What Is Green Beauty Packaging?

Green beauty packaging refers to containers, wraps, and materials used for beauty and skincare products that are designed to minimize environmental harm. Common characteristics include:

• Use of biodegradable or compostable materials
• Refill or reuse functionality
• Recyclable packaging components
• Minimalist or low-impact design

In the Philippines, the push toward sustainable packaging is supported by government efforts to regulate waste and encourage producers to be more environmentally responsible.

Why Government Regulations Matter

Government regulations help ensure that companies:

• Avoid misleading environmental claims
• Follow standards on recyclability and biodegradability
• Contribute to waste reduction goals
• Use safe and non-toxic packaging materials

For the green beauty movement to be truly effective, brands need to align with both consumer expectations and regulatory guidelines.

Key Government Regulations on Green Packaging in the Philippines

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law

The Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 (Republic Act No. 11898) is a landmark law that directly affects beauty brands. It requires companies to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their plastic packaging. Key features include:

• Mandatory recovery and diversion of a percentage of plastic packaging waste
• Submission of EPR programs to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
• Annual performance reporting and compliance monitoring

This law aims to reduce the country’s plastic waste and promote circular economy practices.

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003)

Passed in 2000, this law is the backbone of the Philippines’ waste management system. It outlines proper segregation, recycling, and composting procedures. For beauty packaging, this means:

• Reducing non-biodegradable packaging
• Avoiding materials that are difficult to recycle locally
• Promoting take-back and refill programs

FDA Guidelines for Cosmetic Products

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all cosmetic products sold in the country. While their focus is primarily on product safety, they also monitor packaging that may affect product integrity. Brands must ensure that:

• Packaging materials are non-toxic and suitable for cosmetic use
• Labels do not contain false environmental claims

Voluntary Certifications and Sustainable Practices

In addition to complying with legal requirements, many Filipino beauty brands pursue sustainability through voluntary standards. These may include:

• EcoCert and COSMOS certifications for packaging materials
• Use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper for boxes and sleeves
• Sourcing biodegradable plastics or cornstarch-based materials for wrapping
• Offering refill stations or reusable containers

While not required by law, these practices help brands strengthen their sustainability credentials and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Challenges for Beauty Brands in the Philippines

Local brands often face several obstacles in adopting green packaging, including:

• Limited suppliers of compostable or biodegradable materials
• Higher cost of sustainable alternatives
• Lack of recycling infrastructure for certain materials
• Ambiguity around what qualifies as “green” or “eco-friendly” under current guidelines

These challenges highlight the importance of clearer government definitions and stronger incentives for compliance.

How Filipino Consumers Benefit

Government regulations protect consumers by:

• Ensuring transparency in environmental claims
• Discouraging greenwashing
• Empowering informed choices in the marketplace

When packaging claims are backed by law and third-party verification, consumers can trust that their purchases reflect their values.

What’s Next for Green Packaging Regulation in the Philippines?

We’re likely to see:

• Stricter enforcement of the EPR law and expansion to cover more product categories
• More local ordinances banning or restricting certain types of plastic packaging
• Development of clearer labeling standards for “recyclable” and “biodegradable” claims
• Support for refill systems and plastic-free business models

The government, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders continue to work together to shape a more sustainable beauty industry in the Philippines.

Final Thoughts

Green beauty packaging is more than just an ethical choice. It’s becoming a legal obligation in the Philippines. Through laws like the EPR Act and existing waste management regulations, the government is pushing brands to rethink their packaging strategies and invest in sustainable solutions.

Filipino beauty brands that adapt early not only stay compliant but also position themselves as leaders in environmental responsibility.

Making your own beauty products at home is a rewarding and sustainable practice, but it’s even better when you pair it with eco-conscious packaging. Whether you’re gifting a homemade sugar scrub, bottling your own face oil, or organizing bath salts, the way you package these items matters. Here’s how to keep your DIY beauty packaging beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly.

Reuse and Repurpose Containers

One of the best ways to reduce waste is by reusing containers you already have. Clean out small glass jars, tin containers, or dropper bottles from previous beauty products. These can easily be repurposed to hold lotions, scrubs, balms, or serums. You can even use small spice jars or candle jars for a rustic touch.

Choose Sustainable Packaging Materials

When you need to buy new packaging, opt for sustainable and biodegradable options. Glass containers, aluminum tins, and compostable paper tubes are excellent choices. Avoid plastic wherever possible, especially single-use plastics that can’t be recycled. Kraft paper, muslin bags, or cardboard boxes can be used for outer wrapping and labeling.

Get Creative with Labels and Decor

Personalize your DIY beauty packaging with simple, eco-friendly decorations. Instead of buying plastic stickers or shiny tags, consider hand-cut kraft labels or recycled paper tags tied with twine. You can stamp the names of your products, ingredients, or instructions using soy-based ink for an eco-conscious finish.

Avoid Excessive Packaging

With DIY beauty, the focus should be on quality, not quantity. Keep packaging minimal to reduce waste. A simple glass jar with a label and cloth wrap can be more elegant than layers of filler and ribbon. Minimalist designs are not only better for the planet but often more visually appealing.

Create a Packaging Reuse System

Encourage friends or recipients to return used containers so you can sanitize and refill them. If you’re making products for personal use, keep a designated drawer or box for storing reusable containers, lids, and jars. This system keeps things organized and sustainable in the long run.

Source Mindfully When Buying in Bulk

If you’re creating DIY beauty products regularly, consider buying packaging supplies in bulk from eco-conscious suppliers. Look for brands that specialize in low-waste or zero-waste solutions, and check for certifications like FSC, biodegradable materials, or recyclable content.

Final Thoughts

Eco-conscious packaging for your DIY beauty creations doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity and mindfulness, you can reduce waste and share your homemade products in a way that reflects your sustainable values. The best part? You get to care for both your skin and the planet at the same time.

Water scarcity is an increasingly pressing issue globally, and the beauty industry is taking steps to address this by embracing the waterless beauty concept.

Waterless beauty products, which include waterless skincare, waterless cosmetics, and waterless hair care products, are designed to eliminate or significantly reduce water content, offering an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional beauty products. 

The waterless beauty trend is gaining momentum as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their beauty routines. Traditional cosmetic products typically list water as the first ingredient, which means it is the primary component. 

However, waterless beauty products replace water with organic ingredients like essential oils and botanical extracts, creating a more concentrated formula that offers several benefits.

What are waterless beauty products?

Waterless beauty products are innovative formulations in the beauty industry that do not contain water as a primary ingredient. Unlike traditional beauty products, which often list water as the first ingredient, waterless beauty products replace water with other beneficial and natural components. 

This category encompasses a wide range of personal care items, including products for skin, hair, and cosmetics, all designed to offer the same, if not better, efficacy without relying on water.

Here’s a deeper look into what waterless beauty products are and why they are becoming increasingly popular.

Key Characteristics of Waterless Cosmetic Products

No Added Water

The fundamental characteristic of waterless beauty products is the absence of added water. This means that these products rely on other ingredients, such as oils, botanical extracts, and other active components, to deliver hydration and nourishment to the skin and hair.

Concentrated Formulas

Without water, these products tend to have a higher concentration of active ingredients, making them more potent and effective. Users often need to use less product to achieve the desired results for their skin and hair.

Natural and Beneficial Ingredients

Water-free products often incorporate organic ingredients like plant extracts and vitamins, which can provide additional benefits compared to water-based formulations.

Eco-Friendly

Waterless beauty products are typically more environmentally friendly. They often require less packaging, especially when formulated as solid bars or powders, reducing plastic waste and lowering the carbon footprint associated with production and transportation.

Types of Waterless Products

With the goal of getting more clean water to those in need, water-free personal care products are leading the way to a better future and great skin.

Skincare

This includes items like facial skin cleansers, serums, and moisturizers in powder form, which activate with a few drops of water at the time of use.

Hair Care

Shampoo bars and conditioner bars are becoming popular alternatives to traditional liquid shampoos and conditioners. These solid bars reduce the need for plastic bottles and are often made with natural ingredients like argan oil.

Cosmetics

Lip colors, foundations, and other cosmetics in powder or solid form offer the same benefits as skin and hair care products.

Popular Ingredients in Waterless Products

Essential Oils

These oils are often used for their hydrating and therapeutic properties, providing a natural alternative to water.

Botanical Extracts

Plant-based extracts offer various skincare benefits, from soothing inflammation to providing antioxidants.

Powdered Actives

Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and clay can be formulated into powders, maintaining their potency until mixed with water or applied directly.

Natural Butters

Shea butter, cocoa butter, and similar ingredients are common in water-free formulations for their moisturizing and protective qualities.

Why are waterless products better?

These beauty products have gained significant attention and popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These products offer numerous advantages over traditional water-based formulations, making them a superior choice for both consumers and the environment. 

Conservation of Water

By eliminating water from beauty products, the cosmetics industry can help reduce water waste significantly. This is crucial in regions where water scarcity is a critical issue.

Longer Shelf Life

These cosmetics often have a longer shelf life because they have less water, which can promote the growth of bacteria and mold.

Less Packaging

Concentrated products often require plastic-free packaging, leading to a lower carbon footprint and reduced plastic waste.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Waterless products focus on sustainable practices, including the use of recyclable packaging and cruelty-free ingredients.

Higher Concentration of Active Ingredients

Without or with less water, skincare products can include a higher concentration of active ingredients, making them more effective and efficient.

Suitable for Sensitive Skin

These products often contain fewer harsh chemicals, fillers and preservatives, reducing the risk of irritation for those with sensitive skin. The focus on natural and beneficial ingredients also makes them gentler on the skin.

Leading Waterless Beauty Brands

Several beauty brands are pioneering the waterless beauty movement. These brands focus on creating high-quality, sustainable products that cater to the needs of eco-conscious consumers. Notable waterless beauty brands include:

1. Lush

Lush is renowned for its innovative approach to beauty with a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly practices. The brand is particularly famous for its solid shampoo bars, which eliminate the need for plastic packaging and conserve water. 

Lush’s commitment to sustainability extends to all aspects of its product line, which includes solid conditioners, body lotions, and facial cleansers.

By using organic ingredients and minimal packaging, Lush not only reduces its environmental footprint but also promotes the benefits of waterless beauty to a broader audience.

2. Ethique

Ethique stands out in the waterless beauty sector with its extensive product range of solid bars for hair, face, and body care. This New Zealand-based brand is dedicated to reducing plastic waste and water consumption through its innovative product formulations. 

