Helping the environment is important to a great number of people; after all, we’re in this together, aren’t we? But I’ve noticed the beauty industry sometimes feels like a confusing minefield of terms and information, even if you have “sustainable beauty” certifications! It makes people wonder if they are a bad person or just “wish-cycling,” you know?
So it’s no secret the cosmetics industry creates a large amount of waste. But true sustainable beauty is the only realistic option to have a real positive impact. A large amount of beauty enthusiasts, experts and influencers alike prioritize their purchases by doing their best with due diligence.
Table of Contents:
- The Urgent Need for Sustainable Beauty
- Key Elements of Sustainable Beauty
- Decoding “Organic” and Natural Beauty
- Sustainable Beauty Brands and Initiatives
- Conclusion
The Urgent Need for Sustainable Beauty
The beauty industry has a significant waste problem. The cosmetics industry produces about 120 billion units of plastic packaging annually.
There’s more to it than meets the eye; it’s about more than just the wrapping, people. A 2022 report by the Plastic Soup Foundation discovered that 90% of products from major cosmetic brands contained microplastics. We’re all affected by the tiny particles polluting our water; they end up inside us. You and me. Regardless of who we are.
Sustainable beauty: What’s that all about?
Beauty that’s good for the planet: what’s the goal? Less environmental damage from beauty products and packaging. It’s that simple. Ethical considerations and good health go hand in hand; we must focus on both. This includes checking where ingredients are sourced, to using recyclable packaging, and the manufacturing processes.
Many consumers care where products originate. The British Beauty Council says 70% of industry waste comes from packaging.
The Problem With Greenwashing
Some beauty brands want to take advantage of growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Greenwashing is deceptive marketing; it’s all about fooling people. They sometimes claim that their beauty product’s ingredients are something they’re not, in order to get people to think they are buying sustainable beauty products.
The emphasis on ethical production sometimes backfires; it can leave consumers feeling cynical. Some people may even feel there’s no real solution to greenwashing.
Key Elements of Sustainable Beauty
Brands and customers have to come together for meaningful progress towards sustainability in beauty. Sustainable beauty brands could benefit from some really practical ideas.
Sustainable Sourcing of Ingredients
Sustainable beauty begins with the raw materials. Eco-friendly beauty brands select natural, organic ingredients that are ethically sourced. This typically involves fair-trade practices supporting the environment and the people growing the ingredients.
Sustainable beauty products avoid harmful chemicals and preservatives that affect the environment and different skin types. A common cosmetic product contains between 15 to 50 ingredients. Think about it: plant-based beauty products help reduce waste *and* are gentler on your skin. Switching it is easy; the improvements are substantial.
Packaging: Let’s rethink how we do it. New approaches are pretty awesome!
Cosmetics are getting a packaging makeover. Expect to see some changes. Expect to see changes soon! Big beauty brands and smaller ones are using more glass, metal, and compostable packaging.
Reducing single-use plastic is a priority for some companies. Now they’re selling their stuff in reusable containers. Using recycled stuff in simple designs cuts down on trash.
Some beauty brands like growth-stimulating mascara are now in glass packaging. With an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic expected in our oceans annually, changes are crucial.
Better Production Practices
Sustainable production methods are key for multiple reasons, like energy efficient manufacturing. Using less water and renewable energy further minimizes its negative global impact.
Zero waste? Definitely worth the effort. Think of the planet! L’Oréal has big goals with a circular economy and safeguarding nature like cutting greenhouse gasses by 50% per product by 2030.
Cruelty-Free and Vegan Formulas
Cruelty-free practices are essential for sustainable beauty. Many beauty brands skip animal testing and use vegan formulas without animal ingredients.
Organizations such as Leaping Bunny and PETA certify cruelty-free products avoid animal testing. Animal lovers can shop with confidence, knowing their purchases align with their values.
Embracing Waterless Beauty
Waterless beauty began in South Korea and has been growing. Water conservation is important for two reasons: it preserves the product’s quality and it minimizes waste. For example, using less water during the manufacturing process can help extend the shelf life of a food product, while simultaneously reducing the amount of water that ends up in a landfill.
