If you're like us, you know that looking gorgeous doesn't have to come at the expense of the planet. It's all about finding the right products that don't come packaged in a crazy amount of plastic or contain a ton of chemicals.
Our editorial team loves trying out beauty products and chatting about what we love and don't love about each one. We think of it as a great way to avoid buying stuff we regret and using our resources only for products that make us feel and look our best. These are a few of our personal favorites when it comes to sustainable beauty.
Reusable Makeup Remover Pads That Reduce Waste
I try really hard not to go to bed with my makeup on, but relying on those disposable makeup wipes isn't really ideal. You end up with a trash can full of them by the end of the week, and it all just feels kind of ick. These reusable wipes let you use bottled makeup remover and then just toss the wipes in the washer when you need to. There's zero waste and zero impact on your ability to effectively remove mascara.
Micellar Cleansing Water That Goes Way Further
Speaking of makeup remover, our associate editor, Megan, swears by La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water for removing makeup. She says it works just as well as traditional makeup wipes but lasts a lot longer with much less waste. If you pair it with a reusable makeup remover pad, you can cut back on the financial and ecological cost of your makeup routine.
Anti-Aging Face Oil That's Plant-Based and Cruelty-Free
Our deputy editor, Karen, has used Herbivore Phoenix Rosehip Face Oil for years, and she says it leaves her skin super soft. It lasts a long time and uses vegan, plant-based ingredients that are kind to the earth and your skin. She loves all the Herbivore products, but this was her first thought when we were talking about all our favorite sustainable beauty finds.
When it comes to skincare, one of the best ways to reduce waste is skinstreaming. Basically, you choose skincare essentials that play well together and minimize your need for a ton of different products. Karen tried skinstreaming with great results!
Fair-Trade, Organic Bar Soap That Doesn't Harm the Planet
Megan also loves Dr. Bronner's Bar Soap, the cleansing classic that uses all-natural ingredients to clean your skin without detergents or chemical residue. It's fair trade and has recycled packaging that minimizes its environmental impact even more. Her favorite is the peppermint scent.
Gentle Cleanser With Minimal Packaging
I have sensitive skin, and harsh cleansers can cause my face to break out. The thing is, a lot of cleansers come with a ton of excess packaging that makes me feel bad about their impact on the planet. I love how Paula's Choice Calm Cleanser has done away with extra shrink wrap and boxes. It lasts a long time, too, since you only need to use a little bit each time you wash your face. Plus, it leaves my skin balanced, hydrated, and never irritated.
Argan Oil That Lasts Forever
When my hair stylist first used Unite Argan Oil on my hair, I instantly loved the scent. It's basically the most delicious-smelling hair product I've ever experienced. I bought a bottle right away, and I use it daily to keep my hair soft and smelling pretty. Besides working well, it lasts forever. One bottle lasted me an entire year. I love how that cuts down on packaging waste and the carbon footprint from shipping, and it's a great value, too.
So Many Sustainable Beauty Products to Try
From cleansing your skin to removing makeup to caring for your hair, there are lots of great products out there that let you live lightly and look lovely at the same time. Manufacturers are recognizing the importance of making beauty sustainable, and we're all reaping the benefits. If sustainability is a priority in your beauty routine, look for products that last a long time, use less packaging, and rely mainly on natural ingredients. Your skin and the planet will thank you.
