Want to make more responsible choices, but don’t know where to start? We’ve gathered some simple resolutions to help you green your beauty and skin-care regimen this year.

When it comes to making responsible choices regarding beauty products, there are several factors to consider: Is the product environmentally friendly? What are the origins of the ingredients? Has it been tested on animals? And that’s just the beginning. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to make good decisions that work for your personal needs, too. Valérie Gagnon, communications manager at beauty brand Garnier, tells us “results from a survey Garnier carried out on a global scale demonstrate that even if 81 percent of people would like to make more sustainable choices, less than six percent of them have taken action to protect the planet on a daily basis.”

So where do we start? More and more brands are making commitments to produce their products in ways that are less damaging to the environment— for example, by altering their manufacturing processes, packaging or the ingredients they select. Some companies are developing strategies to use less water or to be carbon neutral, while others are focusing on local production or giving back to the community. Everyone has a role to play, including the consumer. Laura Shartun, category buyer at The Detox Market, believes “If we all make even small changes, it can still make a difference.”

1 BUY ONLY THE ESSENTIALS

“We are constantly bombarded with options, and it is so easy to fill our bathroom with products that we don’t really need,” says Shartun. Taking the time to think before buying yet another moisturizer or new lip balm will help reduce overall consumption of products (and the pollution they generate), in addition to saving you money.

2 SHOP LOCAL

Prioritizing Canadian brands will reduce the amount of pollution that’s generated by transportation of ingredients and products. It also helps boost our local economies— something we know is beneficial to all Canadians. And we are fortunate enough to be well served when it comes to skin-care and makeup products made here at home!

3 AVOID SINGLE USE PRODUCTS

Think about makeup remover wipes, cotton pads, swabs or balls—these products are thrown out after just one use, they accumulate quickly and most often end up in landfills. Instead, consider purchasing biodegradable versions or reusable pads that can be machine washed.

4 INTEGRATE SOLID PRODUCTS INTO YOUR ROUTINE

With very little or no water at all, solid products also require less packaging than liquid products. They are typically packaged in cardboard rather than plastic, and because they are more compact and concentrated, their transport also requires less energy. Plus, they tend to last longer, meaning you end up restocking less often!

5  SIMPLIFY YOUR BEAUTY REGIMEN 

Multistep skin-care routines have been popular for the past few years, but the reality is that you can get by on a lot less. Opt for multiuse products like an oil that can be used on both body and hair.

6  OPT FOR PRODUCTS WITH RECYCLABLE OR REFILLABLE PACKAGING

The packaging of beauty products is one of the biggest ways the beauty industry pollutes the planet. “Over 120 billion packages of beauty products are made each year and much of it ends up in landfills,” says Shartun. Hence the importance of choosing cosmetics with recyclable packaging. “We are also seeing an increase in the popularity of refillable packaging,” she continues. Buying a refill when a product runs out requires less packaging and is lighter to transport.

7  PAY ATTENTION TO HOW AND WHERE BRANDS SOURCE RAW MATERIALS

“Responsible sourcing is another area that brands are increasingly looking at, and it influences the ethical side of the business,” says Shartun. Some companies take special care in selecting their suppliers. Gagnon says, “We want our ingredients to be grown and harvested in a responsible and sustainable manner, and this includes the farmers, the land used, the farming practices, the local communities and many other aspects of production.”

8  FINISH YOUR SUPPLIES

It might sound simple, but striving to finish your beauty products before opening new ones can help reduce waste. A pro tip: If you have a facial moisturizer or serum that you’re not totally satisfied with, you can always use it elsewhere on your body just to finish the product before disposing of it.

9   PURCHASE THE LARGE SIZE OF YOUR FAVOURITE TOILETRIES

Doing this simply reduces packaging and the pollution associated with transporting the goods to your store and then to your home.

10   LOOK FOR CERTIFICATIONS

“Ecocert is an interesting credential because it covers so many aspects, from ingredients to human health,” says Shartun. She also names Leaping Bunny, which assures buyers that a product is cruelty-free. However, obtaining these certifications can be expensive and time consuming, especially for smaller brands, Shartun adds, many of which have already incorporated sustainable practices and are committed to being responsible. So just because a brand does not hold a particular certification does not mean that it should be avoided. In this case, most brands list their practices on their websites.

11  CHOOSE BRANDS THAT INVEST IN ECOLOGICAL AND ETHICAL PRACTICES

While some smaller brands are creating their products in smaller quantities (or even on demand), larger ones are revising their factory processes. For example, “Garnier saved 3,670 tonnes of virgin plastic in 2019 by using recycled plastic for its packaging,” says Gagnon. The brand has also implemented initiatives to reduce its water consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, as well as a new partnership with National Geographic Storytellers to educate consumers. Other committed companies donate a portion of their profits to beneficial organizations; Caudalie, for instance, donates one percent of its turnover to associations that work to protect the environment through the 1% for the Planet program. You can also shop at stores like The Detox Market, which meticulously chooses its offerings to help consumers source greener skincare and makeup options, with verified ingredients and animal cruelty-free practices.

12   REUSE AND RECYCLE OUR PRODUCT PACKAGING

Some boxes or glass jars are great for storing small items like jewellery. For other packaging, take the time to rinse it well and remove the pump if necessary, as this part is often not recyclable. Some brands or retailers also offer recycling programs; for example, The Detox Market has partnered with TerraCycle, a social enterprise specializing in recycling, making it much easier for consumers to recycle their empty jars. Recycling practices can differ from region to region, so make an effort to learn about what materials are recyclable in your municipality.