Experts believe that sustainability will be the future of the beauty industry. Today, more and more women are conscious of the effects of the beauty industry to the environment. In fact, many consumers are choosing skincare and makeup products that are eco-friendly. But what does sustainability mean? And what are some examples of sustainable beauty ingredients you can pick?
What is Sustainable Beauty?
Sustainable beauty is a movement that encourages consumers to consider the environment when buying skincare and makeup products. Sustainable beauty products are not only environmentally friendly. They also contain natural ingredients that are safe for your skin and overall health.
Sustainable beauty doesn’t only focus on the contents of the products. The packaging and production process should also cause less harm to the planet. That way, consumers will feel at ease knowing they can enhance their beauty without endangering Mother Earth.
What Makes a Beauty Product Sustainable?
Responsibly Sourced Ingredients
Sustainable beauty ingredients don’t cause harm to your health and the environment. But that’s not all. To be considered a sustainable product, the brand must responsibly source these natural ingredients. Meaning, they obtain these ingredients in ways that don’t deplete natural resources or negatively impact Mother Earth.
Sustainable beauty brands also use ingredients that decompose easily after use. That way, the impact on the environment is minimal.
Organic Formulations
In the beauty industry, “organic” doesn’t only mean using organic ingredients. It also includes the way these ingredients are produced. Organic farming is far better for the planet compared to conventional methods.
The best part about organic formulations is that you are guaranteed that the products don’t contain harmful chemicals. Remember, many chemicals in your skincare and cosmetics can irritate your skin and cause other health problems. As such, you can ensure safety and effectiveness by choosing organic products made with sustainable beauty ingredients.
Ethical Manufacturing Processes
Some manufacturing practices are the leading cause of pollution. That’s why sustainable beauty brands use ethical and environmentally friendly methods to create their products. Meaning, they use less water or electricity. Most of them also use green energy sources to help reduce their carbon footprint.
As consumers, you can check the manufacturing practices of beauty brands by doing research. Many sustainable beauty brands are transparent with their ingredient list and manufacturing methods.
Recyclable or Reusable Packaging
Plastic, a common packaging for many beauty products, is now being replaced with biodegradable versions or other eco-friendly alternatives. Some sustainable beauty brands also encourage their customers to recycle or reuse the containers instead of throwing them. Remember, you can help save the planet by reducing plastic waste. Opting for products with fewer packaging can also help reduce the waste in your area.
Cruelty-Free
Sustainable beauty shows commitment to all parts of the environment, including animals. As such, sustainable brands support all living things and avoid animal testing. Some may even take it to the next level by not using animal-based ingredients. In fact, many vegan beauty brands produce animal-friendly products that perform well.
Examples of Sustainable Beauty Ingredients
Natural Ingredients
The most common sustainable beauty ingredients are natural ingredients that offer benefits. Take aloe vera as an example. It is widely used as an active ingredient in many moisturizers because of its hydrating effects. The best part is that growing aloe vera only requires minimal water, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to chemicals or synthetic ingredients.
Aside from aloe vera, coconut oil, botanical extracts, and essential oils are other ingredients used by many sustainable beauty brands in creating high-quality skincare and makeup products.
Microbial-Derived Emulsifiers and Surfactants
Microbial-derived emulsifiers and surfactants are compounds produced by microorganisms. Compared to synthetic emulsifiers, these compounds are less toxic and biodegradable. As such, they have less impact on Mother Earth and your health. Some examples of biosurfactants are glycolipids and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Plant-Based Pigments
Plant-based pigments are often used in makeup products. They cause less harm to your skin because they don’t contain heavy metals. Some widely used plant-based pigments are annatto, henna, paprika, and saffron.
Bamboo
Bamboo is often used as an alternative to plastic, especially for brushes and other makeup applicators. Compared to plastic, this wood is biodegradable and more durable. It is also an eco-friendly material because farmers can grow it easily without using pesticides.
Final Thoughts
Sustainable beauty will be the future of the beauty industry. That’s because more and more people have a deep desire to save and protect the environment, especially now that we’re experiencing the effects of global warming. Unfortunately, the beauty industry harms the planet in several ways. With the rise of sustainable beauty brands, many people hope these negative effects will be reduced. A great way to start is to choose sustainable beauty ingredients. These substances are not only safe for your health but for Mother Earth as well.
