In the beauty industry, the words “plastic-free” are popping up everywhere — but what does that really mean? With more brands jumping on the sustainability bandwagon, it’s becoming harder to tell which products are truly eco-friendly and which are simply using buzzwords to appeal to conscious shoppers.
At The Earthling Co., plastic-free beauty isn't just a trend — it's part of our DNA. We're here to break down what plastic-free beauty actually means, how to spot greenwashing, and why making small swaps can have a big impact.
What Does Plastic-Free Beauty Actually Mean?
Plastic-free beauty means that a product’s packaging and delivery system are free from plastic materials — from the box it comes in to the container itself. It’s a shift away from the conventional beauty industry, which produces 120 billion units of packaging every year — most of which is plastic that ends up in landfills or oceans.
At The Earthling Co., we define plastic-free beauty as more than just the absence of plastic. It means:
- Using compostable, recyclable, or reusable materials for product packaging.
- Designing products that eliminate the need for single-use plastic entirely — like our shampoo bars and conditioner bars.
- Partnering with carbon offset programs and eco-friendly suppliers to reduce our environmental impact at every step.
How to Spot Greenwashing in Beauty
With sustainability becoming a selling point, many brands are making claims that sound good — but don't always hold up. Here’s how to tell if a beauty brand is truly plastic-free or simply greenwashing:
| Claim | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| “Eco-Friendly Packaging” | Is it 100% plastic-free or just using less plastic? |
| “Recyclable Bottles” | Are they made from virgin plastic or post-consumer recycled materials? |
| “Natural Ingredients” | Are the formulas free from harmful chemicals AND packaged sustainably? |
| “Carbon Neutral” | Does the brand share how they calculate and offset emissions? |
Transparency is everything — if a brand doesn't clearly share what makes their products sustainable, it might be more about marketing than the planet.
Why Plastic-Free Beauty Matters
Every year, over 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean — much of it from single-use packaging. By choosing plastic-free beauty products, you're not just cutting down on waste — you're helping to reshape an entire industry.
So far, The Earthling Co. community has helped prevent over 3.8 million plastic bottles from entering the waste stream — one small swap at a time. But this movement isn't just about numbers — it's about proving that better options exist and making it easier for everyone to make more sustainable choices.
How to Build a Plastic-Free Beauty Routine
Ready to ditch plastic in your daily routine? Start with these simple swaps:
- Shampoo + Conditioner Bars (Plastic-free hair care without compromising performance)
- Soap Saver Bags (Extend the life of your bars and replace plastic loofahs)
- Reusable Accessories (Like silicone soap dishes)
- Solid Body Soap Bars (Gentle, nourishing cleansers without the plastic bottle)
The Future of Plastic-Free Beauty
We believe that plastic-free beauty shouldn't be the exception — it should be the norm. The more we demand better products and hold brands accountable, the faster the beauty industry will move toward sustainable solutions.
By choosing plastic-free products, you're not just reducing your own footprint — you're voting for a world where beauty products care for both people and the planet.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Ready to start your plastic-free beauty routine? Explore our best-selling bars and accessories here.