Ethique’s offerings include solid shampoo and conditioner bars, facial cleansing bars, and body lotions, all crafted with natural, sustainably sourced ingredients.

The brand’s commitment to zero-waste extends to its packaging, which is fully compostable, making Ethique a leader in both waterless beauty and environmental stewardship.

3. Pinch of Colour

Pinch of Colour specializes in waterless cosmetics, offering products that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible. The brand’s range includes waterless lipsticks, foundations, and skincare items, all formulated with natural ingredients like waxes, and extracts. 

Pinch of Colour emphasizes sustainability at every step, from ingredient sourcing to packaging, ensuring that their products align with eco-conscious values. By eliminating water from their formulations, Pinch of Colour creates highly concentrated, potent cosmetics that provide superior performance while supporting the environment.

In an industry dominated by water-based products, these brands have made it their commitment to develop personal care products and formulas that are safe for the environment. 

The Future of Waterless Beauty Brand Options

As the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable beauty formulations grows, more brands are likely to adopt the waterless concept. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that not only provide quality and effectiveness but also contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of environmental impact.

The shift towards waterless beauty is a promising step in the right direction for the beauty sector and the environment.

How to Incorporate Waterless Cosmetics into Your Routine

Switching to waterless beauty products can be seamless and beneficial. First, make it a habit to check the ingredients listed in your beauty products. The ingredients list should have water. 

Then, replace traditional items with water-free alternatives, such as using a shampoo bar instead of liquid shampoo or a powder cleanser instead of a liquid one. 

Gradually incorporating these products into your beauty routine will not only help conserve water and protect the Earth but also enhance the quality of your skincare and hair care.

Embracing a Sustainable Future

Waterless beauty products represent a necessary evolution towards sustainability in the industry. By opting for water-free skincare, hair care, and cosmetics, consumers can play a vital role in conserving water and reducing the environmental footprint of their beauty routines.

The future of beauty lies in innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to protecting our planet.

FAQs

In an era where environmental consciousness is at an all-time high, the beauty industry is stepping up to the challenge of reducing its environmental footprint. Sustainable beauty has become more than just a trend, but a movement driven by both consumer demand and corporate responsibility.

Central to this movement is the concept of zero-waste packaging, which aims to minimize or eliminate waste associated with beauty products. 

This article explores the various zero-waste packaging solutions that are transforming the beauty industry.

Understanding Zero Waste Packaging

Zero-waste packaging is designed to create a circular economy where materials are reused, recycled, or composted, thereby preventing them from ending up in landfills or oceans. This approach involves innovative materials and thoughtful design, ensuring that packaging can be fully repurposed or decomposed without harming the environment.

Innovative Zero Waste Packaging Solutions

Refillable Containers

Refillable containers are a game-changer in the beauty industry, offering a practical and sustainable alternative to single-use packaging. These containers are crafted from durable materials like glass, metal, or high-quality plastic, designed to withstand multiple uses without degrading. 

Customers purchase the initial container and then buy refills, which come in minimal packaging, to replenish their products. This model not only significantly reduces plastic waste but also encourages a circular economy where the same container is used repeatedly.

Moreover, refillable containers often feature elegant designs, adding a touch of luxury to sustainable living and fostering a sense of brand loyalty as consumers return for more refills.

Biodegradable and Compostable Materials

Biodegradable and compostable materials are at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions. These materials are engineered to break down naturally, returning to the earth without leaving toxic residues. Examples include plant-based plastics derived from corn or sugarcane, bamboo, and even innovative materials like mushroom mycelium. 

Proper disposal is crucial. Compostable materials need specific conditions to break down efficiently, typically requiring industrial composting facilities. By choosing biodegradable and compostable packaging, brands can significantly lessen their environmental footprint, contributing to healthier ecosystems and a reduction in landfill waste.

Recyclable Packaging

Recyclable packaging is a cornerstone of the zero-waste movement. Materials like glass, aluminum, and certain plastics are highly recyclable and can be repurposed multiple times, minimizing the need for virgin resources. Brands are now focusing on creating packaging that is not only recyclable but also easy to disassemble. 

This involves using mono-material packaging where possible and designing components that can be easily separated for proper recycling. Effective recycling requires consumer participation; educating customers on how to recycle correctly is a vital part of this strategy, ensuring that recyclable materials are processed and reused efficiently.

Waterless Beauty Products

Waterless beauty products are a revolutionary approach to reducing packaging waste and conserving water resources. These products, which come in solid forms like bars, powders, and sticks, eliminate the need for traditional plastic bottles and jars.

Brands such as Ethique and Lush have pioneered waterless formulas, offering everything from shampoos and conditioners to cleansers and moisturizers in solid form. 

This innovation not only drastically cuts down on packaging but also extends the product’s shelf life, as waterless products are less prone to microbial growth. Typically sold in compostable or recyclable containers, these products offer a sustainable alternative that aligns with the zero-waste ethos.

Waterless beauty products are lightweight and compact, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and making them a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers.

The beauty industry’s shift towards zero-waste packaging is a significant step in the fight against environmental degradation. Through refillable containers, biodegradable and compostable materials, recyclable packaging, and waterless products, brands are pioneering sustainable solutions that meet consumer demand and protect the planet.

This movement not only reduces waste but also fosters a deeper connection between consumers and brands, promoting a more sustainable and conscientious approach to beauty.

