Cotton wool is dubbed the ‘world’s dirtiest crop’ (Picture: Getty Images)

Boots is switching its own brand cotton wool products to organic alternatives in a bid to help shoppers become more sustainable.

The high street chemist sells over 10 million units of its own brand cotton wool products every single year across its beauty and baby ranges.

But now, it will only source GOT (Global Organic Textiles Standard) cotton wool instead.

And being more eco-friendly won’t cost customers a penny, as prices will stay the same.

Shockingly, non-organic cotton wool has been dubbed the ‘world’s dirtiest crop’ as it accounts for 16% of global insecticide use – which is more than any other crop.

Traditional cotton production also requires substantial amounts of water, so it depletes local water reserves, impacts and wildlife and affects the health of farmers.

The GOTS certification means the cotton is farmed without the use of toxic, persistent pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, and in fact sustains the health of soils and the environment.

This supports the farmers of cotton, allowing them to grow additional crops alongside cotton, like food, which they can use themselves or as a source of income.

The move is Boots’ latest sustainability commitment after pledging to remove all wipes containing plastic fibres from its shelves by the end of 2022.

The chain has also removed all unnecessary plastic from its Christmas gifting range.

John Sweeney, head of product sustainability at Boots, said: ‘This is a really important move.

‘It takes into account the entire supply chain and ultimately benefits the cotton farmers, and in turn their families and the local community.

‘What’s even better is that we’re doing this at no extra cost to our customers, helping make organic cotton wool easily accessible for anyone who wants to make this sustainable switch for the good of others and the planet.’

Organic cotton farming can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as delivering a number of other environmental, human health and social benefits.

For customers wanting to be even more sustainable in their habits, Boots has a ‘Be More’ edit on boots.com featuring over 400 eco-friendly products to help customers to more easily make sustainable choices.

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The high street chemist sells over 10 million units of its own brand cotton wool products every single year.