Tips on Choosing Natural and Zero Waste Skincare

Selecting skincare products can be an overwhelming journey, but with a little guidance from us you’ll find that our simple tips can make the selection process a lot easier. This blog post provides two sets of recommendations: how to select natural skincare products and how to select zero waste skincare products. While Tap Tap Organics provides both natural and zero waste skincare, we decided to organize our tips into these two categories so you can ease into a more sustainable lifestyle depending on what your priorities are!

5 Steps to Choosing Natural Skincare

Natural skincare is a growing trend in the beauty industry for a good reason.  People are more mindful and discerning about the ingredients in their personal care products. They are also demanding more transparency from skincare brands, which some brands provide better than others. Here are some tips to help you choose natural, clean skincare wisely:

1| Research ingredients: 

Look for natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle and nourishing for your skin. Remember, even natural ingredients will be listed by their scientific name. For example, coconut oil would be listed as cocos nucifera oil. But don’t let those scientific names intimidate you! You’ll quickly become more familiar with them and you’ll be able to distinguish between those and the synthetic ingredients. Try to avoid products with synthetic ingredients and fragrance, especially if you have sensitive skin. 

2| Keep in minimal:

Keep it simple and opt for products with fewer ingredients. Personal care, skincare and cosmetics are required to list their ingredients in order of the greatest amounts first. So you want to be very critical of the first 5 or so ingredients. The fewer ingredients the better.  

3| Read reviews: 

If you can't try the product in person, reading reviews from others can give you valuable insights. Learn from their experiences to make an informed decision. Lean towards brands that allow transparent reviews on their websites. You’ll be able to tell the difference between sponsored reviews from an influencer and an honest review from a loyal customer. 

4| Try sample sizes: 

Before committing to full-sized products purchase sample or travel sized versions of the products you’re interested in. It's a great way to test how your skin responds and assess if it's a good match. Additionally, it’s a way to invest wisely and minimize waste in case you don’t like the product.

5| Speak with a dermatologist: 

When in doubt, seek expert advice. A dermatologist can guide you based on your skin type, concerns, and specific needs. They'll help you navigate the world of natural skincare with their knowledge and expertise.

4 Important Considerations To Choosing Zero Waste Skincare

When it comes to zero waste skincare, making conscious choices can have a positive impact on both your skin and the environment. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:

1| Packaging: 

Following the 5 Rs of a zero waste or low waste lifestyle applies for skincare as well! The 5 Rs (in this order) is a great method to choosing sustainable skincare: 

• Refuse: don’t bring in products into your life that you don’t need. Don’t accept gifts or freebies if they don’t align with your values.
• Reduce: Consume less and only what you really need. (More on minimalism below!)
• Reuse: Packaging that can be reused has a lower carbon footprint. Circular packaging for the win!
• Recycle: If you can’t refuse, reduce or reuse, opt for packaging that can be recycled. Prioritize glass and metal because they are materials that can be infinitely recycled. Plastic on the other hand, is “downcycled”.  
• Rot: In other works, compost! Cardboard packing is compostable. 

To summarize, look for skincare products that come in sustainable and reusable packaging, such as glass jars or refillable containers. And of course, try to avoid single-use plastic and individually packaged items. 

2| Ingredients: 

Natural and organic ingredients aren’t just good for your own health, they are better for the planet as well. Be mindful of the environmental impact of ingredient sourcing and choose brands that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices.

3| Minimalism: 

The commercial beauty industry has tried to make us believe that we need many different products for every little specific skincare concern or body part. They simply want us to consume more. Embrace a minimalist approach by selecting multi-purpose products that can serve multiple skincare needs. Streamlining your routine with versatile products helps reduce waste and clutter. 

4| DIY options:

Consider making your own skincare products! DIY recipes empower you to take control of what goes onto your skin and reduce packaging waste altogether. Plus, it’s a very affordable option. To get started, check our previous blog MY FAVORITE BOOKS & BLOGS FOR ZERO WASTE LIVING & DIY SKINCARE.

Remember, choosing the right natural skincare products is a personalized process. Take your time, experiment, and embrace the journey to healthy, radiant skin! By considering these key factors, you can make conscious choices that align with your zero waste lifestyle while nourishing your skin naturally.

Inspired to find the perfect sustainable skincare product? Tap Tap Organics products were created with this in mind! For example, our best selling product is the Head To Toe Beauty Butter. (Not only is it made with a short list of certified organic ingredients, it’s packaged in a returnable glass jar and metal lid as well!)