I use this CeraVe lotion every morning. My skin is incredibly dry, especially during winter, so sometimes I’ll end up using it twice a day. This particular brand of lotion doesn’t irritate my skin or leave behind an oily or greasy sheen, and it completely moisturizes my skin. My need for facial lotion is on par with my need for chapstick, I hate the feeling of dry skin and do everything I can to avoid it. I alternate between brands of lotion often, depending on recommendations from my friends and family. Although this is the first time I’ve used a CeraVe product, the bottle seems to contain a lot of lotion and isn’t a quarter of the way empty yet. I have had this bottle for maybe three weeks at this point. After using the bottle I plan on recycling it due to it’s plastic components.
When lifted, the bottle reveals a number four on its underside. Number four plastic is also called low-density polyethylene. This kind of plastic is used for the creation of containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic bags for computer components, and various molded laboratory equipment. Low-density polyethylene is most commonly found in plastic bags. Although I assumed this plastic is recyclable, further research revealed low-density polyethylene isn’t accepted in curbside or other recycling programs. As far as packaging goes, I think the most environmentally friendly alternative to number four plastic is glass. Glass containers prevent leakage and are very sturdy, while at the same time are environmentally friendly and easily recyclable. During my research of environmentally friendly alternatives to lotion packaging, I found out that not all lotions are environmentally friendly themselves. It’s important to be conscious of the substances you are washing down the drain and into the sewer systems, and I have been neglecting that aspect of my purchase decisions. However, Cocokind is a brand of facial moisturizer with no more than five natural ingredients and mostly glass packaging. I will continue to investigate healthier lotion brands.