How To Make Your Skincare Routine Zero Waste and Plastic-Free

The planet is our collective responsibility and beauty brands must show a commitment to the environment. This is where Dove focuses a lot of our efforts. With one of the biggest reduction plans of its kind in the industry, we have moved to 100% recycled plastic bottles and plastic-free packs for our Beauty Bar – reducing the use of virgin plastic by more than 20,500 tons per year. Additionally, we’re committed to bringing production waste down to zero.

Before you buy anything new, check your cabinet. It’s great you want to switch to a plastic free skincare routine but finish what you already have first, otherwise all those old products will end up as waste too.

Look for logos and fine print telling you if the packaging is made from recycled plastic and whether or not it can be recycled when you’re done with it. If there’s the option, pick zero plastic skincare which utilizes more eco-friendly materials such as glass, paper or bamboo.

A zero waste beauty routine is supported by products in paper packaging, such as cleanser and conditioner bars. As a plus, if you use a Dove Beauty Bar, you can cleanse easy knowing it was made in the USA and is manufactured using 100% renewable wind and solar energy too.

Choose products that offer a refill option, and if it can’t be refilled, consider if you can upcycle it before you recycle it. For example, an empty scented candle jar can become a pot for makeup brushes, while an empty powder compact is a great little place to keep loose bobby pins. 

Single-use products like wipes get used for seconds, then take hundreds of years to break down. Instead, opt for reusable face cloths and cotton pads. And shop multi-purpose products, too. For instance, a soap that works for your face, hands and body, or cream make-up that can be used on cheeks, eyelids as well as lips.

With a few simple tweaks, a low waste skincare routine really is possible.