These are the 6 Best Ways to Sustainably Exfoliate Your Body
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How to Sustainably Exfoliate Your Skin
We all love having smooth, bump-free skin and exfoliating is one of the best ways to achieve that. However, traditional exfoliators aren’t always the best for our skin or the environment, thanks to plastic and harmful ingredients. Thankfully, exfoliating your body sustainably has never been easier. This article will cover our favorite eco-friendly ways to exfoliate from sustainable scrubs to compostable loofahs.
Are Exfoliators Bad For People and the Environment?
Traditional exfoliating scrubs and exfoliators can be harmful to the environment for several reasons. Exfoliators like loofahs are made from plastic, which contributes to plastic waste and microplastic pollution.
Traditional exfoliating scrubs often contain synthetic ingredients and plastic beads, which go directly into our water system when we use them. Not to mention, scrubs generally come in plastic packaging, are produced in an unsustainable way, and contain harmful chemicals that we should avoid putting on our skin as well as our water supply.
How to Exfoliate Your Skin Naturally and Sustainably:
Thankfully, there are numerous ways to exfoliate your body (and your face) sustainably. The best natural exfoliator for you will depend on what method of exfoliation you prefer to use. There are numerous plastic-free, eco-friendly alternatives to most exfoliators such as loofahs, exfoliating scrubs, and gloves.
When it comes to choosing an eco-friendly body exfoliator, consider the following before purchasing:
Does it contain plastic or synthetic materials?
Are there any artificial fragrances?
Is it made from natural, plant-based ingredients and materials?
Do they ethically source their materials?
Are there harmful chemicals or unrecognizable ingredients?
Is it either reusable or recyclable, biodegradable, and/or compostable?
If it’s plastic-free, made from natural materials, and can naturally decompose, then chances are you’re choosing a sustainable exfoliator. Below, we’ll cover the best eco-friendly exfoliators for your body including some of our favorite sustainable brands.
Now, Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Ways to Exfoliate For Your Body:
Sustainable Exfoliating Scrubs
One of the easiest ways to exfoliate your body is with a good body scrub. There are so many benefits to exfoliating scrubs such as cleaner pores, and softer, more hydrated skin. Plus, if you have sensitive skin, a natural scrub is a more gentle exfoliating option. Thankfully, you no longer need to choose exfoliating scrubs with plastic beads or harmful chemicals thanks to the numerous sustainable scrubs available today.
Some of our favorite eco-friendly skincare brands have created fantastic ready-to-go exfoliators. One of our favorites is Cocokind’s Scrubbing Clay, made with red clay and upcycled coffee beans. Osea also has a fantastic line of vegan exfoliators including a complete body scrub kit.
In general, look for scrubs made from natural, biodegradable ingredients and free from plastic packaging.
Zero Waste DIY Exfoliators
If you’re willing to get a little bit crafty, you can create your own zero-waste body scrub at home. One benefit to making your own body scrub is that you can combine ingredients that are specifically tailored to your skin needs. There are numerous exfoliating scrub recipes available that use ingredients many of us have at home or that are readily available at your local zero-waste store. Making your own scrub is also a great way to upcycle food waste or prevent additional waste.
A simple firming and moisturizing at-home body scrub involves just coffee grounds, honey, and oil. Mix 3 tablespoon leftover coffee grounds with 5 tablespoons honey and 5 tablespoons olive oil (or another nourishing oil of your choice) until thick.
If your skin is sensitive, try this reparative sugar exfoliating scrub. Mix ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup sea salt with ½ cup of your preferred oil, and 2 tablespoons honey. You can even add your favorite essential oil. Add lavender for a soothing, relaxing scrub, or choose rosemary to help reduce inflammation.
Exfoliating Cloths
If you’d prefer to pair your scrub with an exfoliating tool, exfoliating cloths make an excellent plastic-free exfoliator. Unlike shower cloths made from synthetic materials, eco-friendly exfoliating cloths are often biodegradable and made from plant-based materials.
Earthharbor makes a wonderful cleansing cloth from agave leaves. It’s naturally anti-microbial, mold-resistant, and will break down after 3-5 months. In general, look for a plastic-free cloth that’s made from natural and organic materials like bamboo or organic cotton. Exfoliating cloths made from muslin fabric are often gentle enough to use on your face and can double as a makeup remover.
Sustainable Dry Brush
If you’re looking for eco-friendly alternatives to loofahs, consider dry brushing. Dry brushing helps unclog pores and increase circulation and lymphatic drainage. Plus, it’s easy to do any time of day, since you don’t dry brush in the shower or with any added scrubs. We love dry brushing first thing in the morning since it has an energizing effect.
There are several sustainable, plastic-free dry brushes available like this biodegradable and vegan one from Osea. It’s made from beechwood and cotton with sisal bristles. In general, look for dry brushes that are made from sustainably sourced wood or bamboo. Eco-friendly dry brushes will also use natural, plastic-free materials for their bristles.
Eco-friendly Exfoliating Mitts
If you’re looking for an easy way to exfoliate your body, consider sustainable exfoliating gloves. These hand-shaped mitts fit your hands perfectly so you can effortlessly exfoliate your body without a mess.
Eco-friendly exfoliator gloves will typically be made from plastic-free, natural materials such as bamboo or sisal. You can use them like a loofah by applying your scrub to the glove while in the shower. Exfoliating gloves are often gentle enough to use on the entire body, including thin-skinned areas like the groin.
Some wonderful sustainable exfoliating mitts we love are the anti-bacterial bamboo gloves from Handmade Naturals or this GOTS Certified Organic Cotton mitt from Organic Stories.
Sustainable Loofah
Last but not least, if you’re a die-hard loofah fan, don’t worry, there are eco-friendly options available. Loofahs, or shower poofs, are very popular items but they are traditionally made from plastic and synthetic materials. One of the best natural loofahs is from Ecoroots. It’s made from plant fibers, is plastic-free, and biodegradable. Plus, you can use this loofah as a sponge as well, perfect for cleaning dishes or the bathroom.
Another favorite of ours is konjac sponges, which make a great eco-friendly alternative to a shower puff. With a similar texture to shower poofs, konjac sponges are soft, fully compostable, and made from the konjac plant.
A great konjac sponge is this one from Everist. It makes your skin feel amazing and can be composted after 2-3 months of use. All you need to do is add water to make the sponge soft, then squeeze a small amount of your favorite soap for an exfoliating clean.
About the Author
Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.
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