Sustainable and plastic-free in the bathroom? Too complicated, too uncomfortable, too time-consuming – thought BRIGITTE beauty editor Abenaa Namslau. Until she simply changed her care routine.
by Abenaa Namslau
I think it's clear that everyone should participate when it comes to environmental protection and sustainability. But: Besides cycling a lot and not flying much, I still have a lot to optimize in terms of a green lifestyle. As a beauty editor, I am facing the challenge: one week in the bathroom in the long term. Just see what I will take on in the long term afterwards.
Less plastic, more good ingredients
Big step in detox for the cosmetic cupboard: I want to switch from liquid to solid products in order to reduce packaging waste. And I would like to have clean ingredients instead of petroleum derivatives such as silicones, which are not degradable in the environment and end up in the wastewater with every shower and every time you wash your hair. On my foray through the organic supermarket, unpackaged shop, drugstore and natural cosmetics studio, I find a replacement. The beginning is difficult, shopping is a bit more complicated, you have to deal with things from scratch and find out which products you like at all. In terms of costs, a lot comes together for the time being. Much of what is classified under "sustainable" is more expensive, but should be more productive.
And then it starts – I test myself part by part …
Facial cleansing with coconut oil
Prejudice: only smears and does not clean. As it really is: I melt coconut oil on my fingertips, massage it in and take everything off with cotton washes, the reusable alternative to cotton pads. Even waterproof mascara goes down like oil. I like it! However, coconut oil can cause blackheads. So I switch to a vegan, "Natrue" -certified washing gel and then apply organic care with melon and moringa. You can use it in the evening and during the day, it also protects against bluelight and UV radiation. The changeover was really easy here!
Solid shampoo
Prejudice: Doesn't care for or foam properly. As it really is: I wash my hair with what is known as a shampoo bar (not to be confused with hair soap, which requires an acidic conditioner). Works great: foams, spreads out easily and rinses out again. The hair is grippy, my curls less frizzy, and a styling cream is no longer necessary.
Safety razor
Prejudice: near-murder in the bathroom! As it really is: The thing is really sharp, but also very thorough, even in the intimate zone. Thanks to great care, I survive without cuts and bloodbaths. Conclusion: it works, but it takes time and a sure instinct.
Cream deodorant
Prejudice: Without aluminum it will smell! As it really is: I apply the aluminum-free, probiotic cream deodorant with a spatula. It lasts the first day gently and odorless. From day two, however, a drop of bitterness: The deodorant recipe probably doesn't quite fit my skin – I notice olfactory disruptive factors if I don't re-cream for lunch. And although colleagues are absolutely thrilled with this cream deodorant: I can't (yet) do without aluminum.
Body butter
Prejudice: does not move in. What it really is like: After showering, I spread body butter on my skin and I'm shocked in love: lemony-fresh scent, cool, creamy, and with plant-based hyaluronic acid – I could throw myself into this pan every day!
Toothbrush tablets
Prejudice: taste disgusting and leave a furry feeling. As it really is: Toothbrush tablets are pasta replacements in tablet form, which can be bought in bulk, for example in unpackaged shops or in drugstores. This saves you the eternal plastic-aluminum tubes and lids, which, like toothbrushes, swim around en masse in the oceans. The fluoride-containing tablets are chewed, crumble in the mouth, are spread over the teeth with a moistened toothbrush: brush, rinse, done. Unusual! Like chewing up a peppermint dragee. There is hardly any foam, but it's okay. The microcellulose polishes the teeth, which is supposed to prevent deposits. Despite the unusual procedure: The feeling of freshness makes my normal pasta look old. I like it!
Homemade lip balms, scrubs and toners
Prejudice: Much too complicated. How it really is: To make sure that it works, I get a DIY set for lip balm, melt coconut oil and beeswax together in a water bath and stir in the shea butter. Works great. I also try a coffee peeling made from sugar and the remains of my morning espresso (see box). Done quickly, albeit with a little mess in the bathroom, and refreshing. I also prepare a toner from green tea, lemon juice and water. Since it is stored in the refrigerator, I forget it every evening. It becomes clear to me: Doing it yourself is not going to be mine – it is too much effort for me to constantly think about everything, to get it right, to store it correctly.
My conclusion after a week of Green Beauty?
I spent a little more money, but apart from the deodorant, all organic variants performed equally well or even better. And the peeling mess was quickly eliminated. The hurdle was in my head – I'll stick with it!
Abenaa Namslau was particularly impressed by the solid shampoo – it not only comes without a plastic bottle, it is also significantly more productive than the liquid colleague.
Mix it, baby!
What do we also like about these recipes? You already have most of the ingredients at home!
Deodorant
Have a small glass ready. It should be filled with coconut oil and baking soda in equal parts. If the coconut oil is still solid, heat it in a saucepan beforehand so that it becomes liquid. Fill into the glass. Fill the other half of the glass with baking soda. Mix and let cool. Application: rub pea-sized pieces under the armpits and, depending on how much you sweat, add more every three to four hours.
hair conditioner
Fill the 1 liter bottle with water, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, stir, done. Application: Apply conditioner to hair and ends of hair in the shower – be careful not to get anything in the eyes, rinse. Don't worry: the vinegar smell disappears completely as soon as the hair is dry, the feeling of the soft hair remains – as if you had used a conventional conditioner.
peeling
Depending on your skin type, mix the coffee grounds pure or with a little sugar, massage in and rinse off.
Would you like to read more about the topic and exchange ideas with other women? Then take a look at the “Skin Care and Cosmetics Forum” BRIGITTE community past!
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