Is Your Skincare Killing The Planet?

Here are three of the worst ingredients that should be avoided when choosing skincare products:

1. Silicones

Silicones are often used in skincare and beauty products to give that smooth, silky feel. But here’s the issue—silicones are synthetic polymers (aka plastics) that don’t break down naturally in the environment. That means they end up polluting waterways and soil. On your skin, they can create a barrier that locks in moisture but also traps other nasties (like dirt and pollutants), which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. When it comes to the planet, their slow degradation process is a major environmental concern.

2. Petrochemicals

Petrochemicals are derived from petroleum and are commonly used as emollients and preservatives in cosmetics (i.e Mineral oil). They might seem harmless in the short term, but over time, they contribute significantly to pollution. These chemicals are not biodegradable, which means they linger in the environment for decades. Plus, petrochemicals can have harmful effects on your skin by disrupting the natural balance and irritating sensitive skin. They also often contain toxins that are harmful when they leach into water systems.

3. Neonicotinoids

While not always directly linked to skincare, neonicotinoids are a type of pesticide that affects our planet, and by extension, our skin. They are toxic to bees, which are essential to the health of our ecosystems and the food we eat. The widespread use of these pesticides has caused dramatic declines in bee populations. With 1 in 3 of our flowers and foods relying on bee pollination, it's a serious issue for both the environment and human health. And when we talk about skincare, we often forget that healthy ecosystems are essential for healthy ingredients, too.

A Few Other Ingredients to Watch Out For:

• Parabens: These preservatives help extend the shelf life of products but are linked to hormone disruption. Studies have shown that parabens can be absorbed through the skin and build up in the body over time, which could lead to health issues.
  
  
• EDTAs (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid): Used to improve the shelf life and stability of skincare products, EDTAs can cause skin irritation, and they have harmful effects on aquatic life when they enter the water system.
  
  
• Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles often used in exfoliants and scrubs. These plastics aren’t biodegradable and pollute oceans and rivers, harming marine life. They also end up on our skin, where they can cause irritation or long-term damage.

Why It Matters:

The beauty industry is waking up to the fact that the products we use can have long-lasting impacts on both our skin and the environment. Experts have emphasised that if we continue with current farming practices and the use of harmful chemicals in skincare products, we could face dire consequences, one expert even warned that we may have only 13 harvests left if things don’t change. That’s a wake-up call!

So, how do we make a difference?

Consumer Power is Key

We, as consumers, have a lot of influence. Every purchase we make is a vote. By choosing brands that prioritise sustainability and skin health, we send a clear message. Small changes, like swapping products that contain harmful ingredients for cleaner, greener alternatives, can have a big impact.

Greener Swaps You Can Make:

• Choose Essential Oils Over Synthetic Fragrance: Essential oils like lemongrass, sweet orange, and blue tansy not only smell amazing but also offer skin benefits. They’re natural, gentle on the skin, and don’t disrupt your hormones like synthetic fragrances.
• Opt for Plant-Based Cleansers Over SLES: Look for natural, plant-based cleansing agents like sunflower oil based or coconut-based surfactants (i.e Durosoft PG4 or Sebumol). These ingredients cleanse without stripping your skin’s natural oils or causing irritation.
• Choose Paraben-Free Products: Look for brands that use natural preservatives like vitamin E. These are safe, effective alternatives to parabens that won’t disrupt your body’s hormone balance.
• Go Microplastic-Free: Swap out exfoliants with microplastics for natural alternatives like sugar, finely ground seeds or fruit enzymes. These are effective exfoliants that are kind to the planet.
• Embrace Eco-Friendly Packaging: Look for brands that use glass, aluminium, or recycled materials for their packaging. By choosing sustainable packaging, you’re reducing plastic waste and supporting environmentally conscious companies.

At The Glowcery, we believe in clean beauty, products that not only nourish your skin but also protect the planet. So, next time you’re shopping for skincare, remember to check the ingredients list and make sure you’re choosing products that are good for both you and the Earth. Let’s glow together—inside and out.