Don’t let your beauty routine cost the Earth
Climate change poses a huge threat to our planet. And if, like us, you’re looking to be more environmentally responsible, your beauty routine is a good place to start.
From the plastic packaging heading for landfill, to the cosmetic chemicals washed down the drain, our beauty habits can have a huge impact on the Earth.
But new research shows that UK consumers are keen to make a change. Indeed, a recent study of 23,000 beauty consumers found almost half wanted more information and transparency about beauty brands’ values and commitments to the environment.
What’s more, 60 per cent admitted feeling guilty about the number of plastic bottles lining their bathroom shelves.
The good news is that the beauty industry is listening, sourcing cleaner ingredients and investing in innovative ways to give back to the planet.
Tomorrow is Earth Day, an annual event designed to drive action on the environment and climate crisis around the world. And to celebrate, here we share some simple ways to make your beauty routine more eco-friendly.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Many brands have their own guidelines as to what sustainability means but for most it’s about doing no harm to the planet.
That means creating zero waste and making sure everything from the ingredients and manufacturing, to packaging and selling makes the smallest impact on the environment possible.
■Try: UpCircle is a brand that innovatively repurposes byproducts. Its Face Moisturiser, £18.99 (upcirclebeauty.com) uses vitamin E-rich powder from discarded argan shells from the argan oil industry.
Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and wellbeing advice
CHECK PACKAGING
Buying from brands that use recyclable and sustainable packaging is a great way to start reducing your eco impact. Look for biodegradable packaging made from recyclable materials. Many brands use glass and aluminium, or PCR plastic, which is made from materials collected from oceans, rivers, riverbanks and beaches.
■Try: John Lewis recently launched a beauty recycling initiative, as has lookfantastic.com. And thanks to recycling company TerraCycle,
SWITCH TO SOLID
It’s estimated that 150 billion plastic soap, shampoo and hair-styling bottles are thrown out globally each year. One of the easy ways to reduce waste is to switch to solid soaps. They are just as good, if not better, than your average liquid face, hair and body wash. Bar soap is also often wrapped in paper, which reduces plastic usage.
■Try: Faith in Nature Coconut & Shea Butter Shampoo Bar, £7 (hollandandbarrett.com), is made from essential oils and uses 100 per cent recycled and recyclable packaging.
ZERO MILES
Zero-miles beauty is about making sure the supply chain stays close to home – working with what we have in the UK to avoid the environmental cost of shipping products and their ingredients from abroad.
■Try: Kelsey Raspberry Farms is a new skincare brand rooted in science and sustainability. Using activated raspberry seed oil produced at a Kent farm, all ingredients are responsibly
sourced and packaging is fully recyclable. We love Full Bloom Plumping Concentrate, £95 (kelseyraspberryfarms.com).
BUY BIG AND REFILL
Supersize products will save money and packaging, so look for bumper bottles of your favourite skin and hair products. Research shows if you switch your body and haircare to a five-litre refill, you could save over £60 and 50 plastic bottles a year.
■TRY: Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo Refillable Bottle, £9.99 (Boots). It can be refilled once empty, plus the £6 refill pouch uses 60 per cent less plastic and is recyclable.
EASE UP ON WIPES
Most wipes are not biodegradable, and sheet masks typically involve single-use packaging. When it comes to cleansing, go old school and use a flannel. And switch to an overnight mask too.
■Try: Garnier Micellar Reusable Eco Pads, £8.99 (Boots) – a sustainable alternative to wipes and cotton pads. Each pad lasts up to 1,000 washes.
GO WATERLESS
It’s predicted that two-thirds of the world’s population will face water shortages by 2025. So, with many beauty products containing up to 90 per cent water, look out for options which either contain no water, or require no water to use. They are often lighter in weight than their water-containing counterparts, cutting transport carbon emissions. ■■Try: No 1 de Chanel Powder to Foam Cleanser, £42 (chanel.com) is a powder cleanser enriched with camellia oil that needs only a couple of drops of water to turn it into a featherlight mousse.
INGREDIENTS WATCH
Be conscious of ingredients. Avoid parabens and preservatives, and formulas containing microplastics or chemicals that harm the environment, like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Instead, opt for natural and organic ingredients. Buying organic encourages more plants to be grown organically, which is better for the environment – fewer pesticides and herbicides means greater biodiversity. Look for the COSMOS or Soil Association logo on packaging.
■ Try: Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, £19.99 (Holland & Barrett) is packed with essential fatty acids to boost skin hydration, elasticity, skin cell renewal and repair.