What is Shrekking?
One of the buzziest keywords on social media right now is 'Shrekking.' As the name suggests, this term—borrowed from the movie's main character—refers to intentionally dating men with an ordinary or less-than-conventionally attractive appearance. Far from just a fleeting, humorous meme, this trend stems from a deeper cultural pushback against our looks-obsessed society.
Just as Shrek wins love through his sincerity and kindness in the movie, this trend is driven by a new value system: one that prioritizes inner character and mature emotional connection over superficial looks. Ultimately, Shrekking is more than just a dating trend; it offers a fresh perspective on how we form relationships.
Shrekking in Consumption and the Environment
Intriguingly, this concept extends beyond romance into our consumer culture and environmental awareness. A perfect example is the movement to buy 'ugly' or misshapen produce at the supermarket. When the shiny packaging and flashy marketing disappear, the product's natural state itself signals a commitment to being "eco-friendly" and "sustainable."
The same logic applies to finished products. We are seeing a consumer trend that regards less glamorous, slightly rough-hewn designs as more authentic and environmentally conscious. This all points to one core message: While we have long placed value solely on what is "pretty and presentable," the true meaning lies in the essence, regardless of outer appearance. The heart of Shrekking is the realization that something can be perfectly valuable, and even hold a sustainable beauty, despite being less polished or "ugly."
Beauty and Eco-Friendliness Can Coexist
But here is where Slow Recipe wants to push the conversation further: Eco-friendliness and beauty are not mutually exclusive. A sustainable product shouldn't have to be clunky or unappealing to be considered "truly green." On the contrary, products that are both design-forward and deeply committed to the environment are now starting to capture attention.
For instance, a stylish, refillable detergent dispenser can add a sophisticated touch to your kitchen, while natural materials like bamboo or linen deepen their quiet elegance with every use. Even upcycled furniture and decor can be transformed into works of art that brilliantly illuminate your space. We must shed the idea that being eco-friendly mandates being "ugly." The definition of beauty is vast, and sustainable, environmentally conscious design can be just as gorgeous and appealing. This is the exact perspective Slow Recipe uses to curate the products that fill your life.
Slow Recipe’s Aesthetic of Sustainability
The core message of Shrekking was to look past the packaging and see the essence. Slow Recipe takes this a step further, proposing an eco-friendly beauty that honors both the essence and the appearance. The aesthetic of sustainability—one that cares for the planet while making our lives more radiant—is the story we want to share with you.
From the initial sourcing stage, our expert MDs meticulously vet products based on their ingredients, functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. Only after a secondary internal review is a product finally approved for our collection. In a world saturated with lifestyle goods, Slow Recipe leverages its proprietary 17-point sustainability criteria to curate hidden gems that prioritize value and lasting quality. We select only the most valuable products using our rigorous criteria, ensuring every item enhances your life and the planet.
Discover the gems we've found for you at Slow Recipe today.
Gem Brands Curated by Slow Recipe
107
107 is a skincare and haircare brand that modernizes traditional fermented ingredients. All products are developed cruelty-free. Their signature ingredient, naturally fermented vinegar, is gentle on the skin and scalp while providing exceptional moisture and soothing benefits. Driven by the belief that "what is good for the body must also be harmless to animals," 107 is firmly committed to its cruelty-free principles.
Talitha Koum
Talitha Koum is a beauty brand focused on natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. They strictly adhere to ethical standards from ingredient selection to production, absolutely avoiding animal testing. Their gentle, skin-friendly formulas and transparent ingredient disclosure have made them a beloved choice for consumers who value ethical consumption.
SODOWE
SODOWE is an eco-friendly lifestyle brand that uses 100% vegan ingredients, rejecting animal-derived components and animal testing. They create healthy, non-irritating products based on natural raw materials, championing sustainable consumption and production. Key ingredients include eucalyptus oil, olive oil, peppermint oil, xylitol, green tea extract, chamomile, and aloe extract, resulting in products that care for both the mouth and skin. By using alternative safety tests instead of animal trials, SODOWE embodies a brand value dedicated to harmony with nature.
