When we first started using the word “green” to describe beauty products, very few brands came to mind. There were a handful of options available, some completely natural and others cruelty-free. It was a niche market with a small following.
Today, a lot has changed and globally, a major mind-shift has taken shape. Gone are the days when shoppers chose products mindlessly: today’s consumers want to know what’s in their products, how it was manufactured and what brands are doing to offset their carbon footprints… And rightfully so. Mindfulness is the new black, with a major global uptake in vegan lifestyles and minimalist living.
These movements paved the way for new and existing “green” beauty brands to grow, and major international brands have also come to the party. We are seeing more and more mainstream or “mass” brands do their bit to be kinder to the Earth, be it adopting a cruelty-free policy, changing their packaging or re-formulating their products.
While this is fantastic news, it can be quite difficult to navigate the realm of green beauty products if you’re not certain what to look for. A couple of popular terms to look out for are:
Vegan: If a product is labelled “vegan,” it means that no animal products, or animal-derived ingredients have been used in the manufacturing of that product. Vegan products are also cruelty-free.
Cruelty-free: If a product is “cruelty-free” it means that it has not been tested on animals, and that no ingredients used in the manufacture of that product has been tested on animals. Cruelty-free products are not necessarily vegan.
Plant-based: These products are made only from plant ingredients, such as such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, seeds, whole grains, legumes and nuts.
Natural: Natural products refer to products that are made from ingredients found in nature. The term sometimes suggests that the product is free from synthetic chemicals that may be linked to health problems or that many people get irritated by such as fragrance, dyes, and certain preservatives such as parabens.
Organic: Organic products refer to items which contain organically grown ingredients: it must be prepared and grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, GMOs, sulphates/parabens or antibiotics.
Why does it matter?
Taking a greener approach to life and making sustainable choices is not just a fad – it’s crucial in slowing down the process of global warming and protecting nature and our natural resources. A small act like changing your shampoo might seem insignificant, but every bit helps.
Sunpac boasts a number of beauty brands making a difference:
Skincare
ZERO skincare is a 100% natural, plant-based, vegan skincare brand from the UK. Made from the highest quality botanical ingredients, all ZERO products are sustainably packaged and fully recyclable. Try: ZERO Natural Face Wash (R299.00) and Face Scrub (R299.00). This gentle duo is highly effective in removing makeup, dirt and impurities, leaving skin thoroughly cleansed and smooth.
Get an all year round glow with St Moriz – this award-winning self-tan brand is vegan and cruelty-free. Try: St Moriz Fast Tan Mousse (R149.95) for a quick tan where you determine the intensity of the shade, or St Moriz Golden Glow Moisturizer (R149.95) for a soft and natural golden glow.
Makeup
Not only is wet n wild known for their high quality makeup products at affordable prices, but they’re also known for being 100% cruelty-free! Try: wet n wild Dewy Foundation (R119.95) for all day, glowy skin, wet n wild Mega Length Mascara (R92.95) for extra long lashes and wet n wild Megalast Matte Lipstick (R99.95) for long-wearing lip colour.
When it comes to makeup brushes, you’re spoilt for choice. Real Techniques, one of the world’s leading makeup brush brands, is vegan, cruelty-free and PETA-certified, meaning that all products have not and will not be subject to animal testing, regardless of where the product is sold. Try: Real Techniques The Everyday Essential Set (R599.99) – a must-have brush kit that will allow you to achieve a flawless daily look with ultimate convenience. This set includes four brushes and a sponge to cover every need from foundation to eyeshadow.
Eco Tools is known for their quality selection of environmentally-friendly makeup brushes. The brushes are made from sustainable bamboo and recycled aluminium and the bristles are cruelty-free. Try: Eco Tools Flat Foundation Brush (R152.00) to evenly apply liquid or cream foundation, and Eco Tools Precision Blush Brush (R233.00) for fantastic blending of powdered foundation or blush.
Hair care
Hask hair care products are not only cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified, but their products are also formulated without the bad stuff (including: Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Gluten and Aluminum Starch). Try: the new Curl Care collection by Hask, a range of products developed to help support smooth, defined and bouncy curls, without the stiff and crunchy feeling sometimes associated with curl products. Quench and restore your curls with the HASK Curl Care Intensive Deep Conditioner (R189.95). This rich, luxe formula (a miracle blend of coconut oil, argan oil & vitamin E) adds strength, softness and shine, whilst resisting humidity to help lock-out uneven stands and lock-in moisture to help maintain your natural curl pattern.
Give your curls long-lasting control with the HASK Curl Shaping Jelly (R189.95). This flexible, non-sticky formula sculpts waves and curls without leaving them stiff or crunchy.
Colab dry shampoos are not only vegan and cruelty-free, but they’re also highly effective at refreshing hair and soaking up grease without leaving any white residue behind. Try: newly-launched scents Colab Boho Rose (R89.99) and Black Violet (R89.99).
Blessed with curly hair? The Perfect Hair’s Mango & Marula range is vegan! Enriched with nourishing mango butter and marula oils, this range is designed to treat and protect natural hair of all curl textures. Try: The Perfect Hair Mango & Marula Detangling Deep Conditioner (R89.99) for an intense moisture boost and The Perfect Hair Mango & Marula Soap-Free Silky Soft Shampoo (R89.99) for a soft and gentle cleanse.
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