Green cosmetics are typically defined as cosmetic products that contain ingredients derived from natural and organic sources. The term “green” is often used to refer to environmentally friendly practices and policies, such as recycling or using renewable energy resources. The cosmetics industry has been slow to adopt green practices, but there are now more and more brands that focus on using natural and organic ingredients in their products.
Why does it matter? There are a few reasons.
1) Green cosmetics are often better for your skin
Many synthetic ingredients can be harsh or irritating, while natural ingredients are typically gentler. Natural ingredients are also less likely to cause allergic reactions, which is vital for people with sensitive skin. You now have a variety of face oils for irritated, allergic, or sensitive skin at your disposal. It is much better for you than harsh chemicals.
2) Green cosmetics are better for the environment
Because they’re more natural and organic, they don’t contain harsh chemicals that can harm wildlife or the Earth’s ecosystems.
Green beauty products take into account the environment by making decisions based on what we know about how humans interact with nature, such as using plant-based ingredients, reducing packaging materials and toxic chemicals in production processes, supporting fair trade manufacturing practices, and advocating for better regulations around chemical use in personal care products. They also consider social issues like animal cruelty prevention, gender equality in business practices (i.e., ensuring equal pay), diversity of body shapes represented in their product lineups (plus-size models), and inclusion of consumers with disabilities.
Most recently, consumers have been made aware of the fact that many popular face care products contain microbeads – tiny plastic beads less than 5mm in size – as a scrubbing agent to help exfoliate the skin. Microbeads make their way into oceans, rivers, and lakes, where they become stranded and contribute to pollution, harming marine life along the way.
3) Green cosmetics are better for your wallet
With a growing interest in clean, toxin-free beauty products – and more options on the market – it’s becoming easier to find high-quality brands at accessible prices. There are even green beauty subscription boxes available where you can get full facial skincare treatments delivered to your door each month.
4) Green cosmetics are kinder to animals
Many popular brands of cosmetics are tested on animals, but green brands often rely on natural ingredients that have been proven to be safe and gentle. This means that their products are not only safer for humans, but that they are not tested on animals at all. After all, why test something on an animal if it is not intended for their skin?
In a world where we are increasingly aware of the negative impacts our lifestyles have on the environment, it is no surprise that more and more people are turning to green alternatives. With the increasing availability of green cosmetics, you can now make an environmentally-conscious choice without having to compromise on quality or cost. Green cosmetics take into account the environment by making decisions based on what we know about how humans interact with nature – using plant-based ingredients, reducing packaging materials and toxic chemicals in production processes, supporting fair trade manufacturing practices, and advocating for better regulations around chemical use.