The Consumer’s Role in Sustainable Beauty

Consumers play a crucial role in the sustainable beauty movement. By choosing brands that prioritize zero-waste packaging and sustainable practices, they drive demand for eco-friendly products. Additionally, consumers can adopt habits such as reusing containers, properly recycling packaging, and supporting brands with strong environmental commitments.

Challenges and Future Directions of Zero-Waste Packaging

While zero-waste packaging is a significant step forward, the beauty industry still faces challenges. These include the higher costs associated with sustainable materials and the need for widespread consumer education on proper disposal methods. However, with continuous innovation and growing awareness, the future of sustainable beauty looks promising.

The push towards zero-waste packaging in the beauty industry is more than just a fleeting trend. It’s a necessary evolution. By embracing refillable containers, biodegradable materials, and innovative product designs, the industry is taking meaningful steps to reduce its environmental impact.

As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, the demand for sustainable beauty products will continue to grow, driving further innovation and leading to a greener, more sustainable future for the beauty industry.

Let’s face it – the beauty industry is a huge culprit when it comes to environmental damage. 

We’re all beauty and skincare enthusiasts here, but it’s important to acknowledge that the cosmetics industry needs to become more sustainable if it wants to reduce its impact and also help our planet stay livable for longer. A 2020 report done by the British Beauty Council notes the essential role of the beauty industry in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Fortunately, recent trends show that beauty brands are leaning towards sustainable beauty due to consumer demand and more rigorous industry standards. In this blog, we take a look at the industry’s environmental impact over the years and what they’re doing now to reduce the negative impact.

Why is the beauty industry unsustainable?

Sustainability is defined as the “processes and actions through which humankind avoids the depletion of natural resources, in order to keep an ecological balance that doesn’t allow the quality of life of modern societies to decrease,” according to You Matter.

In short, sustainability is choosing what is best for both the people and the planet. Often, this is hard to achieve when large industries hold productions at scale and are more prone to conducting malpractice from sourcing down to the last stage of the supply chain.

Some of the major problems within the beauty industry are:

Wasteful packaging that promotes plastic pollution

The most obvious one is perhaps plastic waste. The beauty industry generates a lot of plastic packaging waste – up to 120 billion units, to be exact – and the removal of about 18 million acres of forests. Wet wipes and face masks alone were responsible for over 93% of sewer blockages in the United Kingdom prior to the pandemic, according to Water UK. You can imagine that the problem only got worse after COVID-19, where disposables quickly became a must for public health and safety.

Use of toxic ingredients that are harmful to the environment and animals

Toxic ingredients are another issue. Many facial cleansers and exfoliating scrubs contain microbeads, which are microplastics that are so small they go through wastewater treatment systems, ending up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Though they are tiny, they pose a threat to marine life’s safety. Similar to this is the ingredient oxybenzone commonly found in physical sunscreens. While it’s not harmful to our skin directly, it was found during a 2016 study to be highly toxic to young corals.

Animal cruelty in makeup testing

Cosmetic testing on animals used to be the norm – they were a cheap and effective way to test the safety of a product without harming humans. As of 2021, there are only 40 countries – including the Philippines – that ban cosmetic testing on animals.

You’ve also probably seen beauty brands call themselves cruelty-free. This means they don’t test on animals and allow independent audits from third-party services. There are many independent bodies that give certifications to brands that pass their standards. Among such bodies are PETA and Leaping Bunny.

High carbon footprint from production and transportation of goods

A more direct problem is the issue of high carbon emissions from the production and transportation of products. According to Green Matters, carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas with the highest amount of emissions, playing a huge role in climate change.

Unethical labor practices

A lot of makeup companies get their ingredients from suppliers across the globe. Unfortunately, many of these suppliers are prone to unethical labor practices, including mica mining. Mica is the ingredient responsible for shimmer in many powder-based cosmetics.

Deforestation

The sourcing and production of cosmetic products have led to widespread deforestation. One example is palm oil.

Palm oil is an incredibly versatile emollient commonly used for its moisturizing properties. But because of its popularity and demand, the rapid sourcing of palm oil has led to widespread deforestation.

Lack of Transparency

Finally, there is still a huge lack of transparency within the industry, even from companies that claim to be eco-conscious. Many brands create their own benchmarks for what “clean” and “sustainable” entail but don’t always disclose them. 

Without independent audits, there is virtually no way to know whether these clean beauty companies are actually reducing their negative environmental impact, or what they really mean by “sustainable product.” Even terms like “organic ingredients” or a “clean skincare line” are very nebulous.

Why Is Sustainability Important In The Beauty Industry?

Since it’s a major contributor to plastic waste and greenhouse emissions, the beauty industry plays an essential role in mitigating the ongoing climate crisis. The vast majority of beauty brands must commit not only to sustainable products, but also reduction of long-term waste and sustainability efforts that cover each step of production.

It’s easy to pin the blame on overconsumption like many companies tend to do. But individual waste accounts for little of the problem compared to the industry’s practices. In fact, it’s not a problem limited to the beauty industry at all, but a systemic problem. There is a danger when companies prioritize profit over people or the planet.

But the great thing is that these brands can actually benefit from becoming more sustainable. In terms of sales, consumers have displayed a shift of interest to greener packaging and sustainable products.

