Green Glamour
Sustainable beauty innovations and initiatives are shaping a greener future and reshaping the industry. Beauty brands are increasingly prioritizing sustainability by adopting “green” practices across their operations. From eco-friendly packaging to clean ingredients beauty brands are embracing change across the industry, brands like ILIA, Westman Atelier and Osea are amongst the few working towards best practices for the entire product lifecycle. Sustainability in the beauty industry encompasses initiatives aimed at minimizing environmental impact, promoting ethical sourcing and fostering social responsibility. Beauty industries are leading the charge towards sustainable beauty practices and glamour is shaping a greener future.
The environmental impact of the beauty industry is what has led companies and consumers to foster best practices. In an article by Unstainable Magazine, they explore the challenges of fighting for a greener industry, “There’s a long list of challenges for brands looking to minimize the environmental effects of their products. These include wasteful packaging, water wastage, carbon production, microplastic pollution, and animal cruelty” (Penelope Martinez, Unsustainable Magazine 2022). Packaging seems to be one of the top priorities for beauty brands with unboxing and packaging creating an experience for consumers. The higher the value of the brand the more elaborate the packaging which means less priority on sustainability and a wide mixture of components to create a more appealing look for the brand. You may not think water wastage plays a part in the environmental impact of the beauty industry but somehow water always becomes a victim of waste no matter the industry. Whether it is cleansing products, lotions and creams, water dissolves the ingredients that penetrate the skin and the harmful elements end up polluting our waters. There is a massive consumption of water that continues to increase as populations grow and the rapid progress of the environment. Agriculturally, water is in higher demand but the cosmetic and personal care industry is a rising factor for water wastage as well. Volatile Organic Compounds known as VOCs can be found in cosmetics such as fragrances, deodorants and hair sprays. These types of beauty products contribute to carbon monoxide emissions, “In particular, household and beauty product emissions account for half of the VOCs generated in as many as 33 major cities” (Penelope Martinez, Unstainable Magazine 2022). Going green won’t happen overnight, but by acknowledging the factors that play a part in the environment's well-being we can then move forward to find impactful innovations for change.
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Courtesy of Pinterest
In order to embrace environmental change in a mega industry, there are key aspects the shift encompasses to ensure that companies and consumers alike drive positive change towards a greener future. The several key areas include: ingredients and sourcing, packaging, manufacturing practices, distribution and retail, consumer education, corporate social responsibility and circular economy. As you stroll the aisles of Sephora or Ulta Beauty you will see many products now labeled as “cruelty free” or “vegan” on the back of their packaging, “The way in which ingredients are formulated into a beauty product is important because what is safe to put on our skin may be harmful when washed down the sink—seeping into the environment and damaging ecosystems'' (Jon Heddgie, National Geographic). As one of the top leaders in zero waste makeup brands who uphold their sustainable beauty standards with clean ingredients, Ilia stands true to their principles and ethics, at the core of their values Ilia’s tagline is “Clean, skin centric beauty.” Ilia is just one of the brands who go above and beyond in efforts towards sustainability and continue to explore new ways to create more eco-friendly products streaming across Sephora stores. RMS Beauty has got the attention of consumers with their distinguished commitment to using minimal and sustainable packaging, “Most products are carefully enclosed in an aluminum tube with a reusable metal tube key to dispense every remaining bit before recycling efficiently. The outer carton is crafted from 80% post-consumer recycled paper and printed with plant-based ink” (Raf Chomsky, Sustainable Review 2024). Other key aspects of distribution and retail, consumer education, corporate social responsibility and circular economy all are vital components to ensuring sustainable beauty practices are upheld, through these efforts companies are not only meeting consumer demand for more sustainable products but also driving positive change towards a more environmentally conscious industry.
If you are looking to join the beauty revolution and shop more sustainable brands then here's a list of some of our favorite green glamour products:
ILIA
Osea
Axiology
RMS Beauty
REN
Origins
Tarte
Gisou
Humanrace
Kjaer Weis
Courtesy of Pinterest (left to right): Ilia, Osea, RMS Beauty
Article by Leah Williams, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine