The environmental impact of your skincare routine

Katie Martin

In today’s beauty industry, the conversation is increasingly shifting towards sustainability. The products we use daily, including our skincare items, have a broader impact on the environment than many realise. From the ingredients sourced to the packaging used, every aspect of a skincare product can contribute to its ecological footprint. This guide explores the environmental implications of skincare routines and provides practical advice for those looking to make more sustainable choices.

Understanding the Impact

The environmental impact of skincare products can be categorised into several key areas:

1. Ingredient Sourcing

Many conventional skincare products contain ingredients that are derived from unsustainable sources. For example, palm oil, which is found in a wide range of cosmetics, is often sourced from plantations that contribute to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Similarly, the mining of mica, used for its shimmering properties, has been linked to ecological damage and ethical concerns.

Using products containing palm oil warrants caution due to significant environmental and social concerns. Palm oil production leads to “deforestation and loss of biodiversity” and has transformed vast areas into “green deserts” nearly devoid of biodiversity, comparable in size to New Zealand. This industry is responsible for severe climate impacts as it releases “vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere,” exacerbating global warming—indeed, “palm oil-based biofuels actually have three times the climate impact of traditional fossil fuels.” Additionally, the cultivation of palm oil threatens indigenous populations and wildlife, with “more than 700 land conflicts” reported in Indonesia alone, highlighting the severe human rights violations in this sector.

~ Rainforest Rescue

2. Manufacturing Processes

The processes used to create skincare products can be energy-intensive and generate significant amounts of waste. Factories that do not use sustainable practices may emit large quantities of greenhouse gases and contribute to water pollution.

The extraction, processing and production of raw materials, as well as the heat consumed during product manufacturing, contribute to the energy consumption issues of the cosmetic industry. Energy that cannot be reduced could be obtained from renewable energy sources to further reduce carbon emissions.

~ Slobodanka Tamburic et al

3. Packaging

Skincare packaging is a major environmental issue, with a significant amount of plastic and other materials ending up in landfills each year. Many skincare products come in non-recyclable containers, or use excessive packaging that is unnecessary and environmentally detrimental.

  • In the beauty industry, only 14% of packaging actually makes it to a recycling plant, only 9% is recycled and the rest heads directly to landfill.
  • Most of this is single use plastic packaging which can take up to 450 years to breakdown in landfill.

~ British Beauty Council

Everyone can play a part towards living a more sustainable life, but businesses should set an example by making sustainability an easier choice for everyone. Having packaging at the forefront of your buying decision directly impacts how brands sell their products. As a result, many brands are committing to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 in line with the UK Plastics Pact.

4. Water Usage

Water is a critical resource in the production of many skincare products. From the formulation of the products themselves to the manufacturing process, large volumes of water are often required.

One of the biggest resources consumed by the beauty industry is water. In 2020, around 10.4 million tons of water was used in the beauty industry. The cosmetic market is also considered one of the largest market contributors to water use, ocean pollution, and wastewater.

Water is used for making beauty products in factories and rinsing off products in our homes. A lot of water used in cosmetics goes to waste, often going on to contaminate water systems.

~ Tamara Davison, October 2023
Cosmetics on a table with natural elements

How to Minimise Your Skincare Routine’s Environmental Impact

Making your skincare routine more sustainable does not require a complete overhaul of your beauty cabinet. Instead, small, informed choices can collectively lead to significant environmental benefits.

Choose Products with Sustainable Ingredients

  • Research Ingredients: Before purchasing, look into the sustainability of key ingredients. Opt for products that use responsibly sourced ingredients or are certified by reputable organisations.
  • Favour Natural and Organic: While not always perfect, natural and organic ingredients are generally more sustainable than synthetic alternatives, as they avoid the environmental damage associated with the synthesis of artificial ingredients.

Support Transparent Brands

  • Look for Transparency: Support brands that disclose information about their sourcing and manufacturing processes. Brands committed to sustainability will typically share details about their efforts to reduce environmental impact.
  • Certifications to Look For: Certifications like EcoCert, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance can indicate a brand’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Reduce Packaging Waste

  • Choose Minimal Packaging: Opt for products that use minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled or recyclable materials.
  • Refillable Options: Some brands offer refillable products to reduce waste. This can be a more sustainable option as it lessens the frequency and quantity of packaging being disposed of.
  • Recycling Programs: Participate in recycling programs. Some brands take back used containers and offer incentives for doing so.

Conserve Water

  • Waterless Beauty: The beauty industry is increasingly embracing waterless products. These not only save water but are also more concentrated and can be more effective. Check out the TRUE skincare range, for example.
  • Bar Products: Consider switching to bar soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, which typically require less packaging and water to produce.

Minimise Your Routine

  • Simplify: Using fewer products can reduce the demand for raw materials and lower overall consumption. Evaluate your skincare routine and consider which products are truly necessary. For instance, incorporating a hydrating product like snail mucin, known for its powerful moisturising and healing properties, can serve multiple purposes, such as hydrating, soothing, and improving skin texture. This allows you to streamline your regimen by relying on fewer, but more effective, products.
Three girls experimenting with cosmetics

The Broader Benefits of Sustainable Skincare

Health and Safety

Products with fewer synthetic chemicals can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful substances, benefiting your health as well as the environment.

Economic Impact

Supporting sustainable brands can encourage larger companies to adopt more responsible practices, leading to broader industry changes.

Conclusion

The impact of your skincare routine extends far beyond your bathroom. Making environmentally conscious choices in the products you use can significantly reduce your personal ecological footprint. By choosing sustainable ingredients, supporting transparent brands, reducing packaging waste, conserving water, and simplifying your routine, you can help foster a more sustainable future. This not only benefits the planet but also supports a healthier lifestyle and a more ethically conscious society. Remember, change starts with awareness and is implemented through our daily choices.

About Me

Katie Martin is a seasoned skincare specialist with a passion for natural beauty solutions. With over a decade in the industry, she writes extensively about the benefits of innovative ingredients. Katie's practical advice is trusted by skincare enthusiasts worldwide.

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