10 Easy Swaps for a Sustainable Skincare Routine

by Rebecca Martin, Conscious Skincare founder

This Plastic Free July, there’s never been a better time to rethink your skincare habits and transition to a sustainable skincare routine. At Conscious Skincare, we believe that what’s good for your skin should also be good for the planet — and the good news is, it’s never been easier to reduce waste without compromising on quality, performance, or self-care.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 easy, practical swaps you can make today — from ditching single-use wipes to choosing refillable packaging — and show you how to build a routine that supports both healthy skin and a healthier world.

1. Swap Disposable Cotton Pads for Reusable Organic Rounds

Makeup remover wipes and single-use cotton pads contribute significantly to landfill waste. They’re often bleached, packaged in plastic, and non-biodegradable. A simple, effective switch is to use reusable makeup remover pads made from certified organic cotton. Our 10 / 4-pack of Cloud-Soft Rounds is hypoallergenic, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and machine washable for repeated use.

These pads are perfect for removing makeup, applying toner, or cleansing — and they’ll save hundreds of single-use disposables every year. Even better: we’re giving away a FREE 4-pack this July with every order over £40 (excluding shipping and discounts).

2. Choose Glass Packaging Over Plastic

Plastic packaging is one of the biggest environmental issues in the beauty industry, with over 120 billion units produced globally each year^[3]. Unfortunately, most of it isn’t recycled. Glass, on the other hand, is infinitely recyclable, non-toxic, and looks beautiful on your shelf.

We use glass bottles, jars and aluminium lids across our core range because it supports a more circular economy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Our plastic-free skincare collection includes cleansers, moisturisers, oils and toners — all packaged with low-impact, zero-waste materials.

3. Refill, Don’t Rebuy

Refillable beauty products are one of the most powerful ways to cut carbon and waste. At Conscious Skincare, we offer refills for many of our bestsellers in refill sizes. You can top up your glass bottles at home and avoid unnecessary packaging.

Refilling just one cleanser or toner regularly could prevent over a dozen plastic bottles from entering the waste stream each year. According to Zero Waste Europe, refill systems can reduce packaging emissions by up to 70% over time^[1].

4. Say No to Microplastics

Microbeads and plastic-based exfoliants were once widely used in skincare, but are now banned in many countries due to their impact on oceans and wildlife^[2]. At Conscious Skincare, our exfoliators have only ever used natural, biodegradable ingredients — like ground almond shells — to gently polish your skin without harming the planet.

Not only are these natural scrubs more environmentally friendly, but they’re also better for your skin barrier and microbiome.

5. Choose Naturally Scented or Fragrance-Free Products

Synthetic fragrances often contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. These can be irritating to sensitive skin, and some are linked to hormone disruption. Instead, opt for skincare that is either fragrance-free or naturally scented using organic essential oils.

Our products are lightly scented with plant-based extracts — such as lavender, chamomile and rose — chosen for both their aroma and therapeutic benefits. No synthetic parfum. No hidden ingredients. Just honest skincare with integrity. Check out our ingredients to avoid post.

6. Simplify Your Skincare Routine

More products mean more packaging, more shipping, and more emissions. Embracing a minimalist skincare approach can lower your carbon footprint and give your skin room to breathe. Our multi-purpose formulations — like Sweet Orange & Frangipani Body Oil — can be used for moisturising, massage or even as a bath oil.

This not only reduces your environmental impact, but also helps streamline your bathroom shelf and simplify your daily rituals.

7. Avoid Plastic Tools and Extras

Plastic spatulas, pumps, and applicators are often overlooked sources of waste. Switch to reusable bamboo or  tools, glass droppers, or even go without when you can. We keep our packaging minimal and plastic-free, avoiding unnecessary components or cellophane wrapping. We offer the choice of whether to have a pump or not with all the relevant products from our range. Of course if you do use a pump we would always recommend re-use.

Even small changes — like choosing a screw-cap lid instead of a plastic pump — can reduce landfill and improve recyclability.

8. Choose Compostable or FSC-Certified Packaging

When plastic isn’t avoidable, opt for brands that use compostable or FSC-certified cardboard. All of our postal boxes & jiffy bags are made from sustainably sourced paperboard, and our refills come in fully recyclable bottles.

Unlike many so-called recyclable packs that go straight to landfill, our materials are chosen for their true end-of-life value. Less waste, more renewal.

Outer packaging - ie branded boxes?

Guess what - we don't use any! Think about how many skincare brands use styled plastic boxes & containers for products that go straight into waste once the product is opened - how much extra landfill for the planet is that a year?

Discover more about all the eco-friendly packaging we use at Conscious Skincare.

9. Support Transparent, Ethical Brands

Greenwashing is everywhere. To ensure your skincare is genuinely sustainable, shop with brands that are transparent about their ingredients, sourcing, and ethics. At Conscious Skincare, we’re proud to be:

• EWG Verified™ for safety and ingredient integrity
• Certified Vegan & Cruelty-Free — always
• Ethical Consumer Best Buy — independently rated for our values

We believe that sustainability isn’t just about packaging — it’s about people, supply chains, and long-term impact.

10. Progress Over Perfection

No one gets it perfect — and that’s okay. Every time you choose to refill, reuse, or support a sustainable business, you’re part of something bigger. Whether you’re switching to a plastic-free toner, choosing compostable packaging, or just cutting down your skincare steps, you’re making a difference.

Let this Plastic Free July be your invitation to start small, stay consistent, and care consciously — inside and out.

This July: Get a Free 4-Pack of Reusable Cotton Rounds

To help you begin your journey, we’re offering a FREE 4-pack of organic reusable wipes (worth £5) with every order over £40 (excluding shipping and discounts) throughout July. It’s our gift to you — and the planet.

🌿 Shop Plastic-Free Skincare

🎁 View Your Free Gift

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sustainable skincare routine?

A sustainable skincare routine focuses on reducing waste, using eco-friendly packaging like glass or compostable materials, and choosing ethical, cruelty-free products. It also includes practices like using refillable skincare products and reusable makeup remover pads to minimise environmental impact.

Why is plastic free skincare important?

Plastic free skincare helps reduce landfill waste and ocean pollution. Many conventional beauty products are packaged in single-use plastics, which are rarely recycled. Choosing glass, aluminium, and compostable packaging supports a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Are refillable skincare products better for the environment?

Yes, refillable products significantly reduce packaging waste and lower carbon emissions. They allow customers to reuse existing jars or bottles and only replace the product itself, cutting down on the environmental footprint of beauty routines.

How do reusable makeup remover pads work?

Reusable makeup remover pads are made from soft, washable materials like organic cotton. They can be used with cleansers or toners to gently cleanse the skin, then washed and reused. They’re an ideal alternative to disposable cotton pads or wipes.

What makes Conscious Skincare eco-friendly?

At Conscious Skincare, we use plastic-free packaging, refillable pouches, certified organic ingredients, and avoid unnecessary extras like pumps or over-packaging. All products are vegan, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced, and we’ve been awarded an Ethical Consumer Best Buy.

^[1] Source: Zero Waste Europe – “Reuse and Refill Systems in Cosmetics” (2022)

^[2] UK Department for Environment – Microbeads Ban Summary (2018)

^[3] Source: Zero Waste Week – Beauty Industry Waste Statistics Report (2023)