Sustainability has become a buzzword within the beauty industry, with brands using terms such as “zero waste”, “fair trade”, and “vegan” within their advertising and packaging. However, what do these phrases mean, and how important are they for consumers when deciding to purchase a cosmetic product?
While shopping for beauty products, consumers are seen traditionally as gravitating towards the trendiest cosmetics that are hot on the market. What does this mean, then, for brands that promote sustainable and eco-friendly living?
Why sustainable cosmetics? What makes a cosmetic product “sustainable”? Keep reading the article to learn more!
What Are Sustainable Beauty Products?
To put it simply, sustainable beauty products are created with the planet and its health in mind. Environmentally focused products can be:
Made from renewable and raw materials
Recyclable
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Refillable
Palm-oil free
Organic
Natural
Biodegradable
It is worth mentioning that not all sustainable products will have every single one of these eco-friendly qualities. However, the more it has, the better!
Unsustainable Beauty Product Ingredients to Look Out For
On the other hand, keep a look out for chemicals and other unsustainable ingredients that are commonly used in beauty and skincare products. These can include:
BHA & BHT, chemicals that have been linked to causing hormone disruption, thyroid problems, and kidney issues, among other health problems.
Coal Tar, a result of burned coal and is a known carcinogen.
Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives are chemicals that can cause skin irritation, scalp burns, hair loss, and in worst cases, possibly cancer.
Aluminium is another common ingredient found in cosmetics, and while there is very limited research surrounding the long-term effects, it has raised concerns in some consumers.
Unsustainable Packaging
The beauty industry is also notorious for unsustainable packaging and large amounts of waste. Plastic is the most commonly used form of packaging in many skincare and beauty products, and it is usually non-recyclable.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Products?
According to Harvard Business Review, consumers, especially millennials, are increasingly interested in environmental sustainability, and say they want the brands and products they use to reflect this also. At the same time, there seems to be a clear gap between intention and action. This may be due to negative associations with sustainable beauty products, which can be seen as being of lower quality and more expensive. All this creates a challenge for beauty brands. Why make the sacrifice?
Some important reasons for brands and consumers alike are:
To be more environmentally responsible (this is your living space too, after all!)
To avoid serious health issues from using harmful chemicals and substances
To protect the ecosystem (for example, oxybenzone, octinoxate and palm oil are all know to contribute to the loss of habitat for species such as sea turtles and orangutans)
To help preserve natural resources for generations to come
Many popular cosmetics brands are still using ingredients and packaging that are both unsustainable and not eco-friendly. This may be because of uncertainties over positive returns on investment for the time and money spent on formulating, packaging and marketing new products. However, more and more brands are choosing the greener path, and deciding that taking care of our planet in the long-term is more crucial than simply driving sales in the short-term.
COSMAX Sustainable Beauty Products
COSMAX beauty & health company offers a wide variety of environmentally friendly skincare products. Below are 6 high-quality beauty products that are both good for the skin and the planet!
Pellucid Cleansing Foam is sold in a container made of recycled plastic called PCR (Post Consumer Recycled Plastic), helping to reduce the amount of plastic that is used and accumulated. The formula itself is EWG green grade, 100% origin vegan cleansing foam. Containing just 4 ingredients, the cleansing foam has a very high viscosity, rich bubbles, and effectively cleanses the skin.
Forest Energy Ampoule has a formula that uses upcycled raw materials from pine, cedar and cypress. Clearly, this product was formulated with nature in mind! In addition, the dropper is made from a single plastic (which is easier to sort for recycling).
Soft Eco Balm is an absorbable balm made with 25% natural oil used to moisturize dry skin. Created with biodegradable raw materials, this product can be broken down and turned into compounds found in nature after being thrown away. The container it comes in is also refillable, thus reducing plastic usage.
Vita Ten Lip Balm is perfect to apply on bare lips or on lipstick. It absorbs very easily, providing moisture and hydration. While the container appears to be made out of plastic, it is actually made out of 100% cellulose, making the product both non-toxic and biodegradable. It contains 100% natural ingredients, avoiding artificial coloring and artificial fragrances that are often seen in other beauty lip balms.
Natural Mild Sunscreen is a must-have for all outdoor activities! While most sunscreens contain plastic packaging, this eco-friendly sunscreen bottle is made out of paper. The formula is zinc oxide-based and absorbs quickly and cleanly, with very little white cast after applying. The sunscreen is octinoxate and oxyphenone free, meaning that when using this product on beach days, it isn’t harmful to sea creatures.
Cleanful Fit Eyes is a small eyeshadow palette with a range of beautiful and natural colors. When it comes to color products, it may be difficult to consider them sustainable. However, this palette is microplastic silicone, talc-free and vegan, and like other COSMAX eco-friendly products, it is packaged in a 100% cellulose biodegradable container.
Why Partner With COSMAX
There’s no need for brands to sacrifice quality when choosing sustainable skincare and beauty products. COSMAX maintains great texture and usability in its products while still doing its part to preserve the beauty of nature and the planet. Making a difference in the world might seem like a daunting task, but remember that everyone on this planet has a duty to protect it. Mother Nature has provided us with a gorgeous environment to live and thrive in, and even small and sustainable efforts to change the future of our planet can go a long way.
Are you ready to play your part in nurturing the environment? Partner with COSMAX Thailand to create your own sustainable beauty and skincare line! As the No. 1 global beauty & health ODM company, COSMAX takes the value of sustainability very seriously throughout its company practices. This year, COSMAX even shared a sustainability report for 2022 to further demonstrate its commitment to helping the planet. When looking for a sustainable beauty brand, why not just make one yourself? Partner with COSMAX and help change the world one lip balm at a time.
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