Conventional cosmetics products need to involve in more sustainable and higher quality standards. Not only are they often jam-packed with harmful chemicals and synthetics, but they also come up with single-use packaging hard to reuse or recycle.
Choosing a Zero, or at least a Low Waste lifestyle, means that you, as customers, opt for eco-friendly brands, among other crucial actions. These brands opt for high quality, natural ingredients and reduce their ecological impact by offering recycled packaging or no packaging at all.
Zero Waste skin care reaches another level if you are willing to make some DIY products at home. There are some precautions to be taken, of course, for example, it is not recommended in case of sunscreen. You can also check out a zero waste shampoo bar as well.
Indeed, sunscreens are crucial barriers against skin damage that long term sun exposure can do. They are composed of specific ingredients at the exact dosage to be able to protect your skin effectively.
Unless you are an experienced chemist, we recommend DIY skin care in case of general cleaning products (soaps or face masks, for example). Lotions can be trickier, so be wary of the dosage and conservation.
Once you have decided what to buy and what you could be making DIY at home, it is also crucial to identify the precise products that you need in your bathroom. You can also consider sulfate free shampoo as well.
For the folks at Puratium, a significant part of the Zero Waste journey goes hand in hand with a minimalist behavior, you can take a look at their guide on Zero Waste Skin Care here, where they talk about additional facts and benefits.
Most of us grew up with commercials giving the impression that we needed five products for each part of our body. Face soap, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, soap for private parts, shaving soap, to name but a few.
Why not one soap that fits everyone at home, including people with sensitive skin? It is feasible. And, once you find the right product, you will be able to attest to the many benefits:
- More affordable!
- Lasts longer (in case of bar soap, there is a concentration of active ingredients, versus conventional liquid soaps made of about 80 to 90% of water).
- Convenient for everyone in the family.
- NO packaging (or at least, more sustainable, in case of cardboard or recycled tin).
- Active, natural ingredients, safer for your skin and the environment.
- Made from ethically-sourced ingredients, usually compostable or biodegradable.
- The soap is just an example: the same logic applies to all other Zero Waste skin care products.
Moreover, we also recommend taking the below into consideration before choosing a brand or a particular product.
- Read the label: if you do not understand half of the list of ingredients, chances are the product is brimmed with preservatives and toxic components. Avoid palm oil, SLS, or parabens, for example. Stay informed by reading the latest research on controversial ingredients. Buy products that have beneficial purposes for your skin, ideally organic.
- Avoid single-use and plastic, in particular, packaging. They end up in landfills and pollute our grounds and oceans. Opt for recycled packaging or packaging that you can reuse, such as tins or jars. Even better, no packaging at all.
- Choose brands that are transparent on their whereabouts, and use ethically sourced ingredients. Moreover, cruelty-free is an absolute must to be respectful of our planet’s living creatures.
In short, be mindful of what you and your family TRULY need in the bathroom in terms of personal care products. Opt for a less is more attitude that will help not only your finances but also your skin, and the planet.
Start somewhere, either by buying from sustainable, low waste brands or by making a skin care product together with your kids or partner.
It is a great way to raise awareness of the impact our choices have on the environment.