When it comes to sustainability, we may have ditched the plastic bags and even switched to reusable water bottles, but it’s time to tackle our beauty regimes. Whilst it may seem very ~en vogue~ to purchase the latest cruelty-free cosmetics, the process of buying them becomes a little more expensive and daunting than necessary. Navigating the world of sustainable skincare is challenging (especially in the case of the moisturiser aisle), so let’s remove the hassle, the nasty ingredients and the animal testing, and explore it further…
Cruelty-free vs sustainable
Let’s start by getting our heads around what it all means. A sustainable product ensures as little long-term impact on the environment as possible; everything from sourcing the raw materials to the manufacturing and production is taken into consideration. This usually means the ingredients are of a higher quality, more natural and consciously sourced. When it comes to packaging, this should also be recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. In sustainable beauty, nothing and no-one is exploited.
Unsurprisingly, a cruelty-free product is one that has been developed and tested using humane methods which do not involve cruelty to animals. So, does this mean cruelty-free is vegan? No. Vegan products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, but cruelty-free products can.
A helping hand
You’ll be relieved to know there are some nifty logos on the packaging of products that lend us a helping a hand when deciphering our way through shower gels. If you’re looking for a sustainable product, check for recycling and compostable symbols; these vary depending on the area in which you live, but generally feature some kind of rotating arrow. It’s also worth peeling back the label to peruse the ingredients list, if it features cyclopentasiloxane, butylphenyl methylpropional or any other extremely lengthy chemical compound, the chances are sustainability is not its highest priority. Oh, and whilst we’re on the subject, it’s best to avoid palm oil too.
Fortunately, the bunny logo makes it easier to spot cruelty-free products, of which there are three you can trust. Firstly, there’s the leaping bunny which is internationally trusted, then there’s the PETA accredited cruelty-free bunny logo and finally, the one that clearly reads NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS (alas, something that’s simple). The ‘vegan’ certification is also starting to make its way onto more and more products, so keep an eye out for that while you’re at it.
Student-friendly sustainable finds
Here’s a list of the best sustainable and cruelty-free products that comfortably comply with our student budgets:
LUSH have environmental issues at the heart of all their products. They are committed to becoming more sustainable and strongly believe that animal testing is unacceptable (doesn’t everyone?!). From shampoo bars to body lotions, they have our cosmetic needs covered, just promise not to post one of those #bathbomb insta-stories.
The Body Shop is another company that vows to ‘enrich not exploit’. They aim to be the world’s most ethical and sustainable global business, and just so happen to sell epically smelling toiletries at the same time.
Say yes to Yes To which use at least 95% natural ingredients from renewable resources in all of their products. The product range is cruelty-free, made with recyclable materials, free from nasty ingredients and found in high-street stores.
Whilst Faith in Nature is another great ‘green’ cosmetic brand, it’s hard to justify spending over a tenner on shampoo & conditioner, but this could be a possibility on a graduate salary. EVOLVE and BYSARAH are my personal favourites, and being a social media influencers dream, I all too often convince myself that it’s ok to #treatyourself…
Apps and websites for conscious consumers
These definitely come in handy when you are standing opposite the cleansers and exfoliators feeling a little baffled:
Cruelty Cutter, Choose Cruelty Free and Bunny Free are worth the iPhone storage space. I also recommend Think Dirty for a one-stop all-natural ingredient shop. Lastly, for the vegans, Double Check Vegan is super essential, I'm talking as essential as Oatly oat milk...
Simple switches
They have long been a bathroom cupboard essential, but face wipes need to be thrown in the bin once and for all. Not only do they clog our pores, but they are clogging our beaches too. (The same goes for cotton buds).
Swap cotton pads for a muslin cloth, face flannel or a cleansing sponge.
Natural deodorants don’t have the best reputation, but they have come a long way since their hippie days (some more than others). It’s a bit of trial and error in finding one that works for you, so choose an appropriate time to test them out…
Buy refill soaps and shower gels; they use less plastic and save you pennies.
Look out for recycle and reward schemes. MAC, Origins, Garnier and LUSH are just a few that encourage us to return our used products, so they can save the trees and we can earn freebies!
A great way to use up old bananas or avocados lurking in your fruit bowl is to make a face mask (I promise).
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any more sustainable more and more cosmetic and beauty brands are choosing to make sustainable steps, so the least we can do is support and embrace the changes they make. The beauty industry is, for once, united in reducing its environmental impact. Even if it is “just another twenty-first-century trend”, it’s having a positive impact on our skin and the planet. More importantly, it doesn’t have to be expensive, nor does it have to be time-consuming. If we start putting as much effort into looking after our planet, as we do looking after our faces, we might just make a difference.
[Originally written for @TheUniBubble]