What Is Green Beauty?
Green beauty is a term that encompasses all-natural, non-toxic products that are safer for the environment and gentler on skin. However, there is no industry standard for green cosmetics, so some companies may make claims that they are eco-friendly when they are not.
While it may require some sleuthing to find genuine green beauty products, it’s worth the effort for those concerned about environmental impact and skin health.
Cost-effectiveness
Green beauty products are created with the environment in mind, and they are typically free of additives that irritate the skin. They are also more likely to be sourced sustainably, and their packaging is often recyclable or biodegradable. Additionally, many green beauty products are cruelty-free, meaning that they have not been tested on animals.
In addition to being eco-friendly, green beauty is more cost-effective than conventional products. This is because the ingredients used in green beauty are less expensive and often come from home remedies that can be used to make your own cosmetics at a fraction of the price. The products are also more concentrated, which means you don’t need to use as much of them to get the same results. In addition, green beauty products are not tested on animals, so you can be sure that your money is going to a good cause.
However, while green beauty is a great alternative to traditional products, it is important to research brands carefully before making a purchase. Be aware of what certifications the company has, and avoid any that do not have rigorous standards. Additionally, look for a wide range of natural and organic ingredients in the product. This will help you find the best options for your skin type.
Another advantage of green beauty is its lower carbon footprint. According to a report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), green beauty products are significantly lower in carbon dioxide emissions than conventional beauty products. This is because green products use fewer chemicals and are made of more sustainable ingredients. Additionally, they are often packaged in recycled materials and use minimal energy.
Barbara Olioso PhD MRSC, managing director of The Green Chemist Consultancy and opening keynote speaker at the in-Cosmetics Global Sustainability Zone conference programme in Barcelona this month, said sustainability had “remained front-and-centre” for beauty. She added, however, that the challenges were still significant. She cited issues like rising raw material costs as creating “a very real challenge” for green beauty manufacturers, resulting in higher product prices.
Olioso also warned against the temptation to fall victim to greenwashing, in which companies use health-related buzzwords and conscious-looking packaging to lure customers. She explained that addressing this issue would be crucial to the future of green beauty.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the ability to focus your attention on the present-moment experience. It requires patience and discipline, but it can help you calm down difficult emotions and improve your concentration. It is also helpful in reducing stress and making more thoughtful decisions. There are a number of mindfulness apps available, including free ones. However, some require a paid subscription to access courses with instructors or to download meditations offline.
When it comes to green beauty, mindfulness is a key element. It includes embracing minimum impact production/distribution/packaging practices and educating customers on how to make green beauty choices that foster skin health and the preservation of natural resources. It also encompasses daily self-care routines, such as a mindful skincare regimen.
You can practice mindfulness in many different ways, but one of the most effective is through a regular meditation session. There are several benefits of meditating regularly, including reduced stress and improved sleep. It has also been shown to increase the quality of your skin. It has even been used to treat psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes itchy and flaky skin patches.
Practicing mindfulness can help you stay in the moment, rather than bouncing back and forth between thoughts about tomorrow and re-plays of yesterday. It can help you build self-awareness and regulate difficult emotions, which are often the root cause of unhealthy behaviors. It can also help you avoid addictive behaviors, such as substance use and impulsive behavior.
It is important to note that mindfulness is not easy. It takes time to develop and you need to commit to it regularly in order to reap the benefits. It is recommended to start with a 5 minute breathing meditation and work your way up to longer sessions. If you find it hard to focus, try using a mindfulness app or listening to a guided meditation with a calming voice.
Another great way to practice mindfulness is through movement. Yoga and walking meditation are both great examples of this. Studies have shown that mindfulness exercises can improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and improve concentration.
Transparency
The terms “green” and “clean beauty” have become buzzwords in the industry, with retailers like Credo Beauty centering the category and industry giants Sephora adding dedicated sections for brands that meet specific clean beauty guidelines. The shift toward eco-friendly production is a positive move, but it can be difficult for consumers to determine which products actually tick all the boxes. Greenwashing, where a company claims to be environmentally friendly but doesn’t actually do so, is common and can confuse shoppers.
The beauty brand Ilia is working toward a more sustainable future with its fragrances, using perfume as a vehicle to make social change and support the local communities from where it sources ingredients. It has also partnered with Days for Girls and One Tree Planted to make recycling empties easier, as well as supporting the people who make its products through a fair trade programme.
Indie beauty brands are often viewed as being completely green and ethical, but this is not always the case. Many indie beauty brands were founded and funded by entrepreneur-driven investors, and they may not have the financial investment of cosmetic corporations behind them. Nevertheless, they are usually committed to quality and sustainability. The skincare brand Kypris, for example, is an indie brand that has been making nature-driven and clinically tested formulas since 2009.
However, it hasn’t always focused on transparency, especially when it comes to its supply chain. This is why it aims to provide a complete overview of its products on its website and in its Sustainability Progress Report, which is openly available. In addition, it aims to further educate its customers on important topics such as plastic pollution. This is a great way to show that it cares about its customers, the environment and its impact on the world. This type of transparency is vital for any beauty brand to have.
Safety
The beauty industry has been quick to jump on the green, natural or clean bandwagon. Its products are now found everywhere, from drugstores to Sephora and beyond. But there’s a lot of confusion on what these buzzwords mean, and it can be difficult to find products that are truly environmentally friendly.
The main reason to choose green cosmetics is that they are gentler on the skin and safer for the environment. They use all-natural ingredients and have fewer environmental impacts. Moreover, they are free of chemicals and fragrances that have been linked to a variety of health risks. For instance, many synthetic beauty products irritate the skin, causing it to dry out. Some are also abrasive and can cause damage to the eyes, hair, and nails. These effects can lead to premature aging and even cancer in later life.
In the case of green cosmetics, these claims are backed up by scientific research. However, it’s important to note that not all natural beauty products are created equal. For example, some brands use only a few non-toxic ingredients in their formulas, while others include toxic ones as well. Therefore, it’s essential to read the ingredient list and look for green beauty certifications like USDA Organic or EcoCert.
While green cosmetics are safe for most people, they may be less effective than traditional products. For this reason, it’s best to make a trial run of a few different green beauty products before buying them. This way, you can find the one that suits your needs the best.
Choosing green beauty products can be challenging, especially with the proliferation of product labels such as clean, eco-friendly, and non-toxic. The term “clean” often refers to a formula that excludes harmful ingredients; “eco-friendly” typically means the company uses recycled packaging and follows cruelty-free sustainable sourcing practices; and “non-toxic” often refers to a list of approved chemicals.
Despite the confusing terminology, there are ways to cut through the noise and find the right green beauty products for you. One tip is to look for brands that provide clear and easy-to-read ingredient lists on their websites. Moreover, you should also check whether the brand is transparent about its manufacturing and distribution process. Another great tip is to choose a company that supports a charitable organization. For example, Kiehl’s offers a free trial-size product for every 10 empty full-size containers that you return.
