Transform your skincare routine from plastic-filled to plastic-free in three easy steps
Plastic-free beauty products are notoriously difficult to find, and so many of our favourite lotions and potions are packaged in single use plastic that ends up in a landfill. Here at canvas & glass we’ve compiled a list of our favourite earth friendly skincare products, so that you can transform your skin with zero waste
Step 1 – Cleanse with coconut oil
Coconut oil, Amazon, £11.99
Face Halo, Boots, £7
Despite making a name for itself as a great all-natural moisturiser, coconut oil is also a wonder product to use for cleansing.
The oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, so it’s great for use on all skin types – even sensitive ones.
When applied to the skin, the oil dissolves down any product and impurities just like expensive high-street cleansing balms, but without the price tag or the packaging.
To use, simply warm a small bit of oil between your palms and apply in upwards circular motions to the face and neck.
Then, wipe the oil away using a damp reusable cotton pad or a Face-Halo.
Repeat these steps, if needed, until all product and impurities are removed and voila, a fresh face!
Step 2 – Make your own toner
Toning your skin after cleansing is often a forgotten step, but is great for restoring the pH levels and adding any moisture that was removed during the cleansing process.
Creating your own natural toner at home is so easy, and can reduce your plastic waste drastically as well as ensuring no unwanted, unnecessary chemicals come into contact with your skin.
Instead of buying toner in a plastic bottle, make your own solution and store it in a sealed bottle or glass mason jar. Below we’ve included a few different recipes so, no matter your skin type, you can find a formula that works for you.
- Apple cider vinegar
Like coconut oil, apple cider is great for normal to oily skin, and is safe to use on problem skin due to its antibacterial properties. Simply mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to 1 part water and sweep over your skin using a clean, reusable cotton pad or washable muslin cloth.
2. Rose Water toner
Rose water has been featured in skincare regimes for centuries, and is great for soothing and softening skin. To make your own at home, simply fill a pan with fresh rose petals, submerge them in water, and gently heat until the petals lose their colour. Use a sieve to remove the petals from the liquid and then store the liquid in a glass bottle or jar. Again, apply the toner to the skin in sweeping motions with a clean cotton cloth.
3. Tea tree
Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties and is great for calming redness, inflammation and swelling. To create your own tea tree toner, brew a solution of green tea using loose leaf green tea, allow to cool, and add in one or two drops of tea tree essential oil. Top tip – when using essential oils, be sure to dilute them or mix them with other formulas such as almond oil, as they can be too harsh for skin when used alone.
Step 3 – Moisturise with Lush’s ‘naked skincare’
Many eco-friendly brands are now offering their products in ‘naked’ form, meaning that they have absolutely no packaging. Lush, for example, sell facial serums and oils in bar form, which melt when they come into contact with skin.
