U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It was discovered in more than 13,500 products assessed by EWG, and4,825 of them were lipsticks and eye shadows. A beauty product's (or brand's) environmental footprint can be measured using a science-based tool called life cycle assessment. The cosmetics industry is a serious natural resource drainer. And in addition to the ways in which wildlife is impacted by the manufacturing and disposal of the products, they are also directly harmed by the still-prevalent practice of animal testing, which occurs throughout 80% of the world. Is Morphe Cruelty Free, Vegan, and Sustainable? National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines cosmetics as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." "Cosmetics & U.S. Caudalie is been a member of the 1% for the Planet organisation which means they donate 1% of their global sales to NPOs that work to protect the environment. Everything You Need to Know About Natural Skin Care. These interact with other particles in the air to produce harmful ozone and a type of pollution known as PM2.5, which is very bad news for our lungs. A multitude of chemicals are used both for testing and cleaningtheseandthe bodies of animals contaminated with them create chemical, radioactive, and biological hazards when they're discarded, either by rendering, landfill disposal,or incineration. But from a sustainability standpoint, the resource is noticeably dwindling. Trade maps show that imports into the states travel, on average,4,757 miles(about the distance between New York City and Bulgaria), and exportstravel even farther. Take advantage of companies offering refill schemes or recycling initiates. Sadly notorious for its negative impact on the environment, the cosmetics industry contributes to pollution and drains natural resources in multiple ways with our everyday actions as consumers exasperating the problem. Some products' entire footprint (almost) is in post-consumer recycling and disposal. 112, no. Bring back five and well give you a free face mask.. 15 summer dresses you'll want to buy immediately, The best sunglasses to wear this summer and beyond, London street style to inspire your wardrobe, Beauty and the environment: Eco-friendly choices made easier, HARPER'S BAZAAR, PART OF THE HEARST UK FASHION & BEAUTY NETWORK. From a waste standpoint, water is entirely safe for the environment (because, well, it makes up71% percentof the planet already). A growing demand for the commodity drove suppliers to clear 500 square miles of rainforest in Southeast Asia alonebetween 2015 and 2018. In addition to the air pollution caused by carbon emissions from transportation, beauty products with strong scents also clog up the atmosphere with volatile organic compounds. Sustainability, Pros and Cons, How to Shop Sustainably, Eco-labels, Tips, and What to Look For, 17 Eco Friendly Candles for Sustainable Scents & Relaxation. International Trade Centre, 2020. You could also try TerraCycle, a programme in partnership with Garnier which offers free recycling for all beauty product packaging. Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database identifies 1,517 cosmetics and personal care products that containoctinoxateand 460 that containoxybenzonethese are some of the mostenvironmentally destructive UVfilters on the market. What Are Parabens, and Why Dont They Belong in Cosmetics? As the industrys most used ingredient, there are concerns that demand for water could outstrip supply. Cosmetics affect more than the local landfills left with mountains of single-use plasticsthey also affect our oceans, our air quality, and the ecosystems that have provided for flora and fauna for thousands of years. McDonald, Brian C., et al. 1, no. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. 22, Copyright 2022 TRVST LTD. All Rights Reserved, 100 North Point Center E,Ste 125 #A262,Alpharetta, GA 30022, USA, 7 Bell Yard, London, WC2A 2JR, United Kingdom, Environmental Impact of Cosmetics & Beauty Products, About 70% of the beauty industrys waste comes from packaging, ingesting microplastic can cause specific genetic mutations and changes in fish behaviors, microplastics in over 100 aquatic species consumed by humans, These chemicals have been tagged as endocrine disruptors and linked with cancer, A recent study has revealed that these products are significantly contributing to carbon dioxide emissions, implicated the mica mining industry in child labor practices, 7 Zero Waste Shaving Cream & Bar Options For An Eco-Friendly Lather, 19 Bamboo Sunglasses and Wooden Alternatives to Plastic, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by TRVST. When the VOCs combine with other air particles, they develop into a nasty kind of particulate matter,PM2.5. While this