The Low Waste Skincare Guide

When we started being mindful of our consumption habits and waste output, we were tempted to keep our skincare regimen as minimal as possible. And we were tempted to have a product selection that promoted an expert minimalist routine. 

We know we aren't alone. For many of us, our first exposures to low waste products led us to believe we should only be using products from the kitchen on our skin, or that anything with more than 3 or 4 ingredients was over-complicated and unnecessary. 

But we know that for some of us, minimal just doesn't work when it comes to our skin. We might have specific concerns that we want to target, or we might know that a multi-step regimen is our best shot at great results. And we know that sometimes synthetic and hard-to-pronounce ingredients have been proven to offer benefits to our skin that you simply can't find in a product out of your kitchen cabinet. So instead of relying solely on minimalism to achieve a low waste and plastic-minimal personal care routine, we're sharing some products for a variety of skin concerns and for each step in your regimen. Because having glowy skin and minimizing plastic and waste are not mutually exclusive pursuits! And because making well-informed purchasing decisions is one of the best ways we can avoid overconsumption and waste.

Pardon the clichè, but it has to be said: healthy skin starts from within. If you aren't already maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated, topical products are only going to take you so far. We'd also recommend trying an oral supplement that contains some essential nutrients like Vitamin C and Zinc. 

Hyperpigmentation/Dark Spots

You're looking to combat and prevent damage to your skin from sun exposure. Take special care to incorporate some antioxidant-heavy products into your routine (products containing Vitamins C and E, or other antioxidants). If you have some products you already love, but are lacking in their antioxidant power, supplement with Topical-C Powder, which can be mixed with your favorite serum, moisturizer, or face oil.

Cleanser: Pa'akai Cleansing Cream contains antioxidant-rich hibiscus, and seaweed to aid in your skin's natural repair process.

Exfoliate: Hawaiian Beauty Water is a gentle “chemical” exfoliant (as opposed to a “physical” exfoliant that uses abrasion). It relies on papaya enzymes and hibiscus to deliver a luminous complexion, tighter looking pores, and a fresh face.

Serum: Brightening C-Serum evens complexion, treats discoloration, and contains anti-oxidants for pollution protection throughout the day.

Eye cream: Arame Nourishing Eye Cream^PF is a light-weight undereye moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, and arame seaweed to firm & awaken delicate eye skin and combat dark circles & puffiness. Elderflower + Yarrow Eye Cream^PF is a firm salve that relies on an herbal infusion to lighten dark circles, tighten skin, and smooth out fine lines.

Moisturize: Deep Serum contains a potent blend of nutrient-dense oils, including some packed with vitamin C, that help tighten skin, stimulate cell regeneration, and brighten. For night-time, Aloha Youth Serum contains Bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative that can brighten and even skin tone. Hibiscus Beauty Booster can be used before, or in place of, another moisturizer for an extra punch of antioxidant power. It contains astaxanthin, which boasts 6000x the antioxidants power of vitamin C. 

Sun-protection: Tinted SPF Moisturizer^PF is extra moisturizing and has a subtle tint to provide a bit of extra coverage. Mix in your hand with Brightening C-Serum for a lighter consistency. Essential Tinted SPF also provides some coverage, and contains a blend of plant oils to nourish and leave skin looking dewy and radiant.

Aging

Your skin is starting to show your wisdom and you're looking to embrace this process with an abundance of grace. Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the first lines of defense to having only the cutest of wrinkles. You're also wanting to promote cell turnover, and prevent and treat sun damage with antioxidants.

Cleanser: Refresh Cleansing Grains^PF contain matcha for anti-aging and quinoa to promote elasticity. If you're more of a liquid soap person, Moon Milk moisturizes as you cleanse with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and prevent wrinkles.

Exfoliate: The Dry Facial Brush^PF (use on dry skin after cleansing) or Wet Facial Brush^PF (use with water while cleansing) remove dead skin cells, minimize wrinkles, and can help with lymphatic drainage. Limit exfoliation to a couple of times per week to avoid over-drying, and add a barrier repairing product to your routine, such as Barrier Boosting Kiwi Essence, to keep your skin barrier healthy after exfoliation, and to better retain moisture.

Mask: The Refresh Facial Mask^PF contains matcha and kelp powder, both of which have anti-aging benefits and protect against sun damage.

Toner: Essential Hydrating Toner contains ingredients like glycerin and flax to target dullness and dryness and improve the skin's radiance. 

Serum: Brightening C-Serum evens complexion, treats discoloration, and contains antioxidants for pollution protection throughout the day. Hibiscus Beauty Booster can be used before, or in place of, another moisturizer for an extra punch of antioxidant power. It contains astaxanthin, which boasts 6000x the antioxidants power of vitamin C. 

Eye cream: Arame Nourishing Eye Cream^PF is a light-weight undereye moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, and arame seaweed to firm & awaken delicate eye skin and combat dark circles & puffiness. Elderflower + Yarrow Eye Cream^PF is a firm salve that relies on an herbal infusion to lighten dark circles, tighten skin, and smooth out fine lines.

