When we talk about skincare, we usually focus on what’s inside the jar—clean ingredients, thoughtful formulations, and products that actually work. But there’s a part of the industry that often goes untouched, even though it affects our bodies, our planet, and future generations: plastic packaging.
1. Plastic in Skincare Isn’t Just Packaging—It’s Pollution
More than 120 billion units of skincare and beauty packaging are produced every single year. Most of them are made from virgin plastic, designed for convenience and aesthetics—but not for sustainability.
And here’s the truth: even “recyclable” plastic rarely gets recycled.
Plastic bottles, pumps, squeeze tubes, and cosmetic jars often contain:
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Mixed materials
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Colorants or metal springs
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Glossy coatings
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Labels and adhesives
All of which make them functionally non-recyclable.
Most of these items are used for a few months—and then stick around in the environment for hundreds of years.
2. The Recycling Myth: Why Plastic Doesn’t Actually Get Recycled
We’ve been sold the idea that if we just toss our plastic into the right bin, it’ll come back as something useful. The reality?
Only about 5% of plastic in the U.S. actually gets recycled.
The rest is:
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Incinerated (releasing toxins)
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Exported to other countries (where it often ends up in landfills)
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Or buried in domestic landfills
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Or leaking into waterways and ocean ecosystems
Many municipalities don’t accept cosmetic packaging at all—especially anything smaller than a credit card (think caps, lip balm tubes, travel-sized containers).
3. Plastic Breaks Into Microplastics—And Those Don’t Go Away
When plastic degrades, it doesn’t disappear.
It breaks into microplastics, tiny particles that are now found in:
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Soil
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Rainwater
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The deepest parts of the ocean
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And even human bloodstreams
It’s a cycle the beauty industry contributes to… but doesn’t like to talk about.
4. Why Thoughtful Packaging Matters
Skincare should make you feel good—not leave a trail of waste behind.
That’s why more consumers (like you!) are seeking:
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Plastic-free alternatives
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Compostable packaging
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Refillable systems
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Products made with longevity in mind
And that’s why brands like ours choose paperboard, glass, and low-waste options whenever possible.
5. Our Commitment: Better Products, Better Packaging
We’re not perfect—but we’re intentional.
Every Wild June product is crafted with:
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Clean, nontoxic ingredients
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Plastic-free or low-waste packaging
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Minimalist design that supports a healthier planet
Because skincare shouldn’t cost the earth.