How to Create a Sustainable Skincare Routine

It can be extremely difficult to develop a skincare routine that is not only sustainable but works for your skin. The number of products available is endless, but overhauling a skincare routine can be intimidating.  

Here is our step-by-step guide to creating a sustainable skincare routine!  

Step 0. Know your skin  

This step is essential. Getting to know your skin type whether it is oily, dry, or combination is crucial when choosing products. Knowing your skin type can help narrow in on products that work for you. Skin-type quizzes online are a great place to start.  

Step 1. Cleanser 

A good cleanser is a must-have for a good skincare routine. 

Our Choice:  

Dry Skin: Public Goods Facial Cleanser 

Public Goods creates sustainable goods for every household need. Their facial cleanser is derived from natural peppermint, aloe, and coconut, and is made for different skin types.  

Combination Skin: Facetheory Vitamin C Cream Cleanser 

Facetheory creates clean skincare products that are vegan friendly. Their Vitamin C Cream cleanser exfoliates the skin leaving it smooth and soft.  

Combination/Oily Skin: Cocokind Aha Jelly Cleanser  

Cocokind measures and shares their carbon footprints on every label. The Aha Jelly Cleanser clarifies the skin, minimizing pores and smooths the skin.  

Step 2. Toner 

After cleansing, toner prepares the skin for its next treatment. It restores the skin and cleans out pores. 

Our choice:

‍Plaine Product’s Vegan Face Toner 

This vegan face toner by Plaine Product is recyclable and refillable and made of aluminum, fitted with a reusable bottle pump. 

Face toners are also easy to make at home.   

All skin type toner ingredients: 

• 3 tbsp filtered water or rose water 
• 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar 
• 5 drops lavender essential oil 
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil 
• 2 oz glass spray bottle 

Instructions: 

1. For normal to dry skin, mix 1/4 part vinegar (1 tbsp) to 3/4 part filtered water (3 tbsp). Add 5 drops each of Lavender and Frankincense oils. ‍
2. For oily and acne-prone skin, mix 1/2 part vinegar (2 tbsp) and 1/2 part filtered water (2 tbsp). Add 5 drops each of Lavender and Frankincense oils. 
3. Shake well and use morning and night after washing face. 

You can read more about this recipe here 

This alternative is affordable and sustainable! 

Step 3. Serum 

Next step, serum. Serums protect and hydrate the skin.  

Our choice:

‍Public Goods Vitamin C Serum 

This Vitamin C serum is plant-derived and is both vegan and cruelty-free.  

Step 4. Eye Cream 

Eye cream is important for hydrating the sensitive skin under the eyes and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.  

Our choice:

Rooted Beauty Purifying De-puffing Eye Gel 

Rooted beauty uses packaging made with up to 82% post-consumer recycled materials! Their eye gel reduces dark circles and puffiness, leaving your under eyes looking refreshed. 

Step 5. Spot Treatment  

Spot treatments target breakouts.  

Our choice:

‍Cocokind’s Turmeric Tonic Spot Treatment 

Cocokind creates skincare treatments with minimal carbon footprints. Their Turmeric Tonic Spot Treatment is made from natural ingredients and targets pimples.  

Step 6. Retinol 

Retinol is used to prevent and reduce wrinkles.  

Our choice:

‍Andalou Naturals Age Defying Rejuvenating Plant-Based Retinol Alternative Cream 

Retinol creams are often animal-derived, but this Andalou Naturals retinol is plant-based, vegan and cruelty-free. 

Step 7. Moisturizer 

Moisturizer is essential to any skincare routine.

Our choice:

‍Biossance Squalene + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer 

Biossance prioritizes sustainability and the well-being of the earth and its animals. All ingredients in their skincare line are sustainably and ethically sourced.  

Step 8. Oil 

Oils lock moisture into the skin.  

Our choice:

‍Facetheory Calming Argan Oil  

This facial oil hydrates leaving skin soft and supple. Facetheory’s argan oil is extracted by hand from a women’s co-op in Morocco. 

Step 9. SPF 

SPF protects the skin from harmful UV rays.  Apply SPF every single morning no matter if you will be in the sun or not, it is the best way to prevent premature aging.  

Our choice:

‍Pipette’s Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 

Their mineral sunscreen is made from reef-friendly, non-nano zinc oxide. This sunscreen is also baby friendly! 

For more sustainable skincare products that might work for you, check out these companies:  

• Andalou Naturals 
• Biossance 
• Cocokind 
• Facetheory 
• Goingzerowaste 
• Juicebeauty 
• Pipette 
• Plaine Products 
• Public goods 
• Rooted Beauty 
• Thrive market 

If you want to know exactly what is in your skincare, or want a more affordable option, try to make your own skincare products.   

Here are some staple ingredients that are often in DIY skincare: 

• Apple cider vinegar 

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