How To Create A More Sustainable Beauty Routine

Sustainable habits that minimize your impact on the environment, thus helping curb pollution and climate change, are more important — and prevalent — than ever. When it comes to the beauty industry, for example, you've probably already noticed terms like paraben-free, clean, or sustainably sourced on countless products. But that's not all. Brands are partnering up with groups such as TerraCycle and Plastic Bank to help eliminate waste, and there's an increased focus on water reduction and renewable energy at corporate levels. Overall, creating a more sustainable beauty routine, while sometimes creating less options, is proving to be worth it — for consumers and the planet.

So what does that mean to make your personal beauty routine more sustainable and to actively reduce your footprint? It starts with the very doable task of choosing more eco-friendly products. For Romain Gaillard, founder of the planet-friendly beauty destination, The Detox Market, he suggests looking at the product as a whole. "Packaging is a huge aspect of sustainability, but there are a lot of approaches, like ingredient sourcing, waterless formulating, shipping weight, or how long it takes a product to break down (if it does at all)."

So to find out even more about achieving a complete sustainable beauty overhaul, we spoke to the experts about some key things to look for when selecting eco-friendly hair, skin, and makeup products. Check it all out ahead.

We only include products that have been independently selected by The Zoe Report's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

HAIR: Seek Out Sustainable Botanicals

When it comes to ingredients, how they are procured is an often overlooked but equally important factor when it comes to the environment. One way to make a positive change in your hair products is to look for formulas made with sustainably-sourced botanicals. The aloe in Herbal Essences' Aloe Vera collection, for example, comes from a farm in Mexico that uses sustainable farming practices. All the plant-based ingredients in the line are also certified by leading botanical expert Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Another detail to look for is the Environmental Working Group’s verification on ingredient selection, transparency, and manufacturing. "To be EWG-certified means that your products do not contain potentially unsafe chemicals," says holistic skin specialist Kristina Holey, who explains the certification is a great jumping-off point when deciding on formulas.

TRY: Rhyme & Reason Quench and Curl Leave-In Conditioner, Herbal Essences Potent Aloe & Hemp Shampoo and Conditioner, and Innersense Hydrating Hair Masque.

SKIN: Avoid These Ingredients

"Everything you put on your hair or skin eventually ends up in the water system once rinsed off your body," says Valérie Grandury, founder of skin-care brand Odacité. "So if you use chemical-laden beauty products, you are participating in the increase of environmental pollution." She recommends steering clear of chemical sunscreens, especially oxybenzone and avobenzone, since these sun protectors are known for damaging coral reefs when they enter the oceans. Instead, opt for mineral-based SPFs that contains zinc or iron oxide. And although this isn't technically an ingredient, Holey recommends looking for skin-care products that ideally contain no plastic and have minimal packaging (e.g. no excessive boxes or seals). She notes that glass bottles are ideal housing in this category.

Try: Sea Witch Botanicals Lucidum Reishi Face Oil, Odacité Ba+S Eye Contour, Kristina Holey x Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serum, and Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30

MAKEUP: Be Cognizant Of Packaging

You're probably already familiar with the amount of un-recyclable plastic many cosmetics come in. But there's good news. "Packaging in makeup is really evolving," says Gaillard. "Brands like ... Aether Beauty created zero-waste packaging for all of their palettes, and Alima Pure, Kjaer Weis, and The Organic Skin Co. all offer refill options. You buy the compact once, and it can last for many years, if not a lifetime."

Try: LYS Beauty Satin Matte Cream Blush, Aether Beauty Summer Solstice Crystal Gemstone Palette and Kjaer Weis Highlighter