These are the best biodegradable beauty products that are great for your skin (and the planet)
A few years ago, many of us wouldn't have thought about recycling our empty beauty products. Our food tins and empty milk cartons? Sure. But our serums and face wipes? It probably wouldn't have crossed our minds.
Luckily, the thought of recycling our beauty empties has become second nature to many of us. Not only are more brands incorporating recycling-friendly materials into their production lines but there's also more awareness and greater understanding of the labels on the back of packaging. From the classic Mobius loop to the PET symbol, we are slowly starting to decode everyday recycling, allowing us all to live more sustainably.
While we've come far from the plastic-centric regimes of yesteryear, it's arguably still not enough. Plastic pollution is a huge global problem, with some of the biggest polluters being household personal care products. It's for this very reason that there's a new throng of beauty brands going the extra step to make their packaging, and the formulas themselves, entirely biodegradable.
What does 'biodegradable' mean?
Like many beauty buzz-words, including terms like 'clean beauty', there is room for interpretation when it comes to biodegradable certification. Technically, a brand can claim to be biodegradable if it can be broken down by microorganisms over time. However, this definition is pretty useless on its own, as given enough time, most things will break down - even plastic, although it will take thousands of years. According to the Organics Recycling Group, "there are no
defined time limits for the term "biodegradable‟, thus the use of this word can be potentially confusing to the general public." Luckily, for plastic packaging to be certified as biodegradable EU and UK have adopted the "BS EN 13432 standard", which sets out a set of strict criteria. To comply, materials must be evaluated to ensure it's free from potentially harmful metals and chemicals, then it must undergo biological treatment to test biodegradability. Finally, the compost itself is tested for quality and for any negative side effects on the environment.
What does 'compostable' mean?
Then there's the term compostable. This is a step above biodegradable, and describes the ability of a material to break down completely within a specific time frame - usually within 12 weeks. In other words, you could throw the packaging on a compost heap and plant your perennials with it a few months later.
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What are some biodegradable materials?
Some commonly used biodegradable materials include cork, bamboo, plant-based bioplastics, seaweed, mycelium, hemp and coconut husk.
What are some compostable materials?
Some commonly used compostable materials include paper, straw, cardboard, brown paper bags, bagasse (sugarcane pulp), corn starch (Polylactic Acid), palm leaf and wood pulp.
Keep scrolling to discover the best biodegradable and compostable beauty products available...
Neighbourhood Botanicals Konjac Sponge, £7.50, Beauty Bay
This soft yet effective exfoliating sponge is made from root vegetable fibres, that gently buff away dead skin cells, helping to brighten the complexion and ward off breakouts. After 2-3 months of daily use, simply toss in your compost bin.
Kopari Beauty Coconut Melt Wipes, £18.50, Cult Beauty
We usually think of skincare wipes to be part of our cleansing regime, but these coconut-infused, plant-based and totally biodegradable wipes have been created as an alternative to moisturiser as well as an effective makeup remover. Use all over to soothe parched skin, or on the face to remove even the most stubborn makeup.
Disciple Skincare Clean and Serene Face Wash, £17, Cult Beauty
Harnessing the natural powers of melon juice, detoxifying grapefruit and papaya, this daily cleanser detoxes and tones skin as well as helping to remove dead skin build up. The bottle is completely biodegradable and the formula itself is SLS-free and full of raw, botanical ingredients.
Green People One Balm, £20, Green People
This organic, multi-purpose balm can be used on troubled skin anywhere, from chapped lips, to dry elbows, to sore cuticles, thanks to a nourishing blend of pomegranate, rosehip, myrrh and frankincense oils. Plus, it boasts the UK's first 100% biodegradable pot. Simply pop it in your general waste bin when finished.
Beauty Kitchen Everyday Gentle Conditioner Bar, £9.50, Beauty Kitchen
Not only does this plastic-free bar contain coconut oil and sweet almond oil to deeply condition hair and smooth split ends, but the packaging is completely compostable.
Green People Vegan Kabuki Brush, £22, Green People
Crafted with animal-free fibres and a bamboo handle, you can rest assured that this makeup brush is biodegradable so won't take up any space in landfill.
Forgo Hand Wash Refills, £20, Forgo
New beauty brand Forgo has reinvented personal care with these fully sustainable, and refillable soaps. The refills are packaged in paper sachets, which can composted in your garden after use, or else recycled in your usual recycling bin.
Tabitha Eve Reusable Cotton & Bamboo Makeup Pads, £12, Content Beauty
Switch to these eco-friendly, reusable cotton pads to remove makeup or apply your toner. They're made from organic cotton and bamboo, making them entirely planet-friendly.
SBTRCT Skincare Gentle Foaming Cleanser, £22, SBTRCT Skincare
Both the carton and paper wrap for this solid cleansing balm are 100% compostable, and will break down entirely after just 90 days. Plus, the gentle foaming formula will leave skin deeply clean and moisturised, without feeling tight or stripped of natural oils.
