Beauty and Skincare | Health Articles | Why is it Important to Use Environmentally Friendly Cosmetic Products?

You may ask yourself: Why is it important to use environmentally friendly cosmetic products? How do we identify these products? And how will using them benefit environment and ourselves?

Firstly, being environmentally friendly includes being friendly to the creatures in the environment. It is commonplace for cosmetic companies to advertise the fact that their products are not tested on animals and we should by now all be aware of the positive aspects of this, thanks to the extensive media coverage of this issue. Less known however, is to ensure that raw materials which have been obtained from animal sources are not used in the products. Slaughterhouse by-products such as gelatine, collagen, gelatine soap bases and animal based emulsifiers are frequently used in the cosmetics industry, yet there are vegetable based alternatives which are just as effective. Some products also contain Spermataceti Cetaceum which is obtained from the sperm whale. Collagen for face creams is often taken from young animals.

It is important to avoid products which contain ingredients derived from the petroleum industry eg. Paraffin oil (Mineral Oil), Propylene Glycol and Ethylene. Mineral oil acts as a barrier on the surface of the skin, blocking pores and suppressing normal skin functions. Paraffin and petroleum products eg.Vaseline also block the skin, clogging pores and preventing the absorption of vitamins. Suitable alternatives are products including cocoa butter and vegetable oils.

Environmentally friendly products should only contain raw materials from sustainable sources which do not damage or pollute the environment during their harvesting, processing and disposal.
Another well known ingredient is Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, also known as Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate. This is one of the most commonly used detergents in the cosmetic industry but it is very harsh and aggressive on the skin.

The packaging for the product itself is just as important as what's in it. It is essential to reducing waste levels in landfill sites to use packaging which is recyclable. Look for this statement on the label of your cosmetic purchases. Glass containers can easily be recycled at council recycling points as can plastic containers made of polypropane PP, polyethane PE and thermoplastic PETG. PVC plastics are the most damaging to the environment and should be avoided.

Washable Cleansing Pads -
Love The Planet's own Washable Cleansing Pads were designed to be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable cleansing wipes and cotton wool pads. Simply use the pads with cleansing lotion and toner to clean the face and remove make up. Once used, the pads are put into the accompanying draw string wash bag and washed in the washing machine. Tests by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen prove that even at a 40degree wash, the cleansing pads are hygienically clean and ready to be used again and again. Since on average we can use aroundd 2000 cotton wool balls a year, Washable Cleansing Pads are an economical and waste saving alternative. As well as cutting down on cosmetic waste, there are added benefits. As the pads do not shed, you do not risk getting stray fibres in your eyes. For male users, there is no chance of getting fibres caught in stubble. The pads are soft and pleasant to use and their curved shape makes eye make up removal easy.

Tea Tree Moisture Cream -
One of Love The Planet's best selling products. This lightly whipped moisture cream is suitable for use on the face, hands and body. It is rich in cocoa butter, sweet almond oil and vitamin E making it suitable for everyday use. It is also enriched with pure tea tree essential oil, Mother Nature's secret weapon. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic which is effective in soothing skin in distress, fighting against spots, shaving rashes and inflamed skin.

Sugar Scrub -
Love The Planet's Sugar Scrubs come in 4 different fragrances. All of their scents are provided only from pure essential oils. Choose from Lime, Mandarin, Lime or Peppermint. Gently massage into your skin in the shower to remove dead skin cells and leave skin with a healthy glow. Pat yourself dry to remain moisturised and gorgeous smelling all day long.

Lip Rescue -
Most lip balms contain petroleum or parrafin oil. Although your lips may feel moisturised, the petroleum forms a barrier on your skin which doesn't let moisture in or out. This causes your lips to become dependant on the product which has to be applied again and again. Love The Planet's Lip Rescue's are free from petroleum and liquid paraffin. They rely only on cocoa butter, beeswax and sweet almond oil to moisturise and nourish your lips the natural way. Once your lips have had a couple of days to rebalance, you'll find that the days of dry, chapped lips are gone. You'll find yourself applying Lip Rescue just to enjoy the subtle sheen it provides and to experience one of the six flavours available. Choose from Peppermint, Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Mandarin, Lemon & Lime or Bergamot. Once agin, our Lip Rescue is free from any artificial colours, flavourings or fragrances. We rely only on pure essential oils. Our Tea Tree Lip Rescue is also suitable for the treatment of cold sores.

Body Butter -
As the name suggests, Love The Planet Body Butters are d3esigned for use all over the body. Apply after showering to leave your skin baby soft and delicately scented. Choose from Mandarin, Lime, Grapefruit or Peppermint. They are rich in cocoa butter to moisturise even the driest skin but their lightly whipped formula ensures that they are quick and easy to rub in without leaving the skin sticky.

Love The Planet are a Carbon Neutral company. Through an organisation called Future Forests, www.futureforests.com we have trees planted to combat the carbon dioxide pollution created by the production and transportation of our products. So far, we have had trees planted in Aberdeenshire and mango trees in Bangalore, India.

By using love The Planet products, you are caring for our planet as well as your skin. Love Yourself, Love The Planet!