Zero waste natural alternatives to Botox
Botox is used to reduce face wrinkles. But not only is it a poison (used in medicine to stop sweating) and expensive, it’s also painful. And campaigners want it banned for cosmetic use, as the law now says no cosmetic product can be tested on animals.
But as a medical product, each fresh batch of Botox is tested on mice. Natural Botox alternatives are therefore kind to mice, the planet and your skin. They are also less expensive, and don’t hurt!
One way to stop wrinkles is to avoid strong sun. Most natural sunscreens contain zinc oxide (toxic to pets) so wash off before letting them kiss you (same with cosmetics, deodorants and cocoa butter creams).
Check with GP before taking supplements if on medication (or pregnant/nursing). Recycle unused supplements/medicines at pharmacies (never flush them down the loo).
Nothing Fishy’s vegan collagen supplement
Nothing Fishy (use code ENGNF15 for 15% off first purchase) is a plant-based collagen supplement, sold in glass bottles with refill pouches.
Designed to mimic human collagen (which we start to lose in our mid 20s), this avoids bovine (cow) collagen, and promises stronger skin, hair, nails and joints in just 8 weeks.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and when it begins to decline, you may notice more fine lines, duller skin, thinner hair, weaker nails and creakier joints!
This supplement replicates the correct amino acid formulation of type-1 human collagen, via controlled fermentation. It also is enriched with vitamin C, biotin, bamboo, ginseng and matcha for extra support.
Available in natural or mango flavour, just add one daily scoop to 500ml of water, juice or any favourite drink. They recommend mixing the natural flavour into flavoured drinks.
Don’t mix with coffee, as this can reduce effects (don’t take within 30 minutes of drinking a cup of coffee either).
In 8 weeks, expect:
- A visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- A visible reduction in skin redness
- A visible increase in skin smoothness
Despite taking 8 weeks for visible results, this supplements begins to work within 2 days, giving 135% increase in collagen production. And you should start seeing the first visible results within 2 weeks.
Together Health Beauty Supplement (in eco packs)
Together Health Beauty Supplement (in eco packs) is a quality vegan supplement sold in paper packaging, designed to improve your skin, hair and nails. It contains 19 vitamins and minerals along with natural hyaluronic acid for hydration, collagen-boosting vitamin C and silica (from bamboo extract).
The capsules are made from plant cellulose from the Pinus Elliottii tree, and can be separated and the contents mixed with food or drink if preferred.
The supplements are sold in easy to recycle pouches that are plastic-free and contain a protective film made from wood pulp. All layers are home compostible.
Subscribe online for big savings, and get double rewards cash on orders, you can pause or cancel anytime.
This supplement features:
- Biotin for hair health
- Zinc for nail health
- Niacin for healthy skin
- Vitamin C for collagen formation
- Beta carotene from organic carrots
- Vitamin E from sunflower seeds
Feel Beauty Gummies (for skin, hair and nails)
Feel Beauty Gummies are clinically proven to support skin and hair health, with results in 90 days. Keep these away from children and pets, as they look like sweets.
Use discount code WELCOME_20 for 20% off first subscription order (not for bundles nor combined with other discount codes).
- Month 1 – water-soluble vitamin C, biotin and selenium should start to produce results in weeks (vitamin c makes collagen for plump skin, biotin for hair and skin health and selenium for nails). Careflow improves the transport of oxygen and nutrients from blood to the skin.
- Month 2 – More improvements in skin, hair and nails.
- 3 months – plumper and hydrated skin and better hair growth and strength. Stronger nails.
Hair grows in phases. So you may find that the ‘old weak hair’ falls first, and then you’ll have to wait a few weeks for stronger hair to grow in. So give it 3 months to work.
Fingernails can take up to 6 months to grow out entirely.
Feel Pro Collagen Supplement
Pro Collagen Watermelon is a quality vegan supplement designed to transform your skin, plus supports hair and nail growth. It’s clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by 22.4% in 28 days, and 32.9% in 8 weeks. And increases collagen production by 135%. Identical to human type-1 collagen, it contains all 19 amino acids.
Use discount code WELCOME_20 for 20% off first subscription order (not for bundles nor combined with other discount codes).
- Month 1 – Skin starts to feel more plump and hydrated, and hair and nails begin to improve
- Month 2 Wrinkles start to reduce and better hair and nail health, plus better joint health due to supported connective tissue and cartilage. Vitamin C should also give more oxygen.
