Why Zero Waste Lotion?

In practicing a zero waste lifestyle, cutting out waste in all areas of life is important. That includes your skincare and beauty routine. Most of the products we can buy in stores are packaged in plastic that is either not recyclable or is very difficult to recycle.

This means that with every new purchase, you will be adding more trash to landfills. The main benefit of going zero waste is to preserve resources and limit your trash generation.

According to the UNEP, we generate around 300 million tons of plastic in a year. And half of that amount is single-use plastic. There are many plastic bottles that are made of HDPE, which is a type of single-use plastic commonly used in shampoo, conditioner, or lotion.

If we want to make a positive impact on the environment, we can begin by cutting out the single-use plastics in our lives.

But it isn’t just that. Most companies that create zero waste lotion make their products mindfully. This means you can enjoy proper moisturization without any toxic chemicals or ingredients. This isn’t always true, but it is a prevalent practice in creating zero waste items.

Make or Buy?

You’ve got two options when you need zero waste lotion. You can either buy them from stores or make them yourself. It’s actually pretty easy to whip up a batch of lotion with ingredients that you can buy locally.

But, there are also instances when your needs align with buying lotion. For example, some people prefer lotions with SPF. While it isn’t impossible to make that on your own, products with SPF generally get tested for safety and effectiveness. Hence, it is much more advisable to purchase them.

For sure, making your own lotion at home is the best package-free option, but you also have to consider where you source your raw materials and how they are packaged. Making it yourself will also save you a lot of money.

It may take you a couple of tries to get the consistency and absorbency that you want, but it’s worth it. You choose exactly what you put in your lotion and can customize it accordingly.

Ultimately, you will need to examine your needs and preferences. If you can achieve them while making DIY lotion, then that’s great! But if you need to purchase them, just do so sustainably and ethically. Check this guide on Ethical Shopping for an easy way to shop with environmentally-conscious brands.

The Best Components in Zero Waste Lotion

Now that we’ve covered some basics of zero waste lotion let’s dive into deeper detail of the common ingredients and what they’re good for. This way, you can purchase or make a lotion that’s perfectly suited to your preferences.

What you should first understand is that lotion is primarily meant to moisturize your skin. You should choose ingredients that help protect your skin’s moisture barrier and keep it from drying out. Some components are better at this than others, and we’ll go over some pros and cons of some of them.

The next thing to consider is how quickly these moisturizing agents absorb into your skin. One of the most common problems with DIY lotion is the greasiness. Some recipes create lotions that are way too heavy on the skin and are almost unwearable on warmer days.

To solve this issue, choose ingredients that are light on the skin and absorb easily. If you want a luscious but heavier lotion that is better for colder months, do the opposite.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in lotion and is great for keeping the skin healthy and supple. It isn’t actually just one vitamin but a group of them together. The vitamin E in lotions usually comes in the form of oil. Consistencies vary depending on where you source it from, but this substance is generally a thick oil. It isn’t very viscous and does not act like other oils.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa Butter is another excellent hydrator. Its high-fat content provides a protective barrier around your skin and will help you retain more moisture. It is a luscious substance that works well with shea butter and vitamin E, making it a perfect candidate for your zero waste lotion.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is a highly emollient substance and can help a lot with managing dry skin. Moreover, it also absorbs fairly quickly, so it’s great for warmer climates. It is also sometimes used to help with skin irritation. Making your own lotion using almond oil should leave you with a light and moisturizing cream (or bar).

Fragrances

At first glance, fragrances aren’t harmful. And in reality, they aren’t always. But what makes fragrances so dangerous is the ambiguity that surrounds them. Companies aren’t legally obligated to disclose what they use as fragrance or perfume, and they’re able to keep them as trade secrets.

But the fact is that fragrances rarely add anything functional to your lotion. And you can’t guarantee what’s in them either. We aren’t saying you should never purchase lotions with fragrances, just that you should watch out for them. Ideally, only buy from brands you trust and who don’t use synthetic fragrances or phthalates.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a petroleum-based substance. It is also one of the most commonly found ingredients in beauty. It is known for its great moisturizing capacity and is cheap and accessible. While it is considered generally safe for use, mineral oils have also been flagged as a carcinogen in certain conditions like manufacturing. However, the ones used in cosmetics (like lotion) aren’t likely to pose a threat. Some people would prefer not to use it, but it’s still up to you. Mineral oils, though noncomedogenic on their own, are occlusive and can also clog up your pores and may not absorb very easily.

Alcohol

There are different applications of alcohol in various industries. In skincare and beauty, it is often used in fragrances, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, and yes, your lotion. While it is also considered generally safe, some of you might not want to lather on a cream that has alcohol in it. You should note though that the alcohol used as an ingredient in moisturizers is not the same as your regular rubbing alcohol, which is pretty drying. There are plenty of other health hazards in lotions like parabens, phthalates, or synthetic colors. However, you aren’t likely to find them in zero waste lotions. Still, it’s always worth double-checking to be safe.