How To Create An Eco-Friendly Skincare Routine

It’s 2020, and more and more people realize that it’s cool to care about the planet. Many of us are upping our recycling game, and brands are becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

However, many of the products we use to clean and beautify our bodies are still damaging to us and the planet. Some brands that market themselves as green are often packed with harmful ingredients that negatively affect our skin, health, and the earth.

If you’re interested in upgrading your skincare routine to be more planet-friendly, but you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Here’s how to save the earth one step at a time.

Choose Cruelty-Free Brands

Many big-name brands still test their products on animals. To reduce exploitation of animals – and the planet – look for the leaping bunny symbol on products before making a purchase. This sign shows that the product hasn’t been tested on animals.

If you can’t find the leaping bunny symbol on a product you like the look of, it’s time to do some Google research. You’ll find that most brands are happy to tell consumers about all the work they’re doing to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, don’t be shy to contact the brand. A sustainable and cruelty-free brand will be more than happy to tell you about their green practices.

One of our favorite cruelty-free brands is Babor skincare. The brand launched in Germany in 1956 and has been skin health pioneers for almost 65 years.

Ditch the Microbeads

Many of us were once obsessed with cleaning our faces with formulas packed full of microbeads that burst upon application. But, as many of us know, microbeads don’t do the planet any favors.

One of the easiest steps in creating a more ethical skincare routine is ditching any products full of microbeads. If you’re not sure what microbeads are, they’re those teeny tiny ‘exfoliating’ plastic pieces that are often found in face washes and toothpaste.

Not only are microbeads terrible for the environment, but they’re not even good for your skin. As these miniature pieces of plastic are too teeny to filter out through our water systems, they end up in oceans and lakes where they disrupt our ecosystems. This is one gimmick it’s time to cut out of our routine, for sure.

Seek Refillable Containers

Limiting our use of excessive or unnecessary plastic packaging is one of the best practices you can follow for a more sustainable skincare routine. Using recycled materials cuts down on extracting and processing raw materials, which contributes to pollution. If everyone recycled, imagine just how beneficial this would be for our dearly loved planet.

Many brands have picked up on this movement, switching to recyclable packaging materials, like glass and aluminum. Some companies have even introduced refillable products that promote recycling. For example, some brands offer a refilling scheme where you receive a complimentary refill on the fifth purchase.

Do your part for the environment by choosing beauty products in glass bottles, pouches, or pop-out holders that can be conveniently and easily refilled.

Switch to Sustainable Ingredients

As humans, we don’t have an infinite resource of ingredients and understanding that is a vital part of the journey to a sustainable lifestyle.

Argan oil was once a niche and unique ingredient, but now the famous beauty oil is a thriving industry.

Remember, trees and ingredients don’t grow overnight. They need time, and we must be patient.

While many of us love argan oil, consider swapping it out for a while. An excellent alternative is the lesser-known Abyssinian oil. Using products packed with marine extracts and algae is another great option.

When these ingredients grow, they transform carbon dioxide into oxygen and work wonders for your skin. You’ll reap similar benefits from the products, but you’ll also help ensure that the ingredients stick around for long as they become more environmentally friendly.

We’re a fan of Phytomer’s Hydracontiue 12H moisturizing flash gel. The refreshing formula is teeming with advanced algae ingredients that build up skin’s moisture reserve, so the skin remains soft, supple, and hydrated.

Green algae extract is nourishing, detoxifying, and revitalizing, gifting you with a glowing, healthy-looking complexion. Use the gel alone, under a moisturizer, teamed with creams, or blended with makeup for ultimate versatility.

Take It Slow

While you may be keen to revamp your skincare routine completely, one of the critical steps in creating an ethical skincare routine is to make the transition slowly. Don’t try to change everything at once.

Not only will you overwhelm yourself and your bank account, but it does no good for the environment to throw away all your current products.

When you run out of one item, replace it with a more environmentally conscious branded product. Before you know it, you’ll have an eco-friendly skincare routine, and your skin will thank you for it too.