Sustainable, Cruelty-Free Cosmetic Products and Practices
By Caitlin Zainz
Sustainable, Cruelty-Free Cosmetic Products and Practices
By Caitlin Zainz
What Is Sustainable Beauty?
Although there is not a solid definition as to what sustainable beauty is, the idea of it is to participate in a beauty routine that is gentle to yourself and the environment. Many brands use ingredients that are harmful, promote single use packaging, and overall do not commit to environmental awareness. Because of this, the makeup industry leads to large amounts of consumption that eventually leads to waste.
By understanding sustainable beauty, we are conscious and informed on the products we are purchasing and the brands we choose to support. So, let’s dive into how we can start this journey on mindful consumption!
How Can We Practice Sustainable Beauty?
First and foremost, use up all the products you currently have! Think about the last time you finished a lipstick. Finishing a product completely before you purchase new products helps reduce your carbon footprint and helps your wallet! If you find yourself with products that did not work for you or you just don’t find it necessary for it to be a part of your routine, donate them or give them to friends and family!
A good tip for when you want to try a new product, purchase a sample size so there is no commitment to loving a full-sized bottle. With that said, avoid impulse buying! We all want to hop on new trends; however, take the time to thoroughly research and decide if the product is right for you.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Sustainable beauty products often come in packaging that is recyclable, biodegradable, or made from post-consumer recycled materials. Reducing plastic usage and opting for sustainable packaging is important in creating eco-friendly cosmetics. When looking at packaging, aim for recyclable materials such as aluminum, bamboo, or glass.
When purchasing these materials, remember to properly dispose of old products through recycling or even repurposing. Improperly disposing of them will continue to harm our environment. The plastic packaging will break down, leading to microplastics making way into water filtration systems and even consumed by marine life!
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Sustainable beauty products often come in packaging that is recyclable, biodegradable, or made from post-consumer recycled materials. Reducing plastic usage and opting for sustainable packaging is important in creating eco-friendly cosmetics. When looking at packaging, aim for recyclable materials such as aluminum, bamboo, or glass.
When purchasing these materials, remember to properly dispose of old products through recycling or even repurposing. Improperly disposing of them will continue to harm our environment. The plastic packaging will break down, leading to microplastics making way into water filtration systems and even consumed by marine life!
@krystalynngier I walked in for a new concealer and I think I had about 7 employees ask me if I needed anything. I was on my 2nd cup of coffee at the time and dropped about 4 different products and ran into 2 displays but overall it was a successful trip. Gotta love sustainable beauty becoming more accessible!!! #sustainablebeauty #sustainability #sephorafinds2022 ♬ Smooth Slow Jazz - Jazz Background Vibes
Cruelty-Free Practices & Vegan Products
Cruelty-free cosmetics are products that have not been tested on animals. This includes both the finished product and individual ingredients. Look for certifications such as the Leaping Bunny or PETA's Cruelty-Free Bunny logo. You can also check out our Natural, Plant Based Instant Eyebrow Tint.
Vegan cosmetics do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. They are both cruelty-free and free of ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, and carmine.
Another way a brand shows it holds high morals is also by its labor practices. Many companies exploit their laborers and create a toxic environment to produce these products. Researching how brands produce and the environment in which they allow people to work in is another aspect to think about.
A few popular, budget-friendly brands to look into are NYX Professional Makeup, ColorPop, E.l.f cosmetics, and our products here at Godefroy. If you’d like to dabble in high-end products, try Too Faced, Urban Decay, Bare Minerals, or Anastasia Beverly Hills!
Overall, sustainable beauty is about informing yourself about different ingredients, how they are derived, and if they align with your morals. Check out our blog post on Natural vs. Synthetic Ingredients to get a better understanding of specific ingredients.
Minimal Waste
Brands may adopt zero-waste or low-waste packaging practices, encouraging customers to recycle or reuse containers. Companies are attempting to create refillable products to prevent excess distribution of products. Another option is to invest in reuseable wipes and cotton swabs/rounds. Don’t be afraid to try out these different options and determine which best suits your needs.
Fenty Skin and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream are great brands that offer refillable products!
Time to Embrace Sustainable Beauty
Finally, we have gone through why, how, and what we can do to practice sustainable beauty! This may seem overwhelming but remember that the old norm of how we produce and consume beauty was harming us and our world. Finding a routine that is not only sustainable, but also meets every one of your needs will not be overnight, but it’s the steps to getting there that count.
Remember, we all have different ideas of what sustainable beauty is about, but if you research, find brands that align with your morals, and become more mindful of your consumption, you are on the right track! If we did not list ways YOU have tried to implement sustainability in your routine, feel free to comment on what that is! We’d love to learn more!
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