So, is it possible for beauty to stay or become sustainable while driving sales and remaining consumer-centric? The answer is yes.

Data shows that 57% of consumers are highly willing to adjust their spending habits to become more sustainable. 77% of consumers also agree that sustainability is an important factor in what they buy.

Additionally, a First Insight 2020 report showed that 62 percent of Gen Z and Millennial respondents favor purchasing products from sustainable brands. They were also willing to spend more money on sustainable alternatives if given the choice. 

Most notably, younger generations tend to prioritize sustainability compared to their predecessors like Gen X. According to Greg Petro, the CEO of First Insight, brands need to get on the eco-train if they want to sustain sales.

“With Generation Z on track to becoming the largest generation of consumers this year, retailers and brands must start supercharging sustainability practices now if they are to keep pace with expectations around sustainability for these next-generation consumers, whether it is through consignment, upcycling, or even gifting around major holidays,” he stated.

How Is Beauty Sustainable?

Is sustainable beauty possible? Definitely! 

There are plenty of sustainability initiatives that large companies and individual brands can do in order to become more eco-friendly. Common sustainable practices include:

• Committing to environmental sustainability through recyclable and reusable packaging
• Reducing ecological footprint and energy consumption via local production of goods
• Eliminating water waste often found in production of liquid soaps, shampoos, essential oils, etc.
• Sustainable sourcing of ingredients, or investing in biotechnology-sourced natural ingredients
• Creating long-term sustainability goals or a mission statement that adheres to such standards

Many companies have adopted the above practices in order to do their part in protecting our beloved planet. But it doesn’t just stop there. Other good-for-the-planet commitments brands can make are:

• Seeking cruelty-free certification from trusted independent bodies such as PETA and Leaping Bunny
• Using non-toxic ingredients ie. clean beauty
• Creating sustainable packaging innovation
• Seeking certification for good business practices, such as Fair Trade or B-Corp, which advocate for safe working conditions and equal treatment of employees at production
• Promoting recycling programs to extend product lifespan and reduce waste overall

As consumers, there is also a myriad of ways we can adhere to sustainable beauty and promote a culture of ethical consumption. 

• Supporting brands that sell sustainable options, eco-friendly products, or refillable packaging materials
• Campaigning for laws that promote environmental protection and sustainability in the beauty industry
• Re-assessing our shopping habits
• Buying locally-made green products and supporting your favorite local beauty brand
• Participating in a recycling program
• Eliminate waste in our own capacity

How Is The Beauty Industry Becoming More Sustainable?

Being 100% zero-waste isn’t always achievable, but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying. Each company has the responsibility to reduce its negative impact and promote environmental sustainability along each step of production.

Thanks to the growing demand for sustainable beauty, more brands are shifting their visions to a greener future. Beyond creating recyclable packaging and naturally-sourced beauty products, here are the ways the personal care industry is helping the environment:

Ethical Production Along Supply Chain

• Locally sourcing ingredients and manufacturing products in order to reduce carbon emissions
• Eliminating or reducing single-use plastic
• Responsible sourcing of medicinal plants 
• Shifting to renewable energy in each step of product life cycle
• Creating ethical labor policies

A great example of a personal care brand committing to sustainable development is The Body Shop. While many brands have just recently hopped on the sustainability trend, this one has been committed since 1987. Unlike a few brands that simply slap on a green label, The Body Shop has gone above and beyond to ensure their trade partners are financially independent and basically don’t work slave wages. Community projects that promote education, sanitation, and healthcare are just a few of their initiatives.

Recyclable Packaging

• Providing new packaging with refillable options for skincare products and beauty products
• Promoting recyclable bottles, containers, jars, etc.
• Reducing plastic use in shipping packaging
• Creating waterless beauty products which reduce water waste and use less disposable packaging

Companies have also been quick to refillable products to their beauty lines. Among these include Glow Recipe and Milk Makeup. Other brands like Kiehl’s, Revlon, and Glossier also sell refills for different cosmetic products.

Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands

There’s no shortage of cruelty-free brands across the globe, but it’s even better that there are plenty of cruelty-free options from local beauty stores. One example is Human Nature which has been PETA-certified cruelty-free since 2011 and was the first local brand to achieve certification. It’s also won a Sustainability Pioneer Award, which co-founder Anna Meloto-Wilk cites as a huge step to putting the Philippines on the map for its community-empowering products.

Other great brands are Issy & Co., which uses vegan and sustainable ingredients, Detail Makeover, and VMV Hypoallergenics, which creates natural products for those with sensitive skin.

Also, don’t forget to bring reef-safe sunscreen on your next beach vacay! There are plenty of options to choose from, and we even cite one in our guide to the best sunscreens.

Carbon-Neutral Beauty

Carbon emissions have led to global warming, and many beauty brands have taken the responsibility of offsetting their emissions. Since it can be hard to be 100% carbon neutral, what these companies often do is strike a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing it through partnering with carbon offset initiatives.

These initiatives help companies look for ways in the life cycle of their products where they can improve production practices and shift to greener alternatives.

The Takeaway

With so many factors to consider, sustainability within the beauty industry can seem like a faraway dream. While it’s hard to imagine a 100% sustainable world, there are also so many ways that these industries can improve and adapt to a planet in danger. These are just some of the ways they can do it.

