What Is Sustainable Beauty?

Many beauty products we use daily are made from unsustainable sources, which means that those ingredients harm the environment, potentially making our climate crisis worse. In addition, the production and disposal of these products have a substantial adverse environmental impact.

Have you ever considered how your beauty products are made and what kind of impact they have on the environment? In this article, I'll answer all your questions regarding what is sustainable beauty and tell you exactly how to ensure you make the most sustainable choices.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. We might receive an affiliate commission if you click the link and purchase an item. All of the opinions on this blog are my own.

Sustainable Beauty: what do we need to know?

Sustainable beauty is an umbrella term that refers to products within the Beauty Industry that are produced in a way that is mindful of their environmental impact.

This includes everything from the ingredients used in the products to how they are packaged and the materials used in their production. Three key takeaways make a product sustainable:

• Products are often made using natural and organic ingredients and are produced with minimal waste and energy. Most importantly, these ingredients are free from harsh chemicals, which can be damaging to the environment and your skin.
• Products are cruelty-free, meaning no animals were harmed in producing the item.
• And finally, sustainable products are packaged or made with recyclable, biodegradable materials and those made with minimal energy and water.

The Benefits and reasons to choose Sustainable Beauty

Fortunately, it's possible to find beauty products that are both sustainable and effective. This means that by buying products responsibly, you can take part actively in helping to save the planet. Utilizing eco-friendly beauty products have the following benefits:

Better for the environment overall

Plastic and microplastics are a problem. We do not know the complete danger having plastics in our environment will cost us. Most studies are constrained to aquatic life and do cause death in those species studied.

Overall, biodegradable products are made with fewer chemicals and less waste, and they eventually disappear. Whats not to love?

If you are worried about microplas then download the “Beat the Microbead” app, it is AMAZING. You simply use this app to scan all of your products for plastics – warning…. it can be heartbreaking (I am still crying over Nivea!)

Better for Farming and Deforestation

Deforestation is a problem, habitats are being destroyed, and the natural ecosystem is disturbed. But we need trees to make paper and many other things so the trade-off is making sure you buy responsibly. Not all farming practices are bad for the environment.

A prime example is the demand for Palm Oil. Palm oil itself is an excellent product, it is low in cholesterol and doesnt have a strong scent so is a very versitile substitute in everything from cooking to beauty products. But because of its popularity, it is devastating to rainforests. Which of course has a negative effect for the whole environment.

However, some people do farm responsibly; here are some important symbols to look for when researching sustainable products:

Better for skincare

Handmade products are often better for sensitive skin, as they are usually free from harsh chemicals and contain natural or organic ingredients. That doesn't mean if you have sensitive skin, you won't react to natural handmade soap! For example, you might be allergic to lavender, so washing with lavender soap would still be a horrible experience for you.

More affordable

Sustainable beauty products are often more affordable than some luxury products on the beauty market. They are made with fewer synthetic ingredients and are packaged in recyclable materials. What's not to love?

Sustainable Beauty Brands

These days, there are more and more sustainable beauty products and brands on the market. Plenty of sustainable options are available, from shampoos and conditioners to makeup and skincare.

Some popular sustainable beauty brands include but are not limited to:

• Lush
• The Body Shop
• Burt's Bees
• Weleda
• Sante
• und Gretel
• Nui Cosmetics
• iplusm.berlin

The above list is short and there are so many brands turning their attention to sustainable beauty practices, which is great news for the environment and us, the consumers!

Top Tips for Making Sustainable Beauty Choices

Making sustainable beauty choices can initially seem daunting, but it's easier than you might think. Here are a few tips to help you make the most sustainable beauty choices:

• Look for products that are made with natural and organic ingredients.
• Look for products that are packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials.
• Look for certifications like the RSPO above
• Look for companies that are members of the Sustainable Beauty Coalition.
• Avoid products that are tested on animals.
• Choose products with minimal energy and water usage.

Sustainable Beauty Practices

In addition to choosing sustainable beauty products, there are a few practices you can adopt to help reduce your environmental impact.

One of the most important is to reduce your consumption of single-use beauty products. Try to buy products in bulk or choose products that can be reused and repurposed.

In addition, try to purchase products that are made locally, as this will reduce the amount of energy and water used in the production of the products.

Finally, try to buy products that use recyclable packaging materials, such as glass or paper.

Sustainable Beauty Alternatives

Along with purchasing eco-friendly beauty items, numerous other options are available to help decrease your ecological footprint.

One popular alternative is DIY beauty products, which are easily made with natural and organic ingredients like honey and essential oils.

You can also look for sustainable beauty services, such as professional makeup artists committed to using sustainable products.

Finally, you can look for beauty subscription boxes, a great way to try out sustainable beauty products without buying full-sized ones.

Sustainable Beauty DIY Ideas

DIY beauty products are a great way to go green with your beauty routine. They are better for the environment and are often cheaper and more effective than store-bought products.

To get you started, here are a few ideas :

• Make your face scrub with sugar, honey, and a few drops of essential oil.
• Make your lip balm with beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils.
• Make your body butter with shea butter, coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oil.
• Make your shampoo with baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil.
• Make your facial toner with witch hazel, rosewater, and a few drops of essential oil.

Final thoughts on sustainability

Sustainable beauty is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and ensure you're using healthy products for your skin. By choosing products made with natural and organic ingredients, packaged in recyclable materials, and vegan and cruelty-free, you can make sure you're making the most sustainable beauty choices. In addition, you can also try DIY beauty products and beauty subscription boxes or look for sustainable beauty services.

By making small changes in your everyday routine, such as switching to bar soaps and shampoo bars, you can make a big difference. Head to my shop to discover some beautiful,, sustainable artisan bathroom products and make your sustainable beauty journey even easier!