The clean beauty movement might leave you feeling clean and pure, but is it sustainable?
After all, what’s the point of going green if we don’t think about the future?
Can you really go clean and still be eco-friendly? Here’s how clean beauty brands are actually making sustainability a reality.
Is clean beauty sustainable?
Clean beauty products can be sustainable because the ingredients in clean beauty products are usually plant-based, which means they are readily available and in a high-quantity supply.
They have a high turnover rate because they are used up quickly.
They also have a low shelf life because they do not contain preservatives that slow down the process of decaying or expiration.
There are no harsh chemicals in clean beauty products, so they can be easily recycled or repurposed into other household items or packaging.
For example, you can use your clean beauty product containers to store homemade food or make it into a flower pot with a few household supplies.
Reasons why clean beauty is sustainable
Clean beauty products are eco-friendly and healthy for you. Here are 10 ways in which clean beauty is sustainable:
1. It minimizes your carbon footprint.
2. It helps save the planet.
3. It’s a healthier alternative.
4. Because it is sustainable, it is animal-friendly.
5. You don’t have to worry about using synthetic chemicals that may harm you or the environment.
6. It is healthier for your body and soul.
7. It ensures your personal care products are safe and reliable without any harmful side effects.
8. It is safer for yourself, the environment, and the planet
9. It helps companies be more responsible and honest with their practices and ingredients used.
10. This type of beauty product is more trustworthy because they are being held accountable by the FDA.
How clean beauty is good for the Earth
What’s the point of being clean if you’re destroying beautiful places and amazing creatures in order to look pretty?
I’ll give you some reasons how clean beauty is good for the earth.
1. You’ll be using less plastic
Plastic is difficult to decompose, and it’s been found that some harmful chemicals used in cosmetics seep into our bodies through our skin.
When you use clean beauty products, you’ll be helping the environment because they’re packaged differently than mainstream products — they’re less likely to contain harsh chemicals and come in recyclable packaging.
2. You’ll be supporting sustainable agriculture
By buying organic products, you’ll be helping to support sustainable agriculture because organic farmers can’t use pesticides or other non-organic methods of growing food.
3. You’ll be using fewer petroleum-based ingredients
Petroleum is a non-renewable resource, so by choosing products that don’t contain petroleum-based ingredients, you’ll be doing your part to help save the planet for future generations.
How to be sustainable in your clean beauty routine
The products are better for you, and they’re better for the environment, too.
And when you can purchase them without guilt, that’s like hitting the jackpot!
Trying to go green in your beauty routine can be a little tricky.
It can be tough to find out which brands are trustworthy, and then it’s not always obvious what ingredients you should avoid.
Here are six steps to help you get started!
Step 1. Clean beauty starts with a plan
Map out your beauty routine.
Don’t forget to include all of your products: makeup, hair care, and skincare.
You might have less than you think! Once you have a list, look at each item individually.
You’ll need to make sure each one is free of chemical nasties.
If it’s not, write down the brand and product name so that you can look into alternatives later on.
2. Clean beauty requires patience
You may be shocked at how long it takes to switch over to clean beauty products.
It took me a while just to make this transition from conventional shampoo and conditioner; I’m still working on cutting down my makeup collection!
But remember that every step counts.
3. Start small
It can be tempting to want to switch all of your beauty products at once, but it’s important to go slow when trying new things.
Switch one product at a time and give it time to work before moving on to the next step in your routine.
If you’re switching out soap or shampoo, it’s good to make sure that your skin isn’t breaking out or reacting poorly before replacing anything else in your routine.
It may also be helpful to keep track of how each product makes you feel so that you have a better idea of what works best for you in the future!
4. Look at the package
Some products come in plastic tubes, which are usually made from petroleum or a similar toxic material.
These should be avoided if possible.
When shopping for makeup, look for products that come in packaging that’s made from something like glass or tin — not only is this greener, but it’s also more likely that a product will contain higher-quality ingredients if it’s in a more durable container.
5. Know what you’re buying
If you’re buying a brand-name product, don’t assume that it is safe simply because it has a recognizable name on it — read ingredient lists carefully and avoid unknown chemicals if you can!
Many companies use deceptive marketing strategies to make their products seem safer than they really are.
Sustainably sourced clean beauty ingredients
Sustainable ingredients are ingredients that are sourced in a way that is not harmful to the environment.
They can be made without the use of harsh chemicals and they can also help reduce our environmental footprint.
Sustainable beauty ingredients come from sources that are renewable and biodegradable, so they don’t harm the planet and contribute to global warming.
The following 10 sustainable beauty ingredients will help you create clean, green products for your skin, hair, and nails:
Argan oil
This oil comes from Argan trees in Morocco.
The trees have been grown by local farmers for centuries, but in recent years their population has declined due to factors such as drought and overgrazing.
To protect these trees, farmers formed cooperatives that were able to raise prices paid for the oil.
The argan tree also grows back quickly when it is cut down, so it can be harvested sustainably.
Sodium Coco-Sulfate (SCS)
SCS is derived from coconut oil, which is a natural source of fatty acids and is free of parabens and other synthetic chemicals.
It’s an effective alternative to sodium lauryl or Laureth sulfate.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)
CAPB is made from coconut and palm kernel oils, so it has a natural pH that’s gentle for skin and hair.
It’s better for the planet than sodium lauryl sulfate because it’s not as harsh and it doesn’t create toxic byproducts when it breaks down.
Shea Butter
This super moisturizing butter is full of vitamins A and E along with antioxidants that make it a great natural way to combat dry skin and eczema.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in vitamin E, which has strong antioxidant properties that can help improve skin elasticity.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is packed with lauric acid, which helps kill off harmful bacteria in the body. It’s also great for moisturizing!
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and purifier. It can help keep your skin clear by fighting dirt and bacteria.
Calendula
Calendula is a flower extract that comes from the marigold plant and can help soothe inflamed skin, wounds, cuts, and burns.
Seaweed
Seaweed contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc all of which are essential to healthy hair growth and protecting your scalp from environmental stressors like pollution, sun damage, and sea saltwater exposure.
Final Thoughts
Brands that use clean ingredients are playing a part in making beauty products more sustainable by reducing their impact on the environment.
