While there are many beauty ingredients that are harmful to the environment, you can retain your beauty regimen while helping out mother earth, all you need to do is make some simple swaps. Here are eight simple swaps you can make to protect the environment.
Swap 1: Microbeads For Enzyme Exfoliators
Microbeads have been banned in the UK, Ireland, France, and the Netherlands for some time now but many people still miss the exfoliating properties of microbeads. If you’re looking for a similar exfoliation experience, try an enzyme exfoliator. Not only are they better for the environment but they are also better for your skin.
Swap 2: Natural For Ethically Sourced Ingredients
While it may seem like using natural ingredients would be great for the environment, unfortunately, they are often a problem because they can cause deforestation to create farms. Moreover, natural ingredients are often not any better for your skin than synthetics. However, if you still prefer natural ingredients opt for an ethically sourced product instead.
Swap 3: Sunscreen With Oxybenzone For Coral Reef-friendly Sunscreen
Some ingredients in sunscreen are bad for coral reefs. For example, oxybenzone, also known as BP-3 or benzophenone-3 have been known to cause coral bleaching. The ingredient also contributes to the disruption of coral reproduction and damage of coral DNA. But you don’t have to risk skin cancer to show some love to the coral reefs of the world, just opt for coral reef-friendly brands instead. They offer the same protection with minimal damage.
Swap 4: Silicone-free For Silicone-based Products
Silicone helps smooth the skin’s appearance and can improve the moisture of the skin. While great for both skin and hair, they have been found in waterways and oceans. There currently isn’t any conclusive evidence that they are bad for the environment but they are being found where they aren’t naturally occurring. However, if you are concerned, you can try out silicone-free products.
Swap 5: Antibacterial Products For Soap And Warm Water
Antibacterial ingredient triclosan may be used to help fight acne but it can cause harm to the microorganisms that live in the ocean and other waterways. Triclosan and similar products are also linked to antimicrobial resistance. To help out the environment and humanity, it might be a good idea to switch to time-tested soap and warm water. Especially since antibacterials are not known to be any more effective.
Swap 6: Fragrances For Natural Scents
Aside from perfumes, most products don’t need scents to make them useful. The issue with fragrances is that, according to many studies, they have been found to harm the immune systems of marine animals. To best help the environment, use products that are scent-free or made with naturally occurring scents.
Swap 7: Palm Oil For Sustainably-sourced Palm Oil
Palm oil is a great ingredient, it helps to keep your skin from being stripped by cleansing products. However, there are many problems with the way palm oil is sourced. Traditional sourcing methods are linked to the destruction of the rainforest and animal habitats. Whenever possible, it is best for the environment if you use sustainably sourced palm oil.
Swap 8: Biodegradable For Plastic Packaging
Plastic pollution has become a worldwide problem, but plastics are cheap and allow for easy application and use. At one time, your only option to avoid plastic bottles was to use glass and let’s be honest, glass doesn’t travel nearly as well. However, in recent years companies have started to make the switch to biodegradable plastics, many of them hemp-based. To help better protect the environment, look for products with biodegradable packaging.
It can be hard to care for yourself and the environment at the same time but we hope this list of swaps will help you to make more sustainable choices when it comes to beauty. If your favourite products aren’t sustainable, reach out to the company on social media and request that they make the switch. And with a useful swap at the ready, they just might listen.
