The Environmental Impact of Face Wash

Face wash wasn't a part of my daily routine until I hit 30 and my youthful glow gave way to unwanted lines and bumps. Clearly, sleeping in my makeup and only washing my face when I showered was not working. At the advice of my older sister, I ditched the Irish Spring and bought a cleanser and a scrub to use every morning and every night. Of course, everything came in a disposable bottle and had to be replaced every few months. That's a lot of face wash bottles going into the garbage, which is why this week is all about find a more sustainable solution.

What's the problem with face wash?

If you've been reading my posts consistently, you've probably started to notice some repetition. The problems with face wash are very similar to those with body wash and hand soap. In short, they come in plastic bottles and contain environmentally harmful ingredients.

Like most of the previous weeks, one major concern is that face wash comes in plastic bottles. Plastics are problematic because they are made from non-renewable resources, have limited recyclability, and take hundreds if not thousands of years to break down. Face wash bottles, like all plastics, are made from crude oil, a non-renewable resource, which is harmful for two reasons: manufacturing generates significant pollution and the product is not biodegradable. As Sciencing.com put it, "they are difficult to produce and nearly impossible to get rid of once produced". Instead of biodegrading, plastic breaks down into tiny micro-plastics that litter our soil, our waterways, and even our air.

So other than the plastic bottle, face wash is fine for the environment?

Not exactly. While a few ingredients like microbeads and triclosan have been banned by the FDA, there are still a few that, when washed down the drain can be harmful to marine life. Parabens, used as preservatives, are endocrine disruptors that effect the hormone levels of marine organisms and potentially, humans. While saponins, used as cleansing agents, are toxic to an array of aquatic life.

Are face wash bottles recyclable?

Some are and some aren't. You'll have to check the individual bottle. Note that the recycling symbol does not automatically mean an item is recyclable. That symbol and the number inside of it merely classifies the type of plastic it is made of. Check to see exactly which materials your curbside recyclying accepts before tossing anything in those bins to avoid wishful recycling.

If face wash bottles cannot be recycled in your town, you can print out a free shipping label and send them to Terracycle via a program sponsored by Garnier.

How can my face wash routine be more sustainable?

Face soap that comes in the form of a bar is typically the best option since it requires little to no packaging. Other options include face wash that comes in infinitely recyclable glass bottles or refillable aluminum bottles. Read my next post for a list of 10 Sustainable Face Wash Options. Or, Make the Change with these DIY Recipes for your Skin Care Routine.