Editor’s Guide: How to Create a Low-Waste Beauty Routine

In recent years, sustainability has become a central focus in many industries, and the beauty world is no exception. With concerns about the environmental impact of packaging, ingredients, and waste, many beauty enthusiasts are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint while still maintaining their skincare and makeup routines. If you’re looking to build a low-waste beauty routine, you’re not alone—more and more people are turning to eco-friendly products and practices that benefit both their skin and the planet.

In this Editor’s Guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to creating a low-waste beauty routine—from sustainable packaging and eco-conscious ingredients to waste-reducing habits that will help you build a cleaner, greener beauty routine without compromising on results.

1. Choose Brands with Sustainable Packaging

One of the easiest ways to start creating a low-waste beauty routine is by opting for brands that prioritize sustainable packaging. Look for brands that use recyclable, biodegradable, or refillable packaging materials. Many companies are moving away from single-use plastic and choosing alternatives like glass, aluminum, or bamboo.

Eco-friendly Packaging Options:

Glass containers: These are reusable and can often be recycled easily.
Refillable products: Some beauty brands offer refillable options, which reduce the need for new packaging each time you repurchase.
Bamboo: A sustainable and biodegradable material that is often used for skincare jars, makeup brushes, and applicators.
Recycled plastic: Some companies use post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in their packaging to reduce the need for virgin plastic.

Brands to Explore:

Lush: Known for its commitment to plastic-free packaging and fresh handmade products.
Kjaer Weis: Offers refillable packaging for their high-end makeup products.
RMS Beauty: Uses recycled glass and refillable containers for makeup and skincare.

Tip: Check if your beauty products have a recycling symbol and research the brand’s recycling program.

2. Embrace Multi-Use Products

One of the most effective ways to reduce beauty waste is by incorporating multi-use products into your routine. These versatile products can serve multiple purposes, meaning you buy fewer items and reduce packaging waste.

Examples of Multi-Use Beauty Products:

Lip and cheek tints: Products that double as a blush and lip stain (saving you space and product waste).
Tinted moisturizers with SPF: A product that hydrates, evens out your complexion, and provides sun protection all in one.
Cleansing balms: Can be used for makeup removal, cleansing, and even a soothing face mask.
Face oils: Can be used as a moisturizer, hair treatment, or even for cuticle care.

Brands to Check Out:

Burt’s Bees: Known for its sustainable and versatile skincare products.
ILIA Beauty: Offers eco-conscious makeup that can be used for multiple purposes.
Dr. Hauschka: Their Rose Day Cream is perfect for use on the face and body.

3. Switch to Zero-Waste Skincare Products

Another way to reduce waste is by switching to zero-waste skincare products that come without packaging or in compostable forms. Many brands are now offering solid skincare products, which are often more concentrated and don’t require as much packaging. These include bar soaps, shampoo bars, facial cleansing bars, and solid deodorants.

Popular Zero-Waste Options:

Shampoo Bars: These are a great alternative to liquid shampoos that come in plastic bottles.
Bar Soap: Opt for eco-friendly bar soaps that use natural ingredients and come in paper or cardboard packaging.
Toothpaste Tablets: These zero-waste alternatives come in a recyclable tin or paper pouch and eliminate the need for plastic toothpaste tubes.

Brands to Try:

Ethique: Known for their solid shampoo bars and other zero-waste beauty products.
Plaine Products: Offers refillable shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles.
Bite: A company offering eco-friendly toothpaste in tablet form.

4. Prioritize Natural Ingredients

Choosing beauty products that are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients is another way to create a low-waste beauty routine. Many natural products come in sustainable packaging, and their production often uses fewer resources. Plus, they’re generally better for the environment and your skin.

Natural Ingredients to Look For:

Aloe Vera: Great for hydration and soothing.
Coconut Oil: Used in skincare, makeup removal, and hair care.
Jojoba Oil: A natural oil that’s perfect for moisturizing without clogging pores.
Shea Butter: A nourishing ingredient that’s commonly found in moisturizers and lip balms.

Brands That Use Natural Ingredients:

Tata Harper: Luxury skincare made with 100% natural ingredients.
Burt’s Bees: Offers a wide range of natural, eco-friendly beauty products.
Youth To The People: Focuses on plant-based and sustainable beauty.

5. Adopt a Minimalist Routine

A minimalist beauty routine isn’t just about simplifying your products; it’s about reducing your overall consumption. Fewer products mean less packaging waste and a more sustainable routine overall. Consider trimming down your routine to the essentials and opting for multi-functional products that serve several purposes.

Tips for a Minimalist Beauty Routine:

Streamline your skincare: Focus on the basics like cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you need more specific treatments (e.g., serums, masks), choose one that works for multiple skin concerns.
Simplify your makeup: Choose neutral tones that work across different areas of your face—think lip and cheek tints, multi-use concealers, and bronzers.
Declutter regularly: Be mindful of product expiration dates and avoid hoarding beauty products you won’t use.

Brands That Support Minimalism:

One Love Organics: Offers minimalist skincare with high-quality, organic ingredients.
RMS Beauty: Provides clean, multi-use makeup with eco-conscious packaging.
Nudestix: A brand that’s all about multitasking makeup and minimal packaging.

6. Recycle or Reuse What You Can

Once your beauty products have run out, make sure you recycle or reuse as much as possible. Glass and metal containers can often be recycled, and many beauty brands offer refillable options to minimize waste. Before discarding any packaging, check if the brand offers a take-back program or accepts empty containers for recycling.

Recycling Tips:

Clean containers before recycling (many beauty containers contain product residue that may affect recyclability).
Use containers creatively: Old glass skincare jars can be repurposed as plant pots, storage for small items, or even for DIY projects.
Look for refill stations: Some beauty stores offer refill stations where you can top off your favorite products, reducing the need for new packaging.

Brands with Take-Back Programs:

Kiehl’s: Offers a recycling program where you can bring in empty products for recycling and receive discounts.
Lush: Has a “bring back 5 pots” program, where you return five empty containers for a free product.

7. Be Mindful of Expiration Dates

Many beauty products have expiration dates, and using expired products can not only be ineffective but also wasteful. Always check for expiration dates or period-after-opening (PAO) symbols on your beauty products to make sure you’re using them at their best.

Tips:

Rotate products: Use products in the order of their expiration dates.
DIY products: If you’re making your own skincare products at home, make smaller batches to avoid waste.
Stay organized: Keep track of when products were opened to avoid using expired items.

Conclusion: A Greener, Low-Waste Beauty Routine is Within Reach

Creating a low-waste beauty routine in 2025 is not only possible but also incredibly fulfilling. By prioritizing sustainable packaging, natural ingredients, and multi-use products, you can reduce your environmental footprint while still enjoying your beauty routine. It’s all about making conscious, mindful choices that benefit both your skin and the planet.

Start small, and remember that every little change counts. Whether it’s swapping out a plastic bottle for a refillable option or opting for a few multi-use products, you’ll be taking significant steps toward a more sustainable beauty routine.