As much as we would like for it not to be the case, our beauty routines are amongst the biggest contributors to environmental waste. Microbeads and microplastics found in some makeup products we use pollute the ocean, while volatile organic compounds in fragrances and hairsprays contribute to air pollution. But the biggest culprit? Packaging waste from our beauty products — from haircare to makeup. More than eight million tonnes of plastic from our emptied products enter our oceans every year.
These plastics get ingested by marine animals such as whales, dolphins, turtles and more. They also come back to us, in a way; invisible plastic has been identified in tap water, salt, beer, and more. Not to mention that these plastics, when incinerated, can also contribute greatly to climate change.
Plastic waste from beauty products affects not just marine life but also the atmosphere.
This doesn’t mean you should forgo taking care of yourself, of course! There can be a happy balance between prioritising your personal care needs and taking care of the environment’s needs.
One of the ways to do this is by being more discerning about the products you choose. We’re all familiar with checking the label, but this time we’re looking at them with not just ingredients in mind but sustainability as well. If you don’t know where to start, the Herbal Essences bio:renew range is one to look into.
Good for your hair, good for the planet
Each Herbal Essences bio:renew bottle is 100% recyclable and made from 25% post-consumer recycled plastic. After using up the product, you can recycle it by using the bottle as a pen holder or a mini flower pot or donate it to a recycling centre near you.
Herbal Essences and Guardian Malaysia are taking a step in helping out the environment.
Herbal Essences and Guardian Malaysia, in collaboration with Free Tree Society and Ape Malaysia, have also partnered up to plant trees through your purchase of Herbal Essences bio:renew shampoos and conditioners. Simply purchase from Guardian between September and November 2021 to help reach the goal of planting 1,000 trees. This initiative will help to not just reduce soil erosion but also reduce urban heat and improve air quality.
Caring, naturally
If you value things that are naturally “legit”, then you’ll be happy to know that the Herbal Essences bio:renew range fits the bill perfectly. Each product from the range contains naturally sourced botanical ingredients certified by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a world leader in plant science. These plant-derived ingredients also contain histidine, which acts as a natural purifier that protects your hair from damaging free radicals. Plus, each product is free from parabens, colourants and paraffin.
The Herbal Essences bio:renew range
There’s one for every hair trouble too. Renew your damaged hair with the Herbal Essences bio:renew Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner. Made with natural argan oil, also known as ‘liquid gold’ for the hair, this shampoo hydrates and nourishes the hair deeply.
Does your hair need a little volume? The Herbal Essences bio:renew White Strawberry & Mint Shampoo and Conditioner can help with that. Aside from cleansing your hair and scalp, it also revives and gives your tresses shine with the help of real white strawberries.
If your hair needs a little thickness boost, the Herbal Essences bio:renew White Grapefruit & Mint Shampoo and Conditioner is for you. It’s enriched with natural grapefruit that nourishes the hair and scalp.
Kind to your hair, kind to animals
On top of that, the Herbal Essences bio:renew range also does not contain any animal-derived or animal by-products in its ingredients — it’s certified vegan by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Plus, it’s not tested on animals. Yes, it’s cruelty-free!
A shake-up in your haircare routine may seem ordinary, but it can also bring meaningful and good changes. Are you practising sustainability in your haircare routine?
This story was created in partnership with Herbal Essences.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
