5 Things to Consider When Switching to Sustainable Beauty Products in 2023
The climate catastrophe becomes more and more obvious with every year that goes by. Our individual decisions count, despite how insignificant they may seem in comparison to the enormous difficulties our society is currently facing. To lessen the adverse impacts on the environment, more and more people are choosing products that are sustainable, like this WWD article on easy swaps in your routine.
A more sustainable skin care routine can help you minimize your carbon footprint and protect the environment, particularly the ocean, which receives approximately 11 million metric tons of plastic each year. (Potentially compostable beauty products, like our konjac facial sponge, is the next frontier?) True beauty transcends beyond the surface. True beauty helps to preserve the environment.
What is Sustainable Beauty?
Sustainability refers to striking a long-lasting balance between environmental concerns and business demands. Sustainable practices are predicated on the idea that we must conserve natural resources due to their scarcity.
Customers are concerned about both the product and the process. By taking proactive steps toward more sustainable production, a beauty brand may better satisfy the needs of its consumers.
What is a Sustainable Beauty Product?
A sustainable beauty product is one that can be created to satisfy consumer expectations without affecting the capacity of future generations to satisfy their own needs.
Aside from packaging concerns, an ingredient's sustainability is totally dependent on how it is cultivated, harvested, sourced, processed, synthesized, transported, and used in manufacture. The sustainability of cultivating, synthesizing, and obtaining ingredients will differ from location, grower, lab, and perhaps even batch to batch.
In terms of production, a truly sustainable future will include a reduction in volume and a greater embrace of circularity. But for those of us who want to make a difference right now, there are a few things to look for when converting to sustainable items.
Why Greenwashing is an Issue in the Beauty Industry
Greenwashing occurs when businesses make exaggerated or deceptive claims about their products in order to mislead environmentally conscientious consumers. This approach is unethical because it is deceptive and detracts from legitimate environmental activity.
Establishing customer trust in your brand, showcasing your environmental impact, and setting an example for other businesses to follow may all be accomplished by clearly communicating to consumers what you are doing to support sustainability in the beauty industry.
5 Things to Look for When Switching to Sustainable Beauty Products
Trends in the beauty industry come and go, but this sustainable beauty trend is only getting started. Consumers today are more ethical and environmentally sensitive than ever. According to Pew Research, 64% of American people believe that mitigating the effects of climate change should be a top priority. Although this ratio varies across political parties, the premise is still valid: consumers are concerned about the origin of their products.
When it comes to product runoff, choosing more natural components is undoubtedly the most environmentally friendly option, but this does not automatically make a particular cosmetic product sustainable. Here are a few sustainable beauty tips that can make a difference:
1. Natural or Organic Ingredients
In the cosmetics industry, the term "organic" refers to more than just using natural materials in the recipe; it also relates to how those ingredients are produced. It matters where your product's ingredients are sourced. From production to distribution, the entire process should be morally and environmentally responsible. Manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are still searching for substitutes for questionable substances, but every year, fresh and innovative ideas hit the market.
The National Organic Program has regulated the ingredients in your beauty products if they bear the USDA Organic seal. NSF International certifies formulas at 70% organic, and Ecocert's COSMOS certification also considers the production and packaging of organic products.
2. Reusable Packaging
Many cosmetics companies claim that their plastic packaging is recyclable. In spite of the recycling symbol, only 32% of recyclable items are actually recycled in the US. That is why seeking for brands that reveal end-of-life plans for their products can make an impact. Sustainable beauty brands that prioritize circularity consider all phases of a product's life cycle.
You don't have to be flawless to make a difference in the environment. Sustainability involves thinking long-term. You're bound to make a difference if you make sure that the majority of adjustments you make to your beauty regimen are sustainable for both you and the earth.
3. Statements with the prefix "free-of"
While examining the chemicals in a cosmetic product is crucial, it can also be useful to learn what's missing. You may learn a lot about a product's sustainability by looking for "free-off" lists on its box like the Neutrogena makeup wipes which is paraben and alcohol-free. For instance, a product that doesn't contain petrochemicals, synthetic colors, or parabens will be more environmentally friendly than one that does.
4. Multi-purpose Formula
Consider purchasing products that have many functions. While we all enjoy a beautiful cosmetic collection, it is unquestionably more sustainable to use products that are durable and multipurpose.
Here, we're not referring to a dual-purpose conditioner. Instead, consider multipurpose balms, any product in bar form (a solid formula means a decreased water footprint and less plastic), pigments that can be used on the cheeks, lids and more.
5. Certified sustainable practices
A USDA Organic certification is excellent, but it's just the start of the sustainable certification process. Numerous beauty products, such as those for skincare, makeup, and hair care, are eligible for Fair Trade Certification, which certifies that the item was produced in accordance with strict guidelines that support sustainable livelihoods and safe working conditions, environmental protection, and robust, transparent supply chains.
There are also FSC-Certified eco-friendly health and beauty products which show that wood and/or bamboo components, such as makeup brush handles or skincare bottle lids, are sourced from forests that are properly managed and offer economic, social, and environmental advantages. Even though not every product will support every sustainable label, it's a positive indicator when a company makes the effort to do so.
Unknowingly, grooming and beauty rituals harm the ecosystem. A sustainable beauty and sustainable skincare practice exists, and it starts with us as individuals. There are several ways you can contribute to an environmentally responsible beauty regimen. But before that, we need to be aware of how the products we consume are created and how our beauty practices can affect the rest of the globe.
Reference
https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-make-your-beauty-routine-more-sustainable
https://www.garnier.com.ph/tips-and-how-tos/5-tips-for-a-more-sustainable-beauty-routine
https://www.acme-hardesty.com/the-5-elements-of-sustainable-beauty-products/