Using an old-fashioned flannel to wash your face, is much better than disposable facial wipes, that are wasteful, expensive and usually sold in plastic packaging. They also cause blocked drains and garden floods, if wrongly flushed down the toilet. Disposable wipes are one of the main ‘ingredients’ of ‘fatbergs’ (great balls of goo found in sewers made up of non-biodegradable waste like tampons, condoms and cotton buds). One giant one in London (affectionately named ‘Fatty McFatberg’) took ages to tear apart and recycle.
Scottish company Seilich has just become the world’s first cosmetics company to be awarded the certified wildlife-friendly award. This is because it grows Scottish wildflowers to help pollinators, which form the base of its products, and only harvests at the optimum time, to avoid disturbing wildlife. It also quite uniquely does not use essential oils, preferring to use all parts of the plants instead. It also makes these lovely face cloths made locally from recycled materials. These are made from leftover textile yarn, then crocheted to gently exfoliate. Includes a hanging loop.
Organic cotton costs a little more, but the fibres last longer, as they have not been damaged by chemicals. It’s also softer and gentler on sensitive skin. Buying organic cotton sends a message to companies that you support good environmental and animal welfare, and care for farmers who have to pick cotton in hot weather (more comfortable if they don’t have to wear protective clothing, due to chemicals).
Tabitha Eve Muslin Cloth is a washable square bamboo muslin cloth, made with organic cotton, perfect as a facecloth or for babies. Can be laundered on cool, line dry. Sold in 3 sizes.
UpCircle Organic Cotton Unbleached Muslin Cloths are made from certified double-layered cloth to remove your favourite natural cleansers and face masks. Completely unbleached and without dye, these are ideal for sensitive skin. The natural off-white open weave is lightweight and machine-washable.
Dampen with warm water before use. Then use to gently remove beauty products from your face and neck. Also works perfectly for removing natural facial exfoliators. Organic cotton is much better for the planet, as it protects wildlife, water and the earth, and also the farmers who grow the cotton. As fibres are not damaged by chemicals, it also lasts longer (and does not break off microplastics in the machine, when laundered).
Just perfect for washing off face balm. The organic material is soft, and dries in a wink!
Beauty Kitchen Dual-Sided Reusable Face Cloth is made from 70% hemp and 30% cotton, so is totally biodegradable and can be safely washed, without depositing plastic fibres in the washing machine (which happens with nylon or polyester). Ideal to remove makeup or exfoliate your skin, it’s an affordable alternative to single-use wipes, and perfect for daily cleansing. Also available as a set of large cleansing pads.
Just use with warm water and your favourite organic cleanser. Rinse well with warm water after use, squeeze away excess water and hang to dry. At end of use, just cut it up and add to the compost bin (be sure to use organic cleansers).
This body-cleansing konjac sponge is an ideal alternative to nylon sponges or chemical exfoliating creams. Made from sustainable plant roots (a bit like a Japanese potato!), this super-gentle sponge gently cleansings and exfoliates for soft clean skin. To use, just rinse in warm water to soft, and use in the shower or bath. You can use on its own, or with a little of your favourite organic soap or cleanser. After two or three months, you can cut it up and compost it (snip the strip beforehand, to avoid hazards to garden creatures).
Konjac root is very gentle on the skin, and often recommended for clogged pores and acne. It contains 40% glucomannan that can expand up to 17 times when in contact with water. So it’s great to retain moisture and keep the epidermis hydrated, which helps to smooth out the appearance of wrinkles.
