Posts in Beauty Two
What Is Clean Beauty & What to Look for Before Buying
 

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A Guide to Clean Beauty

More people than ever are interested in personal care products that are better for them and the planet. Many now realize that what we put on our skin matters, and that traditional beauty products have long contained artificial and harmful chemicals. In the beauty industry today, we often see brands use terms like natural, conscious or clean to promote their products. But what is clean beauty and how do you know if a product is indeed better for you? 

Below, we’ll break down what clean beauty means, what to look for before buying, and what to avoid.

What is Clean Beauty? 

Clean beauty is a common umbrella term used to describe any cosmetic products that are made without synthetic chemicals. This includes products designed for the skin and body, from skincare to makeup to hair care.  

Clean beauty doesn’t necessarily have one definition. A clean beauty brand might be vegan, organic, or biodegradable, or it may not be any of those things. The issue with not having clear criteria for clean beauty is that it opens the doors for brands to make hollow claims for marketing purposes i.e. greenwashing

The beauty industry as a whole is largely unregulated, but If a brand uses the term clean or natural, that is not enough to verify them as a trustworthy brand. As more consumers begin to prioritize sustainable products, brands understand that they need to appear “clean and green” to sell. Brands also know that consumers often take terms at face value, and may not know how to research or verify these claims. 

If you’re looking for sustainable beauty products that are healthier for both you and the planet, a good place to start is to know what you’re looking for. You can then understand whether or not a brand aligns with your values. 

Common Terms Used for Clean Beauty and What They Mean: 

There are numerous additional terms that clean beauty brands will use to verify that they are trustworthy brands. It’s a great sign that a brand is sustainable if they fit the criteria below. 

However, as you’ll notice, many of these terms are widely unregulated. It’s important to always do your research when a brand claims any of the below labels as they could still be making false statements. 

Third-party certifications are a great thing to look for because they help verify that a brand does what they say they do. It’s important to note that not every brand has access to these certifications, however. Not all certifications are globally available and many charge a significant fee to become certified. This makes it difficult for small businesses to obtain. 

While third-party certifications are a good sign, if a brand doesn’t have one, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are making false claims. Always look for transparency from the company on their ingredients and manufacturing so you can do your research to verify their claims. 

Organic:

Organic means that something was grown without any pesticides, chemicals, or artificial fertilizers. If a brand claims to be organic, look for organic certification or transparency on where and how their organic ingredients were sourced. 

Non-GMO:

GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. If a brand states they are non-GMO they are claiming their product contains only natural ingredients. Look for Non-GMO verifications or organic certifications to back this up. 

Non-Toxic:

This essentially means none of the ingredients included have been proven to cause harmful responses in humans. To verify this, check the ingredients list and research anything that you don’t recognize. 

Chemical-Free:

Nothing can truly be chemical-free, but this term is meant to describe products that don’t contain any harmful chemicals. You’ll need to read and research their ingredient list to ensure this is a valid claim. 

Vegan:

Vegan skincare products should not contain any ingredients that are animal-derived or from animal by-products. Look for certified vegan products and always double-check the ingredient list. 

Cruelty-Free:

This means a product was manufactured in a way that doesn’t involve harm to animals or animal testing. Look for third-party certifications such as Leaping Bunny Certified

Sustainable:

Sustainable products do not harm people or the environment. Sustainable brands will be as transparent about their ingredients are they are about how and who manufactures their products. They should disclose the working conditions of their employees, including the farmers who source their ingredients. 

Eco-friendly:

Eco-friendly beauty products are products that do as little harm as possible to the environment. This means using primarily eco-friendly ingredients and manufacturing in a way that conserves resources. Look for brands that are transparent about their manufacturing process and how they reduce waste.

Zero-Waste:

Zero-waste means a product was made in a way that generates as little waste as possible. Zero-waste products should use recyclable or recycled packaging or none at all. Their ingredients should also be biodegradable. Examples of zero-waste products are natural lotion bars that use compostable packaging.

Biodegradable:

biodegradable beauty product contains ingredients that will quickly break down and not harm the natural environment. Look for the biodegradable label and research the ingredient list to ensure there are no hidden artificial ingredients.  

Plant-based:

Plant-based beauty products are made from ingredients that are derived from plants, such as plant oils and extracts. Brands may also use the term botanical to describe this. These products tend to be vegan, without harmful chemicals, but remember to research the ingredient list to confirm. 