research relates to the Los Angeles environment specifically, and here in the UK air pollution is more affected by emissions from diesel vehicles, scientists say this research highlights an important source of pollution that is currently unregulated. The U.S. is one of the largest importers and exporters of cosmetics and beauty products. The majority of beauty products come packaged in plastic, which when talking about your average moisturiser pot can take nearly 1,000 years to decompose. "Volatile Chemical Products Emerging as Largest Petrochemical Source of Urban Organic Emissions." Deforestation is already severely polluting because it's often conducted through fire methods, which release tons of carbonmore, even, than the trees themselves sequesterinto the environment. Since 2012 over four million trees have been planted and over eight million euros invested to support environmental projects. According to Zero Waste Week data, the global cosmetics industry produces 120 billion units of packaging per year. The United Nations has predicted that 52% of the world's population will live in water-stressed regionsby 2050. International Tank Service, Inc. "Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)." However - and while theres still a long way to go - change is afoot, with many brands and buyers of beauty making sustainable, eco-friendly moves that can make a big difference overall. But the direct victims of palm oil's widespread rainforest destruction are, of course, primates. VOCs from fragrances, hairsprays, and deodorants, Cosmetics Market by Category (Skin and Sun Care Products, Hair Care Products, Deodorants & Fragrances, and Makeup & Color Cosmetics), Gender (Men, Women, and Unisex), and Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Pharmacies, Online Sales Channels, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212027, The Beast of Beauty: Environmental and Health Concerns of Toxic Components in Cosmetics, Review of Evidence of Environmental Impacts of Animal Research and Testing, Testing Cosmetics on Animals: MEPs Call for Worldwide Ban, Parabens Enhance the Calcium-Dependent Testicular Mitochondrial Permeability Transition: Their Relevance on the Reproductive Capacity in Male Animals. Parabens, plasticizers, formaldehyde, BHA, pesticides, and coal tar are all rife in cosmetics manufacturing, and sunscreens are a great example of the harm these synthetic ingredients can cause when they reach waterways. 35, no. "Final Countdown: Now or Never to Reform the Palm Oil Industry." I think most of us would be shocked to discover how much actually gets recycled from what could be, she says, which is why Lush is going packaging-free, or naked as they like to call it. Palm oil grows only in tropical environments within 10 degrees of the equator. Environmental Working Group, 2019. This content is imported from Pinterest. A glitter sunscreen.) Stoiber, Tasha. "UN World Water Development Report 2020." Is Garnier Cruelty Free, Vegan, and Sustainable? Another concern: Animal testing is a highly resource-intensive and wasteful practice. Is ColourPop Cruelty Free, Vegan, and Sustainable? They accept packaging returns and for six Mac containers returned to a counter or online, you will receive a free lipstick of your choice as a thank you. Personal Care and Cosmetic Products as a Potential Source of Environmental Contamination by Microplastics in a Densely Populated Asian City, Plastic Ingestion by Marine Fish is Widespread and Increasing, Threat of Plastic Pollution to Seabirds Is Global, Pervasive, and Increasing, Facts and Statistics About Animal Testing, Final Countdown: Now or Never to Reform the Palm Oil Industry, Amazonia as a Carbon Source Linked to Deforestation and Climate Change, Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), List of Exporters for the Selected Product in 2020, List of Importers for the Selected Product in 2020, Environmental Sustainability: The European Cosmetics Industry's Contribution 2017-2018, Volatile Chemical Products Emerging as Largest Petrochemical Source of Urban Organic Emissions, Common Air Pollutants: Volatile Organic Compounds, The Zero Waste Home: A Guide to Minimizing Your Waste Generation. "Personal Care and Cosmetic Products as a Potential Source of Environmental Contamination by Microplastics in a Densely Populated Asian City." The free service also gives users the opportunity to fundraise for their favourite school or charity. Indeed, species are goingextinctfor the sake of making skin care and eyeshadow palettes. Cosmetics, vol. "Facts and Statistics About Animal Testing." Environmental Working Group. For instance, as little as 5% of shampoo's total impact is attributable toraw materials, manufacturing, distribution, and packaging. Science, vol. Polyethylene is used in cosmetics as an abrasive, emulsion stabilizer, binder, bulker, and film former. Other efforts include consolidating distribution networks and growing distribution centers to store products until they're ready to ship,ultimately cutting unnecessary trips. A post shared by TerraCycle US (@terracycle). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. European Parliament, 2018. To avoid adding to the problem, the best way to identify if a products ingredients have been sustainably sourced is to look out for the Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance logos on the packaging. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. 2188-2199., doi:10.1111/gcb.15533, Wilcox, Chris, et al. According to a 2018 Cosmetics Europe report, companies are reducing their carbon footprints by "shifting their transportation from road to rail and from air to sea" or by using hybrid and electric vehicles. Remember that the cotton wool and regular cosmetic wipes used in your beauty routine are not recyclable, or flushable (they can cause blockages). Global Change Biology, vol. Save the Reef. Bilal, Muhammad, et al. "Cosmetics Market by Category (Skin and Sun Care Products, Hair Care Products, Deodorants & Fragrances, and Makeup & Color Cosmetics), Gender (Men, Women, and Unisex), and Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Pharmacies, Online Sales Channels, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212027." When recycling any product, the container needs to be clean either washed in warm soapy water or put through the dishwasher. 27, no. "Next on the banned beauty list may be glitter, something weve developed a toxic obsession with". Is Too Faced Cruelty Free, Ethical, and Sustainable? Back to Mac is the make-up equivalent. Besides the ethical concerns around subjectingmore than 100 million animals per yearto possible allergens that often kill them, the outdated practice has an apparent bounty of environmental consequences. What Is CarmineAnd Why Is It So Controversial? What's more, both these industriespalm oil and micaare extracted from the earth by some of the most vulnerable and lowest-paid people in the world. Look for These 3 Certifications. Environmental Impact of Harmful Chemicals in Beauty Products, What Is Mica Powder? She holds a degree in Journalism from Ohio University. 10, 2021, pp. Opt for products in recyclable and reusable packaging as often as possible. Environmental Working Group. Martins, Ftima C., et al. Environments, vol. Are Your Beauty Products Fair Trade-Certified? "Products Containing Oxybenzone." Can beauty products relieve stress and anxiety? "How Much Water is There on Earth?" The ingredient was listed simply as "water" inmore than 33,000 products assessed by EWG, and that's not including the thousands more that list it as "aqua" or "eau." Allied Market Research, 2021. "Testing Cosmetics on Animals: MEPs Call for Worldwide Ban." Uses in the Beauty Industry and Sustainability Concerns. Then check the labelling (see the recycling symbols explained here) to determine its recyclability you may need to research what exactly your local authority recycles. "The Zero Waste Home: A Guide to Minimizing Your Waste Generation." Chouhan, Nitesh, et al. "What Are Parabens, and Why Dont They Belong in Cosmetics?" Its shocking to digest than eight million tonnes of plastic (not necessarily from cosmetics, of course) are dumped into our oceans every year, pollution thats devastating for sea life and contaminating our diets. According to a study led by Professor Richard Thompson, plastic was found in a third of UK-caught fish. "List of Exporters for the Selected Product in 2020." These items should be placed in your rubbish bins, or try alternatives such as cleansing with wash cloths, face flannels or reusable cotton wool-like wipes (try Cheeky Wipes). 13., doi:10.3390/cosmetics7010013, Groff, Katherine, et al. Eudey, A., et al. "List of Importers for the Selected Product in 2020." If these items arent given a second life, they simply go into landfill or potentially litter our environment. Is CoverGirl Cruelty Free, Vegan, and Sustainable? "Weights for Various Liquids." "Review of Evidence of Environmental Impacts of Animal Research and Testing." But its not entirely our fault or the brands seducing us with overly packaged products. "Skincare Chemicals and Marine Life." At Lush, we are very proud to offer a recycle service for our black pots which are made from a mix of purchased recycled plastic and recycled black pot material, Bird says who explains they send these back to their in-house recycling centre. Therefore, the disposal of these containers accounts for up to 70% of the whole industry'scarbon emissions. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Is Maybelline Cruelty Free and Sustainable?