Removing water from products means that brands focus on formulas that use much less packaging. Syensqo, a top player in bioeutectics, put $2.1 million into these natural ingredients.
Upcycled Beauty
Here’s an interesting trend. Some beauty brands use food industry byproducts for cosmetics. Making beauty products from coffee grounds and fruit peels is a surprisingly effective way to pamper yourself. It’s both resourceful and natural.
Embracing Refillable Packaging Options
There is a concept called: “reduce, reuse and recycle.” Pretty sure a lot of us have heard of it. But here’s the thing: many companies produce billions of units of plastic packaging for the cosmetics industry.
Refilling your eyeshadow palette saves money and reduces waste—it’s a win-win! People only have to get refills of a color, not a new palette. Refillable containers like the one from Pharell’s face and body sun protection creams, significantly helps with waste reduction of product packaging.
This requires a keen eye and a sharp mind from the consumer; otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. There will also need to be a robust supply chain since many companies would need to coordinate with various areas.
Decoding “Organic” and Natural Beauty
Terms like “organic” and “natural” are often used. To know what terms like “organic” or “all-natural” on a label mean means at least 95% organic material.
Organic farming generally restricts using pesticides, that could harm wildlife and the consumers who use the products. Helping natural biodiversity is their focus.
The Rise of Natural Ingredients
Consumers are changing what they buy. Over 40% of shoppers look for natural ingredients in body care and beauty items. This shift means a more sustainable approach and natural emollients will be the largest market segment.
Specific things, like fatty acids, are predicted to grow. Estimates show a CAGR of 5.5% from 2022 to 2030.
Sustainable Beauty Brands and Initiatives
Big companies are making changes. The Green Beauty plan from Garnier focuses on getting ingredients responsibly. Environmental responsibility is a priority for L’Oréal. Reducing their environmental impact is a priority. New packaging is on the way! Reducing greenhouse gases? Yeah, we’re all over it; no problem. Smaller niche beauty brands have also had success like the N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Cream.
Ingredients to Avoid for Sustainable Beauty
There are a number of ingredients that may be surprising to learn that they don’t qualify as eco-friendly. See this helpful list below:
| Ingredient | Why It’s Problematic | Sustainable Alternative(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Parabens | Used as preservatives; potential endocrine disruptors, environmental concerns | Natural preservatives like rosemary extract, vitamin E, grapefruit seed extract |
| Sulfates (SLS/SLES) | Cleansing agents; can be harsh on skin, often derived from unsustainable palm oil | Gentler, plant-derived cleansers (e.g., coco glucoside, decyl glucoside) |
| Synthetic Fragrances | Often contain undisclosed chemicals, potential allergens, and irritants | Essential oils, natural extracts (used in moderation) |
| Microbeads | Tiny plastic particles used as exfoliants; pollute waterways and harm marine life | Natural exfoliants (e.g., ground seeds, sugar, salt) |
| Formaldehyde Releasers | Preservatives that release formaldehyde; known carcinogen and irritant | Safer preservatives (as listed above for parabens) |
| PFAS | Make products water-resistant or smooth; persistent environmental pollutants, potential health risks | Currently difficult to avoid in some products (research ongoing for alternatives); some brands offer PFAS-free options |
Tips For Conscious Beauty Consumers
Consumers have a vital role, and there are common things people are not aware of, or might be afraid to ask, such as “where can my waste mascara be refilled?”. Being an informed consumer is easy.
- Review Labels Closely. Go beyond terms like “all-natural.” Look past those attention-getting marketing claims, check the actual ingredients, and learn about packaging certifications.
- Support Transparency: Select beauty brands that openly provide information about their sustainable sourcing, manufacturing, and their supply chain.
- Avoid Vague Language: Just saying “eco-friendly” is not enough, especially when, on average, just 14% of cosmetic waste reaches recycling facilities, with only a few of those ever being recycled.
So what’s our goal then? Maybe a facial for our lovely planet, for starters.
Everyone hopes for a better Earth. Feeling good is part of it, but sustainable beauty is really about creating a more beautiful tomorrow. Sustainable practices are key; brands should adopt them and keep customers informed. The best part about being green in this case? You get to schedule a consult with me just to celebrate our earth!
