Your Guide to a Sustainable Skincare Routine

From reusable straws to homemade cleaning products, there has been growing interest in sustainable practices in recent years. While individuals’ environmental impact is slight compared to that of major corporations, small changes in our everyday routines can help raise awareness of environmental issues and promote mindfulness.

In short: Implementing a sustainable skincare routine will not only benefit your skin but also the planet.

Swapping to Sustainability

Fast fashion is not a new concept, and the skincare industry is no stranger to fanatic overconsumption. However, the practice of overindulgence should not be entirely blamed on consumers but rather on the industry itself.

Skincare brands frequently launch new products throughout the year, alongside upgrades and color variations of existing ones. These products are often marketed as the “holy grail” of skincare—a serum, moisturizer, or oil you must have to achieve your skin goals. This relentless marketing entices consumers to make additional purchases, even when they haven’t finished what they already own. The result? Half-empty bottles languish in bathrooms before being tossed in the bin, perpetuating a wasteful cycle.

In recent years, there’s been a collective shift from fast fashion brands toward more sustainable, long-term options. Once you recognize this cycle of consumption, it becomes easier to resist.

Below are some simple tips to help you transition to a more sustainable skincare routine.

1. Finish What You Have

The first step in adopting a sustainable skincare routine is to use up the products you currently own before buying new ones. While it may be tempting to throw them away and start fresh, this goes against the goal of sustainability.

If a product isn’t working for you, consider selling it on a second-hand platform or passing it on to a friend who may benefit from it.

Once you’ve used up your current products, you can begin building a more sustainable routine.

2. Less is More

Adopting a minimalist approach to your skincare routine can save the environment, your time, and your money. When it comes to skincare, focus on three key steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF.

By simplifying your routine, you’ll not only reduce waste but also eliminate unnecessary purchases—because you can’t waste what you never buy.

3. Ditch the Wipes

Face wipes might seem like a quick and easy solution for makeup removal, but they’re harmful to both the environment and your skin.

Regular use of wipes can damage your skin by stripping it of its natural oils and disrupting its pH balance. Additionally, makeup remover wipes are one of the least effective cleansing methods and can take up to 100 years to decompose in landfills.

Instead, opt for reusable face pads paired with a balm or liquid cleanser. Once the pads are dirty, simply throw them in the washing machine, and they’ll be ready to reuse.

4. Find Natural Ingredients

The term “natural” is often used as a marketing buzzword and can be ambiguous. To avoid falling for false claims, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with key ingredients to seek out—and others to avoid.

For example, palm oil is often unethically sourced and produced unsustainably.

Instead, look for ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter, and kale extract. These ingredients are not only kind to the environment but also great for your skin.

Before purchasing a product, do some research to ensure it aligns with your personal goals and values.

5. Try the Sample

If you’ve found a product that seems promising and comes from a sustainable company, see if a sample size is available.

Skincare is highly individual—our skin reacts differently to various ingredients. Testing a product before committing to the full size can help you avoid unnecessary waste and save money if the product isn’t suitable for your skin.