Several global initiatives have gone a long way in raising greater awareness around our collective responsibility as consumers. Although there is still much work to be done, many consumers are more aware of how their buying decisions impact people and the planet. Within the context of the looming environmental crisis, issues surrounding the conservation and preservation of the natural world have come to the fore as being some of the most pressing challenges we face as a global community.

Brands like Inlight Beauty have taken up this mantle, not only because making more conscious decisions is better for our bodies, but also because being discerning about the beauty products we buy is good for the environment and for the communities it supports.

Beauty that costs the earth

One of the most important ecosystems we need to protect and preserve exists within the ocean. Pollution is a grave threat to our oceans and its detrimental effects are both far-reaching and profound. Plastic waste, for example, can be ingested by marine animals, leading to physical harm, starvation and even death. Pollution also has significant economic repercussions. The degradation of marine ecosystems can negatively impact industries such as fisheries and tourism, which millions of people rely on for their livelihoods. Cleaning up pollution, responding to oil spills, and mitigating its consequences also come at a substantial cost.

Furthermore, pollution, particularly black carbon (soot), can settle on ice and snow in polar regions, reducing their reflectivity and accelerating the melting of ice. This contributes to rising sea levels and further exacerbates the effects of climate change. But apart from the material waste that ends up in landfills and eventually the oceans, there is also a chemical component of pollution to consider – the invisible, liquid pollutants that damage coral reefs, disrupt the balance of the marine ecosystem and destroy sea vegetation.

3 toxic ingredients commonly found in beauty products – and our suggested alternatives

As researchers learn more about the impact that our behaviour has on the environment and the balance it needs to survive, more evidence has surfaced about the harmful ingredients found in some of the world’s most popular skincare brands. A number of the chemicals used in the products we use to look beautiful, produce negative effects that inevitably end up harming our health in ways that many consumers do not yet realise.

These are some of the common culprits that researchers have identified as being toxic to the ocean as well as our suggestions on natural, eco-friendly skincare alternatives that will get the job done, without any negative impact.

1. Microbeads

Those little, seemingly harmless beads in some skincare products are like stealthy troublemakers when they wash down your drain. They're so tiny that they slip through wastewater treatment filters and end up in our oceans. But here's the catch: they're not harmless at all.

These microbeads are often made of plastic, and that's where the problem begins. Microbeads are ingested by fish, which absorb these toxins into their bodies. They can also settle on the ocean floor, disrupting ecosystems and harming marine life. So, while we all want radiant skin, let's make sure our beauty products aren't leaving a not-so-beautiful mark on our oceans. Choose ocean-friendly skincare products that are microbead-free and help keep our environment clean. After all, we're all connected to this incredible blue planet, and it's up to us to keep it as pristine as possible.

Our organic beauty alternative: Inlight Beauty Chocolate Mask

If exfoliation is what you’re after, look no further than our decadent Inlight Beauty Chocolate Mask. In it you’ll find organic cacao for a luxurious on-skin texture; argan oil to nourish, refine and detox pores; rose to restore and balance the skin; and baobab – the 21st century superfood to gently exfoliate and deliver a burst of antioxidant protection.

As Dr Spiezia explains: "I formulated this most intensive, nourishing mask to transform the appearance of the skin without the action of harsh, chemical peels, which damage the protective mantle of the skin, causing it to secrete extra sebum, making it appear oily and sensitized."

2. Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic chemical commonly found in a variety of personal care products like antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, and even beauty products. Due to its widespread use, it inevitably ends up in our sewage systems, ultimately finding its way into rivers and oceans through wastewater outlets.

Once in the water, triclosan doesn't disappear. Instead, it lingers, and that's where the trouble begins. Research has shown that triclosan can disrupt aquatic ecosystems by inhibiting the growth of algae, which serves as a crucial food source for many marine species. This disruption can have a ripple effect throughout the food chain, impacting everything from small fish to larger predators. Triclosan is not only harmful in its own right but also contributes to a larger problem – the accumulation of toxins in marine organisms. As it moves up the food chain, triclosan accumulates in the bodies of marine life, increasing in concentration with each trophic level. This means that the higher you go on the food chain, the more triclosan you're likely to find.

Our ocean-friendly skincare solution: Inlight Beauty Propolis & Tea Tree Rescue Balm

100% organic propolis, tea tree, frankincense and meem oils bring their renowned antibacterial benefits to this powerful formula. It’s suitable for both face and body areas in need of attention. The Inlight Beauty Propolis & Tea Tree Rescue Balm is an effective and pure response for problem prone skin of all kinds and can assist with soothing skin that is prone to acne or breakouts, athletes’ foot and other minor skin infections.

3. Silicone

While silicone can give you a sense of instant gratification when it comes to creating softer skin, it comes at an environmental cost, especially for our oceans. Silicone doesn't biodegrade easily, so when you wash off that face mask or scrub, the silicone residues are washed down the drain, ultimately ending up in our waterways. Unlike some other pollutants, silicone doesn't break down quickly, which means it lingers in the environment.

Silicone can also create a barrier on the coral's surface, hindering this exchange and potentially smothering the coral. This interference can weaken the coral, making them more vulnerable to stressors like rising sea temperatures and pollution.

Try this eco-friendly skincare product instead: Inlight Beauty Face Serum

Need hydration and silky soft skin? We’ve got something from nature just for that. Bring back your inner radiance with our 4-week Inlight Beauty Face Serum treatment designed to support your skin alongside the changing rhythms of the seasons and moon cycles.

You’ll find gemstones nestled in each vial, individually lovingly cleansed and charged over the course of two months by Dr Spiezia himself to subtly restore and enhance your skin's own frequency. The added affirmation cards make each week a wholesome ritual. This is Dr Spiezia’s most exclusive product to date, and is produced in very small batches of 50 and only 4 times a year.

Pretty packaging that’s made of the good stuff

One of the easiest ways you can help turn the tide against ocean pollution is to make wise decisions around the beauty products you buy and what they are packaged in. Our packaging is predominantly crafted from recycled materials and, of course, is recyclable itself.

When it comes to our eye-catching branded outer packaging and marketing materials, rest assured they bear the FSC seal of approval, and they're printed locally using recycled materials and environmentally-friendly vegetable inks. For our primary packaging, we've chosen MIRON violet glass, a deliberate selection aimed at shielding our products from harmful UV light. This not only extends the lifespan of our products but also preserves the quality and potency of the ingredients within.

In our Deluxe line, you'll find colorful recyclable glass containers, showcasing our dedication to sustainable choices in every aspect of our business. We're continuously watchful, ensuring that our consumption aligns with a mindful ethos. Even our milk is delivered in glass bottles, and our toilet paper is made from post-consumer waste fibers, free from plastic packaging. We firmly believe that these small, conscientious steps will collectively lead to significant positive changes for our planet.

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