Zero Waste Skincare Routine | DIY Natural Ingredients

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A zero-waste skincare routine is the basis of a sustainable lifestyle and in this article, I list my favorite natural, zero-waste skincare ingredients which you can already most likely find in your kitchen! When combined these ingredients can become powerful beauty hacks that will save you money while also contributing to the protection of our beautiful planet. 

Because many of the skincare products on the market contain harmful ingredients and contribute to plastic waste, I have spent the last three years searching for a natural skincare and beauty routine that’s easy to travel with and free of waste. Feel free to comment if you have any questions or would like to know more about any of these natural beauty hacks!

THE 6 MAGICAL NATURAL INGREDIENTS

  • Zero Waste Skincare Routine // 1. Honey

Raw honey helps balance the bacteria on your skin, which makes it a great product to use for acne. Honey speeds up the skin’s healing processes.

How to use it? I use it in the morning after cleansing my skin, I apply raw directly on my face and let it sit for about 10 minutes. I rinse with cold water and moisturize right after. I also use it in my favorite homemade face-mask—the ultra-simple recipe is below.

  • Zero Waste Skincare Routine // 2. Cacao

Studies show applying raw cacao offers a lot of the same benefits as eating it. The high levels of antioxidants protect and repair the skin from damage and premature aging. And as a potent anti-inflammatory, it soothes redness and blemishes, improving the skin's complexion.

How to use it? I love the smell, taste, and feel of cacao! I usually mix it in my favorite home-made facemask recipe, pictured below!

3 INGREDIENTS FACEMASK RECIPE

Zero Waste Skincare Routine

  • Zero Waste Skincare Routine // 3. Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is praised for being rich in vitamins and minerals good for hair, like vitamin C and B. Supposedly it can also help with dandruff but the truth is I’m not sure on that one since I’ve never had them. 

How to use it? In a hair rinse with a drop of lavender oil for scent! Mix it with plenty of water and apply cold after rinsing your shampoo. Do not rinse afterward and simply towel dry.

  • Zero Waste Skincare Routine // 4. Coffee grind

Coffee grinds are the best exfoliator out there! It’s natural, zero waste and it smells great. Often, exfoliating products sold on the market are made out of plastic beads which are really harmful to oceanic ecosystems. I really try and avoid these products so coffee grinds are the perfect natural alternative. 

How to use it? To use as a body exfoliant, I’ll usually mix it with some oil. I often use coconut oil but you could use something different. You can also add brown sugar to the mix! For scent, I recommend adding natural vanilla extract. 

  • Zero Waste Skincare Routine // 5. Clay

Clay masks have the potential to absorb oil from your skin and prevent mild forms of acne, such as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. These types of acne form when your pores are clogged with excessive dirt and oil.

How to use it? Clay is one of the main ingredients I use in my homemade face-mask. It can also be used as a face-mask on its own but do not forget to moisturize after using it if you apply it plain.

  • Zero Waste Skincare Routine // 6. Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains nourishing fatty acids that help hydrate and protect the skin. Interestingly, coconut oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use it? You can incorporate it into scrubs, like the one I spoke about earlier, or I also use it directly applied to my face for a lymphatic massage. I’ve tried oil pulling for a month and loved it, however, I’m pretty bad at keeping up with a daily routine and stopped doing it after confinement.