Beauty and skincare brands have made an industry-wide effort in the last few years to create more environmentally-friendly products and design more sustainable packaging. Consumers can help drive ethical practices by being conscious of the products they buy and their sources. Owner of Eunoia Beauty, Kate Dyer, shares some steps for taking an ethical approach to beauty and skincare as a consumer.
Know which businesses and practices you support
It's important to think carefully about the companies you support with your money when it comes to skincare and cosmetics. Before you make a purchase, make an effort to research the ethical standards of the company. Investigating whether the business conducts animal testing or whether it was designed with the welfare of both people and the environment in mind is one aspect of this research. A sustainable beauty company takes into account how its business practices will affect the planet's future. Additionally, it makes efforts to lessen its impact along every step of its supply chain, from the procurement of raw materials to the shipping of the finished product using eco-friendly packaging.
Support sustainable ingredient sourcing and supply chain transparency
Understanding the origins of the ingredients used in skincare and cosmetics is also something to consider when making purchases. When a brand uses ingredients that are ethically sourced it means that it also takes into account the people who helped obtain those ingredients and whether or not they were treated fairly, allowing them to support their environment and community.
Be aware of greenwashing
“Greenwashing” is when a business misrepresents itself as being environmentally friendly or sustainable in order to win over customers who are passionate about those issues. Unfortunately, as more businesses try to capitalise on consumer trends without actually changing their practices, greenwashing is becoming more common in the beauty industry. Do your own research into a company's environmental impact rather than relying solely on what they claim to be doing.
Choose vegan and cruelty-free products
Purchasing vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics and skincare products where possible is one way to practice ethical beauty and skincare. At present, there are vegan substitutes for almost every ingredient in the formulation of skincare and beauty products.
Advocate for change in the industry
You can influence change by being aware of your own purchasing and supporting businesses that are prioritising these values. There are many ways to do this, including educating yourself on the impact the beauty industry has on the environment, making a conscious effort to purchase ethical and sustainable products, and spreading awareness. Sharing articles or social media posts can promote awareness and bring about change.
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