Beauty can be eco-friendly too.
While going through your 10-step Korean skincare routine, have you ever thought about how much waste you’re creating? From box packaging to the dozens of skincare empties you throw away each year, not to mention the number of sheet masks you discard after use, all these add on to the global waste burden that is detrimental to Mother Earth.
Excessive waste is a huge problem facing the beauty industry. The industry generates huge amounts of plastic waste which are difficult to or cannot be degraded, thus piling up on landfills or cluttering our waters.
From microbeads in exfoliants to plastics that seal products to the packaging itself, there’s just sooooo much plastic surrounding skincare that it has become a quintessential part of the industry.
In this month leading up to Earth Day, let us show as much care for the environment as we do for our skin. YOU have the power to save our planet!
Here are FOUR ways to make that sustainable swap in your skincare routine:
1. Use only what you need
As the saying goes, less is more! When we reduce the number of products used, we ultimately reduce the amount of waste generated. It really isn’t necessary to pile on 10 products when 3-4 multi-tasking products do the trick too!
Try ést.lab’s bestselling SunShield SPF50***, a powerful multi-tasking skincare that works as a day moisturiser with antioxidant benefits, offers UVA, UVB and blue light protection, and includes a colour-adaptive tint to provide light-medium coverage to triple up as a makeup base!
2. Say NO to plastic microbeads
They may be tiny, but they are MIGHTY harmful to the oceans and wildlife! Plastic microbeads are minuscule (smaller than 5mm) pieces of plastic, often found in exfoliants such as face and body scrubs. These little beads end up in our waterways, absorbing toxins and are unknowingly eaten up by marine life. They are also really hard to remove due to their size. In fact, it’s so harmful that former POTUS, Barack Obama, passed a bill in 2015 to ban the use of microbeads in beauty products!
Instead, look for exfoliants with biodegradable and naturally derived particles. At ést.lab, our LumiWhite Exfoliating Scrub is made with biodegradable jojoba beads that are 100% naturally derived to polish away rough & dull skin cells.
3. Make eco-conscious purchase decisions
Whether it’s the packaging or formulation, choosing a brand that has committed to sustainability makes the biggest difference.
When looking at products, look out for keywords such as “sustainably sourced” ingredients, or biodegradable options such as a bio-cellulose sheet mask.
Purchasing from brands who have committed to using tree-friendly materials or recycled plastics in their packaging is also a good starting point!
4. Recycle or upcycle your empties
Where possible, wash out your skincare empties and put them into the closest blue bin in your neighbourhood for recycling!
What about upcycling your skincare empties? Try a fun and creative way to reuse your jars and bottles, such as a holder for cotton pads or cotton buds, or even as a terrarium if the packaging comes clear!
As we approach Earth Day this year, let us all take small, conscious steps to care for Mother Earth. Encourage others to do the same and support eco-responsible brands to help improve the industry as a whole. After all, it’s the little things that matter!
In Good Hands,
Estetica
