What to do with expired cosmetics?
Cosmetics: use with awareness!
Every day we use different types of cosmetics, whether to make the skin softer or the hair clean and fragrant. But what is not always so evident is the fact that many of them are produced from substances that harm our bodies and also the environment in which we live. Several studies suggest problems related to certain substances, such as parabens (makeup), phosphates (shampoo), isopropyl alcohol (conditioners) and triclosan (toothpaste).
Looking for cosmetics that are sustainable, both in their composition and in their packaging, is a big step to help yourself and mitigate environmental damage (see more here). But if you didn't read the label when buying the products and only noticed the harmful ingredients later, stay calm. Follow some tips to smooth out damage.
How to discard?
Be very careful with the shelf life of the products! Expiration information comes most of the time in places that are difficult to see and expired cosmetics can cause many irritations and infections. Use the products to the end if they are on time and look the same as when they were purchased. In the case of makeup and creams, keeping them inside cabinets or drawers in low humidity places means that their possibility of use is prolonged.
Regarding the disposal of cosmetics, if you are no longer using a product within its expiration date, donate it to someone who is interested. But if there is no other alternative, dispose of them in the common trash, always dropping them from plastic containers to avoid consumption by someone else. In the case of biodegradable cosmetics, follow the same procedure, with the difference that aqueous products can be discarded in running water.