Common Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetics: 

Traditional beauty brands use numerous synthetic ingredients that are harmful to humans and the planet. Because the beauty industry is largely unregulated, there are thousands of harmful ingredients that companies have been allowed to use for years without any consequences. 

Why does this matter? Because these ingredients have been linked to cancer, respiratory issues, hormone disruption, and numerous disorders. What we put on our skin is directly absorbed by our bodies, which is why it’s important to prioritize sustainable products. 

While the above information will greatly help you vet sustainable beauty brands, it does require some research. The easiest way to ensure that a product is safe to use is to confirm that it doesn’t have any of the following chemicals: 

Parabens: 

Parabens are extremely common in beauty products and are used as preservatives. Unfortunately, parabens are endocrine disruptors that negatively impact both humans and animals.

Phthalates:

These chemicals are commonly used in beauty products that contain fragrance or nail polish. They are also linked to endocrine disruption. Phthalates can be labeled as DMP, DEP, DBP, and DEHP. 

Artificial Fragrance: 

Most fragrances found in beauty and household products are made up of numerous chemicals. Since you don’t know what it’s made of, you can’t research how it may affect you. Try to steer clear of any products that include fragrance on their ingredient list and look for non-toxic options instead.  

Formaldehyde: 

Formaldehyde is a commonly used gas that acts as a preservative. Unfortunately, despite how often it’s used, it is a known carcinogen at high levels of exposure and can act as a skin irritant. 

Petrolatum: 

Petrolatum, i.e. petroleum jelly, isn’t unsafe when it’s properly refined. Many petroleum-based products, particularly in the US, are not properly refined. If they aren’t, they may contain PAHs, which are toxic chemicals and suspected carcinogens. The only way to ensure petrolatum is safe for use is for brands to be transparent about their refinery history which isn’t required in the U.S. 

BHA/BHT: 

These are both common chemicals used as preservatives in food and beauty products. They are suspected carcinogens however as well as skin irritants and endocrine disruptors. 

Ethanolamines: 

These chemicals are often used in skincare products and act as preservatives and foaming agents (what makes your shampoo sudsy). They have been linked to cancer, however, so it’s best to avoid them. 

What About Ethically and Sustainably Sourcing Ingredients? 

Some natural ingredients are in high demand and sourcing these products has become exploitative. One of the most common examples of this is palm oil. 

Palm oil is a natural vegetable oil that is extremely shelf-stable and versatile. As such, it’s found in almost every product you can think of - from beauty products to food products. Due to this high demand, it is now causing deforestation of crucial habitats and forests. Palm oil plantations are also notorious for using unethical labor, such as slave and child labor. 

Palm oil is a great example of a plant-based, natural ingredient that has become largely unsustainable. This is why brands need to be transparent about their ingredient list and their sourcing. There are numerous commonly used natural ingredients whose value will only increase as the demand for sustainable products rises. 

Ensuring that brands are sourcing their products in a way that doesn’t involve unethical labor, environmental damage, or hazardous production will help combat continuous exploitative sourcing. 

What to Look For From Clean Beauty Brands Before Buying: 

Overall, if you’re trying to avoid greenwashing, there are a few things you should look for before buying into a beauty brand's claims. Ask yourself (and the company) the following questions: 

  1. What claims do they make? Do they have any information available that backs up these claims? 

  2. What are the ingredients? Beauty products list the ingredients from most to least used. Take into consideration what the first ingredients are and how many ingredients there are in total. 

  3. How transparent are they? Do they provide information on how they manufacture their products, and where? Do you know who runs the company? 

  4. Do they have any relevant third-party certifications?

  5. Do they include enough information to back up each green claim? Or are they only using vague, marketable statements? 

  6. If they use clean ingredients, are they also a sustainable company? Is their manufacturing process eco-friendly? Do they use sustainable packaging? Do they pay their staff a fair wage? Do they give back? 

  7. When you look them up, what comes up? Do any trustworthy organizations vouch for them? 

Some of Our Favorite Clean Beauty & Skincare Brands:

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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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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

 
These are the 6 Best Ways to Sustainably Exfoliate Your Body
 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

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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related reading you may also enjoy:

 
Where to Find Sustainable Makeup & Toiletry Bags for Your Travels
 

image by Anchal

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated and/or sponsored; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in!

