Zero waste in cosmetics and personal care means reducing single-use plastic packaging by switching to solid, refillable, or biodegradable formats. Far from being a sacrifice, this approach simplifies your beauty routine while making it more consistent with an eco-friendly lifestyle. Today, drugstores offer a wide range of practical solutions.
What is zero waste in cosmetics?
Zero waste applied to beauty is based on a simple principle: extending the lifespan of products and reducing disposable containers. This involves solid formats without plastic packaging, refills, concentrated products, and raw ingredients for homemade cosmetics. Certified organic cosmetics are often the first step in this journey.
Which zero-waste beauty products should you choose?
Drugstores offer a full range of products without unnecessary packaging.
What are the benefits of solid and refillable products?
Solid formats offer practical and economic benefits in addition to their environmental advantages.
- No restrictions on liquids in the airplane cabin
- Longer shelf life than the equivalent liquid product (quality-to-quantity ratio)
- Less weight in luggage and take up less space
- Minimalist packaging made from compostable materials or recycled cardboard
How to make your own zero-waste homemade skincare products?
Zero-waste DIY cosmetics rely on raw ingredients in reusable containers.
- Shea butter: nourishing, packaging-free, versatile for body, hair, and lips
- Clay powder: face mask, natural deodorant, exfoliant—refillable by the unit
- Vegetable oils: makeup remover, body oil, massage base
- Store in empty, reusable containers —preferably glass
How can you reduce packaging in cosmetics?
Five simple steps can significantly reduce cosmetic packaging.
- Choose larger sizes (less packaging relative to volume)
- Choose refills for your everyday products
- Replace disposable makeup remover pads with washable cloth pads
- Opt for products in solid or concentrated formulas
- Choose packaging made of glass, aluminum, or recycled cardboard
Zero Waste: How to Get Started with Personal Care Products?
The best place to start is by replacing one product at a time as your current supplies run out.
- Replace your next shower gel with a solid soap
- Switch to solid shampoo when the next bottle runs out
- Incorporate concentrated,eco-friendly, homemade cleaning products
- Check for certifications (COSMOS, FSC, Ecocert) to verify the brands’ commitments
