Sustainable living often focus on reducing plastic waste, embracing a minimalist lifestyle and energy conservation, but specific aspects like the harmful effects of chemicals in skincare products and cosmetics or their impacts on our health or on the planet are often overlooked. In today’s fast-paced life, a holistic concept of well-being and beauty is imperative. In the name of beauty, especially in the short term, consumers also often ignore the negative impacts of chemical-based skincare in the short or long term. Mainstream skincare products affect the people and planet on multiple dimensions – in the ingredients, packaging and the concept as a whole. They are often harmful during production, during use, and even after wash off. often contain synthetic chemicals, are packaged in non-renewable or non-biodegradable materials some of which are health hazards for people.

The “World Environment Day” serves as a timely reminder to reflect on our choices and their impact on us and the planet.

Here are 9 compelling reasons why transitioning to sustainable skincare is crucial for our well-being and for the environment that we cherish so much.

1. Protect your health & sensitive skin

In the short term, some chemicals in skincare products can cause allergies especially for people with sensitive skins. Sometimes synthetic fragrances can lead to respiratory problems. Prolonged use over the long term of ingredients like parabens, PFAS, phthalates and active ingredients like retinol can cause hormonal imbalances, PCOS, PCOD, and even cancer.

2. Prevent water pollution

Preservatives and surfactants in skincare products like sulphates get into the water ways during production and also during wash-off. They not only harm aquatic life but leach back into the human bodies through farm produce or fish consumed by people. Preservatives including parabens, formaldehyde esters, triclosan, methylisothiazolinome (MIT) are some of the worst culprits. They can be extremely toxic and lead to overall decimation of aquatic life too.

3. Reduce soil contamination

Hazardous wastes like chemical or organic solvents and also plastic waste in landfills lead to soil contamination. For attractive packaging, there is increased usage of non-recyclable packaging made from non-renewable resources, single-use plastic or multilayered packaging and non-biodegradable plastic usage in skincare is increasing. These cause agricultural produce like fruits and vegetables to get contaminated, and also allergies and illnesses in farmers.

4. Prevent air pollution & breathing disorders

Synthetic fragrances, chemicals like phthalates or chemical solvents, pollute the air. They are toxic if inhaled in large amounts or over long periods by industrial workers who produce them, or consumers, leading to allergies and breathing disorders like asthma, chest congestion or COPD. 

5. Reduce waste and carbon footprint

Excessive packaging is used these days due to product dilution and non-versatile products. Most mainstream skincare products like moisturizing lotions have fillers and dilutants, like water or propylene glycol or non-renewable mineral oil. 

6. Ethical and cruelty free

Most sustainable skincare brands have strong value systems. They refrain from animal testing and have a compassionate approach to skincare, respecting both human and animal welfare.

7. Sustainable ecosystem

Responsible sourcing of products and services, organic and chemical-free farming methods, fair trade and supporting livelihoods in all parts of the value chain is often a part of the value system of sustainable skincare products

8. Improved cost benefits

Sustainable skincare products with natural ingredients may appear higher in cost initially. However, they are more potent and effective in much smaller quantities, and with fewer products. For eg, usage of a moisturizing lotion in contrast to a moisturizing oil can lead to using 6x the number of bottles. Besides, investing in high quality pure products can reduce the need for additional treatments or remedies due to adverse impacts on the skin or health, and lead to long-term cost savings

9. Embracing the power of nature

The most sustainable skincare brands are those which are 100% natural, rich in powerful antioxidants and vitamins from plants. By embracing sustainable skincare, we can rediscover nature’s nourishing touch. 

In conclusion...

With the rapid growth of the skincare, beauty and wellness industry, it is even more imperative that we make the right choices. As can be seen, our choices have far reaching consequences on us and on the environment, which ultimately comes back a full circle to affect us. Embracing the use of sustainable skincare products is not just a passing fad but a conscious commitment to our well-being and the health of our planet too. By choosing natural ingredients and no synthetic chemicals, reducing waste and supporting ethical practices, we can actively contribute to a more sustainable future. Let us take this opportunity to protect our skin and overall health, while we make a positive impact to preserve the beauty of the environment that we call home.  

5 Reasons to choose Parama Naturals as your skincare companion for life - 

Sustainable in concept: Versatile oils and butters with healing power of plants and no other additives. With no added chemicals as emulsifiers, preservatives or perfumes, there are no wastes during the manufacturing process, nor post usage.

Sustainable in creation: Raw materials sourced from farmers following natural farming practices and processed using green and eco-friendly technologies. No animal testing.

Sustainable in usage: Use of 100% pure and natural time-tested ingredients ensures there are no short- or long-term side effects, and sustainable for people to use over a life-time.

Sustainable for the environment: No toxic wastes, minimalistic hand-crafted packaging with recycled/handmade paper, chemical-free cloth. Reusable and recyclable plastic and glass.

Sustainable for the society: Inclusivity, diversity and affirmative action; supporting livelihoods for community women and micro-entrepreneurs.

Save yourself and the environment with Parama Naturals