How to make more sustainable personal care choices and why it matters
Personal care products are part of our daily routines. Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, hygiene products, baby care items, and more. In pharmacies, the selection is vast, and it can be difficult to know where to start when making more sustainable choices.
The good news is that small actions, repeated day after day, can have a real positive impact on the environment, on health, and even on your budget.
Here are a few simple tips to help you adopt more responsible habits at the pharmacy, without compromising product effectiveness or enjoyment.
1. Choose better-formulated products
A sustainable choice starts with what is inside the product. Take a moment to review the ingredient list and the claims on the packaging.
Here is what you can look for:
- Biodegradable formulas
- Ingredients of natural origin
- Products free from certain controversial
Why it’s important
Ingredients from personal care products eventually end up in water systems and ecosystems. More responsible formulations help reduce pollution and are often gentler on the skin.
2. Pay attention to packaging
Packaging represents a significant portion of a product’s environmental footprint. While many packages are recyclable, the best option remains avoiding unnecessary materials altogether.
Better options at the pharmacy include:
- Recyclable packaging or packaging made from recycled materials
- Refillable formats, such as refill systems offered by some brands
- Solid products that require little or no packaging
Practical tip
A product that costs slightly more but comes in a concentrated or refillable format may last longer and generate less waste in both the short and long term.
3. Look for eco-friendly product labels
At Familiprix, concrete tools are in place to help customers make more sustainable choices easily and confidently.
Our eco-friendly labelling program enables in-store products to be identified that meet rigorous environmental criteria, assessed through a structured, transparent approach. These labels help shoppers quickly spot better-formulated products with a lower environmental impact.
In addition, our Beauté éthique section brings together skin, face, and hair care products selected according to seven criteria. These include cruelty-free products, vegan options, eco-responsible packaging, socially engaged companies, products free from harmful ingredients, local products, and entrepreneurial diversity.
These in-store reference points save time, make comparisons easier, and help customers make purchases that align with their values, with confidence.
4. Buy according to your needs
Sustainability also means consuming more thoughtfully. Buying only what you truly need helps reduce waste while encouraging more responsible habits.
- Avoid stockpiling
- Choose multi-purpose products, such as a soap suitable for both your hands and body
- Select formats that match your actual usage
Less waste means fewer discarded products and long-term savings.
The benefits of making more sustainable choices
For the environment
- Reduced waste and single-use plastic
- Less water pollution
- Support for more responsible manufacturing
Adopting more eco-friendly products and habits helps reduce environmental impact by supporting choices that better respect ecosystems.
For your health
- Products that are often gentler on the skin and scalp
- Reduced exposure to certain undesirable substances
Making more thoughtful health-related choices can support a healthier routine by favouring gentler formulations in everyday use.
For your budget
- Concentrated or refillable products that are more economical over time
- Fewer impulse buys or unnecessary purchases
Choosing well-designed products can also be financially beneficial by encouraging smarter consumption and longer-lasting products.
Opting for more sustainable personal care products is first and foremost about taking small, manageable steps. At the pharmacy, you can choose effective, accessible products that better align with your values.
By staying informed and using the various in-store tools available at Familiprix, everyone can contribute, in their own way, to a more responsible lifestyle. Because taking care of yourself can also mean taking care of the planet!