Moisturizer, sunscreen, and cleanser are just some of the many products that make up our skin care routines. And if you take a look at our bathroom trash cans, that waste adds up quickly.
From single-use makeup remover pads to plastic bottles of soaps, products that take care of our skin can often be less than gentle to the planet. But thankfully, you can still maintain a routine that’s good for your skin with a clear, non-landfilling conscience!
Here are some tips to adjust your skin care routine with small but mighty changes. Pick a few or try them all!
9 Ways to give your skin care routine an eco-friendly makeover
1. Take inventory
Rather than toss everything you own to buy a bunch of new eco-friendly products, evaluate what you already own. The ThinkDirty app can be helpful when sifting through products to see where you could improve and where you might already be excelling (and just don’t know it!).
That way, if you own a bunch of things that aren’t ideal for Mother Earth –when you run out of something, you’ll know which products to swap out with more eco-friendly alternatives.
2. Use washable makeover remover pads
Throwaway makeup remover pads may be convenient in the moment, but they often contain plastic fibers and come in plastic packaging. Meaning, they’ll likely live in a landfill for a *really* long time.
Instead, use reusable makeup remover pads or the MakeUp Eraser, which is a towel that helps remove makeup with only water (seriously!). Luckily, lots of eco-friendly alternatives are available if you know where to look (psst, here are more from Face Halo)!
3. Cleanse carefully
Many facial cleansers come in plastic bottles and are loaded with ingredients that we can’t even begin to pronounce or pretend to know where they came from. Nah.
That’s why we love Tata Harper products which generally come in green glass bottles and are made with natural (and usually organic) ingredients. For a less pricey option, we suggest Herbivore Blue Clay Cleansing Soap Bar (works for face or body) and products from True Botanicals.
Moral of the story: do your research before putting anything on your face and talk to a dermatologist to see if they have any eco-friendly recommendations.
4. Exfoliate the eco-friendly way (without microbeads)
Say “NO” to microbeads (they’re harmful to sea creatures, which is why they’re already banned in some countries).
Instead, try Wyld Konjac’s Charcoal Facial Sponge made from 100% natural Konjac plant or Ethnique Eco-Friendly Gingersnap Face Scrub, which is vegan and compostable.
5. DIY face masks
Feeling crafty? In the mood for some self-care? Make your own face mask!
All you need is bananas, oats, and lemon juice to make this vegan mask from VeganCuts or try these vegan face masks designed to support you each phase of your cycle.
6. Brighten eyes with cucumber
Put two cucumber slices on your eyes and relax for 15 minutes. Thanks to cucumber’s inflammatory benefits, this well known trick can help fight puffy eyes. Sometimes things are really as easy as they look!
But don’t reuse the cucumber after — compost instead.
7. Switch to bar soaps
Keep your hands clean the eco-friendly way with bar soap instead of packaged suds. You’ll find Lush and Dr. Bronner bar soaps in our bathrooms.
8. Find your favorite sunscreen
Whether you live in Seattle or Hawaii, finding a sunscreen you love that’s not loaded with harmful ingredients is crucial.
Here are some of our favorite brands:
- Jason Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
- Ocean Potion Sunscreen Lotion
- Rocky Mountain Soap Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Vanilla Coconut
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
And check out this post to help find the sunscreen that’s right for you
9. Opt for refillable makeup
Take one look at makeup shelves and you’ll see loads and loads of packaging. An efficient way to get around that waste is to purchase makeup that can be refilled.
Kjaer Weiss Cream Foundation comes in a metal compact that has an option for refilling (and it’ll also save you some cash). Elate Beauty is another brand taking steps to offer sustainable makeup that can be refilled. Some of the packaging can even be planted to grow wildflowers!
Find more tips and tricks on how to get your most glowing skin ever, here:
- 13 easy ways to keep your skin and hair glowing all winter
- Do these 8 things to keep your skin looking and feeling good
- Eat these 7 plant-based foods to get the best skin of your life
And don’t miss this post with 7 easy ways to make your bathroom eco-friendly.
