Green Beauty Products and Skin Care
Green beauty products have grown into a $14B market. Many brands tout their clean, natural ingredients and eco-conscious sourcing, packaging, and manufacturing practices.
Using the newly developed pro-environmental reasoned action model (PERA), this study modeled consumer purchasing intention toward green skincare products. The results demonstrated that perceived authority support (PAS) and perceived environmental concern (PEC) positively influenced AT.
1. Reduced Chemical Exposure
Green beauty products are often formulated using natural ingredients that are not chemically processed. These ingredients may come from plant extracts, essential oils or other organic compounds that are naturally derived from renewable sources such as algae, plants and bacteria. These natural ingredients are more gentle on the skin than synthetic chemicals, so they can be used on sensitive or damaged skin without the risks associated with harsh, abrasive ingredients.
Green-manufactured cosmetics are also more likely to be nontoxic and free of potentially toxic preservatives, parabens and other chemicals that can be found in many traditional cosmetics. As more and more people become aware of the risks that synthetic substances pose to their health, they are choosing to use green-manufactured skincare products that do not contain these chemicals.
This is one of the main trends that has contributed to the growing popularity of green skin care. As a result of increased awareness and consumer demand, more and more companies are manufacturing green-manufactured skincare products, offering a wide range of different options that can be tailored to fit different skin types and concerns.
In addition to being more gentle on the skin, green-manufactured cosmetics are often better for the environment than their conventional counterparts. The use of natural, bio-based ingredients cuts down on the amount of oil and other fossil fuels used in production, making these products less environmentally damaging. In addition, the use of sustainable packaging and eco-conscious manufacturing practices also reduces a company’s environmental footprint.
The benefits of green-manufactured skincare are endless, but some examples include:
Another great benefit of green skin care is its anti-aging properties. Many natural, green-manufactured products are rich in antioxidants that have been shown to provide many different health benefits, including the prevention of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Green tea, a common ingredient in many green-manufactured skincare products, is particularly effective for anti-aging because it contains numerous polyphenols, such as EGCG, which has been shown to possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A green-manufactured cleanser can be an excellent choice for those with oily skin because it helps to keep the complexion looking clear and fresh. Green-manufactured skincare products are often formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as aloe vera and green tea, which can also help to reduce the appearance of redness and irritation.
2. Hypoallergenic Potential
Green skincare products often use natural, non-toxic ingredients that are less likely to trigger allergies or sensitivities, making them a good choice for those with sensitive skin. In addition, many eco-friendly cosmetics are manufactured using biotechnology, which uses living organisms (like algae and bacteria) as a microfactory to produce natural substances like emulsifiers and preservatives, rather than relying on chemical synthesis.
As a result, these products are usually gentler on the skin and more compatible with its natural oils. They also tend to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation associated with various skin conditions.
Antioxidants are another common ingredient in green beauty products. These molecules help neutralize free radicals, which are unstable and highly reactive particles generated by environmental stressors (like UV rays or pollution) or by internal processes (like metabolism or protein production). Free radicals can damage cells and contribute to signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sun spots. Antioxidants help counteract the damage caused by free radicals by stabilizing them with their own electrons.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of green skincare products can help improve the appearance of a variety of skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, and eczema. They also help promote healing and cellular turnover, leading to healthier and more radiant skin.
One of the main reasons why people choose green beauty products is because they are a more sustainable alternative to conventional products. Green-manufactured beauty products are more environmentally responsible, using eco-friendly packaging and manufacturing methods that minimize waste, emissions, and resources while still providing high quality and effective products. In addition, many green skincare brands are committed to ethical sourcing of their ingredients and fair labor practices, ensuring that the people involved in the production process are treated fairly.
As green beauty continues to gain popularity, it is expected that more companies will start producing eco-friendly skincare products. In the meantime, it is important for consumers to do their own research to ensure that they are choosing the best products for their individual needs. There are many factors to consider, from assessing the claims made by a product’s manufacturer to researching the ingredients and comparing them with those listed on the label.
3. Environmental Responsibility
As green beauty products continue to expand in popularity, more companies are producing clean cosmetics and skincare items that deliver results without harming the environment. Green-manufactured products prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly production methods over profit maximization, with many of them avoiding ingredients that are damaging to environmental health or to the consumer.
Many green-manufactured products include natural, non-toxic ingredients that are renewable or recycled. For example, some manufacturers use bio-based oleochemicals derived from plants, rather than petrochemicals sourced from petroleum, which is an unstable and non-renewable resource. In addition, they may utilize renewable and sustainable fat sources such as shea, cocoa or coconut oil. Alternatively, they may use renewable, plant-based oils such as sunflower or olive oil, which are a more environmentally friendly alternative to palm oil.
When choosing a green product, look for certifications and logos that indicate a company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing of ingredients. For example, Credo’s Clean Standard bans over 2,700 ingredients from its products, and Sephora’s Clean at Sephora curation has a label that highlights brands that meet their green standards. These curations and standards help consumers easily find safe and healthy beauty products that also align with their values.
The packaging of many beauty products is often recyclable, but not all of it is. In fact, some materials are not recyclable at all, and they can take 1,000 years to break down in the environment. To reduce waste, choose products with recyclable and biodegradable packaging.
Another way to reduce waste is to buy multi-use products that can be used with other products in your collection. It’s a better option than purchasing single-use products that are not biodegradable, as they will end up in landfills for a very long time.
In addition, it is important to seek out organic and vegan beauty products, as these are generally considered to be more sustainable than conventional cosmetics. Look for COSMOS Organic and Soil Association certifications, as these are the highest industry standards. In addition, look for companies that are carbon-neutral, plastic negative and animal cruelty free. In addition, look for products that have been certified by Leaping Bunny or PETA, as these are the only two organizations that guarantee no animal testing on their products.
4. Ethical Considerations
The use of natural, eco-friendly ingredients in green cosmetics is becoming more and more commonplace. No longer relegated to health food stores and specialty shops, this trend has gone mainstream—and even inspired a blue beauty movement that’s focused on protecting the oceans. Green-manufactured products are a part of this larger movement toward more sustainable choices in all areas of life, and it’s easy to see why.
While it’s true that many of the same cosmetics companies that produce green products also make conventional beauty products, it’s important to check labels carefully when shopping for this type of skincare. Look for organic and certified natural ingredients, and avoid any that contain parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other chemicals known to be harmful to the skin. Look for certifications from Leaping Bunny, The Environmental Working Group (EWG), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), USDA Organic, 1% For the Planet, and other eco-friendly programs to help you determine whether or not a brand practices what it preaches.
Another benefit of choosing green skin care is the fact that it can help you achieve healthier, more radiant looking skin. Because they are made with all-natural, non-toxic ingredients, green skincare products are less likely to cause irritation and allergies in the skin and can often be used by those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Additionally, green-manufactured products are often formulated using sustainable and renewable raw materials, such as coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, and other plant oils. This can help reduce dependence on petrochemicals derived from petroleum and other non-sustainable sources, as well as lower the carbon footprint of the production process.
In addition, the majority of green-manufactured products are produced using environmentally conscious manufacturing processes that aim to minimize waste, reduce emissions, conserve energy and resources, and promote sustainability throughout every stage of the production process. This can include everything from sourcing ingredients ethically to treating employees fairly and respectfully.
Green beauty is one of the fastest growing trends in cosmetics, and it’s easy to understand why. Not only can it help you achieve healthy, radiant looking skin, but it can also help to support a more sustainable and eco-conscious world.