As consumers, our role is to patronize eco-friendly brands and commit to our own sustainable journey. To get started, check out our blog on how to become a sustainable beauty consumer.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much makeup I’ve accumulated over the years that I just end up no longer using at all. This has made me believe that it’s a lot more practical to approach makeup with a minimalistic eye, only focusing on fewer items with better quality.

If you’ve also been thinking about doing a major makeup overhaul, or simply want to edit and curate your makeup bag to the essentials, then you’ve come to the right place!

In this blog, we talk about how to organize your makeup collection, choose which ones to keep, and how to build a sustainable makeup bag that you’ll actually be using. These are makeup products that provide functionality, comfort, and are guaranteed to keep you confident and feeling amazing.

Why Is It Important to Curate Your Makeup?

Have you heard of the paradox of choice? It’s the idea that giving customers a wide variety of options can actually be bad for decision-making. Think of choosing where to eat at a mall. With the number of choices you have, doesn’t it feel harder to select where you’re going to grab a bite?

This phenomenon is also present when we’re choosing something as simple as what to wear for the day. Having a huge closet means more options, but more options also means having to go through each one every day to create the perfect look.

Now, apply that same principle to makeup. I don’t know about you, but when I used to be a makeup hoarder, there were days that I found it difficult to put together a basic beat for daily wear. This is why I’ve been leaning towards minimalism in both my makeup and my wardrobe. It saves both time and money.

Makeup waste is another huge problem. While it isn’t essentially the consumer’s problem. Research says a lot of waste comes from overproduction. Being selective with the makeup we buy and where we buy it from can help mitigate the effects.

How to Edit Your Makeup Collection

The fun part is organizing your collection. Whether you have a large stash or a modest supply, organizing your makeup products has numerous benefits, from saving precious getting-ready time to helping you further develop your makeup style.

Below, we share 4 tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect makeup bag where each product has a purpose. Let’s get to it!

1. Know Your Makeup Must-Haves

Organizing and curating your collection is a highly personal process. It’s all about keeping what is essential to your routine, and the only one who can define what your essentials are is you. For some, brow pencils are must-haves, while others can live without it.

So, before you get to throwing away those non-essentials, make a clear assessment of your product needs. Write it down on a piece of paper, your journal, or even your Notes app. Go over your typical routine and find the products you tend to gravitate towards the most.

Another quick way to determine your routine is simply by checking which products have been barely touched and which ones are the most worn.

2. Treat Your Makeup Like Your Wardrobe

To make the decluttering process easier, one of the tips recommended by makeup artists and beauty experts is to treat your makeup like a wardrobe. In essence, this means categorizing your products into underwear, a.k.a. your base products, staples or essentials, and wildcards which can liven up your look on days when you get bored with your staples.

So, under base products would be your primer, foundation, BB cream, or concealer. Are you someone who uses a full face of foundation, or do you prefer tinted moisturizer? Only keep what really works for you. I personally only keep a small foundation bottle and a jar of concealer for my base.

Your staples are typically lip products, blush, eyeshadow, etc. Since I’m trying to keep a minimalist makeup bag, I absolutely love multi-purpose creams that can be used as a triple-way makeup product for the cheeks, eyes, and lips. Eyeshadow palettes are another area that could always use a bit of decluttering. I know I didn’t need that large 100-color eyeshadow palette.

Finally, your “wildcards” are pieces that elevate your overall look every once in a while. For some, it’s a daring red lip, and for others, it’s multicolored eyeliners. These are products that can help revive your look if you’re feeling a little bored with your typical style. It’s also a great way to keep makeup fun. Often, people misunderstand a curated or minimalist makeup collection as boring or only having essentials, but these wildcard pieces are just as important and make your staples pop even more.

3. Declutter and Donate

Now that you’re done picking out which products can go and which ones can stay, it’s time to find your old products a new home. Before throwing away everything you don’t use, make sure to:

• Check which products are expired
• Check for reusable packaging
• Save the ones that are still usable

So, you’re going to be left with three piles: expired products whose packaging cannot be reused, expired or finished products with reusable packaging, and stuff that isn’t expired and can still be donated.

The first pile can be donated to junk shops or waste recycling initiatives like SM’s Trash to Cash. Those with reusable packaging can be upcycled at home, while usable products you can give to a friend or donation centers.

4. Think Before You (Over) Buy

I know we hate hearing advice like this, but hear me out! Instead of overbuying products that you’ll end up throwing away, think of lapses in your makeup wardrobe that need to be filled. Do you need a better primer? An eyeshadow palette for daytime? By all means, go ahead. Just make sure to be selective when you’re buying these items and always go for quality over quantity so that you end up actually finishing the product you buy.

It’s also best to avoid marketing tactics like huge sales or discounts that force you to buy stuff you don’t need just to meet the minimum qualifying purchase amount.

Final Note

Personally, there are no downsides to having a curated makeup kit. Not only does it save time, but it also saves a lot of money that would have otherwise gone to unnecessary makeup products.

If you’re on your way to building a capsule makeup wardrobe, we hope this guide has been informative. Let us know below if you have any tips of your own to share!

Have you ever realized just how much waste we actually throw away? It can be overwhelming. So much of our everyday necessities are made of materials that aren’t biodegradable, so we end up disposing of a huge amount of plastic that lasts up to a thousand years. Even menstrual products contribute a ton of plastic waste.

