How to make your skincare routine more environmentally friendly.
Increasingly, we're actively looking for ways to reduce our individual impact on the environment. Our efforts include the beauty products we use. Check out tips for a more eco-friendly skincare routine, plus information on the all-too-common practice of greenwashing.
What Is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing is the umbrella term that describes brands that make misleading claims or reference a “green” product benefit. Greenwashing claims make a product seem like a “healthy” alternative or an environmentally friendly option, when it isn’t. In addition to being unethical, greenwashing creates confusion and mistrust. It happens in many industries, not just the beauty industry. Many big brands have been called out for greenwashing, including L’Oréal and Head & Shoulders . If you want to make your skincare routine more environmentally friendly, do some research on products before you buy them.
How to Avoid Greenwashing in Skin Care
Want to avoid greenwashing? Consider all the ingredients that go into a skincare product as much as those that are omitted. Over the past decade, there has been a shift in eco-conscious consumers looking for labels that are healthy and “toxin-free.” The words “vegan” and “sustainable,” “natural,” and “organic” have also been popping up left, right, and center. We’ve also seen “paraben-free,” “sulfate-free,” and so on plastered everywhere. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t nasty ingredients hiding within. Brands are trying to keep up with the “green” trend, but they’re not necessarily going about it in the right way. They’re investing in smarter marketing, but not necessarily upping the health benefits of their products. That’s why it helps to educate yourself and do a little research before you buy.
Labeling Challenges in the Cosmetics Industry
Greenwashing is not a simple, clear-cut issue. Truly ethical and eco-friendly brands face several challenges, including:
- The lack of a consistent and cohesive natural/organic regulatory authority/certification.
- Lack of ethical cosmetic labelling practices. This results in companies disguising themselves with packaging that does not ethically reflect their contents.
- People should be aware of the need for more transparent information and education about "bad" and "nasty" chemicals.
- Education about which "natural" ingredients should be avoided because they are known to irritate the skin or be harmful.
- Education on what to use and avoid on baby skin, which has a different pH level than adult skin.
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Studies by the Environmental Working Group show that the average person is regularly exposed to synthetic, toxic, skin irritating or known carcinogenic ingredients that can wreak havoc on our hormonal balance. Our skin acts as a barrier but also has pores that absorb. Studies have found it difficult to prove what is absorbed and what impact it has on the body. It’s worth noting that a product can be labelled ‘organic’ with minimal organic ingredients. And there can be some synthetic ingredients too! Many companies still get away with claiming ‘natural ingredients’ by including 1% natural essential oils! It’s frustrating for brands that put in the effort to develop serums and products with quality, natural and planet-friendly ingredients.
How to Avoid Greenwashing in the Skin Care Industry
Here are some tips to help you figure out how to make your skincare routine more environmentally friendly:
- Do further research. This may involve contacting the brand directly to ask:
- What ACTIVE ingredients does the product contain?
- For certification testing if that is what is claimed.
- Exactly WHICH ingredients are natural/organic and in what concentrations?
- Find brands that strive to minimize waste in every aspect of their business.
- Become an ingredient warrior
- Are there any known carcinogens, toxic ingredients, hormone disruptors, or synthetic ingredients?
- Beware of fancy 'trademark' names like (hypothetical example here) "With the latest technology: SkinPlump Extract 510".
- Less is more. Choose multi-faceted, multi-purpose and effective products. For example, Hydrating Serum (LINK) is a natural moisturizer, serum, hydrator and natural makeup primer.
- Terms to consider on labels
- References to “unique” ingredients may mean they are trying to convince you of the benefits of an ingredient.
- By "vegan" ingredients, this does not mean that the entire product is vegan.
- Look for brands that make a “whole” claim, such as “100% plant-based,” not just a generalized, lame “organic” claim.
- Look for brands with reliable "certifications" through a third-party organization. They have put in the effort to obtain the certification.
Make Kura the centre of your skincare routine and you'll have a more environmentally friendly beauty cabinet. Shop our range of skincare products with high-quality, concentrated ingredients today.
