Our ecological footprint is growing day by day as we continue to expend our planet’s resources. Beauty products are no exception to the turmoil of earth, as many products are made to be used one time and tossed out immediately, adding to our brimming landfills. Other products are made from harmful chemicals that can be damaging to your skin. Let’s explore alternatives to the cheap but detrimental beauty products we use today to help keep you safe and our planet in tip top shape.

1. BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSHES

When visiting the dentist, you come out with barely any feeling in your mouth and a goody bag filled with the usual hygiene tools that we all love to neglect. Because, yet again, a cavity was spotted, and your teeth need serious maintenance. The little bag is filled with all you need from toothpaste and floss to a toothbrush and a little case to hold all the items in. The problem is that all those little goods, are not that well, good.


The floss, toothbrush, paste, and even the case, are made of plastic and aren’t meant to be used for a long time. Where do these things end up? The garbage of course, and from there the landfill where it will never degrade. Instead, next time you visit the dentist, you can decline that goody bag and invest in a bamboo toothbrush that will last a lot longer. Bamboo toothbrushes have biodegradable bristles and their handles are environmentally sustainable. The best part is that it’s not super expensive! You can buy a set of two for around $7 on amazon.ca.

2. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Not everyone can afford the luxurious brands that Sephora has to offer, and a lot of the time people resort to drugstore toners and cleansers. An alternative to the chemicals in those products that can be harmful to certain skin types is apple cider vinegar. According to Healthline.com, “apple cider vinegar may help to reduce acne breakouts when used as a part of a daily skin care routine”. It is a raw ingredient that has organic acids and no added chemicals because it is literally fermented juice from apples.

3. CRUELTY-FREE MAKEUP BRUSHES

We are not the only creatures that live here, and sometimes we forget that animals should have right to life as well. It is a known fact that many makeup brands test on animals, some of which end up dying. There are many brands that are now cruelty-free, but there are many that still are not. Many of the drug store products, like Maybelline, are still not cruelty-free. Makeup brushes are no exception to the right of animals. Your face does not need to be tickled by the hairs of a dead squirrel or mink. Amazon offers some of these brushes at affordable prices, and even displays recyclable ones that are also cruelty-free.

4. REUSABLE MENSTRUAL CUP

Not all would enjoy this alternative as it is completely up to what you are comfortable with. However, menstrual cups like Diva Cups found in local stores, are made of silicon rubber and can be worn for 12 hours at a time. These cups are reusable and not as tedious or environmentally detrimental as pads and tampons. They are easy to clean and apply, but you should consult a doctor before making a switch to make sure it’s a safe alternative for you.

5. COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is honestly a superpower given to us mere mortals. It’s an oil that can be used for almost anything and everything. It can be a hydrating moisturizer, makeup remover, and nourishment for your hair. You can give your face and hair a coconut treatment and even use it as a cooking oil! This product is multi-purposeful and would reduce the purchasing of less eco-friendly products. This oil is also very affordable and can be bought in big containers for cheap.

6. CLOTH NURSING PADS

Dollarama cotton pads may be for a dollar, but they are one time use and can be annoying when the little cotton fluffs get stuck to your face. A more sustainable alternative is cloth nursing pads that serve as amazing makeup wipes. The cherry on top is that this eco-friendly beauty product is machine washable.

7. WASHCLOTHS

Like the nursing pads, bamboo washcloths can be great makeup wipes that feel as soft as baby’s rear. These eco-friendly alternatives are very affordable and come in value packs. Amazon offers packs of six for around $14. Chemical-free and machine washable, what more could you want?

8. SILK FLOSS

Remember that dentist visit we were talking about? Well, toothbrushes are not the only items in your bag of plastic good; that can be replaced for more environmentally friendly alternatives. Silk floss is made from mint and beeswax and completely biodegradable.

9. CHARCOAL WHITENING POWDER

This product comes in a reusable glass jar that makes a great alternative to toothpaste tubes used for teeth whitening. The powder can be bought on Amazon and local stores also provide charcoal teeth whitening powders. Make sure to buy brands that are natural and organic for optimal results.

10. RAZOR

This product comes in a reusable glass jar that makes a great alternative to toothpaste tubes used for teeth whitening. The powder can be bought on Amazon and local stores also provide charcoal teeth whitening powders. Make sure to buy brands that are natural and organic for optimal results.

These are just some of the alternatives to everyday items that we all use. Wherever there is a step for improvements, as in habitants of this wonderful planet, we should do our best to keep it alive and well. It can be the littlest changes, like using a wooden toothbrush instead of a plastic one, that can make our world a better place.