From coconut to quinoa, sustainable beauty is in demand and we’re taking it back to basics with all-natural ingredients
Image courtesy of Sissey
It’s time to exfoliate and moisturise your winter skin this month, and as we’re all about a healthier, waste-free lifestyle, consumers are snubbing full-on skin care routines in favour of pared down, natural products.
Consumer of natural products and skintellectual, John George says: “Skin care for men is something that shouldn’t be neglected. I like to keep it as natural as possible.” George attributes his clear skin to the use of products like aloe vera, neem and turmeric in his daily routine.
“My favourite face washes are Neem Face Wash containing turmeric and Bulldog Oil Control Face Scrub that’s got witch hazel, willow bark and juniper in it. It comes in a black liquid and it’s amazingly refreshing,” says George.
And according to a recent WGSN report on Big Ideas 2021 Beauty, Mintel highlights that: “Beauty personal care consumers are seeking more straightforward, simple beauty routines, and there will be a backlash against brands that purposely create limited shelf-life products or encourage over-consumption.”
With an increasing number of eco-conscious consumers demanding ethical packaging, companies such as Bulldog are producing re-filling options. Bulldog has released its Original Shower Gel Refill Kit and its packaging uses recycled materials. It is also offering a bamboo-based razor for men.
Planet-friendly alternatives are now hitting the shelves yet according to a WGSN report on Key Trends for 2019, the beauty sector generated over 142 billion units of packaging last year, with most ending up in landfills.
“An alternative I like to use for shaving cream is extra virgin coconut oil,” says George. “You may have not have thought about it before but it really can leave your face feeling refreshed and is actually easier to shave with because it’s clearer. Just drop a jar in your basket at your local grocery shop or health food store and you’re good to go.”
Crazy for coconut, too? Virgin coconut oil can be used to treat chapped lips or even slathered onto dry hands bitten by frosty February weather. It’s also known for being a natural oil that lubricates razors, reducing the risk of razor burn.
It’s a solid fact. Eco-friendly packaging is on the rise. Nuddy, a 100% plastic free, vegan-friendly brand contains only fresh ingredients. It is also created in the UK with biodegradable materials. Its Coco-NUTS coconut bar, a fresh and quirky option.
Nature Box, a hair and beauty line uses cold pressed oils with vegan formulas. It extracts oils from coconuts, avocados, apricots and almonds. Try the Avocado-Oil Body Butter or Recovery Mask here.
Quinoa more your thing? Try a South American body whip mousse, shampoo or conditioner by Kara here, a natural beauty brand sourced in Peru.
And a UK-based company worth looking into is Tropic, its products are created in Surrey. The founder Susie Ma, grew up in tropical North Queensland, Australia. She uses botanical actives derived from exotic fruit trees and aloe vera plants. Try its award-winning Body Love Firming Buttercream, or freshly-made Body Smooth Refreshing Polish.
Want to sustainably update your skin care regime? Here are some starting tips to get you going:
• Refill & Reuse: Find recyclable and refillable solutions for items like your shampoo and conditioner containers. It will cut down on waste and help you adopt a zero-waste lifestyle.
• Give your basics a sustainable update. Things like shaving cream in cans can be swapped for natural options like virgin coconut oil.
• Create your own DIY masks with home ingredients. You may be surprised when you open up your fridge or cupboard to discover a hidden trove of natural ingredients waiting to be used. Ingredients like yogurt, honey, and oats do wonders for your face when mixed together for a mask. Just make sure they are certified and organic.
As Frank Lloyd Wright, the American architect once said, “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”
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This post has been published by _shiftLondon.org, a University of the Arts London student news website which you can also view HERE
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