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As per NielsenIQ’s 2023 Sustainable Beauty Report, there has been a 62% global increase in preference for sustainable and eco-friendly beauty products. Not only are we looking for clean products that are gentle on the skin, but we are also concerned about environmentally friendly packaging, cruelty-free composition, and various other factors while choosing our beauty products.
If you are keen on finding sustainable makeup products that are kind to you and to the planet, we have some exciting options to share.
From unraveling the essence of sustainable skincare to delving into recent trends and finding environmentally friendly makeup options, here’s a comprehensive guide to all things sustainable – from a make-up point of view.
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Understanding Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Makeup
Sustainable products are those that cause minimal damage to nature and to society at large at all stages of their creation and use. When we talk about sustainable makeup, we are essentially referring to all those organically made, chemical-free, and zero-waste beauty products that come with eco-friendly packaging and are gentle on the skin.
Green or sustainable skincare ensures the use of natural ingredients which are good for the planet. These products are made of renewable ingredients and are cruelty-free in all senses, meaning no animals are harmed to make them, nor is human labor exploited during their production.
Makeup is supposed to make us feel pretty and good about ourselves. Knowing that the products we are using have no detrimental effect on our skin or on the planet is a huge relief for anyone who believes in and supports the cause of sustainable living!
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The Importance of Sustainable Beauty
Sustainable beauty is a conscious choice that we all should make for healthier and guilt-free living. When we switch to sustainable makeup, not only do we help our skin retain its natural beauty, but we also contribute significantly towards saving the environment.
For instance, sustainable makeup products lead to a reduction in plastic waste. It isn’t surprising to note that traditional cosmetic packaging leads to the generation of enormous quantities of non-biodegradable plastic waste that adds to the ever-increasing landfills, which in turn take decades to decompose.
Brands practicing eco-friendly makeup packaging often rely on renewable packaging strategies like using recycled materials or refillable containers to sell their products. These conscious choices lead to an overall positive environmental footprint.
These eco-friendly makeup products also use natural and non-toxic ingredients that ensure your skin is safe from harsh chemicals that may cause irritation and possible long-term skin issues. Sustainable makeup products from trustworthy brands offer a nourishing experience that allows your natural glow and beauty to shine through.
Furthermore, these sustainable beauty products adhere to ethical practices such as being considerate of animal welfare and being cruelty-free. In addition, they follow fair trade practices whereby fair wages and treatment are meted out to farmers and producers in their supply chain.
Trends in Sustainable Makeup
The clean beauty movement began somewhere between the late 2000s and early 2010s when there was an increased concern for health risks associated with inorganic product ingredients. The wellness industry found itself immersed in a deeply concerning sea of beauty products loaded with synthetic chemicals like formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates. This was also the time when consumers began researching their skincare products and looking for ‘green’ or ‘clean’ goods free from any impurity.
The concern for clean beauty was also rooted in a growing awareness among users of how cosmetic producers were associated with unethical production practices. Consumers now preferred only those products that were cruelty-free and eco-friendly, even if that meant spending a few extra bucks on them!
With such strong values of eco-consumerism, only brands with transparent and sustainable agendas can withstand the market today. As a result, more and more brands are switching to biodegradable modes of packaging, such as bamboo, plant-based plastics, and glass.
In addition, brands are also paying close attention to procuring cruelty-free certifications like the Leaping Bunny and PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies. Thus, the trajectory of sustainable makeup products has been extensive, bringing us to this era of awareness and growing preference for sustainable cosmetics.
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Top 3 Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Makeup Brands
Having understood the significance of using sustainable makeup products, we can imagine how pumped up you are to find the ideal eco-friendly brands! Several brands offer top-rated sustainable makeup products, but here are a few brands and particular products that are our favorites.
RMS Beauty:
RMS Beauty is one of the best sustainable makeup brands that creates clean and sustainable products. Their products are organic and of superior quality, made using only non-toxic and natural elements. The brand also adheres to fair and ethical trade practices without animal testing or cruelty.
The RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer is an effective skin foundation concealer that’s extremely easy to use and does a wonderful job of creating a natural look. Its water resistance and coverage are some of the other likable features, making the product an absolute delight to use!
Kjaer Weis:
Another hit brand, Kjaer Weis, is all about sustainability. The refillable packaging system is one of the unique features that distinguish this brand. Customers can buy products in metal compacts that can be easily refilled when the products run out. The brand also makes it a point to use only sustainably sourced and ethical ingredients, meaning their products are 100% organic.
The Kjaer Weis Matte Liquid Lipstick is a hit among users owing to its long-lasting and glossy charm. The lipstick has a matte finish but also feels nourishing and hydrating so that your lips remain flawless and wrinkle-free throughout!
ILIA Beauty:
ILIA Beauty is another popular sustainable cosmetics brand that emphasizes creating clean and high-performing beauty products. Using organic and chemical-free formulations, the brand makes an effort to rely only on sustainably sourced paper for its packaging.
Furthermore, the brand encourages customers to mail up to 10 used beauty products every month to be recycled responsibly. ILIA Beauty is motivated on many levels to make the world a better place. It donates a portion of its profits to an NPO that works towards environmental causes.
The ILIA – True Skin Serum Foundation is a deeply moisturizing foundation that works wonders for dry skin. It helps create a flawless and natural look that is loved by users worldwide!
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How to Identify Sustainable Makeup Products
At this point, the question of how to read makeup labels for sustainability must be crossing your mind. There are a few parameters you need to examine to ensure that the beauty product you’re using is sustainable:
- Certifications to Look For: The first thing you should examine in a product is the certifications it mentions. For instance, look for labels promising that the product is organic, these include labels like Ecocert, USDA Organic, or Soil Association Organic. Organic certification ensures minimal use of synthetic pesticides or GMOs in the products. It is also essential that you use cruelty-free makeup and to ensure this, look for products with a Leaping Bunny logo or a PETA certification. Vegan beauty products are the next green flag and this is ascertained by the presence of a Certified Vegan label, which is proof that no animal products or by-products were used in the making of the beauty product.
- Ingredient Red Flags: The next thing to watch out for is ingredient discrepancy. Products with too many unheard-of chemicals or synthetic fragrances are a big no. Similarly, beware of brands known for greenwashing and misleading consumers. Educate yourself about common harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, or phthalates to easily locate inferior products.
- Reading Labels: The goal is to be a mindful consumer who does his/her research before blindly following trends or using beauty products solely based on others’ recommendations. Try to go for organic makeup brands whose products suit your skin and do their bit to save the environment. In addition, always make sure to check the expiration date and ingredient list to see if the product contains something you’re allergic to or resistant to.
Conclusion
Going sustainable is the only way to live healthy and happier lives wherein we coexist harmoniously with the animals and other elements in the ecosystem. Being picky and choosing only sustainable skincare products goes a long way in preserving our long-term health and in the conservation of the environment.
We must make deliberate choices and conduct thorough research before investing in a beauty product, after all, it’s only the organic, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly products that deserve our unwavering patronage!
Are you excited to go sustainable with your beauty products? Do let us know!
