Skin care is big business, with the global skin care market estimated at over $130 Billion USD in 2021. The beauty industry also generates billions of pieces of plastic packaging every year—most of it non-recyclable. If you want to develop a low-waste skin care routine that will be kind to the planet and save you hundreds of dollars a year, you’re in the right place!

This post was originally published in November 2019 as “How I ditched facial cleanser and makeup remover”

The power of advertising

The beauty and cosmetics industry is really good at convincing women to buy their products. You’ve all seen the messages telling you if you use a certain product, you’ll be prettier, stronger, more confident—basically a better version of yourself.

Advertising promises aside, the beauty industry has a horrible track record when it comes to plastic waste. Most beauty products come in plastic containers that are again packaged in plastic. Estimates indicate that the beauty and cosmetics industry generates over 100 billion pieces of plastic waste every year, and very little of it is recyclable. So much waste!

When I first decided to adopt a low-waste lifestyle, beauty and personal care products were at the top of my list. Since then, I have found low- or no-waste alternatives to all of the products I used in the past.

My low-cost and low-waste skin care routine

Before adopting a low-waste lifestyle, I probably spent between $500 and $1,000 a year on skin care products. This is definitely an area where going low-waste has saved me a lot of money. As an added bonus, fewer products means less bathroom clutter and fewer products to pack when travelling.  

Five products that I’ve found low-cost and low-waste alternatives for are: facial cleanser, daytime moisturizer, makeup remover, eye treatment, and night cream. Let’s have a closer look.

Facial cleanser

Several years ago, I went to a Norwex demonstration at a friend’s house. The consultant told us about using their baby and body cloths with just water to clean skin. I was a bit skeptical but decided to give it a try.

Since that day, I no longer buy facial cleanser. This simple swap saves me hundreds of dollars a year. And, the best part is my skin doesn’t look any different now than it did when I was spending money on facial cleansers and throwing dozens of plastic containers in the recycling bin or garbage every year.

And, on days when my skin feels a little dirtier, I use a $2 naked Aloe With Vitamin E bar soap from Pure Soap Works.

I should mention that, although I use Norwex cloths, any washcloth will work just as well.

Estimated annual cost savings: $250

Daytime moisturizer

For a while, I used coconut oil as a daytime moisturizer but I found it to be a little greasy so I went on a search for alternatives. I have since replaced my daytime moisturizer with the Argan Naked Facial Oil from Lush.

This little bar smells wonderful, glides on skin easily, and is fabulous for travel.

Estimated annual cost savings: $60

Makeup remover, night cream, and eye treatment

Coconut oil is one of the simplest and best-kept beauty secrets. Although it didn’t work so well as a daytime moisturizer, I have found it to be a low-cost and effective alternative to makeup remover, eye treatment and night cream. Dab a little on your washcloth to remove makeup. Then use it as a night cream, and dab a little extra in your under-eye area to replace your eye treatment.

For other uses for that $10 jar of coconut oil, check out 1 simple product, 12 beauty hacks.

Estimated annual cost savings: $300

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So, there you have it. An easy low-waste skin care routine that will save you time and money. What could be better?

Next time you see an ad telling you that this revolutionary skin care product will make you more beautiful and change your life, just say no! You don’t need that product to make you awesome.

What eco-friendly changes have you made that save money? Tell us about them below.