While it’s increasingly important that we all do our part to take care of our planet, it’s crucial that we’re practicing positive long-term habits, and not temporary changes. This Earth Day we wanted to share our values, environmental commitments, and tips to achieve a more sustainable skincare routine. 

What Can You Do to Be More Sustainable?  

1. Use What You Have Don’t hoard! Skincare will expire, so use what you have when you have it. Check the use-by dates and don’t wait for a specific event to use your special face mask. Finish existing products before you buy more. 

2. Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple We believe that a simple and effective skincare routine can be better for you and our planet. Reducing the number of products you use means less packaging and waste. Plus, tailoring your routine to match your skin's specific needs can help prevent skin irritation from layering on too many active ingredients.    

3. Use Multi-Purpose Products You can cut down your skincare routine by using multi-purpose products. A lip balm can also be a salve for chapped skin, while a moisturiser with SPF can replace sunscreen.  Tip: Make sure your moisturiser has an SPF of at least 30 or above before replacing your daily sunscreen. 

4. Consider Eco-friendly Alternatives Try a powder cleanser instead of a liquid face wash. Powder cleansers can be more energy-efficient to produce since they require less water to manufacture. The powder format also makes them lighter and easier to transport compared to their liquid counterparts. Plus, they’re spill-proof for trips and vacations.  

• Bonus Alternatives: Ditch your single-use face wipes for reusable cotton pads. For those with dark circles, puffy eyes, and/or crow’s feet, you can apply reusable under eye masks over your favourite serum. 

5. Prioritise Eco-friendly Packaging: Look for skincare products that come in recyclable, compostable, and/or biodegradable packaging, such as glass containers or packaging made from recycled materials. 

• Bonus Tip: You can reuse your glass jars to be a cute trinket dish!  

6. Store Products Properly: Maximize shelf life by storing and using products properly. Keep skincare products away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Don't apply products with dropper applicators directly onto your face. Instead, squeeze the product onto your hand and then apply to the face to prevent bacteria growth. Use a spatula when applying cream products to avoid cross-contamination.  

7. Support Sustainable Brands: Before making a purchase, research the brands you want to buy from. What are their sustainability initiatives? Do they have any accreditations to support their claims?  

8.Recycle Properly Are you washing your beauty projects before you recycle? Make sure to read the recycling directions so that you properly dispose of your skincare empties. Try cutting open your tubes to use all the product before disposing them. 

9. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen While scientists and researchers are still assessing sunscreen's effect on marine life and habitats, it can’t hurt to take precautions and use sunscreens that are compliant with Hawaii’s Reef Bill. As we wait for the latest environmental updates, avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. 

10. Don’t Let the Faucet Run! Save water by turning the faucet off while cleansing your face or brushing your teeth. 

How Will I Know What Products Are Right for Me?  

We know it can be hard to know what works on your skin without trial and error. Give yourself the best chance to succeed by doing research before you buy. Triple check the ingredients list, cross-reference review sites, and use up what you have before you buy something new. Don’t give in to surprise sales until you’ve thought it through. 

What If I Buy Something and Don’t Like It? 

Sometimes a product just isn’t for you. In that case, you can see if your friends or family want to try it instead of immediately tossing it. Remember to apply products hygienically both for yourself and for others. 

How Is Keep It Simple Skin Sustainable? 

Sustainability is a group effort; everyone needs to contribute! At Keep It Simple Skin, sustainable skincare means skincare that's safe for you and safe for our planet.  We’re proud to have a variety of products with a 100/100 rating on YUKA, confirming that they’re free from endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, allergens, and irritants. We will never use fragrance, sulphates, alcohol, and other common nasties. See The Full List Here

We’re conscious of where we source our ingredients and products. We intentionally avoid animal testing and ingredients that harm wildlife. Learn Why We Don’t Use Palm Oil

We’re always striving to lower our environmental impact. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic while our boxes use Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited cardboard and oxo-biodegradable ECOKOTE® lamination. You can find recycling instructions on our boxes. Fun Fact: SECRET AGENT is a springless box, meaning it’s completely recyclable! 

Share your story  

Be the influencer you want to see in the world!  Finished a serum before restocking? Whittled your 10-step skincare routine down to 3 steps? We’d love to celebrate your successes with you! Tag us at @keepitsimpleskin to share your sustainability journey.