There is a correlation between brands that stand against using toxins in personal care products and those that are committed to eco-friendly cosmetics packaging. This makes perfect sense because we’re becoming increasingly aware of the ingredients of the containers our products arrive in, as much as what they contain.
Ask questions about the products you use everyday.
Researchers from The Ocean Conservancy suggest there are as many as 51 trillion pieces of microplastic in our oceans. The majority of makeup and skincare brands will still use plastic in some way or another.There are pros and cons to using alternatives to plastic such as glass, aluminum, bamboo and recycled paper and cardboard (for outer packaging). But we can agree that plastic should be avoided and if you have to buy plastic (including recycled plastic); keep it, refill it, and be mindful of what happens to it when you toss it.
Using plastic on everyday products is more than an environmental concern. Plastic packaging is not good for your health. Certain chemical components of plastic, such as BPA and phthalates, have been linked to harmful health effects like hormone disruption, obesity, and even cancer. Learn more here.
My favorite retailers for non toxic makeup and skincare and conscious product packaging are Follain (they have a refillable soap and recycle in store program) and Credo Beauty (they offer reward points for each recycled product delivered in store - and it doesn’t have to be a product from a line they carry).
Below are a few of my holy grail products from brands that get their packaging right:
RMS Beauty.
RMS Beauty uses very minimal packaging; most of their products are in glass and all of it is biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable.
I love their buriti bronzer featured here and also use their “un” powder and contour bronze daily.
OSEA.
OSEA bottles their products in recyclable glass and doesn’t use synthetic ingredients that harm the ecosystem.
Their Ocean Cleansing Mudd featured here is a staple for me.
captain blankenship.
Captain Blankenship hair and skincare products use recyclable and reusable glass packaging or paperboard.
I am crazy for their mermaid sea salt hair spray, pictured here and their mermaid dry shampoo.
VAPOUR.
VAPOUR uses mostly aluminum and glass for their product packaging, and their lab uses a flood-fill system to reduce waste. Their product boxes are made from post-consumer recycled paper printed with soy ink. Aside from their products, they use passive-solar and wind power in their offices, warehouse, and lab.
Their mascara featured here is the best one I have used to date.