While formulating our own skincare, we discovered what outcomes many of our every day products can have on our body, and it's not nice! Thankfully, there is now more awareness on sustainable skincare —showing a commitment to wellness and the planet. Here’s a little guide to help you build an eco-conscious routine that’s as gentle on the planet as it is on your skin.
Prioritise Minimal, Eco-Friendly Packaging
If you’re tired of tossing endless plastic bottles into the bin, then it’s time to look for skincare brands that go the extra mile with eco-friendly packaging. Here’s what to look for:
~ Recyclable and Reusable: Think glass jars, aluminium tubes, kraft paper bags and recycled plastics. We recently discovered that glass uses more energy to break down than aluminium - so we're going back to the drawing board.
~ Minimal or Plastic-Free Packaging: Brands that use biodegradable, compostable, or water-soluble packaging make it easier to maintain an eco-friendly skincare routine without creating wastage. We have opted for dissolving packing peanuts made from soluble starch and re-use any boxes in good condition.
Our Tip: Keep an eye out for packaging that are FSC certified, with these symbols marked - then they're doing good! This means businesses and consumers choose wood, paper made with materials that support responsible forestry.
Consider Waterless Formulas
Water is one of the most common ingredients in skincare (up to 80%), yet it’s a precious resource. Waterless skincare will hopefully be making big waves (pun intended), as these products usually skip 'aqua" as a filler. Powdered cleansers, solid soap bars and oil based serums are not only great for your skin but also lighten the environmental load.
Pro Tip: The first ingredient listed on the back of a product's label, is what it contains the most of - it's often listed as "Aqua". This can be used a filler while incurring more emissions in shipping, but our skin does still need hydration. A powdered face mask, like the ones we’re working on here at Jatra Naturals, helps the planet, lasts longer and is more potent. Just add a splash of water (or rose water/organic oils if you’re feeling fancy) for a mask that’s fresh and preservative-free.
Lean Into Natural, Planet-Loving Ingredients
Ingredients matter: Natural ingredients sourced from plants like shea butter, aloe vera, and botanical oils are often biodegradable and gentle to ecosystems than synthetic chemicals that are harmful to aquatic life.
Sustainable skincare emphasises clean, non-toxic ingredients that are safer for both you and the environment when it goes down our shower drains. Here’s what to look for:
~ Certified Organic: Organic ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, which reduces water and soil contamination.
~ Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Ingredients like sulphates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances can pollute waterways and harm aquatic life. Look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and committed to natural formulations.
Seek out Multi-purpose Skincare
Overwhelmed with a shelf full of products that you don't end up using before it's expiry date? Multi-use products are a sustainable skincare lover’s best friend, they make your routine way simpler and travel friendly. Think face oils that double as hair serums or body butters that work from head to toe.
Example: A rich, whipped shea butter can work as a face moisturiser, body lotion, and even a lip balm. That’s a triple win for your skin and the environment!
Use a Little, Love a Lot
How many of us tend to go a bit overboard with the product? (Guilty!) Remember, a little goes a long way, and being mindful about how much you use means less waste, fewer purchases, and more sustainable beauty habits.
Creating Your Conscious Skincare Routine
Building a conscious skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about making small changes that feel good for you and the environment we will in. From waterless wonders to eco-friendly packaging and plant-based ingredients, these tips will hopefully helps to find a routine that’s nourishing, effective, and sustainable.
Lots of love,
From team Jatra x
