Avoid the Beauty Hype

Save money, improve your health and contribute to environmental sustainability by creating your own beauty products at home.

- Por Ema Taylor

The beauty industry produces billions of dollars in revenue annually. As an industry that thrives on innovation, new "must-have" products seemingly pop up every week. While the allure of these products can be hard to resist, it's important to take a step back and assess what you truly need and the holistic impact of your daily beauty routine on both your health and the health of the planet.

Many of the cosmetics people use daily eventually find their way into our oceans, contributing to the pollution of these vital ecosystems. Non-organic shampoos, sunscreens, creams, make-up and perfumes are often loaded with harmful chemicals that can wreak havoc on marine life when they wash away in our showers and sinks. These chemicals can disrupt ecosystems, damage coral reefs and harm aquatic organisms. Unsustainable sourcing of ingredients and excessive non-degradable packaging can have significant and far-reaching impacts on the planet, alongside leaving a lifelong footprint on the earth. Understanding how to choose safe beauty products for your health and our planet is a great skill to acquire.

Environmental impact of beauty products

When was the last time you read the ingredient list on one of your beauty products? If it was before your last purchase, then I am celebrating you! However, if you are like most people and have just bought a product on the face value that it is effective, I don't blame you, but I do encourage you to go into the bathroom after reading this article and read the ingredients. Sadly, companies do not often create products with your health and the planet's in mind, and harmful chemicals are still used ubiquitously in many beauty products. It is up to you to advocate for your health and the planet's and get to know where you are voting with your dollar.