Sustainability is more than just a buzzword — it’s a way of life and in the beauty industry, sustainable practices are becoming a primary concern, thanks to the consumers who want products that are ‘friendly’ to the planet and the animals. Brands are increasingly finding innovative ways to make beauty products that are kind to both humans and the environment, such as changing the packaging and the way animals are treated when products are being sourced. Today, we are going to look at the top sustainable beauty trends that are reshaping the industry.
1. Eco-Friendly Packaging
One of the most notable trends that we saw globally is towards eco friendly beauty packaging. While traditional beauty products have always been encased in single-use plastic, this is becoming a thing of the past as more brands move towards sustainable beauty options.
- What’s New: The industry is now using refillable containers, biodegradable packaging, and recycled materials.
- Why It Matters: Pollution stemming from plastic waste has risen to critical levels. Eco-friendly packaging reduces landfill waste and pollution.
- Example: Lush and Fenty Skin use refill containers while Ethique is a zero waste beauty brand that offers bulk products without any plastic.
2. Cruelty-Free Products
No animal should suffer for beauty. Especially when there are alternatives available. As a result cruelty-free beauty products are now made with the utmost care for the animal’s well being. This way both brands and consumers will make responsible decisions.
- What It Means: A cruelty free product is created with zero animal testing done during its development or production.
- Why It Matters: There is a growing need for change towards cruelty free methods. A variety of better alternatives to animal testing exist.
- Example: The Body Shop, e.l.f., and Too Faced are some brands that do not conduct any animal testing.
3. Ethical Sourcing
Sustainable beauty also encompasses the continent of origin for all ingredients. Ethical sourcing guarantees that the extraction of materials is done in a way that assists local populations and eco systems.
- <strongWhat’s Being Sourced: Palm oil, shea butter, coconut oil and mica are a few of the ingredients that are sourced in a more ethical manner.
- Why It Matters: The mistreatment of employees and the destruction of eco systems is both harmful and unsustainable. practices like ethical sourcing stop deforestation and promote fair trade.
- Example: Aveda and L’Oreal are popular for their strides towards responsible ingredient sourcing.
4. Plant-Based Beauty
As a larger portion of the population shuns chemicals and turns to vegan options, plant-based beauty products are trending up.
- What It Means: These goods are free from animal by-products and are based on vegetative extracts.
- Why It Matters: Skin care products which are plant-derived tend to be softer on the skin and healthier for the environment.
- Example: Vegan cosmetic lines are provided by companies wholesome Pacifica and Milk Makeup.
5. Waterless Beauty
Many beauty brands are finding novel technologies to help reduce the usage of water in their products since water is a precious resource.
- What It Means: Waterless beauty means creating solid products such as shampoo bars, concentrated cream sticks, and water-soluble powders.
- Why It Matters: The trend serves a dual purpose: it helps to save water while also reducing the size of traditional packaging.
- Example: Other companies pioneering the waterless beauty trend include Lush as well as Kjaer Weis.
Why Sustainable Beauty Trends Matter
Waterless beauty is not good just for the environment, and it is beneficial for people as well. These trends demonstrate that beauty can come with accountability. Eco-friendly brands get global support now more than at any point in time.
How to Support Sustainable Beauty
Here’s a simple way of a sustainable routine:
- Pick Products That Can Be Reused: Choose brands that provide refillable containers.
- Seek Cruelty-Free Certifications: Make sure your products are cruelty-free.
- Check Brands: Buy from those who are known to be ethical and practice sustainability.
- Recycle: Minimize waste by following the recycling steps outlined on the packaging.
Conclusion
Consumers concerned about eco-friendly practices can now celebrate the beauty industry’s efforts to become more sustainable! The future does look greener- there are plant-based products, waterless beauty solutions, and eco-friendly containers. Protecting the environment is now easier than ever, through supporting these sustainable practices. You’re not only buying good products, but you are also making a difference!
What sustainable beauty trends have you tried, let us know in the comments below!