Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Excessive beauty packaging waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in our environment. The production, transportation, and disposal of the packaging used in the beauty industry generates substantial carbon dioxide emissions. Many of the energy-intensive manufacturing processes emit large amounts of greenhouse gases. Additionally, it is important to check brands for recycling programs because the disposal of beauty packaging, especially non-biodegradable plastics, often releases greenhouse gas, methane. It is important that brands are reducing their carbon footprint, not just in the formulas that they use, but the packaging as well. By transitioning to eco-friendly materials, implementing recycling programs, and using minimalist packaging, the beauty industry’s carbon emission rate could be reduced for a more sustainable future. 

Water Pollution and Harm to Marine Life

 Many chemicals used in beauty packaging can contaminate water sources, impacting water quality with toxic substances. The disposal of non-biodegradable plastics also poses a severe threat to our marine life ecosystems. Rainfall and runoff can carry harmful, toxic materials into rivers and oceans, where they break down into microplastics. Organisms like plankton and other marine life can easily mistake these microplastics for food. By creating a more responsible waste management policy, the beauty industry has the opportunity to help prevent further devastation to our oceans and the marine life that’s apart of it. 

Greenwashing is when companies spend more money on promoting themselves as environmentally friendly through marketing, than actually taking steps towards making themselves eco-friendly. This poses as a significant threat as companies attempt to capitalize on consumer demands for environmentally friendly products. This may include deceptive marketing practices which exaggerate or claim their products are natural, or cruelty-free. This not only misleads consumers who are looking for sustainable products, but also hurts the credibility of actual sustainable brands that are making an impact on the environment. This potential loss of customer trust could severely hinder the environmental impact that certain brands are trying to make. It is crucial that consumers can recognize when a brand is greenwashing in order to promote further steps to sustainability in the beauty industry. 

A big controversy within the beauty industry and cosmetic brands is the use of China’s packaging production.. China has been the one country known to require animal testing for cosmetic products, which has hindered many beauty industry brands from being cruelty-free. China has since been relaxing these laws and as of 2020, they introduced new cosmetic regulations, which allow imported general cosmetics to be exempted from animal testing as part of product registration. This is a major step towards sustainability for many companies whose production is based in China, but, there is still a threat to foreign brands who do not maintain control over the process, running the risk of their products being tested on animals. It is a slippery slope that brands need to be conscious of when basing their production in China.  

Environmental Impact and Ethical Production Practices 

Unlike brands who don’t prioritize reducing their carbon footprint, sustainable cosmetic brands often responsibly source their materials, incorporate biodegradable ingredients in their formulas and their packaging, and often take cruelty-free measures to test their products. This not only minimizes carbon footprint, but also minimizes the effects on ecosystems and habitats that are impacted by poor sustainability measures.  

Skin Health

A common benefit that is often overlooked when choosing sustainable brands is also the impact on personal health. Using all-natural ingredients is better and less harsh on the skin. Toxic substances like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances make the skin more susceptible to irritation and allergic reactions. Sustainable brands are known to be more transparent with their product list as well, which allows customers to make decisions based on their personal preferences.