Sustainable Skincare To Buy Now

Sustainable skincare is more than just a buzzword; it’s a movement towards a greener, more eco-friendly beauty industry. As consumers become increasingly conscious of their choices and environmental impact, the demand for sustainable skincare products continues to rise. Beauty Daily explores what sustainable skincare means, how to make your skincare routine more sustainable, and the top sustainable skincare ingredients to look out for. 

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What is sustainable skincare? 

Sustainable skincare is all about finding products that are produced, packaged, and used in a way that minimises their environmental impact. This includes using responsibly sourced ingredients, reducing waste through eco-friendly packaging, and supporting brands prioritising sustainability throughout their supply chains. 

What does it mean to live sustainably? 

Living sustainably goes beyond just skincare. It’s about adopting practices and making choices that minimise environmental harm. From reducing single-use plastic to supporting ethical and eco-friendly brands, living sustainably involves a holistic approach towards a greener lifestyle. When it comes to skincare, this means opting for products that align with your values and have a positive impact on the environment. 

Read: 8 ways to make your skincare routine more eco-friendly in 2023 

How to make your skincare routine more sustainable 

Making your skincare routine more sustainable doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple changes, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. Here are some suggestions to get you started: 

Choosing sustainable packaging 

Packaging plays a significant role in the sustainability of skincare products. Opt for brands that prioritise sustainable packaging solutions. Look for the following options: 

Reusable packaging 

Some brands now offer skincare products in reusable containers. These can be refilled or repurposed, significantly reducing waste.  

Recyclable packaging  

If reusable packaging isn’t an option, choose products with recyclable packaging. Look for symbols like the chasing arrows or the recycling logo to ensure the packaging can be recycled appropriately. 

Reusable and compostable packaging 

Another innovative approach to sustainable packaging is reusable and compostable materials. Some brands have started using biodegradable materials such as bamboo or sugarcane-based plastics. These materials can be reused or composted, reducing the environmental impact of packaging waste. 

Read: Reef-friendly sunscreen: why it’s better for you and the planet 

How to look for sustainable ingredients in skincare products 

Apart from sustainable packaging, it’s essential to consider the ingredients used in your skincare products. Look for brands that use sustainably sourced ingredients, preferably organic and ethically harvested. Some brands, like Clarins, provide a product tracker on their website, allowing you to explore the sustainability of their ingredients and their commitment to eco-friendly practices.  

“We have recently released a new initiative called TRUST,” explains Jason Roberts, Clarins Retail Trainer. “As part of this initiative, we now feature Q.R. codes on our boxes, which can be scanned to see a product’s life and its ingredients, which offers better transparency.” 

Thanks to this new programme, the origin of the ingredients in several Clarins products can now be traced – including cult classics such as Cleansing Micellar Water, £25, and the Hydra-Essentiel [HA2] Silky Cream, £38.  

The top sustainable skincare ingredients  

When it comes to sustainable skincare ingredients, Clarins leads the way with its dedication to responsible sourcing. Here are some of the top sustainable ingredients they use: 

Shea butter 

Shea butter is a highly moisturising ingredient sourced from the nuts of the African shea tree. It’s not only an excellent natural emollient but also supports the communities that harvest it, providing them with fair wages and sustainable livelihoods. 

Aloe vera 

Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties and is often used in skincare products for its hydrating and calming effects. Look for products that use aloe vera sourced from organic and sustainable farms. 

Camomile extract 

Camomile extract is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Clarins sources its camomile extract from organic farms, ensuring the production process has a minimal environmental impact. 

Read: The Natural Anti-Ageing Skincare Ingredients To Try 

Sustainable skincare: The benefits of using natural ingredients 

Using skincare products with naturally sourced ingredients offers several benefits. Firstly, these ingredients are often more gentle on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Secondly, natural ingredients tend to be more biodegradable, meaning they break down more easily in the environment, reducing pollution. Lastly, supporting brands prioritising natural ingredients encourages sustainable farming practices and helps protect biodiversity. 

Ways that Clarins is staying sustainable 

“At Clarins, it’s one of our main focuses to protect the people, plants and planet,” says Jason Roberts, Clarins Retail Trainer. “Currently, we use just over 200 fruit and plant extracts, and 59% of those ingredients come from organic origin.” 

“We also work with fairtrade programs across India, Madagascar and other areas. We’ve been carbon-neutral since 2020 but constantly look for ways to become carbon negative.  

“An example of how we have improved our sustainability of late is when we reformulated our Moisture Rich Body Lotion. We added new ingredients to improve the product but also reduced the size of the plastic cap – which means that the product now weighs less and leaves less of a footprint when transported.  

“We now use a lot of sea freight to ship our products directly, and details about products are now printed on the inside of the box instead of on a separate leaflet, and we look at how we can incorporate as much recycled glass within our packaging as much as possible.” 

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