A Guide to Mindful and Sustainable Skincare
Raising a Teenage Daughter in a World of Consummerism
In 2025, teen girls are more bombarded than ever with beauty messages—social media, influencers, and brands like Ulta and Sephora constantly push six-step skincare routines and the latest must-have makeup trends.
While, I appreciate how technology has changed the way we share information, I often find myself questioning the value of the content being pushed at young girls. How many of these influencers actually know what’s in the products they promote?
Behind the promise of flawless skin, many beauty products contain harmful chemicals that could impact long-term health—especially for young, developing bodies. As a mum and a cosmetic formulator who teaches kids how to make their own skincare at summer camps and birthday parties, I often ask myself:
How can we help our daughters build healthy, sustainable beauty habits—without shaming them for wanting to fit in?

Because the goal isn’t to take away their joy in beauty—it’s to help them make informed, mindful choices.
Hormone Disruptors in Beauty Products
Many beauty products—from moisturizers to makeup—contain hormone-disrupting chemicals like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and even palm oil. Do we really want to apply these ingredients to our skin?
And beyond personal health—do we really want to strip the planet of its forests just to produce more lipstick or shower gel? Palm oil plantations are a major driver of deforestation, destroying ecosystems and reducing the Earth’s ability to regenerate.
Those chemicals can interfere with the body’s endocrine system, potentially leading to issues like early puberty, fertility problems, and other long-term health effects that may not fully manifest until later in life. For teenage girls, whose bodies are still developing, the risk could be even more significant. While we may not fully understand the long-term implications, there’s growing evidence that these chemicals are far more harmful than we’ve been led to believe.
In an ideal world, manufacturers would be held accountable.
But let’s be real—we’re speaking about powerful multinationals driven by profit, prioritizing shareholders over sustainability.
That means real change starts with us—the consumers.
The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Beauty
Distributors like Ulta and Sephora are not just selling products—they’re selling a lifestyle.
This lifestyle often promotes overconsumption, encouraging girls to keep up with the latest beauty trends, even when they already have products that may never be used up. This culture of constant purchasing not only contributes to harmful environmental practices but also promotes a “throwaway” mentality that harms the planet.
As our daughters become young adults, it’s crucial for them to learn the importance of conscious consumption, especially when it comes to beauty and skincare products. Including fashion right ?

The Pressure to Conform
The rise of social media influencers and YouTubers has created a new beauty standard for teenage girls, which can often lead to feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. These beauty standards can also be unattainable, especially when they rely heavily on expensive, chemical-laden products. Encouraging our daughters to reject the pressure to constantly update their routines is just as important as educating them about sustainability.
How can you teach your daughter while not shaming the fact that she probably does have friends using these dangerous products?

1
Educate Her About Ingredients
Start by having open conversations with your daughter about the ingredients in the beauty products she uses. To make it engaging, turn it into a fun challenge—research together which products are free from these harmful ingredients. For quick and reliable checks, we recommend using INCI Beauty app. While Yuka and ThinkDirty are highly commercial, and EWG has its limitations, these tools can still offer some guidance. Here’s our latest article on this topic.

2
Switch to Eco-Friendly Beauty Brands
Introduce your daughter to natural, eco-friendly beauty brands that are free from harmful chemicals and prioritize sustainability. Look for brands that use non-toxic ingredients, recyclable packaging. Of course, by following the EU regulations, we recommend our brand Elodie's Naturals, but we can also name a few: riveroganics for make up, or lavera (german)

3
Encourage Minimalism Over Excess
You don’t need a six-step skincare routine to have healthy skin. Help your daughter understand that using fewer, high-quality products is often better than following a long, expensive routine. Teach her that less is more when it comes to skincare, and remind her that she doesn’t need to buy a new product just because it’s trending

4
Incorporate DIY and Homemade Skincare
Try making skincare products at home using natural ingredients—like a sugar scrub with sugar and oil. Not only is this a more sustainable option, but it can also be a fun experience! Turn it into a hands-on activity with your daughter. We’re excited to launch DIY skincare kits soon, featuring high-quality ingredients sourced from France—so stay tuned!

5
Switch to Eco-Friendly Beauty Brands
Instead of focusing solely on appearance, emphasize the importance of self-care practices that nurture mental and emotional health. Encourage her to engage in activities that make her feel good about herself, like journaling, exercising, or meditating.

6
Encourage Minimalism Over Excess
You don’t need a six-step skincare routine to have healthy skin. Help your daughter understand that using fewer, high-quality products is often better than following a long, expensive routine. Teach her that less is more when it comes to skincare, and remind her that she doesn’t need to buy a new product just because it’s trending
Lead by Example
Finally, practice what you preach. If you prioritize natural beauty, sustainability, and healthy living, your daughter will follow your lead. Show her that self-care isn’t about chasing every beauty trend or buying endless products—it’s about feeling confident and healthy. By embracing a more mindful, minimalist approach, you’re teaching her that beauty isn’t about excess but about making thoughtful choices.
It’s easy for teenage girls to get caught up in consumerism—we get it. Sometimes, it’s even overwhelming to see how much they’re influenced. But as parents, it’s our role to guide them toward healthier, more sustainable choices that protect both their bodies and the planet.
By teaching them about harmful ingredients, mindful consumption, and the importance of inner beauty, we empower them to navigate the beauty world with confidence and awareness. In doing so, we’re not just protecting their future—we’re helping them build habits that last a lifetime.
If you want to raise a more sustainable, health-conscious daughter, start by looking at the products she uses every day.
Take small steps together to make better, eco-friendly choices.
By doing this, we can help our daughters grow up in a world that values authenticity, sustainability, and real beauty over perfection.

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