Sustainability has become a buzzword in the beauty industry, but it’s more than just a passing trend.
The products we use daily— from cleansers to moisturisers— can have a significant impact on the environment.
Packaging waste, overconsumption, and unsustainable sourcing practices all contribute to the beauty industry’s footprint.
Read more about our sustainability ethos here.
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire bathroom cabinet to start making a difference.
Small, thoughtful changes in your skincare routine can help reduce waste, support eco-friendly practices, and even save you money in the long run.
Here are some easy and practical ways to make your skincare routine more sustainable.
Why Sustainable Skincare Matters
Before diving into the tips, it helps to understand why sustainability in skincare is important.
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Packaging waste: The beauty industry produces billions of plastic containers each year, many of which are not recyclable.
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Ingredient sourcing: Some popular ingredients are linked to deforestation, over-harvesting, or unethical labour practices.
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Carbon footprint: Transporting, producing, and disposing of products all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
1. Simplify Your Skincare Routine
A sustainable skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated. Instead of having ten different products, focus on the essentials that really work for your skin.
Benefits of a minimalist routine:
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Fewer products mean less packaging waste.
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You’ll save money by avoiding unnecessary purchases.
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Sticking to core products reduces the risk of irritation from layering too many active ingredients.
Think of it this way: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser, and a good SPF can do most of the heavy lifting. If your skin needs more, add targeted treatments like serums sparingly.
2. Choose Refillable and Recyclable Packaging
Packaging is one of the biggest sustainability challenges in beauty.
Look for brands that offer:
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Thoughtful packaging like using 100% PCR plastic
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Take-back programs. Some brands accept empty containers for recycling or upcycling
Pro tip: Before buying, check your local council’s recycling guidelines. Not all plastics (like pumps or coloured bottles) are recyclable everywhere.
3. Support Brands with Sustainable Ingredients
What’s inside your skincare matters just as much as the packaging. Ingredients that are sustainably sourced are better for the environment and often gentler on the skin.
Ingredients to look for:
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Plant-based oils such as sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, or oat kernel oil, which can be harvested sustainably and provide nourishing benefits.
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Upcycled ingredients made from by-products of the food industry (e.g., fruit seed oils).
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Botanical extracts like rosemary leaf extract, known for antioxidant properties, that can be farmed without damaging ecosystems.
4. Buy Less, Use More
It’s tempting to stock up on new launches or trending products, but overconsumption leads to waste.
Many half-used bottles end up expiring and being thrown away.
Tips to reduce waste:
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Finish what you own before purchasing more.
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Check expiry dates regularly and store products away from direct sunlight to extend shelf life.
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Stick to what works instead of constantly switching routines.
By being more intentional, you not only reduce waste but also simplify your skincare routine.
5. Switch to Multi-Use Products
Another easy way to cut down on waste is by using products that serve more than one purpose.
Examples include:
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A hydrating oil that doubles as a cleanser and moisturiser.
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A tinted moisturiser with SPF to replace three separate products.
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A balm that works on lips, cuticles, and dry patches.
Multi-use products help minimise the number of containers in your bathroom and your environmental footprint.
6. Be Mindful of Water Usage
It’s not just products that matter—how you use them makes a difference too.
Simple swaps to save water:
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Turn off the tap while cleansing your face.
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Shorten your showers to reduce overall water consumption in your daily routine.
These small actions may not seem like much, but collectively they can have a significant impact.
7. Recycle and Upcycle Empty Containers
When you’ve finished a product, think twice before tossing it in the bin.
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Recycle where possible. Clean out bottles and jars to give them the best chance of being processed.
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Upcycle creatively. Small jars can be reused for travel-size decants, cotton pads, or jewellery storage.
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Join recycling schemes. Many retailers and beauty brands now offer drop-off points for hard-to-recycle items.
8. Support Transparent and Ethical Brands
Brands that prioritise sustainability often go beyond packaging.
Look for companies that share sourcing information for their ingredients, commit to cruelty-free and vegan practices, and invest in carbon offsetting or low-waste production methods.
Supporting these brands encourages more companies to adopt eco-friendly practices, creating broader industry change.
Final Thoughts
Making your skincare routine more sustainable doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small—whether it’s choosing a refillable cleanser, switching to a multi-use balm, or being mindful of water usage.
Every change adds up, and the more conscious we are about the products we buy and how we use them, the less impact our beauty routines will have on the planet.
Ultimately, sustainability in skincare is about balance: caring for your skin while caring for the environment.
By simplifying, choosing wisely, and supporting eco-conscious brands, you can create a routine that benefits both your complexion and the world around you.
