Anyone who is engaged in health and sustainability will sooner or later come across the field of body care and cosmetics. Maybe you have already thought about whether your deodorant or face cream is really healthy.

Especially in the last few years, the cosmetics industry has had to deal with criticism regarding animal testing and the excessive use of plastic in packaging and unfortunately also in the products themselves. One reason for this is higher awareness and a change in consumer thinking. If you go to a drugstore, you can see the changes that have been happening for some time now. By now there are many more offers in the field of natural cosmetics and also well-known cosmetic brands promote their products with labels like ” non-animal-tested”, “organic”, “aluminum-free” or even “vegan”. The packaging is largely moving away from plastic and towards paper. But what makes cosmetics sustainable?

Natural and organic cosmetics

While conventional cosmetic products may contain everything that is legally allowed, manufacturers of natural cosmetics commit themselves to use a certain percentage of raw materials of natural origin. However, these can also be chemical by-products of natural materials. Animal substances such as beeswax and lanolin can also be used.

Organic cosmetics go even further. In order to obtain the “organic” certificate, it is essential that the legally prescribed percentage of raw materials from controlled organic sources is met. However, these requirements depend strongly on the respective certification authority and therefore differ considerably.

Plastic-free products

You will also find a wide range of plastic-free products. Microplastic, which is mainly contained in body peelings, is replaced by ground apricot seeds or almonds in plastic-free cosmetics. Coffee grind is also used as peeling in many face and body care products. By the way, you can also do this yourself by simply adding the coffee grind from your coffee in the morning to your body lotion or face care product. The skin will be beautifully soft and feels great afterwards. But be careful: when you do your own peeling, rub the coffee grind more gently into your face so that the skin is not rubbed too hard.

Conventional deodorants contain aluminum salts, which are suspected of increasing the risk of cancer. Again, you will find great sustainable alternatives in the form of creams or deodorant sticks that are not only sustainable but also vegan, free of micro-plastics, aluminum salts and animal testing. By the way, in our Insights, we also have a great tip for a DIY deodorant.

Zero waste

For products in the zero waste category, there is ideally no waste. However, the minimum requirement is that the raw materials can be recycled, so that a material cycle can be created and resources can be saved at the same time. Zero waste products are a counter-movement to disposable products, which generate a lot of waste. Examples of Zero Waste products are toothbrushes with wooden handles and plant-based hair dyes. They protect the environment and are healthier.

Sustainable cosmetics also play an important role in our Green Pearls®. We’ve picked some of our Green Pearls® hotels that are setting a great example in this area.

Rehleggsed do-it-yourself natural cosmetics

In the herbal kitchen of the Berghotel Rehlegg it smells beautifully of rosemary, melissa & Co. Guests of the hotel are regularly offered courses in which different natural cosmetic products are produced. The herbalist Doris Hasenknopf and the employees of the SPA’s Almwiesn also produce the cosmetic products for the “Rehlegger Kräuterfee” in the herbal kitchen. You may look them over the shoulder or join them yourself: peelings, masks, herbal salts and spices, shower gel, or lip balm. Of course, you can also take the home-made products home with you.

From garden to skin

It could hardly be more sustainable: At Maslina Resort in Croatia, the herbs from the garden move directly onto your skin. All care products in the rooms are made from oils and herbs that are grown locally. The oils and herbs used for the spa’s beauty treatments and massages are part of the “Garden-to-Skin” concept and developed especially for the Pharomatiq Spa.

Relaxing lavender and natural cosmetics at Okelmann’s

The Okelmann’s offers its guests homemade lavender bath salts on request. It is also perfect for cyclists, who, depending on availability, are offered a room with a shower and bathtub and can relax in a bath with the homemade lavender bath salts. Lots of products from selected organic cosmetic companies are also available in the shop of the hotel, the Café Heimatliebe. Here you will find natural cosmetics from Speick, Lenz, Hydrophil and Sodasan.

Animal-free with Hauschka

The hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA offers exclusively non-animal-tested natural cosmetic products from Dr. Hauschka and Pharmos Natur products. As an essential part of Dr. Hauschka’s corporate philosophy, sustainability and environmental protection play a major role in these products. The plants, oils and waxes are obtained almost exclusively from controlled organic cultivation, preferably in biodynamic quality and from fair trade. Pharmos Natural Skin Care consists of 100 % organic Aloe Vera juice, which is known as a precious healing and rejuvenating plant.

BE […] MY FRIEND is the motto of the gourmet hotel Die Forelle

The label from Austria stands for natural, vegan and purely plant-based skincare. The products are made from the purest organic ingredients for maximum care and minimum stress for your skin. In our Green Pearls® hotel Genießerhotel Die Forelle great value is placed on natural cosmetics, which is why guests are offered soaps and lotions from BE […] MY FRIEND: BE SOAP MY FRIEND, BE LOTION MY FRIEND.

Seaweeds and natural raw materials

When selecting care and cosmetic products, the OCÉANO Hotel Health Spa places great emphasis on the highest quality and natural ingredients. To this end, the hotel has selected two suppliers that match OCÉANO’s high and sustainable standards:

• THALGO – LA BEAUTÉ MARINE – EFFECTIVE COSMETICS FROM THE SEA
  The minerals, micronutrients and vitamins contained in seaweed are particularly well absorbed by the skin and are extremely well-tolerated and completely natural.
• NATURAL COSMETICS DR JOSEPH
  A new generation of skincare – 100% natural raw materials for lasting effect, immediate visibility and maximum impact.

Read more: How beauty care and environment are related

Read more: Eco-friendly sunscreen: What does sun protection have to do with corals?

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