The Best Sustainable Makeup Bags & Toiletry Travel Bags

As some people begin to travel again via road trips or flights for personal or work reasons, the need for travel bags has increased. For example, we recently went on a trip to visit family in Arizona for the first time in more than a year and a half, and my daughter needed a new bag for her toiletries. I was surprised to see most stores were out. So, of course, I needed to research and find some sustainable options, and my research can benefit you. This article provides you with 13 wonderful options for your upcoming trip.

How to Choose Sustainable Toiletry Bags

When I first started researching toiletry bags, I thought, what makes toiletry bags sustainable, and what should I look for? It turns out the same as most other products – sustainable materials and ethical production practices. Look for materials like organic cotton, linen, canvas, and recycled plastic. Shop from trusted brands that follow ethical and humane practices. Most importantly, make sure it is high quality, functions for how you travel and is a style that you will keep for many years.

Now Our Top 13 Picks for Sustainable Makeup & Toiletry Bags:

1) Chebeague Toiletry Bag

Brand: Sea Bags

Price: $65

The Chebeague Bag has a minimalist design that works for all genders. The toiletry is made from recycled sails, like all of the products from Sea Bags. The side handle, zip-top, and being machine washable make it practical as well. Their products are all made in the USA by skilled Maine craftspeople.


2) Cabana See All Vanity Case

Brand: Paravel

Price: $95

This clear case is made with canvas from recycled plastic bottles, LWG eco-certified leather, and silicone coating. The case is a classic and sophisticated design. It is easy to clean and waterproof. The vanity is also convenient with a simple handle for carrying, and you can see all the contents, so you don’t have to rifle through things to find one item. As a bonus you can get the vanity case monogrammed.


3) Cross Stitch Toiletry Bag

Brand: Anchal

Price: $32

The cross-stitch base is made from GOTS certified cotton and canvas lined. The bag has a great cross stich design in 6 colors to choose from. Anchal is women owned, with Fair Trade products that support artisans in India. The toiletry bag has a front pocket, as well as the main compartment, for storing small items and ones you need to reach easily – I personally love multi-pocket bags.


4) Makeup Bag

Brand: Sezane

Price: $55

The makeup bag from Sezane is made from all organic cotton and has a super cute print – one of my favorites. The softness of the bag makes it easy to collapse to the needed size to fit in most bags. Sezane makes most of their products in Europe and all of their workshops are audited by independent experts. I highly recommend their Behind the Label videos for educational information about their practices.


5) Lok Pouch

Brand: Terra Thread

Price: $15

The LOK pouch comes in more than 10 colors and is a neutral enough style to be unisex. The pouch is made from organic cotton, lead free zippers, and using Fair Trade practices. I love that the Lok pouch is machine washable, large, and easy to roll down and resize as needed for your packing needs. Each purchase also provides support to Feeding America.


6) Elise Makeup Bag

Brand: O My Bag

Price: $82

This very French styled makeup bag is made with GOTS certified cotton outside and a canvas lining inside. The Elise is a great choice for all your travels with an inner zip pocket for small items, a handle, classy style, padded sizes and plenty of room. The bag also ships from Europe, so I suggest ordering other items at the same time to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.


7) ReNew Catch-All

Brand: Everlane

Price: $30

The ReNew Catch-All Case features five interior drop-in pockets and one exterior zip pocket, which makes it perfect for organizing toiletries (and other small things). The catch all can snap down for smaller size or expand out as needed. The bag is made with 100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles, a water resistant finish that is fluorine free, and Bluesign certified dyes.


8) Blair Vegan Toiletry Case

Brand: Matt & Nat

Price: $65

Matt & Nat is a leader in sustainable vegan bags, so of course they would have a toiletry case. This bag is a classic, unisex style that comes in 8 colors, with a convenient side handle. There is an interior pocket to organize smaller items. The exterior is a vegan cruelty-free material and the interior lining is made from recycled water bottles. It looks durable and easy to clean. While the vegan material is PU (polyurethane), which is biodegradable, and not as eco-friendly as some other organic materials.


