Reducing your plastic use in 2019? Here's the eco-friendly beauty products you need
If you're anything like us, all this talk of plastic waste clogging up our oceans – not to mention the fact there's 6.9 billion tonnes of unrecycled plastic on our planet, yikes – is really putting a downer on our happy-go-lucky New Year's goals. 75 per cent of post-consumer plastic waste is sent to landfill – and how much of that is made up of old toothpaste tubes, shampoo bottles and moisturiser packaging? A lot, we reckon. The truth is, while we could (and should) put our minds to sticking to reusable shopping bags rather than plastic ones and investing in a bamboo coffee cup, when it comes to beauty, there's not much on offer other than plastic-encased products. At least, that's what we thought.
MORE: Everything you need to know about cruelty-free beauty
Happily, the beauty industry is realising the devastating effects of single-use plastic – and there are more and more brands offering eco-friendly options. Scroll down to see the products that are getting a big green thumbs-up from us…
Hot Oil Treatment, Lush, £6.95
Hoorah for Lush, which has a huge range of packaging-free products from shampoos to hair dye and even deodorants. This hot oil treatment comes in a solid bar, and is melted down with hot water to concoct the hair masque, which is left on for 20 minutes. Say hello to your soft and shiny barnet - and ta-ra to single-use plastic guilt…
Vanderohe Nourishing Face Serum, £33
Ultra-luxurious and organic, this is pricey stuff – but if you're serious about going plastic-free whilst maintaining quality, Vanderohe is a brand worth taking a look at. The Nourishing Face Serum is arguably the cult product, most suited to sensitive or dehydrated skin. The best thing? All Vanderohe's potions are housed in completely plastic-free packaging, using a dark violet glass to protect the ingredients.
BYBI Babe Balm, £18
This tube looks plastic, right? It's actually made from sugar cane, and is completely biodegradable. The all-purpose balm inside is perfect for dry lips, flaky skin or adding a bit of a sheen to the cheeks.
Sister & Co True Cleanse, £30
If you love an oil cleanser, give this baby a try – housed in a glass bottle and made with 100 per cent natural and vegan ingredients, it's pretty much guilt free. Slather it on, emulsify with water and remove with a cloth to get rid of makeup and leave skin dewy.
MORE: 6 of the very best vegan beauty brands and products
Denttabs Toothpaste Tablets, £2.40 for 60
These tablets are made with fluoride, and do the job just like any normal toothpaste would. Simply chew, add a little water then brush as usual. Easy. Bonus points if you use a bamboo toothbrush, too.
Lush Slap Stick, £16.95
Another shout out for Lush - but this time it's the packaging-free solid foundation which came out in late 2018. Genius. The formulation has a lot of coconut oil in it, so prepare for a dewy finish (and you definitely need to keep it somewhere cool), but with 40 shades and three undertones on offer, we are very impressed.
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