The beauty industry has a significant impact on the environment. From sourcing ingredients to delivering products, beauty products leave a carbon footprint. While many beauty companies are already trying to reduce their environmental impact, much more can be done. You can contribute to sustainability by making small changes to your beauty routine.

Tips to make your beauty routine greener

Use up products before buying new ones

Make sure you use up all your existing skincare products before buying new ones. This prevents waste and ensures that leftovers in the packaging don't hinder recycling. It also prevents products from expiring and having to be thrown away.

Choose sustainable packaging

Packaging plays a crucial role in sustainability. Both bottles and outer packaging must be recyclable. The cosmetics industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging worldwide, much of which ends up in landfills. Therefore, choose minimal or recyclable packaging to reduce this impact.

Use biodegradable products

Some beauty products, such as tissues, cotton swabs, and dental floss, are single-use and go straight into the trash. Choose biodegradable alternatives whenever possible. For example, there are biodegradable beauty blenders and sponges that last 30 days, and plastic-free cotton swabs.

Limit your water consumption

Saving water is essential because freshwater is a finite resource. Simple actions can save a lot of water:

• Skip the initial splash of water on your face and just wet your fingers instead.

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and washing your face.

• Keep your shower short to save gallons of water every day.

Use natural and organic products

Natural and organic products often contain fewer ingredients, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint. They typically contain up to 90% more active ingredients, making them more potent and effective for longer. Moreover, natural ingredients are less likely to cause skin problems.

Pay attention to the ingredients

To make your routine more sustainable, it's important to pay attention to the ingredients. Many conventional skincare products contain unsustainable ingredients like palm oil, plastic microbeads, and synthetic fragrances, which are harmful to the environment. Instead, look for sustainable alternatives:

• Vegetable oils and butters, such as coconut oil and shea butter.

• Natural exfoliants such as jojoba beads or ground coffee beans.

When buying organic skincare products, always pay close attention to the ingredients list. Avoid products with unsustainable ingredients and choose more environmentally friendly alternatives.