9) Large Zebra Pouch

Brand: Ubuntu Life

Price: $27

This fun Zebra patterned pouch made by artisans in Kenya. The large pouch is made from 100% cotton canvas and lead-free water based inks, plus leather sourced from Kenya’s oldest tannery. All of Ubuntu Life’s products ensure living wages and a future for women artists in Kenya. It is a large size that is collapsible to hold as much or as little as you need. It only has one large pocket, which some people really prefer – I like an additional interior pocket for organizing.


10) 2-in-1 Cosmetic Pouch

Brand: Sakroots

Price: $30

These cosmetic pouches are made from REPREVE Eco Twill which is durable, water repellent, stain resistant and made from recycled materials including plastic bottles! This set is also PETA-approved and Vegan Certified. Sakroots is focused on using original artwork that supports environmental charities.


11) Sagebrush + Sand Clutch

Brand: MZ Made

Price: $44

The Sagebrush + Sand Clutch is unique in that it is the only one with an exterior made out of wool. The interior is cotton lining. It is handwoven, hand dyed with non-toxic dyes, and Fair Trade certified. The soft earth tones are really appealing, and it has an interior pocket for smaller items. MZ Made has a meet the maker section on their site where you can learn about each artisan they partner with.


12) Free to Grow Houseplant Pouch

Brand: The Tote Project

Price: $22.50

These sweet little pouches are great for organizing your belongings for trips. It’s hard to tell in this photo, but the base expands out to hold many personal belongings! Based on friendship and a shared dream, Fay Grant and Michelle Chavez started The Tote Project to support the recovery of victims of modern-day slavery.


13) Toiletry Bag

Brand: Grunbag

Price: $60

The Grunbag Toiletry bag is made from surplus material from tarpaulin production and a recycled zipper. The toiletry bag is very practical with 2 inner pockets, a side handle, and a zip closure at the top. It has a utilitarian look that comes in multiple colors, which gives it unisex appeal. It is also conveniently water resistant and easy to clean. The bag does ship from Europe, so I suggest ordering other items at the same time to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.


About the Author: Mindy Redburn-Smoak has enjoyed a 20+ year career in corporate learning as a consultant, designer, and manager. She is passionate about sustainable living, family, travel, and dog rescue. She has been on a mission to live more sustainably for several years, and loves the journey of learning and trying new things in this space. She is on another journey pursuing her dream of writing about things she is passionate about and that can make a difference in the world. The best way to connect with Mindy is via email at mredsmoak@gmail.com.


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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:


 
What Toothpaste is the Best & Healthiest for You?
 
image from RiseWell

image from RiseWell

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The Best Sustainable Toothpastes for Your Health

The impact of something as seemingly small as which toothpaste we choose is easily lost amongst the noise of life. Yet, different toothpastes might have vastly different impacts on our personal health, as well as on the environment we all share. So what kind of toothpaste is best, and which ingredients should we avoid?

There are plenty of ingredients in toothpaste, and we often don’t think about them much at all. Not only can toothpaste be tested on animals, some include ground up animal bone meal, glycerin from animal fat, and bee pollen. Toothpastes can even contain tiny pieces of plastic, and chemicals which wear down and hurt the inside of our mouths. 

First, let’s look at what toothpaste ingredients (as well as those listed above) are worth avoiding, so that we can consider which toothpastes are better for us all, in an informed way. There are both harmful and ineffective toothpastes available today -- some chemical filled and some natural. We need to find a happy balance, with toothpaste which is healthy for our body and planet, while actually working to protect our teeth.

Which toothpaste ingredients are worth avoiding, for personal health?

SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:

SLS is a foaming agent used in a lot of shampoos, toothpastes and other foamy personal care products. This ingredient is one that dentists widely agree should be avoided. 

This is because SLS can cause canker sores, with studies showing that SLS irritates the soft tissue of the mouth by reducing its protective barrier, as well as by inflaming existing sores, and stopping them from healing.

Toothpaste doesn’t need to be foamy in order for it to be effective, so SLS is worth saying goodbye to!

Artificial Colorings:

Artificial colorings in toothpaste, with names that include ‘FD&C Green No. 3’, ‘D&C Yellow No. 10’, and FD&C Blue No. 1’ are reportedly cytotoxic, meaning that they can ‘kill good cells’, according to renowned dentist, Dr Maddahi. 

