Sustainable makeup: What is it, why is it important, and how to figure out a cosmetic is sustainable?
It has been a while since sustainability became a critical issue worldwide, as it plays an important role in making eco-friendly products. 2022 proved numerous makeup brands provide customers with sustainable cosmetics and free their minds about environmental trends.
Stay with us to the end to know these brands and products better, but before going through the main idea, let’s check what we mean by sustainability.
What is a sustainable product, and why is it important?
Remember the short animation of “Save Ralph,” which won the Webby Award in 2022? Maybe we can consider this short video as a start of a revolution in choosing makeup brands. After this video, hundreds of makeup bloggers around the world promoted sustainable and cruelty-free cosmetics, and here was the beginning.
In 2022, more than 75% of people started having sustainable cosmetics, but what does sustainable makeup mean?
Regarding cosmetics, sustainability refers to products that were produced using 100% natural, organic, and ethically farmed ingredients that are of high quality and not tested on animals (cruelty-free). It is also called green cosmetics as it offers eco-friendly products. Some people also believe that vegan cosmetics take part in sustainable makeup.
As veganavenue.com reports in the US, the sustainable cosmetics market owns 27% of the global share, estimating $4.6 billion. It is worth mentioning that predictions show the global rate is going to hit $20.80 billion by 2025.
Indeed, these numbers are fabulously growing, representing the importance of sustainable makeup. From these points of view, we find sustainable cosmetics important.
Reasons to produce and consume sustainable makeup
They are produced and packed cruelty-free, which means it is not tested on animals so that there is no harm to different species
The packaging, as well as the product itself, follows an eco-friendly procedure to minimize environmental issues.
These products are suitable for all kinds of skins and bodies, allowing everyone to use them without concern.
Non-toxic materials are used to produce these makeups, so it doesn’t cause pollution.
The packaging and the product are both recyclable.
Impacts on the brand reputation.
Attracts more customers.
We are responsible for our environment and the next generation.
Sustainable makeup helps us have a healthier routine.
For those sensitive skin types who may experience irritation, sustainable cosmetics are the best since they have organic ingredients.
Non-toxic materials would minimize the chance of cancer in consumers.
Since sustainable cosmetics have natural and organic ingredients, the results would be achieved quickly, with a long-lasting effect.
So, are you also convinced to start using these kinds of products? If so, let’s check what kind of cosmetics can be produced obeying sustainability.
How can I clarify whether a makeup product is sustainable or not?
The packaging has a lot to tell us when we buy a product. If you pay attention to the signs and notes of the makeup you plan to buy, you can figure out whether it is a green product!
Besides the product’s expiry date, pictured via an opened can featuring a number and the letter “m” under it, there are a few more signs to check while buying a cosmetic product. Pay attention to 4 important signs, and make sure what you buy is a sustainable makeup product.
Cruelty-free
If you see a rabbit sign, which can feature the note “cruelty-free” or not, it means the product is not tested on animals. This is a sign of easing your mind about the product's sustainability.
2. Recyclable
You are probably familiar with this sign, which is visible on various products consumed daily. The recyclable sign shows the product and the packaging are both recyclable, and you don’t need to worry about the environment.
3. USDA organic
USDA organic sign clarifies whether the product is made with organic ingredients or not. This sign is another green light for sustainable makeup fans.
4. Vegan
Veganism is not just related to protecting eating habits; it is important to ensure the consumed products are not against these practices.
The cosmetic brands consequently tried to produce vegan makeup to make the vegans feel better by consuming their cosmetics. If you see this sign on the makeup products, feel free to choose it, as it is green!
Always note that these features don’t reduce the quality of the final product. Even if you’re looking for some special factors, such as water-proof products, you can find them among sustainable items.
Besides these signs, pay attention to the ingredients of the product. You may see any of these signs on the packaging but still find some ingredients that are not sustainable. These are included below:
Aluminum: Mostly used in deodorants, causes breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis.
BHA and BHT: Common ingredients in lipsticks and moisturizing creams that disrupt the endocrine system.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): This is a solvent for dyes, mostly found in nail polishes and nail polish removals, known as a toxic ingredient that may cause genetic mutations.
Coal tar dye: Also known as p-phenylenediamine, and is directly linked with cancers.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Found in a wide range of makeup and sanitary products, releasing Formaldehyde that causes cancer.
What kind of cosmetic products are made with a sustainable approach?
There is no limitation in producing eco-friendly cosmetics. In fact, every brand can choose to produce either sustainable makeup or a normal product. Fortunately, there are green ingredients to make all kinds of cosmetics. Therefore, you can find all the cosmetics from eco-friendly brands, including:
Primer
Lip liner
Blush
Etc.
It is also worth noting that hair and skin care products, such as conditioners and hair masks, sunscreen, moisturizing cream, face masks, face, and skin massage oils, etc., are available with a sustainable approach.
In the following part, we will introduce you to the top 10 green makeup brands that can free your mind from environmentally friendly cosmetic shopping!
Top makeup brands offering sustainable cosmetics
Every year, more brands try to compete with each other to win the market of sustainable makeup. In the US, various makeup brands follow sustainability in their products; however, we can’t introduce all of them here! In the following list, you will find the top 10 cosmetic brands that produced sustainable makeup and were the most popular among people in 2022:
By Rosie Jane
Osea
Kjaer Weis
UpCircle
Hello
Ilia
Saie Beauty
Youthforia
Clean Circle
Caliray
Suggestion: Introducing top sustainable cosmetic brands with their products could be another blog post.
Sustainable makeup, yes, or no?
This question is more like asking if it is better to throw out plastic waste or not. The answer to choosing sustainable makeup compared to a normal product is positive, even though the price of sustainable cosmetics may overtake normal ones in some cases.
If you are thinking about the background of a product and its future global effect, please start considering sustainable cosmetics in your makeup shopping basket.
FAQs
What is sustainable or ecological makeup?
Sustainable or ecological makeup refers to cosmetics products that are produced ethically. This means these products are eco-friendly and cruelty-free and have recyclable packaging. Green cosmetics also respect vegans as well as offering organic ingredients.
What is the most eco-friendly or ethical makeup brand?
Hundreds of brands worldwide offer ethical makeup products, and it is a bit challenging to choose only “one” as the best brand. If you’re looking for trusted eco-friendly makeup brands, By Rosie Jane, Osea, Kjaer Weis, UpCircle, Ilia, and Hello are among the most popular ones.
What is zero waste makeup?
When a product is produced without using plastic, has waterless formulas and recyclable packaging, and compostable ingredients, it is called a zero-waste product. Similarly, makeup products can be of zero-waste quality.
What is the most sustainable packaging for cosmetics?
Bamboo and Silicone are the most sustainable packaging for cosmetics; however, when the packaging is plastic-free, it is known a high-quality sustainable packaging.
