As a modern woman, you likely want to be mindful of how your lifestyle choices affect the environment. There are many ways to do this, but one way is by changing your beauty routine.
Cosmetics like shampoo and soap may seem like they’re not that big of a deal when it comes to green living, but they actually use up an astounding amount of water in manufacturing. It takes about 2 liters (that’s 4 pints) of water just to make 1 liter (2 quarts) of most shampoos! And there are so many other chemicals used in cosmetics production which can be harmful to both humans and animals if they get into the waterways or oceans. And while organic makeup is becoming more popular these days, it’s still good to know what brands are eco-friendly and which ones aren’t.
After all, manufacturers don’t always make it clear whether or not their product is green/eco-friendly. So how can you tell?
1) Better For Your Skin
The ingredients in traditional cosmetics can be toxic when they are exposed to air or water, but the ingredients used in mineral makeup tend to be safer when it comes to both. Mineral makeup is made of finely milled minerals which are combined with binding agents like organic beeswax, organic chamomile extract, etc. Unlike synthetic minerals that contain a lot of harsh chemicals, mineral makeup is usually considered safe for people who have sensitive skin. You can also find face oil made for dry skin or a moisturizer for combination skin. There is a green counterpart for every cosmetic product out there.
All would agree that having clean water is important for both drinking and to use for self care. With tap water containing high concentrations of minerals, chlorine, and fluoride, many choose to buy distilled water for certain personal uses. As distilled water is free of impurities it works well with the skin’s pH levels, so can help skincare products to work better.
2) Better For Animals
Many people don’t realize that a lot of the ingredients in cosmetics are tested on animals. This is especially true for products that claim to be anti-aging or to have other skin benefits. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative, then look for brands that are cruelty-free. This means that the company does not test their products on animals, nor do they purchase ingredients that were made in part through animal testing.
3) Better For The Environment
When a product has a plant or organic label on it, there’s a good chance that the company is putting effort into being eco-friendly. Plants and other earthly substances are more sustainable than many of the chemicals used in cosmetics production. So if you see something like “Aloe Vera Extract”… read further to make sure they don’t use other harsh chemicals in other parts of their production, but it is a good sign.
One of the main benefits of using plant-based or organic cosmetics is that they are biodegradable. This means that while you use them and when you eventually finish using them, the ingredients will break down and not leave any harmful residue behind. In contrast, synthetic chemicals can take years to decompose and can contaminate water supplies in the process.
4) Promotes Green Practices
Unused plastics from other parts of the manufacturing process can be used to create packaging for cosmetics instead of creating new plastic. This means that you’re doing your part in reducing waste and pollution by purchasing a product with recycled packaging.
If you’re looking to reduce your impact on the environment, then eco-friendly cosmetics are a great place to start. You can also use folding carton packaging for makeupthat provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for brands looking to showcase your products while minimizing their environmental footprint.