Typically, there are over 70 different types of bacteria in your mouth at one time, and these mostly occur naturally, without causing any harm. Just some bacteria are considered ‘bad’, contributing to dental decay and gum disease. Stripping back your mouth to a point where nothing can live is not a good thing. 

What’s more, these colorings are synthetically produced. FD&C Blue No.1 for example is produced from petroleum, according to The Environmental Working Group. There is some suggestion that such synthetic food dyes can cause a host of different health issues, and there’s no need for toothpaste to be colored for it to work. Best to avoid. 

Chemical Preservatives:

Similar to artificial colorings, chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate, methyl paraben, and ethyl paraben can reportedly by cytotoxic, impacting oral health. For the same reasons as listed above, these could be worth avoiding for your health. 

Which toothpaste ingredients are worth avoiding, for both personal and planetary health?

It’s not only how your toothpaste is packaged -- whether in a recyclable tube, or in a glass jar (hello, toothpaste tablets) -- but what is in your toothpaste, that can impact the planet. When our environment is harmed, we are, too. So what ingredients are worth avoiding, for the planet?

While banned in some areas, microbeads are still in many toothpastes. Restrictions around the use of microbeads are less stringent than they seem, with many Governments simply supporting a voluntary phase out period.

But what are microbeads? These are tiny, manufactured plastic particles that are under 5mm in diameter. These microbeads don’t biodegrade or dissolve in water, yet they are found in some toothpastes, exfoliates and other personal care items. When washed down our drains, these microbeads are eaten by birds, fish and other marine creatures, harming them all.

In the case of toothpaste, microbeads -- and other kinds of plastic polymers -- are used for abrasion, though they’re not needed for this. Baking soda is commonly used in toothpaste for this same purpose, and is largely used to a safe degree -- because too much abrasion is not a good thing!

So what toothpastes are good, full of ingredients that are not only non-harmful, but beneficial? 

Of course, we’re not only looking to avoid harm to our teeth when we brush them, but to actually help keep them healthy. Below are some great toothpastes which are not tested on animals, which are free from animal-derived ingredients, microbeads, SLS, and other noted harmful substances, like artificial colorings. 

As much as possible, we’ve kept environmentally friendly dental packaging in mind, but we also need to prioritise toothpaste that is actually beneficial to dental health -- and many more eco-friendly toothpastes haven’t yet been proven to be so good. In many places, you can’t recycle toothpaste packaging through your curbside bin, but you can through specialist recycling programs, like TerraCycle, where you send off your tubes in the mail. Too, more and more brands are starting to introduce more easily recyclable, and even recycled packaging. 

Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Toothpastes:

1) by Humankind

This brand is a favorite of the creator of Sustainably Chic Natalie. She loves that the toothpaste tablets are made with safe, natural ingredients, and there is NO single-use plastic involved! Just crush them in your mouth and start brushing. This zero-waste toothpaste offers refills that ship with a compostable pouch made from kraft paper and a sugar-based lining. By Humankind also offsets 100% of their carbon footprint by investing in strategic forest preservation projects.


2) Dr Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste

This toothpaste comes in a recyclable box and tube, and is free from synthetic detergents and foaming agents, as well as from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners.

It’s made up of 70% certified organic ingredients, and many certified fair trade ingredients, like coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, baking soda, and xanthan gum.


3) Hello

With both fluoride and fluoride free options, Hello toothpastes also include ‘sustainably sourced’ ingredients like white turmeric, coconut-based glycerin, sorbitol, hemp seed oil, hydrated silica, calcium, aloe vera and more. 

Hello toothpastes never include SLS, animal testing or animal-derived ingredients, triclosan, peroxide, and artificial dyes. They also offer tablet toothpaste!


4) BOKA

This toothpaste is free from artificial flavors and colours, parabens, and SLS.

The key ingredient that makes this toothpaste unique and effective is called nano-hydroxyapatite.

This ingredient ‘has remarkable remineralizing effects on initial lesions of enamel’. This cruelty-free toothpaste is science-based.


5) Risewell

Another scientifically backed toothpaste that makes use of hydroxyapatite for the purpose of enamel protection and remineralisation, is RiseWell. Like all of these other more health-conscious toothpastes, RiseWell is free from SLS, artificial colors and flavors, as well as Propylene glycol and other cheap ingredients. RiseWell notes that too often, toothpaste brands seeking to move away from the ‘norm’ remove ‘bad’ ingredients, but don’t replace them with anything effective. They’re working to change this.