Personal care products can be wasteful, too. After all, most of them come in plastic bottles that ultimately end up useless once we’ve finished them. Being skincare and beauty enthusiasts, I’m sure we’ve accumulated a store of empty bottles, tubes, and plastic jars over the years.

That’s why many brands have switched to more sustainable means of producing beauty products. Whether it’s in the form of ethical sourcing, eco-friendly biodegradable packaging, or marine-friendly ingredients, there are so many ways that companies can help mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.

So where exactly do we fit in? Our role is to be the sustainable beauty consumer. This means being conscious of the products we buy, the values we support, and reducing our own waste. Find out how you can do that here.

What Does It Mean to Be a Sustainable Consumer?

Because sustainability has become so popular, companies have turned it into a buzzword. Often, instead of practicing eco-friendly production methods, brands simply greenwash their products and market themselves as “sustainable” without doing the hard work.

What does sustainability really mean? Cruelty-Free Kitty, a resource website for sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free brands, defines sustainability as “the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the food, feed, and fiber needs of our country and the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.”

In simpler terms, it means being able to use nature’s resources without causing it harm. This can be done by replacing single-use products with reusable items, supporting brands that don’t test on animals, and even using vegan products.

So, even if we can’t control a company’s practices, what we can do is practice sustainable consumption. We can start by looking at our beauty products. Are the ingredients environmentally safe? Does the brand have biodegradable packaging? Which parts of our routine produce the most waste and how can we reduce it?

As someone who swears by sustainable beauty, I’ve found that it can be an arduous task. However, the fulfillment of being able to give back to the environment is worth it all, and so I want to share my best tips on how you can do the same. Without further ado, here are 5 easy tips to start becoming a sustainable beauty consumer. Read on to find out!

How to Practice Sustainable Beauty

It’s great to practice sustainability in every part of our lives, but it can be overwhelming. That’s why we recommend starting your minimal-waste journey one area at a time.

With the popularity of eco-conscious beauty brands, it’s becoming much easier to become a sustainable beauty consumer. But there’s more to it than buying from brands marketed as environmentally friendly.

Here are our top 5 tips on how to become a sustainable beauty consumer:

1. Support Eco-Friendly and Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands

This is perhaps the most common way to practice sustainable beauty. By supporting zero-waste, vegan, and cruelty-free brands, it shows the big businesses that there is a market for reusable and sustainably designed products.

However, do be conscious of marketing terms that brands use to greenwash. A cruelty-free product doesn’t necessarily mean the brand is also eco-friendly or vegan. Cruelty-Free Kitty has compiled a list of products that fall under the large umbrella of sustainable products here.

2. Buy Local

Another great way to become sustainable is by buying local products. Supporting Filipino beauty brands helps offset the carbon footprint of importing foreign commodities, which is a huge amount. Not only are local products more affordable because they’re created locally, but you’re also helping the environment. Later on, we list our favorite local and sustainable beauty brands, so stay tuned!

3. Avoid Overbuying

We all know how exciting it can be to haul makeup and skincare, but overconsumption often leads to one thing: too much waste! Parcels from online stores always use a ton of plastic wrapping (some not even necessary) which is often thrown away and could take decades to decompose.

Just think about how much plastic packaging you throw away in your household from Shopee orders alone. Now, multiply that by around 20 million, which is the average number of households in the Philippines.

The solution is simple: avoid overbuying. The truth is, a lot of us don’t really need half of what we haul! So the next time you add those products to your cart during a mega sale, think twice. Do you really need the new beauty serum, or do you just need a quick dopamine boost? (Trust me, I know the feeling.) Being a mindful buyer is one sure step to becoming a sustainable beauty consumer, and it helps you manage finances, too!

4. Reuse Your Packaging, or Donate Them

Looking to do a little D-I-Y? Reduce your plastic waste by building your own refillable packaging. You can start with something simple, like reusing your shampoo bottles once they’re all used up.

You can also try buying from brands that reuse empty makeup and beauty product containers, like local business FINN the Label, which lets you send back their product packaging once it’s all run out so they can replace it with product. This mitigates the problem of plastic waste, which often ends up in landfills or in the ocean, harming marine life. In the same vein, you can also switch to products that use little plastic in their packaging, like shampoo and soap bars.

Another great way to reduce your personal waste is by donating your products to junk shops or stores that recycle plastic bottles. We’ve compiled the best places to donate your army of empty bottles to right here.

5. Reduce Single-Use

Our last tip to becoming a sustainable beauty consumer is reducing single-use plastic wherever we can in our routine. Do you use cotton pads for your cleanser, toner, or serum? Make sure it’s made out of 100% cotton and not mixed with synthetic fibers, which can take longer to biodegrade. Pure organic cotton typically takes a few months to decompose, so if you’re conscious about how much you’re disposing of every day, try switching to reusable cotton pads. This can help lessen your personal waste because you won’t need to throw cotton away every time you use toner or something like micellar water.

Local Sustainable Beauty Brands You Can Try

Ready to embark on your journey to become a sustainable beauty consumer? To help you out, here are a few of our favorite beauty brands that are committed to ethical, cruelty-free, or vegan beauty!

