesauce and rosewater.

2. Utilize sustainable products

Sustainable products are available on the market, ready to make facets of your beauty routine more eco-friendly. These products are made from renewable resources, formulated and designed to minimize waste. Apart from being better for the environment, clean beauty also aims to be better for the skin.

Here are some tips to get sustainable beauty products:

Look for certification: Look for symbols that indicate a beauty product is sustainable. For example, the Leaping Bunny symbol on your makeup or skincare product means it was not tested on animals.
Check the ingredients list: Read the ingredients list. Most personal products contain dyes and chemicals that trigger skin conditions like eczema. Avoid soaps, shampoos, conditioners and other essentials loaded with those ingredients.
Find minimal product packaging: Many beauty products utilize plastic packaging, which can harm the environment. Look for minimal wrapping. You can also seek more biodegradable packaging like paper-based wrapping.

3. Avoid over-purchasing

A beauty routine used to consist only of basic necessities. Unfortunately, hyperconsumerism has led to an influx of products and a culture of having multiple products for one step. It’s important to break away from this mindset and only buy what you need and want. Restock only when you run out of a certain product. If you have too many in your beauty collection, consider giving away unused ones. Gift them to a loved one or donate them.

4. Use minimal products

It’s a common misconception that more product equates to a more effective result. That practice can actually add too much stress to the skin, which can cause dryness or redness. Apart from the breakouts, it’s also pretty wasteful. Try to use the recommended amount. With cleansers, you only need a pea-sized amount to foam up and wash your face. You can change the schedule, as beauty products with active ingredients like retinoids and lactic acid should only be used occasionally.

5. Check your application process

Aside from using minimal products, consider how you’re applying them. Disposable applicators are great for makeup artists but unnecessary for personal beauty routines. It’s better to have high-quality brushes you can wash and reuse instead. You can also save up on cotton balls and Q-tips when doing your skincare. Get reusables instead for regular use. You can also try out the direct application. For example, sprinkle toner across your palms and pat it across the face and neck.

6. Reuse product materials

When you finally reach the final squeeze of a beauty product, properly dispose of non-reusable packaging. If it has recyclable packaging, repurpose it. For example, glass containers can be great mini gardening pots. Some sustainable beauty brands offer refillable packaging. To use it, you simply buy the product and put it into your existing container. Refillables have the potential to lessen up to 30% of global plastic pollution by 2040.

7. Conserve your water use

Water is integral to a beauty routine, whether preparing for makeup or stripping it off. However, some forget to turn the tap off in between their self-care routine. Remember to conserve your water every chance you get. Switching the faucet off while brushing your teeth can save up to 8 gallons of water daily. You can also bring that habit when washing your face or between showers. If you don’t need running water, keep the faucet off.

Making your beauty routine eco-friendly is a worthwhile effort that advances the sustainability movement. It can also have positive effects on your skin and overall habits. Follow the tips above to look and feel good while showcasing environmental stewardship.

How to Make Your Beauty Routine Eco-Friendly