As a sustainability creator I share a ton of sustainable swaps, but these are my favorites of 2022 in the personal care category. Check out my favorites from 2021 here and stay tuned for more 2022 favorites in fashion and home.
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Sustainable Hair Care, Body Products, & Oral Care
Sustainable Hair care favorites
Eco Tools Scalp Massager ($7) – This has been key to my hair health this year! I use it with shampoo – especially my deep cleansing shampoo – to really get my scalp clean. I’ve noticed a big difference regarding product buildup since using it. There are plenty of scalp massager options out there, I just happened to choose this one since it’s a more sustainable option and it’s easy to get at Target!
Bars Over Bottles Detox Shampoo Bar ($15) – I’ve tried tons of shampoo bars so it’s a big statement when I say this one is a favorite of 2022. Since dyeing my hair this past summer I have been much more aware of any product that leaves buildup in my scalp or doesn’t really clean my oily scalp. This shampoo bar really works, and I switch off between this one and a clarifying liquid shampoo every other wash to prevent any buildup (which I’ve noticed happens more frequently when I only used shampoo bars).
Bars Over Bottles Ultra Moisturizing Conditioner Bar ($15) – I’ve struggled with conditioner bars not being moisturizing enough, but this one is amazing. I use it every time I wash my hair and it feels soft immediately after rinsing it out *and* after my hair is dry and styled. Big big fan of this conditioner bar, especially if you need something moisturizing.
sustainable body care favorites
Sugardoh Sugaring Paste ($35+) – I have been using a safety razor for hair removal since I was in college but liked the idea of waxing for a longer-term hair removal solution. Sugardoh is a sugar-based paste that pulls hair from the root similar to waxing. I like Sugardoh specifically because once you’ve finished you can compost the sugar! I find it works super well, especially for my underarms, and now find myself reaching for it more frequently compared to my safety razor. You can also find it at Urban Outfitters and Ulta.
Contemplation My Only Oil ($48) – This is a multi-purpose moisturizing dry oil that can be used to remove makeup, moisturize your body and face, tame flyaway hair, and in plenty of other ways. It’s from a small woman-owned business I partnered with earlier this year and it’s made with upcycled ingredients! It is fragrance-free and a little goes a long way! See my post with more information about it here.
Korres 3-In-1 Nourishing Oil ($38) – This is another multi-purpose dry oil featuring pure greek olive oil. It has the most WONDERFUL light scent and I often find myself skipping perfume when I use it. You can use it in your hair, on your face, and on your body. Korres has an impressive commitment to sustainability and a lot of close connections with their olive farmers. See a post I made earlier this year about it for more information here.
Hey Humans Coconut Mint Deodorant ($7) – A plastic free, aluminum free, natural deodorant that actually works and is priced reasonably???? This is a repeat favorite from 2021 and I still use it every single day. The coconut mint scent is my favorite but there are lots of good options.
sustainable oral care favorites
Bite Toothpaste Bits Fresh Mint with Fluoride ($48 for 4 month supply) – I’ve been using Bite toothpaste bits for *years* and I was so excited when they released their bits with fluoride this year. They’re a bit softer and easier to chew than the fluoride-free bits I’ve used before and the fresh mint has always been my favorite flavor. Use code ACTEEVISM for 10% off.
Bite Bamboo Toothbrush ($12 for 2 pack) – Another longtime favorite swap, these bamboo toothbrushes from Bite are great. They ship completely plastic-free in a small paper box. I get refills of the toothbrushes with my Bite bits subscription every four months. Use code ACTEEVISM for 10% off.
Brilliant Black Floss ($10) – I got this floss at my local bulk grocery store and it’s so great. I put it in my byHumankind floss packaging instead of buying refills from byHumankind! Great floss, just seems silly to buy one pack of floss online.
Sustainable SkinCare & Beauty Favorites
Sustainable Skincare FAvorites
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser ($36) – I have used this cleanser for two years straight and I still love it. The scent is so light and fresh and it does a great job of cleansing without stripping my skin. Also available at Sephora. Use code ACTEEVISM for 15% off.
Youth To The People Polypeptide-121 Future Cream ($64) – This has become my absolute favorite moisturizer. It soaks right into my skin and leaves it feeling so soft. For an extra bit of hydration I add a drop or two of the chia facial oil (linked below). If you’re healing your skin barrier this is a great moisturizer option. Use code ACTEEVISM for 15% off.
Cocokind Sea Kale Clay Mask ($19) – I’m a forever fan of Cocokind and this mask has become a staple in my skincare routine. It’s great especially when I have deep cystic acne forming. The clay mask is also available at Target.
Cocokind Chia Facial Oil ($18) – My dry skin has been loving this facial oil. I add a few drops to my moisturizer of the day for extra hydration or use a good layer of it overnight to lock moisture in from my routine. The Chia Oil is also available at Target and Ulta.
Cocokind Reusable Facial Rounds ($18) – If you find yourself reaching for cotton rounds these are a great low-waste swap. They’re super soft and are easy to wash in the laundry. These have been a favorite for two years now!
Sustainable Beauty Favorites
Ilia Multi-Stick in shade Lady Bird ($34) – This is the blush I reach for most often. It’s super easy to blend into the skin and leaves a really good rosy glow. It can be used as a lip and cheek color (and even on your eyes). I love Ilia products because they feel lightweight and don’t break out my skin after all day wear. You can also get the multi-stick at Sephora.
Ilia Limitless Mascara ($28) – The only mascara I use. It’s phenomenal. You can also get the Ilia mascara at Sephora.
Trestique Prime + Shine Lip Crayon in shade Pink Sands ($26) – Another favorite from 2021, this lip crayon convinced me that I actually like wearing something on my lips. It’s refillable and comes with a lip balm on the bottom end. My mom loves this lip color too!
Trestique Eye Shadow Crayon in shade Tahitian Shimmer ($24) – This is a cream eye shadow crayon in a really beautiful metallic taupe shade. Another refillable product, it comes with a brush on the bottom end to blend it out after applying.
Conscious Wellness Products & Habits
Viv For Your V Menstrual Cup ($20) – I’ve tried plenty of menstrual cups and this one is my favorite. The loop at the bottom makes removal much easier. It’s also incredibly reasonably priced compared to some other cups. Use code MEGAN15 for 15% off.
Modibodi Seamfree Recycled Menstrual Underwear ($31) – I’ve tried a bunch of different menstrual undies and these are my favorites. They’re smoothing, absorbent without feeling like you’re wearing a diaper, and they are available in sizes XS-6XL. The moderate-heavy full brief style is my favorite.
Ritual Essential Vitamins ($33) – I’m a big fan of Ritual because of their transparency regarding sourcing and ingredients. I will say these have a bit of a fishy aftertaste (even though they are vegan) but a friend at Ritual recommends taking them before bed to reduce any fishy burps.
NotPot CBD Gummies ($) – I’ve always admired NotPot’s holistic approach to cannabis – both in terms of sustainability and ethics but also in regards to its complexities with criminalization. Use code ACTEEVISM20 for 20% off.
Secondhand Bala Bangle Weights – These are an investment if you’re buying them new, but there are tons of discounted options on Poshmark and Depop.
Seed Cycling To Balance Hormones – This isn’t a product (and I don’t even have a specific resource to direct you to) but I’ve noticed a big difference by bringing some cycle-syncing changes to my life.