How To Be An Advocate For Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Beauty

By 2026, the global skincare market is projected to reach unprecedented heights, contributing to the beauty industry's explosive growth. A large part of this feat can be attributed to the constant stream of innovative skincare solutions that have just entered the market. But the monetary cost isn't the only expense to consider.

When it comes to environmental impacts, the cosmetics and skincare markets are often at the top of the list for worst offenders.

In many ways they add to pollution and waste of the planet's natural resources. In addition, they are involved in dubious activities, such as the violation of human rights.

Unknowingly, customers seem to be making the situation worse by driving up demand.

Here are some of the most significant reasons why we need a more sustainable beauty industry, as well as steps you may take to develop a more ethical and responsible skincare routine.

Why Is the Beauty Industry The New Fast Fashion?

The idea of quick fashion is not foreign to us. The relentless seasonal marketing campaigns from retailers, the endless clearance deals, and the never-ending supply of new clothes and accessories.

Unfortunately, the same can be said for the cosmetics and skincare market. Numerous cosmetics and skincare companies often introduce new collections. That doesn't take into account any changes, such as enhanced features or new colours. Then, they're promoted as the next big thing in skincare to entice people to buy it before their current supplies run out.

That's why the typical Indian woman drops a hefty sum on cosmetics each year. Furthermore, some apply twelve to sixteen separate skincare products on a daily basis. This results in wasted cosmetic and skincare products because of discarded half-full containers.

It's an awfully wasteful fad to join, what with all the unused ingredients in the formulas and the money spent on constantly replacing them with new ones, along with the mountains of non-recyclable packaging that gets accumulated.

Sadly, maintaining an ever-evolving beauty routine can quickly become prohibitively expensive, and Mother Nature’s supply of natural resources is finite.

What Does Sustainable Beauty Do?

The answer to the throwaway culture is sustainable beauty. While developing new products, sustainable cosmetics companies try to reduce or eliminate their negative effects on the environment as much as possible.

They conduct thorough periodic audits of their supply chains and pay reasonably for all ingredients used.

These beauty firms consider the end of life of their products by creating packaging that can be reused or recycled. They limit the number of new products they offer annually to encourage consumers to use up existing stock before purchasing replacements.

Sustainable skincare brands are ethical. Their products are kind to the environment because they are biodegradable and won't harm aquatic life if they end up in the sewers or the ocean. In order to guarantee that no animals were harmed during any stage of production, they employ only organic and cruelty-free ingredients.

When it comes to your skincare routine, it's all about making smart choices when you shop. Look out for marketing campaigns that try to get you to spend money, and think about what you need versus what you want. This will help you be pickier about what you put on your skin.

In the long run, environmentally conscious shopping choices are better for the earth, your skin, and your wallet.

A Quick Guide for Beginners to Sustainable Beauty

Want makeup and skin care that is good for the environment but don't know where to start? We can help.

Continue reading for a simple, step-by-step guide to greening your skincare routine.

1. Use what you have

    Using what you already have on hand is the first step in making the switch to a more eco-friendly skincare routine. You shouldn't be rushing out to buy an entirely new line of skin care products just because they’ve launched and are ‘in’..

    2. Recycling is key

      When you're done with your skin care products, you can recycle or reuse the containers. Clean out larger cosmetic pots, then use them as plant pots, make homemade candle holders, or organise your home with them after giving them a good rinsing.

      You can also take advantage of recycling programmes for beauty packaging. For instance, the Empties for Earth Initiative by NESARA by Nicky allows you to return a minimum of 5 NESARA by Nicky empties, cleaned with the label still attached, and earn amazing offers, gift cards or rewards.

      3. Do your research

      Look carefully at the brands of skin care products you buy so you can be sure they are truly sustainable and ethical.

      Key research areas to focus on include:

      Values: What motivates them to do the things they do? 

      Ethics: Do they care about the health of your skin, the environment, and where their ingredients come from?

      Marketing Initiatives: How do they talk about their products? Does it make an impact? Does it appear to be greenwashing? 

      Does it appear to be greenwashing?  What certifications or seals of approval do they hold, such as the USDA Certified Organic Seal, LACON India, or the National Standards for Organic Products?

      Animal welfare: Are they certified cruelty-free and vegan? Do they utilise any ingredients that have undergone animal testing?

      Where their money is spent: Do they donate to or work with any organisations that strive to better our planet and Mother Nature?

      Transparency: Are they transparent about the sources of the ingredients they use and the way they treat the people who work for them?

      Product line: How many products do they launch each year? Is it a lot, and do they push you toward purchasing the most up-to-date products?

      4. Consider a minimalist skincare routine

      Sustainable skincare is all about utilising a few high-quality products that go a long way, so you don't feel overwhelmed or overbuy. This helps the environment, your skin, and your wallet!

      Extra eco-friendly beauty tips

      Say no to face-wipes or make-up remover wipes

      Makeup removal pads that can be reused, muslin cloths, or organic cotton towels are better options. All you have to do is wash them, and you won't have to throw anything away.

      Save Water

      This may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many litres of water you waste while brushing your teeth or washing your face. When you're not using it, just turn the water off. Easy.

      Creating a sustainable beauty routine is a process that requires patience

      You don't have to rush in. A million people buying one less skincare product has a much bigger impact than a thousand people going zero waste.

      A few simple changes can make a big difference. We should worry about the beauty of the Earth too. We can make a difference if we all try to make even two of these changes. 

      Here’s a simple proposal: Let's be sustainable together