Every Gal’s Guide to Make Her Beauty Regimen More Green

Use today, World Earth Day, as an opportunity to revise and re-evaluate your lifestyle choices, especially your make-up and skincare practices

Yes, we have all thought about it, but we never really do end up doing it after all…swearing to go vegan or use electricity consciously, walk to the nearest supermarket instead of driving there or avoid fast fashion brands, so that we can do our bit to help preserve the planet. Going green is not easy but it is *NOT* that difficult either, and the secret lies in cultivating cleaner and eco-friendly habits, gradually over time. Consistency certainly is the key.

And speaking of a green lifestyle, your beauty regimen too can contribute to it in a significant way. The skincare and make-up industries are some of the largest growing ones presently, and hence are adopting innovative ways to cut down on their carbon footprints. By being less wasteful and developing ways to decrease pollution, they are going their bit to ensure that the future of the beauty industry is a cleaner and sustainable one. All you have to do is try out these simple methods that will transform your beauty routine into a more planet-friendly one and help you get started on your journey towards being an environmentally responsible individual

READ MORE: 5 Skincare Steps to Care for Sun Damaged Skin

Go Vegan and Cruelty-Free

Even if you are struggling with going vegan in other aspects of your life, the least you can do is start using beauty products that are purely plant-based and do not use any animal derivatives like honey, lanolin, beeswax, and milk. Even when it comes to ingredients like squalene, collagen, and keratin, go for products that are made using their plant-derived variations instead. Also, stick to brands that are strictly against animal testing. Look for cruelty-free certifications by PETA and Leaping Bunny to save time

Say No to Plastic

The massive impact that plastic pollution has had on our planet is unfathomable, especially in the context of marine life and ocean health, and the beauty industry has been flagged as one of the main contributors to this problem for the tonnes of plastic packaging it uses. With microplastics now threatening even our food safety, health, and overall life quality, opt for brands that use containers made with recycled plastic and that are fully recyclable as well. Or opting for brands that offer refills is also welcome.

Avoid Single-use Products

Non-biodegradable make-up wipes and sheet masks are a big no-no as most of them contain plastic microfibres. Use a cleansing balm or oil followed by a facial cleanser as often as possible or a reusable make-up removal towel as a substitute. Go for your regular face masks instead or sheet masks made with biodegradable, natural fibres obtained from bamboo, cotton, or bio-cellulose.

Switch to Safe Formulas

Just as a rule of thumb, always turn your beauty products and read the ingredient list first before purchase. You must ensure that the chemicals present in the product are neither harmful for you, nor for the planet. Be wary of toxins like mineral oil, sulphates, phthalates, hormonal disruptors like parabens, and carcinogens like triclosan. Avoid brands that are not transparent and do not mention all the ingredients present in their products. Especially when it comes to sun protection for your next beach vacay, choose a reef-safe or reef-friendly formula, which does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two most harmful UV-blocking agents responsible for coral bleaching.

Choose Local Brands as Much as Possible

Even though it might seem impossible in the beginning, try looking for alternatives manufactured locally or by an Indian brand, similar to your favourite beauty to-go products in composition. This will help cut your carbon footprint as the production and distribution of these items will be far more eco-friendly and greener. And we would like to conclude by saying that with such a dynamic and thriving Indian beauty industry at the present, finding substitutes shouldn’t be tough.