How to Use Plastic Free Beauty Products

Opt for beauty products that are packed in: aluminum, steel or glass bottles instead of plastic. These materials are 100% recyclable, which means that they can be used again and again without the need of any new materials. Although the recycling methods of these products can still be somewhat improved, it is still considered a much better option than supporting plastic production. Try and buy beauty products that are packaged in 100% recyclable metal and glass containers or which come in biodegradable or recyclable paper. Always try to give preference to these over plastic packaging.

Choosing plastic-free containers can sometimes prove to be complicated as they can have lids and pumps that are often made of plastic. Pumps cannot be made from steel or glass. Even if the spring of a pumps is made of metal, it proves to be difficult to separate during the recycling process. Using pump made out of bio-plastic, made from plant materials and not from oil, has been noted as a great alternative. Thankfully, kind of plastic is capable of breaking down organically. There are certain manufacturers that install bio-plastic lids and pumps on their containers.

If you cannot find these plastic free pumps, opt for beauty products which do not require pumps, such as screw topped containers made of metal.

Liquid soap entered the market in 1980s and since have become a staple in bathrooms. Earlier, soap bars were made from petroleum derivatives and animal fats, but now, times have changed and there is an entire range of soap bars that moisturize the skin and do not dry it. By choosing a soap bar instead of liquid soap bottle, you can avoid the usage of plastic bottles and pumps. The new generation of soap bars comes wrapped in cardboard or paper boxes without plastic packaging. More importantly, they are made up of nourishing plant oils like: coconut, olive, cacao butter, natural mineral clays and macadamia: instead of any animal based ingredients.

Another alternative, is making your own soap at home. Not only will this save you money, but it is also a more natural and eco-friendly option.

Cotton buds are useful not only in cleaning your ears, but are also commonly used in a variety of makeup techniques. According to a research, cotton buds are among the top 10 garbage items found on beaches. This is because people usually flush them in their toilet, where they eventually reach the sea through the sewage system.

Unfortunately cotton buds, among other products, acts as one of the main killers of marine animals who accidentally swallow them. Many governments have requested to ban cotton buds, passing such a law can however take time.

For the time being, we recommend using cotton buds that are organically made with 100% biodegradable sticks. When it comes to washing your face, decrease or stop the use of face pads or cotton wipes. Instead, opt for a cleanser to wash your face. You can then wipe it off with an eco-friendly konjac sponge or a flannel. If you still want to use cotton pads, you can consider buying reusable ones. These cotton pads can be re-washed and used numerous times.

When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, you can choose to buy shampoo and conditioner soap bars, instead of liquid ones that come in plastic bottles. Bars come with minimal plastic packaging, contain less chemicals and last longer than liquid shampoo.

Although beneficial when it comes to saving money, disposable are incredibly damaging to our environment. Instead, invest in a good quality razor which you don’t have to throw out as often and lasts longer. By using reusable razors rather than disposable razors , you can avoid plastic use and save the environment.

• Kjaer Weis: All the cosmetic products of this brand are 100% organic and not tested on animals. They also offer refills for this products, including eye shadows and mascaras. Their compact is made out of stainless steel and not bamboo. For your information, stainless steel has 100% recycling rate. As compared to bamboo ones, stainless compacts do well even in humid bathrooms too. When kept under the sink, bamboo ones may get moldy. Their refills also come in compostable packaging and paper.

• Axiology: As for lipsticks, choose the ones that come in recycled aluminum or wooden tubes instead of plastic. When you finish your lipstick, its tube can be recycled to make a new one. Also make sure that it comes in a paper box and not in a plastic one. Paper box can be composted or recycled later. One such brand that makes these organic and natural lipsticks is Axiology, which include a range of lipsticks designed by Ericka Rodriguez.

• Tata Harper: This brand manufactures skin care products and some beauty products. Its products are hand-made in Vermont and all of them are cruelty-free.

• Antonym Cosmetics: This is another organic and natural brand that aims at creating cruelty-free and vegan-free cosmetic products. The compact eye shadows, brushes and blushes are all packaged in recyclable bamboo material. The outer packaging of their products is made of FSC certified paper. Their bamboo pallets are really attractive.

• Besame: Besame products are plastic-free.

• Elate Cosmetics: Elate cosmetics is a popular brand of zero-waste cosmetics. They use bamboo for their pallets and their products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan-free. The best thing is that they also offer cosmetics refills. The compact has a little magnet in its back that keeps held onto the stainless tin. These tins have pressed foundation, blush or eye shadow. Once you finish your product, you can go for a new pressed tin and refill it. This concept of refilling saves a lot on packaging.

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