We are living in an age of conscious consumerism, where ethical and sustainable lifestyle choices are top of mind. In fact, more than a fad or something to pay lip service to, it’s rather a dedicated way of life that is actively pursued, as consumers are mindful of creating a better future. Beauty product choices have evolved to give us more peace of mind about the impact of our consumption both on ourselves and the environment around us.
Every little step we take in the right direction helps and the first place to start is with a self-audit to review what you are using, whether products are essential and the integrity of the products purchased. Questions to ask yourself might be… ‘has this product been produced sustainably and ethically?’, ‘has it been tested on animals?’, ‘what ingredients are in the formula, are they non-toxic, have they been farmed sustainably?’, ‘what is the brand’s commitment to the environment?’, ‘can the packaging be recycled?’. Navigating beauty is confusing, so set yourself a minimum standard when seeking out products in the future that have a commitment to sustainability and your wellbeing.
Here are some easy changes to make in moving towards a clean beauty routine:
Skincare
Seek out products that will not compromise your skin barrier and offer safe and non-toxic ingredients. Steer clear of these ingredients – mineral oil (which can clog pores), phthalates (endocrine disrupters), sodium laureth sulphate and ammonium lauryl sulfate (which can irritate the skin). Cruelty free is important and look at where and how the ingredients are sourced. Packaging sustainability goes without saying – biodegradable, recyclable, refillable, zero-waste.
Home hair colouring
Natural, vegan formulas are far more gentle on the hair and scalp than chemical-laden alternatives. Ingredients to be wary of include ammonia, silicone, parabens, sulfates and resorcinol.
Nail polish
Despite being officially ‘dead’, nails still need air and water to maintain a healthy state. Look for polishes that are permeable and don’t occlude the nail. Polishes with non-toxic ingredients are preferable so seek for 5-free, 7-free or even 13-free options. The most concerning chemicals are formaldehyde, DBP, Toulene, formaldehyde resin, synthetic camphor, phthalate, parabens, rosin and animal ingredients.
Nail polish remover
Switch out drying, toxic and acetone heavy removers for a more gentle, odour and acetone-free alternative that will not strip the nail, cause it to ache and become dehydrated.
Pic credit: Jocelyn Petroni
Sunscreen
Natural sunscreens are free of chemical ingredients that are found in many sunscreens, which can cause irritation and sensitivity to some. Many are also concerned about the impact they have on our marine environment. Natural sunscreens typically contain physical sunblocks such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide which work on the surface of your skin to block rays.
Pic credit: Edible Beauty Australia
Ingestibles
A modern day beauty hero, ingestible supplements are used in tandem with topical beauty routines to feed the skin from within. Look for organic, plant-derived formulas without harsh chemicals or synthetic vitamins. Check where ingredients are sourced from and manufacturing processes involved.
Pic credit: Vita-Sol
Mavala is committed to conscious and clean beauty formulas that are rigourously developed, manufactured and controlled in Switzerland. Product and packaging integrity is a priority, with all products tested for tolerance and efficiency. Mavala is a cruelty-free brand.