Moisturize: Deep Serum contains a potent blend of nutrient-dense oils, including some packed with vitamin C, that help tighten skin, stimulate cell regeneration, and brighten.

Sun-protection: Malu Day Cream SPF keeps your skin protected from the sun with a combination of reef-safe ingredients that deliver a light texture and don’t leave a white cast on the skin. Essential Tinted SPF provides some extra coverage, and contains a blend of plant oils specifically formulated with aging skin in mind.

Add an extra dose of antioxidants to your routine with Topical-C Powder, which can be mixed with your favorite serum, moisturizer, or face oil.

Acne-Prone

You're looking to keep bacteria off the surface of your skin to avoid clogged pores, and to minimize acne scars. Your go-to products will be cleansing, bacteria-repelling, and non-greasy.

Cleanser: ONYX | Detoxifying Facial Cleansing Bar^PF is made with activated charcoal to draw out dirt & toxins from the pores. For a gentler, soap-free cleanse, Detox Cleansing Grains^PF is a water-less and soap-less cleanser that also contains charcoal to cleanse & purify.

Exfoliate: Wet Facial Brush^PF (use with water while cleansing) removes dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores.

Mask: Oh Whale Aqua Mask^PF has a detoxifying blend of botanicals that deep clean and purify pores. 

Toner: Porefect Toner is powered by a fruit acid complex to clear sebum buildup and minimize pores.

Moisturize: Soothe | Tea Tree Oil-Based Acne Treatment^R contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory tea tree oil that heals acne and treats acne scars. 

Sun-protection: Malu Day Cream SPF keeps your skin protected from the sun with a combination of reef-safe ingredients that deliver a light texture and don’t leave a white cast on the skin. For those looking for a bit of extra coverage, Tinted SPF Moisturizer^PF has a subtle tint. Mix in your hand with Soothe Tea Tree Oil-Based Acne Treatment for a lighter consistency.

Spot treatment: Pimple Mud^PF improves circulation and draws out bacteria in the pores. It can be used either as a spot treatment or a full face mask. Just apply, let it dry, and wash away.

Visible Pores

You're looking to minimize the size of your pores by keeping dirt and bacteria off the surface of your skin. Your go-to products will be cleansing, bacteria-repelling, and non-greasy.

Cleanser:  ONYX | Detoxifying Facial Cleansing Bar^PF is made with activated charcoal to draw out dirt and toxins from the pores. 

Exfoliate: Hawaiian Beauty Water is a gentle “chemical” exfoliant that relies on papaya enzymes and hibiscus to deliver a luminous complexion, tighter looking pores, and a fresh face.

Mask: Oh Whale Aqua Mask^PF has a detoxifying blend of botanicals that deep clean and purify pores.

Toner: Porefect Toner is powered by a fruit acid complex to clear sebum buildup and minimize pores.

Moisturize: Soothe | Tea Tree Oil-Based Acne Treatment^R contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory tea tree oil that clears impurities from the pores.

Sun-protection: Malu Day Cream SPF keeps your skin protected from the sun with a combination of reef-safe ingredients. It has a light texture, so you don't have to worry about congested pores. Essential Tinted SPF provides some extra coverage, and is also lighter in texture, making it another ideal option for this skin type.

Dry

You want to keep your skin supple and free of flakiness. Relying on only the gentlest exfoliation, and keeping your skin's moisture barrier strong is key. Your go-to products will be highly nourishing, and void of all things harsh.

Cleanser: Moon Milk is an extra moisturizing cleanser that contains hyaluronic acid. It’s a 2-in-1 skincare regimen: both a juicy cleanser and a milky moisturizer. 

Exfoliate: Over-exfoliation can cause dry skin to get extra flakey, so start with a gentle exfoliation regimen. Pair the Linen Washcloth^PF with your daily cleanser.

Toner: Basil & Yarrow Mist is an all-over mist (for hair, too) that soothes & balances thirsty skin. 

Serum: The Jelly Serum Bar^PF,R tames redness, nourishes, and calms. Barrier Boosting Kiwi Essence repairs your skin's moisture barrier to prevent water loss.

Moisturize:  Deep Serum contains ultra-moisturizing oils like grapeseed, marula, and rosehip seed. 

Sun-protection: Tinted SPF Moisturizer^PF is extra moisturizing, and has a subtle tint to provide a bit of extra coverage. For a lighter consistency, mix it in your hand with Pure Hydration Moisturizer. 

Spot treatment: All Salve^PF is a plant-based alternative to petroleum jelly that promotes skin repair and can be applied to any extra chapped areas, both on your face and body.

Oily

Your skin needs its natural oils, but it doesn't seem to know how to give you just the right amount. You'll want to avoid anything that will over-dry your skin and prompt it to over-produce sebum. But you also want to keep your skin looking clean. Your go-to products will be gentle, cleansing, and light-weight.

Cleanser: Soap-based cleansers, like Camamu Face, Hand & Body Soaps^PF, or Whole Body Cactus Soap^PF, will quickly wash away excess oil on the skin. However, many will find that pH-balanced cleansers, like Moon Milk, Cleansing Grains^PF, or Pa'akai Cleansing Cream will work best for oily skin, as they will prevent the skin from over-drying and producing even more sebum to compensate.

