8 tips to reduce waste in your skin care routine

The beauty world is one of the fastest growing industries. It is also one of the most luxurious. Just look around your bathroom: between the plastic shampoo bottles, disposable cotton swabs, and excess packaging that contains some of our most valuable cosmetics, it's safe to say we can do better. 

In fact, this is one of the reasons why sustainability is a core tenet of Versed. If you're wondering how you can do some good for our planet, your beauty routine is a great place to start. This may seem intimidating, but it's actually not as difficult as you think. 

Scroll down to see 8 simple tips to make your daily life more eco-friendly. Add a recycling bin to your bathroom And actually use it! One study shows that only one in five Americans recycle personal care products. 

While we often toss kitchen recyclables in the trash without noticing, placing a trash can in the bathroom can serve as a reminder to recycle other items like shampoo bottles, deodorant, toilet paper rolls, and of course, skin care Taste. 

Please read our Versed product recycling guidelines. Use every last drop. However, before recycling anything, make sure it is completely empty. Cut it into a tube and remove any excess product (you'd be surprised how much product you can squeeze out of an almost-empty tube!) or use a beauty tool like a spatula to scoop out any leftover creams and gels. Items with more than 10% residual product will not be recycled. Therefore, do not forget to rinse the container thoroughly before throwing it away. Complete before purchase. 

As skincare enthusiasts, we know how tempting it can be to stock up on all the new trendy products we want to try. But considering that beauty products actually expire, it's far better (for the planet and your wallet) to use up what you have before buying new ones. 

If you don't like a particular product, try to find other uses for it before you consider throwing it away.Reuse empty bottles. What are your top tips for reducing waste? 

Find another use for things you would otherwise throw away. Empty toner cartridges make great travel shampoo bottles, while jars can be used to store jewelry on the go. Use an old mascara wand as a spoolie to shape your brows. 

Serum droppers are perfect for measuring essential oils into a diffuser or adding color when painting and baking. 

Pay attention to ingredients. If you want to become a more environmentally conscious shopper, start by focusing on what your products are made of. Vegan ingredients help protect Earth’s ecosystems and reduce overall water waste. 

Many facial scrubs, body washes and even toothpastes contain microbeads, which contribute to the growing problem of microplastics (which is why our physical exfoliants are made from microcrystals). Parabens, phthalates, and other synthetic chemicals,  such as those found in chemical sunscreens and artificial fragrances, can also negatively impact the health of aquatic life. Read ingredient labels and when in doubt, look for non-toxic brands. 

Replace disposable products. In addition to face masks, disposable razors, makeup remover wipes and cotton balls, there are a surprising amount of single-use items in most beauty routines. A good place to start downsizing is to consider which items can be replaced with reusable items. 

Towels can be used over and over again, whereas plastic poufs only last a few months before needing to be replaced. Steel safety razors are more sustainable than plastic disposable razors. Reusable cotton pads are a more environmentally friendly alternative to disposable cotton balls. 

You won't even notice the difference in your daily life, but the Earth certainly will. Watch your water consumption. Our water supply is often taken for granted, especially when it comes to our daily personal hygiene. 

Freshwater is a finite resource and we can protect our supply for future generations by taking immediate steps to protect it. When cleansing, avoid splashing the first drop of water on your face and moisturize using your fingers instead. Turn off the faucet and take shorter showers while brushing your teeth and washing your face, and you can save gallons of water every day. 

Choose fewer packages The global cosmetics industry produces more than 120 billion packaging units, but most of them end up in landfills. Packaging has little impact on the quality of your beauty routine. Therefore, you may wish to purchase products from brands that use eco-friendly packaging made from recycled and recyclable materials. Or maybe opt for products that eliminate packaging entirely, like shampoo bars or refillable deodorant.