Sheet masks may be just as damaging to the environment as face wipes. Which I was not expecting, or what I wanted to hear. The issues?

1) Packaging: often sold individually and wrapped in non-recyclable plastic. These go straight to landfill.

2) Plastic backing: most sheet masks I’ve used have a plastic backing, which is often not recyclable. Again: landfill.

3) Cotton: I’ve been excited to see some sheet masks marked as cotton. But don’t forget: the cotton industry is very polluting, using and excessive amounts of energy and water throughout the process. WWF says it takes 2,700 litres of water to make a new T shirt. So while a sheet mask is smaller, it’s also single use. 

4) Biodegradable: I’ve been excited about biodegradable sheet masks, but guess what? Landfill doesn’t provide conditions to biodegrade. For organic materials to biodegrade they need to be broken down by living organisms (such as those found in dirt) and oxygen can speed this up.

And while sheet masks are almost certainly not used as often as wipes, there’s a helluva lot more packaging per use.

Luckily there’s an alternative: old school masks from a tub or tube that have multiple uses.

And I’ve got an idea: perhaps we can experiment with DIY sheet masks using muslin soaked in serums. (I will try this, but if you beat me to it please share the results!)

Dress: 1970s/1980s vintage Liberty London via ebay 2019
Boots: 2008
Necklace: car boot 2019
Bag: 2017

Much love, Katie xo