6) Attitude

ATTITUDE® - an EWG-approved brand - has been on a mission to reduce its use of disposable packaging. Therefore, when it came to their toothpaste, they wanted to avoid unnecessary packaging and use biodegradable packaging tubes that don’t come in a box.

Find fluoride-free toothpaste, and toothpaste for kids! All are vegan, and paraben/alcohol-free.


7) Tom’s of Maine

This brand has a page on their website dedicated to their stewardship model, which outlines the ways in which they ensure that their company doesn’t cause harm to the planet or those on it.

Such efforts include focussing on more sustainable packaging, ensuring no animal testing, being mostly vegan, and sourcing ingredients which are natural, sustainable, & free from harm to people or the planet.


8) Dr. Brite

The toothpaste made by this company is Environmental Working Group certified as a safe toothpaste, which is also safe to swallow -- isn’t it wild that some toothpastes aren’t?! Using aloe vera juice, coconut oil, calcium carbonate, tea tree leaf oil and other ingredients, this toothpaste is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from artificial flavors and colors, from SLS, phthalate, parabens and sulfates. With toothpaste options for kids, those wanting extra whitening, & who need extra sensitive paste, this brand has a solid range.


9) Kiss My Face

‘Cruelty free and clean since 1983’, this brand has both fluoride and non-fluoride options, with all their pastes being free from SLS, parabens and phthalates.

You can find different toothpastes for your preference like Super White, Triple Action and Sensitive. They also have a berry toothpaste for kids! The majority of their products are vegan, too.


About the Author
Emma Håkansson is the founder and director of Collective Fashion Justice which seeks to create a total ethics fashion system that prioritizes the life and wellbeing of non-human & human animals, as well as the planet, before profit & production. She has written countless articles on ethics, sustainability, and fashion, and has two books due out over the next two years.


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The Best Sustainable Deodorants for You and the Planet
 

image from Wild

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in.

A Guide to Eco-Friendly, sustainable deodorant

With all sorts of claims that some deodorant ingredients cause breast cancer and other serious illness, problems like animal testing, non-recyclable packaging and ineffective ingredients, finding the right deodorant for you and the planet can be tough. Luckily, we’ve broken down what you need to look out for, and which deodorants we love most.

Does deodorant cause breast cancer or other diseases?

If you've ever read about the potential health impacts of deodorant and antiperspirant (the two are in fact different, as only the latter actually blocks sweat, the former just masks smell), you might feel quite alarmed by the supposed risks. A quick Google can tell you that your deodorant will give you breast cancer, Alzheimer's, kidney disease, and other frightening illnesses. But are these claims backed up by science?

Peer-reviewed, scientific sources tell us that in the case of breast cancerAlzheimer's and kidney disease alike, even conventional deodorant use is likely not linked to the development of these diseases or that results are inconclusive. It is recognised that further research is needed in the area – so there's nothing stopping you from erring on the side of caution – but that with the studies done up until today, no clear, causal link is found. 

If you want to avoid the ingredients in question here, they are aluminum and parabens. Aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirants, as they create a temporary 'plug,' which stops the flow of sweat from sweat ducts to the surface of your skin. It's suggested that frequent application of aluminum-based products to the armpit (which is, of course, near to the breast) may be absorbed into the skin and have hormonal effects, leading to the growth of breast cancer cells. So the logic around potential links between aluminum and other diseases is the same – absorption is the risk. There is also some fear that temporarily blocking the ability to sweat means temporarily losing the ability to release toxins – but lymph nodes, which are not connected to sweat glands, are responsible for this. 

Similar concerns relate to parabens, which do have weak estrogen-like properties. But, again, there is no conclusive evidence that aluminum or parabens at the levels they exist in deodorant causes these diseases. Some people are concerned, though, that it is the build-up of aluminum and parabens across their skincare regime and diet that creates risk. This is particularly relevant for parabens, which are used widely in cosmetics, food, shampoo and skincare products. If you're worried, there's no harm in avoiding these ingredients when they are labeled on deodorant and other products. 

Is all deodorant vegan and cruelty-free?

