5 Ways To Integrate Sustainability Into Your Beauty Routine

Over the last decade or so, the sustainability movement began having its moment—today, in 2022, it is very much the preference of many consumers, from clothing, to foodstuffs, to whatever other product or service or good that they desire. 

For a while now, being sustainable—or “meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” as defined by McGill University—has become the standard that individuals, corporations, and governments concerned with the state of the environment, try to live by.

One such company, Unilever Philippines, has advocated for positive beauty that cares for the self, the planet, and the community. Though these pillars remain constant, the commitment to empower Filipinas to be confident in their own beauty has only grown stronger with time. 

The corporation has achieved sector leadership in S&P’s Dow Jones Sustainability Index, ‘Triple A’ status in CDP’s Climate, Water and Forest benchmarks and is set to be named the top ranked company in the GlobeScan/SustainAbility Sustainability Leaders survey, for the 11th consecutive year.

We all want a healthier planet, and adapting sustainability into one’s lifestyle is a good way to begin achieving that goal. And for the Metro woman, whether that’s with your fashion choices, the makeup you buy, or the brands you support—being sustainable is an easy switch to make, with all the choices you have at your fingertips. 

Here are five ways to integrate sustainability into your beauty routine.

1. Declutter your cabinet. But when you do, do it the sustainable way. Don’t just throw away whatever you think you don’t need—instead, sort which things are for recycling, which ones are for donating, which ones are for refilling, which ones are for trading and swapping with friends and family, and so on. When it’s with makeup, which can be a bit tricky to dispose of or give away, we’ve outlined a few tips on how you can best declutter your closet and vanity without wasting anything. 

2. Opt for planet-conscious brands. Unilever—especially its product lines of Dove, TRESemmé, Pond’s, and Cream Silk—is one of the big corporations that have long begun advocating for sustainability and helping lessen their environmental impact “through sustainably sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.” Beyond this, you can also support local, homegrown brands—not only are you supporting small businesses, but you’re also helping the earth breathe a little easier! 

3. When doing your skincare routine, turn off the tap when you're not using it. It may seem like common sense, but it's also easy to forget. In between cleansing, don’t forget to turn off the faucet so as to not waste water. In 2012, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported that “70% of the country’s available water of 160 billion cubic meters per year is wasted or lost.” That was a decade ago, and we don’t want to keep wasting anymore water, and especially not that much. 

4. Don’t just switch out products without thought. When switching out certain things in your beauty routine—like toothbrushes or razors, for example—don’t just buy and buy and buy and throw the ones you already have. Use these products— toothbrush, razors, cotton pads, and whatever else—until they are finished, and that is when you make the switch. Changing products mindlessly, and without thought, is quite counterproductive when it comes to being sustainable or leading a zero waste lifestyle. 

5. Buy better products, and double check all your purchases before buying. It’s important to opt for better—not more—products. “Don’t be peer-pressured into buying the next thing that comes out on social media,” wrote our Beauty Editor, Kate Paras-Santiago. “Think well, and think hard before shelling out money for another tube of red lipstick. Revisit the 11 tubes of red lippies that you already have in your kit, and just use those.”

With these tips in mind, you’ll be more well-equipped to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, helping out with the planet in your own little way. 

Check out Metro.Style for more updates on the Unilever Super Brand Day from June 25-27 as you #OwnYourBeauty. Bring positive beauty to light with amazing offers on your favorite Unilever products:

• Up to 50% off on your favorite Unilever brands Dove, Cream Silk, TRESemmé, Pond’s, and more!
• Timed offers with best prices dropping at 12-2AM, 12-2PM, and 6-8PM!
• Additional 15% off discount vouchers!
• Extra Vouchers: 10% Shopee Cashback or Shopee Free Shipping!
• P299 Sale-Exclusive Mystery Bundle worth P3,000
• Special sale-exclusive bundle kits
• Freebies with every purchase

Photos from Unsplash