Finder Green Fave: Skin Republic hemp seed oil face mask
This waste free mask isn't just great news for your skin, it's great news for the environment too.
Designed to deliver concentrated active ingredients to the skin, sheet masks are one of the most popular beauty products currently on the market. While they may be great news for your skin, they're a different matter entirely when it comes to the environment.
Made to be used just once, each sheet mask generates a whole lot of waste, most of which ends up in landfill.
First, there's the mask itself, which is usually made from a synthetic material like nylon that is not able to be composted. Then you have the packaging, which is often a pouch crafted from a mixture of plastic and aluminium that is not able to be recycled. Some masks also then come wrapped in an additional plastic sheet which is not able to be easily broken down.
In short, our beloved facial products are taking a considerable toll on the environment.
What makes Skin Republic's hemp mask environmentally friendly?
Unlike your run-of-the-mill sheet mask, Skin Republic's hemp seed oil mask is made from a biodegradable fibre infused with an oil-rich serum. As a result, Skin Republic has said that the mask takes just 10 days to fully biodegrade.
In addition, the packaging for the sheet mask is also 100% biodegradable and takes 32 days to fully break down.
By contrast, plastic waste that ends up in landfill can take hundreds of years to decompose. It also breaks down into microplastics, which not only release methane but can also become incredibly harmful both to the planet and to our health.
Synthetic sheet masks and those coated in silicone are also at risk of leaking toxins into the soil for years, further polluting the environment.
When placed side by side, the difference that fully biodegradable sheet masks could make to our planet cannot be understated.
We tried it and loved it
As someone whose skin is prone to sensitivity, I'm a huge fan of hemp beauty products. Rich in fatty acids, hemp oil is incredibly effective at both boosting hydration and soothing inflammation that can lead to redness and signs of ageing.
The Skin Republic hemp seed oil masks, in particular, have made such a difference to my skin over time. Not only is my skin brighter and significantly more hydrated after use, but it's also more evenly toned and less prone to redness.
Despite giving skin a much needed drink, the masks also reduce breakouts rather than creating them as hemp seed oil doesn't clog your pores. The end result is healthier skin free from that awful tight sensation caused by dryness and irritation.
Given the huge difference in environmental impact, it comes as something of a surprise that the hemp seed oil mask is priced at less than $10, similar to most other sheet masks. This is great news for avid sheet mask lovers, as the price point makes it simple to switch out your harmful favourites to this eco-friendly alternative.
Where can I get it?
The Skin Republic hemp seed oil face mask retails for $7.99 and is available at a range of stores including Chemist Warehouse, Catch, Priceline, Coles and Woolworths.
If you're on the hunt for more great products, you can check out our guide to cruelty-free beauty brands.
Finder Green Fave is a regular column that highlights our favourite sustainable, eco-friendly, ethical and cruelty-free products. If there's a product that you love and think we should look into, leave a comment below or using our customer service chat.
Looking for more information about sustainable products and companies? Check out the Finder Green homepage.
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Read more…Image credits: Instagram user skinrepublic