Exfoliate: Avoid abrasive exfoliants that could stimulate oil production. Hawaiian Beauty Water is a gentle “chemical” exfoliant (as opposed to a “physical” exfoliant that uses abrasion). It relies on papaya enzymes and hibiscus to deliver a luminous complexion, tighter looking pores, and a fresh face.

Toner: Lihau Face Mist is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, so it will combat some of the less desirable outcomes of oily skin like clogged pores and breakouts. It will also provide hydration to the skin, which may help with minimizing oil production.

Serum/Moisturizer: Opt for light-weight moisturizers that won't leave your skin feeling greasy. Brightening C-Serum is light-weight, and also offers the benefits of evenening complexion, and treating discoloration. Hibiscus Beauty Booster is fast absorbing, and can be used before, or in place of, another moisturizer for an extra punch of antioxidant power. 

Eye cream: Arame Nourishing Eye Cream^PF is a light-weight under-eye moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, and arame seaweed to firm & awaken delicate eye skin and combat dark circles & puffiness.

Sun-protection: Opt for a non-greasy sunscreen like Malu Day Cream SPF.

Avoid over-drying (and resultant excess oil production) by maintaining a healthy moisture barrier. Barrier Boosting Kiwi Essence is a light-weight moisturizer that helps your skin retain water (one of the functions of the natural oils produced by your skin).

Redness

 You're looking to reduce redness and irritation. Your go-to products will be gentle, balancing, and highly nourishing.

Cleanser: Refresh Cleansing Grains^PF contain french green clay to calm & soothe redness and matcha to protect against sun damage. 

Exfoliate: Hawaiian Beauty Water is a gentle “chemical” exfoliant that relies on papaya enzymes and hibiscus to deliver a luminous complexion, tighter looking pores and a fresh face.

Toner: Basil & Yarrow Mist is an all-over mist (for hair, too) that soothes & balances thirsty skin. 

Serum: Jelly Serum Bar^PF,R tames redness, nourishes, and calms.

Moisturize: Deep Serum contains marula oil, which is high in essential fatty acids that can help reduce redness.

Sun-protection: Tinted SPF Moisturizer^PF is extra moisturizing, and has a subtle tint to provide a bit of extra coverage. Essential Tinted SPF also provides some coverage, and contains a blend of plant oils to nourish and leave skin looking dewy and radiant.

Sensitive Skin

Your skin is easily irritated, so you have to be extra careful not to use products with any ingredients that are remotely harsh. Your go-to products are gentle, gentle, gentle.

Cleanser: Bare Cleansing Grains^PF is a water-less and soap-less cleanser that also gently exfoliates. Moon Milk is an extra moisturizing cleanser that contains hyaluronic acid and is a 2-in-1 skincare regimen: both a juicy cleanser and a milky moisturizer.

Exfoliate: The Linen Washcloth^PF gently exfoliates as you wash.

Toner: Sage & Rose Face Mist is a gentle toner that revives and keeps the skin supple.

Serum: Jelly Serum Bar^PF,R tames redness, nourishes, and calms.

Eye cream: Arame Nourishing Eye Cream^PF contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, and arame seaweed to firm & awaken delicate eye skin and combat dark circles & puffiness.

Moisturize: Earth Oil^R contains oils rich in vitamins that regenerate skin cells, boost collagen, and brighten skin tone. But it also boasts a minimal ingredient list, so unless you have allergies to one it's four plant oils, your sensitive skin is unlikely to find it disagreeable.

Sun-protection: Malu Day Cream SPF keeps your skin protected from the sun with a combination of reef-safe ingredients that deliver a light texture and don’t leave a white cast on the skin. Essential Tinted SPF provides some extra coverage. It's oil based, so it's free of preservatives and emulsifiers that could irritate sensitive skin.

Low-Maintenance & Minimalist

Your skin is pretty resilient, so you're just looking to keep it simple. Your go-to products are cost effective and multi-purpose.

Cleanser: Camamu Face, Hand & Body Soaps^PF or Whole Body Cactus Soap^PF are both multi-purpose soaps that can be used for your face, body, and hands. Bare Cleansing Grains^PF is a water-less and soap-less cleanser that also gently exfoliates.

Exfoliate: The Linen Washcloth^PF gently exfoliates as you wash, and can also be used for your body.

Toner: Sage & Rose Face Mist is a gentle toner that revives and keeps the skin supple. You can keep it on hand for any time you need a refresh.

Eye cream: Elderflower + Yarrow Eye Cream^PF is a firm salve that relies on an herbal infusion to lighten dark circles, tighten skin, and smooth out fine lines.

Moisturize: Earth Oil Face & Body Oil^R boosts collagen production and restores elasticity and can be used on the body, too! Moon Milk can be used as a moisturizer and cleanser! Or Agender Oil can be used for face, body, and even hair!

Sun-protection: Face & Body Sunscreen^PF can be used all over.

Do you have a skin concern we haven't addressed? Share in the comments or send us an email. We'd love to connect you with a product to make your skin glow!

Looking for some targeted suggestions for your hair, too? Check out our Low Waste Hair Care Guide!