By Iolee Anagnostopoulou

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in the beauty industry. It is a movement reshaping how we view our skincare routines and makeup bags. As consumers become more conscious of their purchases’ environmental impact, the demand for eco-friendly and ethically made products has skyrocketed. 

However, navigating the world of beauty brands & sustainability remains tricky. Greenwashing is a common practice. It’s crucial to distinguish which brands are genuinely committed to sustainability. We must identify which ones are putting on a false front.

Despite the worldwide recession, the global Beauty & Personal Care market is on target. It is projected to reach an impressive revenue of $646 billion in 2024. The importance of using sustainable materials and practices in this massive industry cannot be overstated. 

It helps reduce the sector’s environmental footprint. It supports the fair treatment of workers. It promotes the use of non-toxic ingredients. It encourages the conservation of precious natural resources. Thankfully, more and more people are shifting toward organic and natural products that are kinder to the planet.  

The Ugly Side Of Beauty

Sustainability means something different to everyone. For one consumer, cruelty-free products might be the top priority, while for another, fair trade practices could be non-negotiable. Similarly, a beauty brand might excel in using sustainably sourced materials. However, it might fall short regarding equal pay or safe working conditions for its workers. 

This diversity in focus means that both brands and customers have their own unique interpretations of what sustainability truly means. Some beauty brands have made significant strides. However, other brands continue to employ practices that harm the environment. They also exploit vulnerable communities. 

Let’s examine the common unsustainable practices in the beauty industry. These practices have detrimental effects on the environment. They also negatively impact society.

Single-Use Plastic Packaging

The most obvious issue in the beauty world is the extensive use of single-use plastic packaging. Shampoo bottles and lipstick tubes are primary examples. Most beauty products are encased in plastic. This plastic often ends up in landfills or oceans.

The Zero Waste Week campaign reports that the global beauty industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging each year. Much of this packaging is not recyclable. MAC Cosmetics, for instance, has been criticised for its excessive use of plastic in its packaging. It is also criticised for not being transparent about its efforts to reduce this waste.

Unsustainably Sourced Ingredients

Common ingredients used in the beauty industry, like candelilla wax and sandalwood, are often harvested unsustainably. This contributes to biodiversity loss. It also results in worker exploitation. Palm oil, a staple in many cosmetic products, is a significant driver of rainforest destruction, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Moreover, despite growing awareness, some companies continue to endorse animal testing. Given modern alternatives, this practice is both unethical and unnecessary. Estée Lauder and Maybelline have faced significant backlash. They continue to use animal testing. They also show a lack of commitment to cruelty-free practices.

Wasteful Manufacturing Processes 

Many beauty brands rely on resource-intensive and highly wasteful manufacturing processes. Producing certain cosmetics requires extensive water usage. This contributes to water scarcity issues. It particularly affects regions where water is already a precious resource.

Revlon, a major player in the beauty industry, has been flagged for its wasteful practices. It has also been noted for environmental violations, including ocean pollution.  

Beauty Brands Leading The Green Revolution

Thankfully, not all beauty brands are content with the status quo. Some companies are leading the way in sustainability, proving that it’s possible to create high-quality products without compromising the environment.

Lush

Lush is known for its iconic bath bombs. It also offers fresh, handmade cosmetics. The brand has made a name for itself by reducing waste. It uses ethically sourced ingredients. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its innovative ‘naked’ packaging, which eliminates the need for plastic containers.

Additionally, Lush is transparent about its sourcing practices, ensuring that ingredients are obtained through fair trade and environmentally responsible methods.

Tata Harper

Focusing on natural, non-toxic products, Tata Harper combines luxury with environmental consciousness. To minimise environmental impact, the brand uses sustainable packaging, including glass bottles and recyclable materials.

Tata Harper’s farm-to-face philosophy ensures that all ingredients are sourced responsibly, supporting local farmers and reducing the brand’s carbon footprint.

RMS Beauty

RMS Beauty uses organic, raw, and food-grade ingredients, ensuring its products are safe and sustainable. The brand also prioritises recyclable packaging, using materials like glass and aluminium to reduce its reliance on plastic. 

Beauty brands and sustainability are increasingly intertwined in today’s world. It is more important than ever to choose products that reflect our values. We can support brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices. This way, we contribute to a more sustainable future for the beauty industry—one lipstick at a time! 

So, the next time you’re shopping for beauty products, consider the impact of your choices. Your decision to choose brands that prioritize the planet is not just a personal choice. This decision is a powerful statement that can drive positive change in the beauty industry.