When we talk about the deodorant that is best for us and the planet, we need to consider the other living beings here with us. Many deodorants are still tested on animals. Animal testing of deodorant isn’t simply putting some roll-on in the underarm of a rabbit, but smearing the ingredients and chemicals used in deodorants onto their shaved bare skin, and into their eyes.

Perhaps the most upsetting form of animal testing is the acute oral toxicity test, where rats are forced to swallow a substance until they become incredibly sick and ultimately die. The purpose of this test is to see how long it takes for half of the exposed animals to die within 14 days of swallowing the substance. Unfortunately, this is all too common in the personal hygiene and cosmetics industry.

What’s more, not all deodorant is vegan. Some deodorant contains gelatin – made from boiled animal skin, tendons and bones, while others may contain beeswax, animal-derived glycerine made of animal fat (vegan glycerine from vegetable oil fortunately exists too), and other unappealing and cruel ingredients. 

For those wanting to avoid supporting all of the above mentioned cruelty to animals, there are a huge range of vegan and animal-testing free certified deodorants available. 

How does deodorant packaging impact the planet?

It’s estimated that 120 billion units of cosmetic packaging is produced every year. Unfortunately, a large amount of this packaging is not able to be recycled, ending up in landfill, or if not properly disposed of, the ocean.

The health of the planet and our personal health are completely intertwined. While personal hygiene, skincare and makeup companies must take responsibility for the impact of their products and use more sustainable and even reusable packaging, we have a part to play, too.

Today, there are deodorant brands that sell refillable roll-ons, which use glass packaging that is more valuable in recycling systems, and even compostable packaging. These are great options to choose.

For a topic as simple as deodorant, a lot of concerning points have been raised here! Luckily, it’s not so hard to avoid all of these concerns, while staying fresh as a daisy. Here are some of our favourite natural, aluminium and paraben free, vegan, animal-testing free, and sustainably packaged deodorants – they sure tick a lot of boxes!

Our favorite Sustainable, effective and safe deodorants:

1) by Humankind

Making the self proclaimed ‘most advanced natural deodorant ever’, Humankind offers sleek refillable containers full of delicious scents like rosemary and mint, lemongrass, as well as lavender and citrus. This formula is ethically made without aluminium or paraben, as well as any kind of animal cruelty. This one wins points for strong aesthetics that match the internal goodness of the product.


2) Wild

Another refillable deodorant where refills are sent to your door, this one comes in a metal case (that can be recycled, though the point is to keep using it for the rest of your life!), with refills that are packed in compostable material. As for the ‘no nasties’ deodorant itself, it’s been rigorously tried, tested and customer approved, so you know you won’t need to worry about your fragrance.


3) Attitude

Attitude is EWG Verified, so you can feel confident knowing their ingredients are safe for your skin! All their deodorants are plastic-free, aluminum-free, formulated with natural-based ingredients, and optimized to perform. And, of course, they are Vegan Certified, and the zero-waste packaging is made from FSC-certified biodegradable cardboard. They have many different scents for you to choose from, as well!


4) PiperWai

This deodorant cream, which you rub in your hands before melting it into your pits, is packaged in ocean waste recovered plastic. While this one isn’t refillable, using ocean waste plastic rather than virgin plastic reduces carbon emissions, helps protect marine life, and is 100% recyclable. As with all of the others, this one is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from ingredients that may cause you concern.


5) Native

In gorgeous scents like coconut and vanilla, cucumber and mint, aloe and green tea, as well as an unscented option, this brand offers an effective and completely plastic-free deodorant. With paperboard packaging, vegan and animal-testing free assurance, this deodorant works a charm to keep you smelling good with thanks to coconut oil for smoothness, baking soda, shea butter, tapioca starch and other recognizable ingredients.


6) No Pong

The cheapest option, this all natural anti odorant comes in a recyclable metal tin, and just a little goes a long way.

This aluminium and paraben free, animal friendly formula keeps you fresh for ‘up to 12 hours’, and is available in both fragrance free and scented options.

p.s. It’s more like a lotion or a cream – so you just apply a pea sized amount to each armpit!


About the Author
Emma Håkansson is the founder and director of Collective Fashion Justice which seeks to create a total ethics fashion system that prioritizes the life and wellbeing of non-human & human animals, as well as the planet, before profit & production. She has written countless articles on ethics, sustainability, and fashion, and has two books due out over the next two years.


MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!


WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


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