The Best Zero Waste Body Lotions for Sustainable Skin Care
Lotion is important to keeping your skin healthy and looking good, but it can also be a source of waste.
Traditional lotion is packaged in tubes or bottles that are made from materials like plastic that can’t be recycled. Let's explore the sustainability and benefits of zero waste lotions.
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What is zero waste body lotion?
Zero waste lotion does not contribute to waste in landfills and uses minimal packaging material.
It typically comes in packaging made with compostable materials, a reusable glass bottle, tin or jar, so that nothing unnecessary goes into the ecosystem.
Why is Zero Waste Lotion a Better Choice?
Going zero waste or adopting low waste habits can be a challenge because reducing waste from all areas of your life can feel overwhelming.
However, it helps simplify the process if you just pick one area to start…if you use lotion daily this might be a great starting point.
Most of the lotions that you buy come in plastic bottles or containers. This material can be difficult to recycle.
This not only wastes resources but also generates trash with a negative environmental impact.
The EPA reports that in 2018, plastics generation was 35.7 million tons in the United States.
Your daily use of lotion and other personal care products that comes in plastic bottles might be contributing to this number.
Switching to zero waste lotion could help reduce this!
Zero waste lotions are also typically made with more clean natural ingredients.
Since zero waste products are typically made by companies that value sustainability, they consider the impact of the ingredients going into the product.
You'll find a lot of more sustainable ingredients such as aloe vera, avocado oil, and cocoa butter.
You'll also notice that these more eco-conscious body lotions use essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.
Zero waste lotions are also typically made in small batches which is more sustainable than conventional lotions that are mass produced due to use of energy and resources.
What harmful ingredients should consumers avoid when shopping for lotions?
While scanning the label of a lotion, consumers should be aware of the some of the ingredients below as they can be related to health problems and irritation.
Triethanolamine is an alkaline ingredient in many lotions. It has been known as a toxin for the respiratory tract and an irritant for the immune system.
Retinyl Palmitate can produce very dangerous tumors in the skin when exposed to sunlight. More information can be found in the study from the National Toxicology Program.
Parabens are very common in conventional lotions. They have been associated with breast cancer as well as causing disturbances in hormones.
Parfum is a toxic mix of chemicals that give lotions their amazing smell. However, the Environmental Working Group label it as an endocrine disrupter, and an allergen.
DMDM Hydantoin is basically a preservative in many lotions and creams. This ingredient can cause irritation on the skin and in the eyes.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is labeled as a human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. It is also a powerful endocrine disrupter.
The 4 Best Zero Waste Body Lotions to Try
If you're ready to kick start your zero waste skin care with a more sustainable body lotion, these sustainable skin and beauty brands are a great place to start.
These brands use organic ingredients and reusable or compostable packaging.
Plaine Products Refillable Lotion Bottle System
Plaine Products creates refillable vegan bath and body products. Plaine Products body lotion comes in a reusable aluminum bottle that can be shipped back to the company.
As part of their circular economy initiative Plaine Products cleans the bottles and refills them.
When customers order Plaine Products the shipment comes with a pre-paid return label encouraging them to ship the empty bottles back to be refilled.
Their body lotion features clean simple ingredients including Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Seed Oil, and essential oil fragrances.
This brand features scent options such as unscented, citrus lavender, and rosemary mint vanilla.
I have personally tried the Rosemary Mint Vanilla lotion and LOVE it! I have sensitive skin so I was happy that this lotion was gentle and kind to my skin.
Their lotion can be purchased for $27-$30 a bottle. Shipping is also carbon neutral!
Corvus Botanicals Small Batch Zero Waste Lotion Made with Organic Ingredients
Corvus Botanicals carries multiple low waste options with the lotion bar and lotion stick.
The lotion bars and sticks are made with unrefined oils + butters of coconut oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, shea butter & cocoa butter.
The lotion sticks are packaged in a 100% compostable cardboard tube for a zero waste alternative to bottled body lotion and the lotion bars packaged in a 100% recyclable, travel friendly, aluminum tin for a zero waste alternative. Both options feature a wide range of scents.
The lotion bars are $12 and the lotion sticks are $15.
All Corvus Botanicals products are made with organic ingredients and scented with 100% pure essential oils.
Plus a tree is planted with each order, so your purchase will support a small woman owned business and make a positive impact for planet in multiple ways.
Fat & the Moon's Made to Order Lotion in Glass Jars
Fat & Moon is small, handmade-to-order business that focuses on healing sustainable ingredients.
Their Aloe Lotion comes packaged in a glass jar and is filled with nourishing ingredients including organic aloe vera, sunflower oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and elderberry extract.
This lotion is great for everyday use and can be purchased from $14-$16.
Moon Valley Organics Lotion Bars
Moon Valley Organics is a lotion bar that is made with herbal ingredients.
The use of beeswax in it makes the lotion extremely useful for very dry skin people.
This ingredient provides a protective coating on the skin, thus preventing it from flaking or cracking during the extreme winter season. Their lotion bars can be purchased for $12.
Tips for Shopping for Zero Waste Lotions
Here are a few tips that you can get benefit from in either way you chose to buy the zero-waste lotion for yourself.
If you’re able to purchase sample or travel sizes this is a great way to try a small amount and make sure the lotion works with your skin type.
Keep in mind what your skin prefers in your zero-waste lotion such as purchasing it for very dry or normal skin, etc.
You can always grab a container and make homemade zero waste lotions with ingredients you have at home.
Consider your lifestyle…what is most practical for you? Reusable bottles, compostable packaging for people always on the go?, glass jars to save and reuse. This can make a difference in deciding the type of zero waste lotion you choose to purchase.
Even if you don't live a zero waste lifestyle, sustainable beauty products and lotions can be a great way to start your zero waste bathroom.
Hopefully this guide helped your find a great option for soft skin and less waste.
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