Our favourite sustainable self-care products and swaps for every part of your skin & hair care regime.
As many of us transition towards a more intentional way of living, we’re noticeably open to spending more money on products that are stripped of the cheap and artificial ingredients which are not only harmful to our bodies, but also to our surrounding environment. Skincare is just one part of our daily routine where we can really take responsibility for the world we live in, and with so many eco-conscious products now out there it’s really never been easier to make this transition! I’ve shared several hassle-free swaps for you to incorporate into your daily skincare ritual.
For the face:
Pamoja Skincare ‘Reset’ cleansing balm
I loved the warming texturing of this gentle cleansing balm, though you needn’t worry this product is too soft to drain out any impurities – it even melts the most stubborn of makeup. ‘Reset’ left no residue after applying, neither that tight, dry feeling you sometimes find with some cleansers, making it perfect for my notoriously sensitive and dehydrated skin.
Why it’s sustainable?
1. Only botanical ingredients in their purest form are used, supporting a healthy skin barrier.
2. Ingredients are simply explained to ensure customers are really engaged with the ingredients they’re using on their skin, ensuring long-term education and awareness.
3. All ingredients are ethically sourced meaning they’re vegan, palm-oil and cruelty-free.
4. All packaging is sustainable.
Ramer Cleansing Shammy
The cleansing shammy by Ramer was the perfect product to combine with the Pamoja Reset balm. I usually rely on reusable cotton pads for a deeper clean, but the tiny sponge pores really picked up any hidden dirt around areas like my nose and chin, leaving my skin feeling squeaky clean.
Why is it sustainable?
1. Now you can ditch the cotton wool or the make-up wipes!
2. Like all Ramer Sponges products, the shammy hardens as it dries which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure that it can be used again and again. The shammy is also machine washable
By Sarah London Hero facial oil
Not only was this my personal favourite of all the products, but it’s already won an accolade of industry awards and is endorsed by celebrities such as Ella Mills (founder of Deliciously Ella). Uncomplicated and perfect for sensitive skin prone to dryness, the magic lies in the special blend of cold-pressed organic plant oils which form a nourishing daily powerhouse and left my skin feeling soothed, healthy and happy throughout both day and night. I stopped wearing makeup since this gave my skin such an even, radiant texture!
Why is it sustainable?
1. Strictly natural, plant-based ingredients are used to deliver your skins’ vital nutrients, enzymes, and lipids
2. All products are registered with The Vegan Society and certified with Cruelty Free International
3. Products are free-from essential oils, fragrances, and unnecessary fillers
4. Find the heart-warming story behind the sisters’ inspiration for an exclusively natural label here.
For the body:
Moogoo Skincare milk wash
A low-irritant, natural cleanser formula which is free from any harsh synthetic detergents (found in many high-street products) that can dry out the skin. The milk wash has the same irritation score as water, making it great for even the most sensitive of skin. I found this worked really well as part of my daily ritual, using with an exfoliating shower mitt and following with the Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion when dry. My irritable, psoriasis skin looked really clear after just a week!
Why is it sustainable?
Moogoo has a strong ingredient philosophy, meaning that all of their products are:
1. As edible as possible
2. Natural over synthetic, non-irritating
3. Ethically product tested; no product is exported to countries where there’s a risk that manufacturers could go against their promise and continue to test on animals
Nuddy coconut moisturising soap bar
Prefer soap to shower gel? Female-led, British brand Nuddy has a mission to ‘Make soap bars cool again’, with all products using raw African shea butter and no detergents that can damage our skins’ natural barrier. I loved the Coconut Moisturising Bar, which similarly worked really well for my easily irritated skin. Take a look at some of the ‘Real Results’ testimonials on their website!
Why is it sustainable?
- All products are vegan, cruelty-free and even tested on Nuddy’s Founder, Kassi and her friends to ensure products are continually aligned with their promise
2. Soaps are triple-milled, meaning they have a far more even texture and last much longer than most other soaps
3. Nuddy has a strict no-plastic policy, which is even displayed in their delivery packaging
For the hair:
Object plastic-free starter set
Object ‘to the status quo’ and empower yourself to invest in zero plastic, natural beauty essentials. We understand transitioning to sustainable hair care is quite a challenge when you have a firm routine for you hair type, but Object have made it easy with their plastic-free starter set which comprises of their best selling cleansing bar, a conditioner bar and your choice of one of their award-winning shampoo bars (there’s one for every hair type), as well as a concrete shower dish and two travel tins.
Why is it sustainable?
1. All products are vegan, cruelty and palm oil free
2. Each bar is handmade with no nasty ingredients and saves the equivalent of up to three plastic bottles.
For your hands:
The Organic Works Bergamot hand wash
Handwash is a product we tend to grab off the supermarket shelf haphazardly when we realise we’ve ran out, failing to familiarise with artificial ingredients on the back of the label and forgetting this is the product we probably use most on our skin! British brand Organic Works have green credentials which are hard to beat – their small-batch product portfolio is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and made from a minimum of 98% natural ingredients, meaning that neither the environment nor the health of your skin is compromised. The zesty smell of the orange & Bergamot means your hands are left smelling fragrant and beautifully soft.
Why is it sustainable?
1. Products are made in small-batch. meaning that supply is scaled, preventing unnecessary production and wastage
2. No single product is tested on animals