Akkula Compostable Products

Reduce your plastic waste and keep your lips super plump at the same time with Akkula‘s line of lip balms. Enclosed in a 100% compostable handcrafted paper tube, their vegan lip balms are made with plant-based products and come in all kinds of fruity flavors for anyone to enjoy. Guilt-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and locally made. What more could you ask for?

RRAW

Let’s face it. Makeup and skincare products amount to a lot of plastic waste. The packaging isn’t always reusable and so they often end up in the trash once fully consumed.

RRAW is a local skincare brand that creates natural and locally-sourced products for Filipinas across the country. As a way to lessen plastic waste, you get the option to send back your empty beauty bottles and get refills.

Matenara

Get sustainable haircare with Matenara’s wide selection of sulfate-free shampoos, shampoo bars, and more. The proudly Filipino brand makes use of locally-sourced natural ingredients that keep our strands healthy and clean. Plus, a lot of their packaging is reusable: you can recycle their glass bottles or safely throw away their compostable paper wrappers.

Sinaya Cup

Thinking of switching to a menstrual cup? We highly recommend the Sinaya, the first-ever local menstrual cup brand. It’s made of medical-grade silicone that captures menstrual fluid so you can go for hours without having to change. Their cup comes in different sizes so you have the option to choose which one fits you and your menstrual habits better. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you can go swimming or beaching on your period without any worries.

Magwai

Did you know that chemicals in your typical sunscreen can harm coral reefs? That’s why we highly recommend switching to reef-safe sunscreen for your next beach trip! Not only do they keep your skin safe from sun damage, but they also keep the seas safe.

Magwai believes in ocean-friendly personal care products. For co-founders Czar and Maffy, traveling the seas responsibly is of utmost importance, which is how they formulated their reef-friendly sunscreens. These sunscreens are made with ingredients that are safe and won’t harm corals.

They’ve also expanded to creating plastic-free shampoo bars and beach towels made of recycled PET bottles.

Final Note

We hope this guide has given you some helpful tips on how you can become a sustainable beauty consumer. Remember, small actions can go a long way!

What are your favorite sustainable beauty hacks? Share them in the comments below!

Five-free nail polish, clean beauty, cruelty-free ingredients. There seems to be a lot of definitions out there when it comes to greener beauty brands and routines. To make sure you understand what you’re buying into, here is a list of definitions often used to describe ethical standards and sustainability in the cosmetics world.

All-natural or Green Beauty

A synonym or organic beauty, anything green or all-natural simply means the product is sourced from natural ingredients. Think of the ingredients as nature derivatives in their purest and most effective forms. Though a label can say “all natural,” it still might contain a small percentage of healthy and safe synthetic ingredients.

Clean Beauty

Clean beauty is a broader term that usually refer to ingredients being non-toxic and not harmful for the betterment of one’s health. The ingredients can be natural or synthetic.

A clean beauty brand must be verified by a third party.

Cruelty-free

A cruelty-free product means that it has not been tested on animals on all stages of production. Although there are a lot of questions with this term considering cruelty-free does not necessarily mean harm-free. It merely pertains to the fact that there hasn’t been any animal testing in the entire process. So unless it also specifies that it’s vegan, there’s a possibility that a cruelty-free product still has animal products obtained inhumanely. It may also contain palm oil.

Organic and Certified Organic

An organic beauty product is free from chemicals, preservatives, artificial or synthetic colors, artificial fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and manufactured herbicides.

In order for a product to be considered organic, at least 70% of ingredients have to be organic. To be a certified organic products, at least 95% percent of the ingredients must be organic, which has to be confirmed by a third party who will then provide the certified organic seal.

Both organic and certified organic products may contain non-toxic synthetic ingredients, with the former making up to 30% and latter up to 5% of ingredients.

Palm Oil Free

A less common term used in cosmetics is “palm oil free.” Evidently, it means that a product doesn’t contain palm oil or any of its derivatives. Why that’s important is because of how destructive the production process is on the rainforest, as it destroys the whole ecosystem, affecting the home of many a specie, essentially rendering them homeless and left for dead. But like the rest of the terms, something that it palm oil free doesn’t necessarily mean it’s organic or completely environmentally friendly.

Vegan

A vegan product is one without animal products, but the term vegan on its own doesn’t necessarily mean it is organic or palm oil free. In fact, it doesn’t even mean that it’s cruelty free, so it’s important that people understand that “vegan” is not an all encompassing term

3-, 5-, 7- and 9-free Nail Polish

When you see a number followed by “free” for nail polish, that means the formula doesn’t contain that certain number of toxic chemicals common in polishes. The ethical standard these days is 5-free, but many brands are still struggling to remove the toxic trio out of their products, because the three chemicals are normally included to reduce cracking and improve flexibility.

For a product or a brand to be completely ethical and sustainable, beauty companies have to look beyond the formula. They have to consider the entire process, such as production, business practices, delivery, and what they do with the profits. If a beauty brand wants to be sustainable, they should adopt the following:

• Packaging that is either recyclable, reusable (like bottles that can be refilled at the store), compostable, or made from recycled materials.
• Business practices where they pay their workers good wages and pay suppliers fare prices for raw goods and materials, as well as working with suppliers that are committed to safe working conditions and positive environmental and social impact.
• Business practices that minimize their carbon footprint and efficient water and energy management
• Sending a portion of the proceeds to charity

Do you have a favorite ethical beauty brand that you’d like to share with us? Tell us about it in the comments section below!