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The products that we apply to our skin play a vital role in our overall health. As the body’s largest organ, the skin offers a direct pathway into our bloodstream, highlighting the importance of understanding what we put on it. With a background in sustainability and a keen interest in exploring various beauty products, I have become acutely aware of the ambiguity surrounding terms like “natural” and “clean” often used on beauty labels.
Throughout the years, my increasing sensitivity has prompted me to delve deeper into these terms and their connection to sustainable practices. Interestingly, it appears that many of the products that are best for our skin are also those that cause the least harm to the environment. Skincare solutions free from parabens, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances, and instead composed of responsibly sourced, bio-based ingredients, are the way forward.
However, discerning brands that offer both skin-friendly and environmentally conscious options can be challenging. The majority of conventional skincare products are formulated with synthetic chemicals, which can introduce harmful substances both to users and to the planet. Sustainability expert and journalist Alyssa Hardy emphasizes the importance of transparency in skincare brands, stating that any claims about sustainable components should be paired with explanations of sourcing. Failure to provide such details raises concerns.
Hardy’s work, including her book Worn Out: How Our Clothes Cover Up Fashion’s Sins, highlights the complicated and often opaque supply chain in cosmetics, revealing that many so-called natural ingredients still have substantial environmental impacts due to unethical sourcing practices. These can include deforestation and biodiversity loss, which pose significant threats to ecosystems.
To help create a travel-friendly skincare routine that honors both personal wellness and environmental sustainability, I reached out to experts for their insights on brands that exemplify these values. Below, you’ll find a selection of seven beauty brands committed to crafting safe, sustainably produced skincare products. Prior to that, experts share advice on key factors to consider when selecting skincare and the ingredients to avoid.
What to Look for in Clean Skincare
According to Hardy, research is essential when shopping. She recommends checking out the EWG certification, which serves as a comprehensive resource for scrutinizing ingredients and brands.
“Being mindful of your consumption empowers consumers to influence brands toward sustainable practices,” says Hardy. She encourages individuals to weigh their priorities—whether that’s opting for reusable packaging, organic ingredients, or company transparency—while selecting skincare products.
Donay Momenian, a beauty editor at Teen Vogue, suggests focusing on the ingredients rather than relying solely on marketing claims. Common terms like “clean” or “natural” can be misleading. Instead, she emphasizes looking for brands with clear commitments to avoiding harmful components like parabens and formaldehyde.
If you have designated skincare concerns, consulting a dermatologist is vital to ensuring products are suitable for your skin type.
Ingredients to Steer Clear Of
Many conventional skincare items contain ingredients derived from petroleum and other fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions throughout their life cycle. Additionally, products that include microbeads—tiny plastic particles—often escape filtration at wastewater treatment facilities, accumulating in oceans and impacting marine ecosystems.
Hardy advises travelers to consider reusable toiletry bottles for carrying skincare products. While disposable options are tempting, investing in sustainable alternatives is a more responsible choice. Always read labels and be cautious of the following:
Avoid parabens and preservatives: Common preservatives like parabens have been flagged as pollutants in aquatic environments, prompting concerns about their impact on marine life. Look out for terms such as ethylparaben and propylparaben on product labels.
Avoid palm oils: Due to rampant production, palm oil is linked to deforestation and serious labor violations, including child exploitation.
Brands to Consider
Retrouvé
Retrouvé stands out for its commitment to ethical practices and a holistic approach to skincare. Utilizing ingredients grown on its own farm, the brand prioritizes sustainability without compromising on quality. The Malibu farm cultivates diverse herbs, including rosemary and sage, under organic conditions, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
The dedication to preserving natural resources includes innovative practices like water management to enhance soil health. I’ve become a fan of Retrouvé’s products, particularly the conditioning chamomile toner, and their Skin Brilliance priming pads.
Luminance Skincare
Aiming to provide an antidote to synthetic products, Luminance Skincare prides itself on being vegan and cruelty-free. The brand formulates its products using minimal heat, preserving the integrity of the ingredients’ natural properties, which enhances their effectiveness. It has garnered a reputation for being gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
The brand’s commitment extends to sustainability, with plans to make all packaging recyclable, aiming to minimize waste over the next few years. Luminance’s Deep Hydration Moisturizer and Luminance Trio kit are personal favorites.
Seaire
Seaire offers products that harness the benefits of marine ingredients. Their formulations include bio-marine extracts with natural benefits—nutrient-rich and therapeutic without the environmental toll often associated with chemical production methods. The brand emphasizes a minimalist approach to skincare, encouraging a one-mask-for-all-needs philosophy.
Prose
Offering personalized skincare through custom formulations, Prose is a standout brand committed to sustainability. Their initiative to offset its carbon output through renewable energy projects reflects a conscientious approach to production. The brand also enables customers to minimize plastic use actively.
Ursa Major
Ursa Major focuses on a holistic vision in sustainability. Through partnerships and environmental initiatives, the Vermont-based brand removes plastic from the environment with every purchase. Its commitment to using safe and effective synthetic ingredients where necessary demonstrates a thoughtful approach to formulation.
True Botanicals
Created out of a response to health concerns, True Botanicals prioritizes both personal health and environmental well-being. The brand donates a portion of its sales to support sustainable agricultural practices, and its commitment to glass packaging and biodegradable ingredients significantly reduces plastic waste.
Monastery
Monastery is a small-batch skincare brand stemming from a desire to eliminate harmful practices in beauty. Based in San Francisco, their handcrafted products utilize high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients while focusing on sustainability through direct partnerships with farmers.
With an emphasis on clean formulations, brands like Monastery, True Botanicals, and others pave the way for conscientious skincare. As we navigate the diverse landscape of beauty products, it becomes increasingly vital to prioritize those that reflect both personal health and ecological responsibility.
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www.cntraveler.com