A sustainable skincare routine should not only be a better option for the environment, we think it should also be easy to follow and provide wonderful results. By choosing products that have minimal packaging (or no packaging at all!), saying no to microbeads, buying locally made, reducing formulated products, and even making some products at home yourself, you can create a skincare routine that is not only sustainable, but great for you.
1. Choose recyclable packaging, or no packaging at all
Let's look at soap. Moving away from products such as body wash is a great way to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill. There are many lovely handmade soaps that are not packaged in plastic, or that are minimally packaged in paper. Strolling through your local Sunday markets you are likely to find someone such soap, but be sure to ask the seller what they have used in creating the soap, as some will contain palm oil. Our range of handmade Australian soaps not only provide a wonderful lather and smell beautiful, they do not contain palm oil, and look lovely in your home. Shop our range of palm oil and plastic free soaps here >
2. Change from formulated to simple products
Even "all natural" products can contain synthesised ingredients that require resources and chemical processes to create. Instead, seek out products with simple ingredients as close to nature as possible. For example, cleanser and make-up remover can be replaced by natural, non-formulated alternatives. One of our favourite simple alternatives to a facial cleanser is the Kuu Konjac, a 100% natural vegetable sponge. Once the sponge has been submerged in water it becomes soft, and the natural vitamins and minerals work to gently cleanse, exfoliate, and soothe the skin by removing dirt and oil, restore pH levels, and revitalise the complexion. For make-up remover, pure coconut oil is a very effective alternative to formulated products. To keep your night-time routine quick and simple, keep seven or so organic cotton washcloths next to a glass jar of coconut oil in your bathroom. Massage the oil in a circular motion over your face to remove make-up. Use a warm wet washcloth to remove the excess oil (it should come off very easily), and then splash your face with warm water. Use one washcloth per night to remove your make-up, then throw into the washing basket to be washed and used again. Shop the Kuu Konjac 100% natural vegetable sponge here > Shop our range of organic coconut oils here >
3. Beat the microbead!
Microbeads are still out there, and are still causing our natural environment a whole world of problems. These tiny plastic particles are present in large quantities in Australia's waterways, which in some cases end up in the food chain, including in fish. As with most plastics, they do not disintegrate and the toxic chemicals that are added to plastic during the manufacturing process leach out into the environment and pose threats to fauna. There is a great app called Beat the Microbead that allows consumers to check whether a product contains the tiny plastic particles by quickly scanning the bar code. You can find it in the App Store, Google Play, and the Windows Phone Store. We also stock a range of microbead-free facial exfoliates >
4. DIY
Why not try your hand at making your own products, such as DIY natural skin care, deodorant or toothpaste? Most conventional antiperspirants work quite well, if you don't mind infusing your armpits with aluminium. Toothpaste is also loaded with a range of questionable ingredients, from surfactants (like sodium lauryl sulfate) to fluoride, triclosan and artificial sweeteners. The internet, especially Pinterest, is abundant with DIY recipes for deodorant, toothpastes, and body scrubs.
5. Buy locally made - with local ingredients!
We all know that Australian made is important, but you can take it one step further by supporting products with ingredients grown in Australia. At Biome you will find many ranges that source a large amount of ingredients from Australia, particularly olive oil, such as Buloke Park Lip Balm, Olieve soap & skincare, Beauty & the Bees, and Dindi soaps.
6. Use products that have a better end of life
Our final step to creating a sustainable skincare routine is to choose tools that have a better end of life over those that will end up in landfill. A toothbrush, hairbrush, body brush or make-up brush that is made with sustainably sourced wood or bamboo are great options. When these products have reached the end of their life, they can be thrown into the compost to biodegrade (remove the bristles first as these won't break down). Shop Bamboo Toothbrushes > and Bamboo Hair Brushes > Using products that have no end of life are also great! For instance, our reusable safety razors replace the need for disposable plastic ones, and because they're corrosion resistant and made of metal, they'll last a lifetime with proper care. Seriously.
Bonus suggestion
‘Greenify' your life gradually! Take it one step at a time, replacing one thing as it finishes or wears out.
