When it comes to living sustainably it can often feel like you’re in it alone and up against the rest of the world. But fear not, according to the Weleda Nature Study 2022, 46 per cent of Australians already choose sustainable products. And, when it comes to skincare, choosing products made from natural ingredients is important to 81 per cent of Aussies. So, next time you make a beauty buy, join the majority and make it a more sustainable one. 

After launching earlier this year, skincare brand Purely Byron (co-founded by actor Elsa Pataky) has already developed quite the following. The whole range is made in, you guessed it Byron Bay, and is clinically-proven, effective and natural. The brand’s Native Sunrise Blend Eye Complex works as a daily eye-brightening treatment to tighten and firm that delicate under eye area.

Native Sunrise Blend Eye Complex

Conscious Code: Locally made, Cruelty-free, Packaging: recycled

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As the temps start to heat up and we venture outdoors, it is more important than ever to remember your daily SPF (even though it should be daily muscle memory at this point). If you’re looking for coverage that also gives the planet a helping hand then you need to understand the difference between natural and chemical sunscreens.

It’s estimated that up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen washes off our bodies into our oceans which is why it is crucial to be wary of the chemicals in your lotions. The term “reef-safe” isn’t regulated so you’ll need to do a check yourself. The simplest way to tell is by looking at the back of the bottle or tube. A natural sunscreen will contain ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide whereas the chemical alternative will in most cases contain substances like oxybenzone and octinoxate which are actually banned in Hawaii because of their environmental impact. You need to reapply a physical sunscreen more (especially when you’re swimming) because you will damage that barrier when you dry off with your towel or wipe your brow. Make sure you always read the label, use only as directed, reapply often and stay out of the sun as much as you can!

SunButter SPF50 Natural Sunscreen

Conscious Code: Vegan, Packaging: Recyclable, Cruelty-Free

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We Are Feel Good Coconut Sunscreen SPF 50+

Conscious Code: Packaging: Recyclable, Locally Made 

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Not to be confused with cruelty-free (which means that no animals have been harmed in the making of a product but could still possibly contain animal byproducts), vegan products contain no ingredients that are derived from animals whatsoever.

And you might be surprised to know that quite a few of your favourite beauty ingredients are, in fact, derived from animals. For example:

• Shellac – scale insect
• Hyaluronic Acid – rooster beaks 
• Squalene – shark liver
• Tallow – animal fat

Check the back of a product, if it is truly vegan you will see it clearly stated. 

Speaking of vegan, silk pillow cases are made from silk worms. Extracting the silk involves boiling silkworms to extract the longest fibres. Approximately 3,000 silk worms will produce 1kg of silk. So, make the switch to a vegan silk pillowcase like Touche’s eucalyptus fibre slips which are made from Oeko-Tex certified farms. Plus, you’ll still reap the benefits but with a hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial and animal-free snooze. 

Touche Eucalyptus Vegan Silk Pillowcase

Conscious Code: Vegan, Cruelty-free, Packaging: Recyclable

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Did you know that your plastic exfoliating glove or sponge will take hundreds of years to break down? Not to mention the fact that it is a breeding ground for bacteria and nasties. Make the switch to a loofah sponge, which is made from nothing but the loofah plant and your body and the planet will thank you for it. Loofah’s are also naturally antibacterial so it is a win, win.