- Month 3 – Better skin and also gut health, which in itself leads to clearer skin
- 1 year and after – Fewer lines and wrinles, plumper skin and stronger hair and nails. Plus better joint mobility and digestion.
What is collagen?
Collagen makes up 30% of all protein in the human body, and plays a key role in the structure, elasticity and strength of skin. Type 1 is good for skin health and contains all essential amino acids. And gives radiant skin, stronger hair and healthier joints.
Raw Beauty Lab (from a Miss World contestant!)
Raw Beauty Lab offers a vegan collagen supplement trusted by over 20,000 happy customers. Created by a former Miss World contestant (and scientist – who obviously wanted more than world peace) and her husband, it’s sold with a reusable scoop and a special version for pregnancy (don’t use the other one as it contains vitamin A – still consult with GP before using).
You should start seeing results within 4 weeks, and there are plenty of before/after photos to view before you buy. Just mix the powder (in plastic-free packaging) into water, juice or smoothies.
The brand also offers vegan collagen facial masks and a vegan collagen jelly, in a glass jar. You can use standalone or with the supplements. The only caveat as is that none of them, will make you look like her (she ‘s a former Miss World contestant!)
Recently, this brand also has released the supplement in capsule form, along with a facial mask and beauty collagen facial jelly, which you can use standalone, or in conjunction with the supplement.
Vegan Vitality: A vegan collagen supplement
Vegan Vitality (code ENGNAT15 for 15% discount) offers a vegan collagen that uses plant-based extracts like acerola cherry and bamboo, plus L-lysine, biotin and 5 essential vitamins.
Sold in easily-recycled kraft paper packaging, this is 3rd party tested by independent labs for quality and safety. These supplements use a blend of vitamin C, silica, zinc and copper (along with protein amino acids) to help you create your own collagen naturally.
Omvits (plant-based collagen supplements)
Kind Collagen is a quality vegan supplement, to help plump up your skin without animal collagen (from bones and hooves). Easy to take, it has fantastic results, ideal for people with dry or ageing skin.
This version absorbs 5 times better, and is infused with (vegan) hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for maximum benefits. To use, just blend the unflavoured powder into smoothies, water or coffee. Each pack contains 30 servings. Free delivery over £25.
Over 8 weeks, clinical studies from users found:
- 53% reduction in fine lines
- 47% reduction in hair fall
- 50% improvement in hair growth
- 22% improvement in skin hydration
- 21% improvement in skin elasticity
- 21% improvement in hair thickness
Green People Line Eraser Serum
Green People’s line eraser serum is made with sea holly stem cell extract, to boost hydration by as much as 95%, while baobab firms and baicalin works to restore skin to ten years before! This can firm skin within 15 minutes, and sinks into the skin, free from irritating alcohol.
It can also visibly rejuvenate lines around the lips and eyes, use for four weeks to notice smoother skin.
Avoid beauty products with essential oils if pregnant/nursing. Many skincare items contain cocoa butter and/or zinc oxide (also found in sunscreens, cosmetics and deodorants). So if you live with pets, wash your skin before letting pets kiss you, or avoid items containing them.
Most kerbsides recycle plastic packaging. You can also recycle (including pipettes and hard-to-recycle items) at any Boots store (look for the recycling box).
Serums are applied to the face, neck and décolletage after cleansing the skin, but before you apply skin cream. You only need a few drops to pat onto the skin. Recommended by dermatologists, choose one with natural ingredients. They don’t have to be silly expensive, it matters more what they are made with.
Frownies (anti-wrinkle patches to stick on your face!)
Frownies have been around since the 30s, when Hollywood stars would wear them overnight, before heading to the Oscars. These are temporary fixes that stick to your face using water-based adhesive for a few hours to ‘iron out wrinkles’. Do not use on neck area, nor under the eyes.
When you take them off, your wrinkles return! But they are cheap and harmless, acting like splits on lines between the eyes and crows’ feet. Just tear the perforations, massage your wrinkle lines for 10 seconds, then press and leave for a few hours, soaking with water to remove.
Plenty of users say Frownies help soften their ’11s’ (lines between the eyebrows) and make deep furrows less noticeable over time. For best results:
- Cleanse and dry your face before applying.
- Moisten the patch edges for a better grip.
- Wear overnight at least three to four times a week.
Many see firmer skin in just a few weeks.
Visiting from the USA? Try Futurekind
Futurekind collagen supplements are only sold in North America. These are also top-quality and made with plant-based ingredients, profits help animal sanctuaries worldwide.
