IN AN effort to go green, beauty brands are switching to more eco-friendly ingredients that are good for the body and the environment. Going green need not require a complex plan of action.

Choose products with minimal, biodegradable or recycled packaging. Reuse compacts with mirrors and keep small to medium containers for traveling.

Support green companies. Buy multipurpose products. Simplify your skin care regimen. Go against animal testing. Instead of sponges, use makeup brushes; disposable razors can be replaced with reusable ones.

Check out the latest brands that are proud to be green:

Schwarzkopf's newest line of products is called Essensity. Its formula consists of plant-derived actives, which are free from artificial fragrances, silicones, paraffin, mineral oils and parabens.

Using ingredients like cranberry, aloe vera, Goji berry, eucalyptus and calendula for its hair care range, and ash tree bark, sesame and tapioca for its styling range, you can be guaranteed that the products are both safe and effective.

L'Oreal Professionnel offers a new hair care line that uses natural, organic ingredients without sacrificing the efficacy the brand is known for.

Deeply committed to the environment, the brand has tied up with the Haribon Foundation and started the Adopt A Seedling Campaign. For more information, log on to www.haribon.org.ph.

For over 30 years, The Body Shop has played an active role in preserving the environment and supporting social causes. Sourcing sustainable palm oil, introducing 100% recycled packaging; raising funds and awareness to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and continuing to support marginalized communities around the world through their Community Trade fair program are some of its groundbreaking ideas.