Every morning, we reach for cleansers, serums, and moisturizers—without considering the hidden impact behind the packaging. The beauty industry produces over 120 billion plastic units each year, most of which end up in landfills, oceans, or incinerators. But plastic-free skincare isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about protecting your health, skin barrier, and long-term wellbeing.

So, what’s really hiding in plastic skincare, and what are the best alternatives for a healthier routine? Let’s dive in.

Are Plastics in Skincare Dangerous?

Plastic-Free Skincare: Why It Matters for Your Skin and the Planet

1. Microplastics in Your Beauty Products

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (less than 5mm) used in scrubs, exfoliants, and even some cleansers. They’re too small to filter out in wastewater, meaning they end up in rivers, oceans, and eventually—our food supply.

A 2022 study detected microplastics in 77% of human blood samples. Some microplastics contain phthalates, which are linked to reproductive issues, obesity, and certain cancers.

What to do: Avoid ingredients like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) on labels. Look for natural exfoliants like jojoba beads or fruit enzymes instead.

2. Packaging & Hormone Disruptors

Even if your formula doesn’t contain microplastics, its packaging might still be exposing you to harmful chemicals.

BPA and BPS (common in plastic bottles) are linked to infertility, hormone imbalance, and breast cancer. Parabens, often used as preservatives, can mimic estrogen and have been detected in breast tissue.

What to do: Choose skincare stored in glass, aluminum, or bamboo packaging to avoid chemical leaching. Always scan for parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butylparaben).

Why Waterless Beauty is the Future

Here’s something most people don’t realize: traditional liquid cleansers and moisturizers are mostly water + preservatives.

Cleansers: Often 80–90% water, packaged in plastic, and powered by harsh surfactants like SLS that strip skin.

Moisturizers: Typically in hard-to-recycle plastic tubs and require synthetic preservatives to keep bacteria at bay.

Better Alternatives:

Face wash tablets → compact, water-activated, no fillers or plastics.
Powder cleansers → botanical enzymes activated with water.
Solid moisturizers → concentrated hydration without preservatives, packaged in tins or compostable wraps.
Refillable glass serums → sustainable, elegant, and free of chemical leaching.

Plastic-Free Swaps That Make a Big Difference

Makeup → refillable palettes instead of plastic compacts.
Sunscreen → compostable tubes or tins; choose reef-safe formulas.
Tools → bamboo makeup brushes and reusable cotton rounds instead of disposables.
Razors → metal or biodegradable razors over plastic cartridges.
Sheet Masks → compostable options made without synthetic adhesives.

Each swap is a small shift toward reducing waste and exposure to toxins.

Why We Created The Fernie Girl

At The Fernie Girl, we wanted to simplify skincare for adventurous souls while solving two big problems: plastic waste and skin health. That’s why we created plant-based, waterless face wash tablets stored in reusable bamboo or glass containers.

They’re:
- Plastic-free & refillable
- Travel-friendly & TSA-approved
- Made with gentle, botanical ingredients to protect your skin barrier

Because beauty should never weigh you down—in your bag, on your skin, or on the planet.

Key Takeaways

- Microplastics and plastics in skincare packaging expose us to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
- Glass, aluminum, bamboo, and biodegradable packaging are safer, sustainable alternatives.
- Waterless skincare (like tablets, powders, and bars) eliminates fillers, preservatives, and plastic waste.
- Switching to plastic-free beauty supports both your health and the environment.

Ready to Start Small?

Swap just one item in your routine—like your daily cleanser—for a plastic-free alternative. Over time, these swaps add up to healthier skin and a healthier planet.

Explore The Fernie Girl’s face wash tablets and experience skincare that’s simple, sustainable, and designed for travel.