Sustainable products and why you should use them

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Sustainable beauty products have been gaining traction in the cosmetics industry, and for all the right reasons. According to this study, 9 out of 10 shoppers believe sustainability is an important factor to consider before buying a beauty product.

You might be wondering what are sustainable products?

Sustainable beauty products are those that are created with minimal impact on the environment, from sourcing raw materials to production and packaging. These products often utilize natural, organic, and responsibly sourced ingredients, and are free from harmful chemicals. 

The Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Beauty

  1. Environmentally Friendly: By opting for sustainable beauty products, consumers contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the beauty industry, such as deforestation, water pollution, and excessive waste.

  2. Healthier Formulations: Many sustainable beauty brands prioritize natural and organic ingredients, avoiding potentially harmful chemicals, making them gentler on the skin and body.

  3. Ethical Practices: Sustainable beauty brands often embrace fair trade and ethical sourcing practices, supporting local communities and small-scale producers. 

  4. Innovation and Quality: The focus on sustainability often drives innovation, resulting in high-quality, effective products that are not only good for the environment but also deliver excellent results.

A disadvantage of sustainable products is that they may have a shorter shelf life.

How to Identify Sustainable Beauty Products

When looking for sustainable beauty products, keep an eye out for the following characteristics:

  • Certified organic or natural ingredients
  • Cruelty-free and vegan certifications
  • Recyclable or biodegradable packaging
  • Minimal use of synthetic chemicals and preservatives

Embracing a Greener Beauty Routine

Making the switch to sustainable beauty products is a step towards a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. There are a plethora of sustainable options available to cater to every beauty need. In our previous posts, we looked at some popular synthetic chemicals and ingredients’ effect on your health, as well as animal testing in the skincare (cosmetic) industry.

By supporting sustainable beauty brands, you not only take care of your own well-being but also contribute to the preservation of the planet. It’s a small yet impactful way to make a difference, one beauty product at a time.

References (click to view)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessibaker/2022/10/17/79-of-beauty-shoppers-have-doubts-about-sustainability-claims–how-can-brands-rebuild-trust/?sh=2fe50d00e8d6

Let’s talk about animal testing in the skincare industry

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

“Globally around 500,000 animals suffer and die just for cosmetics each year”- Humane Society International. In the beauty industry animal testing is when brands use their products on animals and observe their reactions. It sounds harmless right? It actually isn’t.

In this process they shave their fur, rub the product/ingredients into their exposed skin, inject them, put it in their eyes and force them to ingest it through their mouths. After which the animals are usually killed and dissected. Some of these animals include mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, baboons, cats, cows, dogs, ferrets, pigs, hamsters and more. This is where cruelty-free brands and products come in.

Cruelty-free on a product means that it was not tested on animals. Cruelty Free International offers Leaping Bunny certification for beauty companies which is internationally recognized.

This post is to spread awareness about animal cruelty.

Testing beauty products on animals is banned in the European Union (EU), United Kingdom, Colombia, Guatemala, South Korea amongst others. Twelve US states have banned the sale of products tested on animals. They are California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia and Washington.

On the other hand, they are better alternatives to animal testing like taking human cells, tissue or bacteria and testing it in a tube. Another is using advanced computer technology.

Normally most cruelty-free brands are also natural or vegan. This makes businesses of all sizes willing and able to test their products on themselves or others involved in their process. Some brands to try are Urban Hydration, Good Molecules and Bliss.

Join the movement and support cruelty-free brands 🐰 to help ban animal testing worldwide.

References (click to view)

https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/make-change/cosmetics

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/cosmetics-animal-testing-faq#:~:text=When%20choosing%20to%20develop%20or,safety%20of%20these%20new%20ingredients.

The wonders of Aloe Vera for your skin and overall health

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Picture of hummingbird on Aloe Vera Plant benefits for skincare and overall health. By Capital Femme

Aloe Vera, in Jamaica it is also known as Sinkle bible. It is usually grown in tropical, semi- tropical zones but can be found all over the world. It thrives in warm, dry climates. This plant has many purposes, especially for skincare. Let’s look at a few of them.

Skincare benefits

It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can be used to treat numerous skin conditions. This plant has healing powers and can help treat cuts, scrapes minor burns including sunburn and minor wounds.

Due to its anti-bacterial properties, it helps manage excessive acne. It is also anti-inflammatory and soothes redness, flare-ups, irritation and promotes healing of acne scars. 

The antioxidants found in Aloe help fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. 

Some of its additional benefits are moisturizing oily and dry skin, soothing inflammation, frostbite, cold sores, eczema and psoriasis.

For oily skin, aloe vera works because it has high water content which hydrates the skin and is a non-greasy moisturizer. Aloe vera can also be used as a toner as it is gentle enough that it won’t dry out your skin while helping to control oil production.

This plant is also known to help with wrinkles by increasing collagen production and improving skin elasticity.

The most potent form of the plant is the gel, you can use Over-the-counter aloe gel or you can use it directly from the plant.

Digestive benefits

When consumed aloe vera can be used to reduce:

Dental plaque – It can be used as an alternative to chemical mouthwash and can provide relief from bleeding or swollen gums.

Constipation – laxatives within the plant may help relieve constipation.

Blood sugar levels – consuming aloe vera can help persons with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Aloe vera is a rich source of:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • Beta-carotene
  • Calcium
  • Folic Acid
  • Magnesium

Precautions

It may soothe sunburn but is not a replacement for sunscreen. So please use your sun protection. You can be sensitive to aloe vera and should try a small patch test on somewhere like your forearm. If you experience any adverse reaction stop using it. Try not to use this plant too frequently.

Finally

Aloe vera is a succulent plant packed with many benefits including skin care, digestion and nutrition. There are studies and data available that back these claims. However, you should be cautious of how much aloe you consume. This natural resource is truly extraordinary and with care can be great for your health.