The beauty industry generates a staggering amount of waste, with an estimated 120 billion units of packaging produced annually, and a significant portion of that packaging, around 95%, ends up in landfills or oceans without being recycled. The switch to sustainable skincare isn’t just a trend—it's a necessity and a conscious lifestyle choice that helps protect your skin, hair and the planet. Swapping out disposable beauty products typically packaged in plastic and making simple DIY recipes at home can drastically cut down on waste without sacrificing results.
Ready to green your routine? Here are three of our favorite zero-waste beauty hacks and DIY recipes:
🌿 1. DIY Dry Shampoo (No Aerosols, No Plastic)
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver on busy days—but most store-bought versions come in aerosol cans and contain questionable ingredients. Read more about the environmental harm of aerosols here. Here’s a natural alternative you can whip up at home in under a minute.
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp arrowroot powder (for light hair) + cocoa powder (for dark hair)
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2-3 drops essential oil (optional – try lavender or rosemary for scalp health)
Instructions:
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Mix ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
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Use a clean makeup brush to apply to your roots.
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Let sit for a few minutes, then brush out.
✨ Pro Tip: Store your DIY dry shampoo in a repurposed spice jar!
🧖 2. DIY Makeup Remover Wipes (Reusable & Effective)
Stop buying disposable facial wipes—and start making them instead! These DIY facial cleansing wipes are gentle on your skin, incredibly effective, and totally waste-free.
Ingredients & Materials:
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1/4 cup of our Castile Soap
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1 tbsp facial oil (like almond, olive, or jojoba)
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2 tbsp filtered water
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A container of your choice (use what you already have!)
Let’s make it! Pour all ingredients into your container.
1. Mix together well.
2. Add in your hemp rounds to soak up the liquid.
3. That’s it! Your DIY Facial Cleanser Wipes are ready for use.
✨ These wipes are perfect for daily cleansing, makeup removal, and refreshing your face throughout the day. Just wash and reuse the rounds—no trash, no toxins.
💆3. Nourishing DIY Hair Oil
Give your hair a natural shine boost with this homemade hair oil that rivals any store-bought serum—minus the plastic bottle.
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp jojoba oil
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1 tbsp argan oil
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3 drops rosemary essential oil (for growth)
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3 drops lavender essential oil (for calming scalp)
Instructions:
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Mix oils in any glass bottle you already have preferably with a dropper top. Repurposed serum, essential oil or other beauty bottles work great (no need to purchase anything new!)
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Apply a few drops to the ends of damp or dry hair.
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Massage gently into your scalp if you’re focusing on growth and nourishment.
This simple blend keeps your hair healthy and strong—without harmful additives or plastic packaging.
💚 Make the Switch, One Step at a Time
Small changes lead to big impact. From reusable make up remover wipes instead of single-use plastic wipes to simple, everyday products you use anyway. Save money and learn to make them yourself! Every small sustainable choice supports a cleaner, greener planet.
Want more zero-waste beauty swaps? Explore our Zero Waste Self-Care Kit and start your sustainable skincare journey today.
