1. Choose products with natural and organic ingredients.
When it comes to eco-friendly skin care, choosing products with natural and organic ingredients is key. Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals as these can be harmful to both your skin and the environment. Instead, opt for products that use natural ingredients like plant extracts, essential oils, natural fragrances, and botanicals. Not only are these ingredients better for your skin, but they also have a lower impact on the environment. To learn more different types of natural ingredients, look at the blog post: https://www.earthmelody.co/blogs/skincare-tips/4-shades-of-natural-skincare
Ingredients to watch out for that is not eco-friendly.
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Silicone, mineral oils, petroluem, these derived from fossil fuels.
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Exotic oils derived from exotic, endangered plants species : Such as some type of rose, and sandlewood. Some essential oil derived from flower petal, often resourse intensive because you will have to use hundred pounds of petals to create small drop of oil.
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Talc : unsafe mining, deforestation, often mining along side with asbestos.
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Unsustainable farming of Palm oil : to be completely palm-free is very hard, almost impossible. It is everywhere, including the food your eat, and clothing and shoes you wear. Completely boycott palm product is controversial, and debatable because some population from Developing Countries depend on this job and it become highly regulated business. Unfortunately there are still loop holes and corruption, unethical practice just like everything else in the world. Skincare ingredients that might be derived from palm oil are surfactant, emollient, and some emulsifier. We will have to be mindful where you source and try to reduce consumption and find alternative.
- Ozokerite , also known as Earth Wax.- a nicer name of parrifin wax that is derived from fossil fuels.
2. Look for eco-friendly packaging
When shopping for skin care products, take a closer look at the packaging. Complicated packaging design, plus many products come in plastic containers that are not recyclable and end up in landfills or oceans. Instead, opt for products that has a simple design, come in glass jars or bottles, which can be recycled or reused. Paper packaging is also a great option, as it can be recycled or composted. Bamboo or coated woods packaging is another eco-friendly choice, as it is biodegradable and sustainable, however it may react to some skincare formulation unless there are some plastic coating to sealed it. Metal packaging and post-consumer plastic is also a great alternative to single used plastic. By choosing skin care products with eco-friendly packaging, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet.
3. Support sustainable and ethical brands.
One of the best ways to protect the planet with your skin care routine is to support sustainable and ethical brands. Look for companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and using sustainable packaging. Additionally, choose brands that prioritize ethical practices, such as fair labor practices, participation with non-profits that focus on sustainability practise and cruelty-free testing. By supporting these types of brands, you can feel good about the impact your skin care routine has on the environment and society.
4. Reduce waste by using reusable or refillable containers.
One of the easiest ways to make your skin care routine more eco-friendly is to switch to reusable or refillable containers. Instead of buying single-use plastic containers, opt for glass or metal containers that can be washed and reused. You can also look for brands that offer refillable options, allowing you to reuse the same container multiple times. This not only reduces waste but also saves you money in the long run. In Los Angeles, there are several Refill station you can bring your empty jar to refill are BYO long beach, Sustain LA , Prostainable, and The Well Refill, you can find all your personal, and household care products with them.