How much do you know about the products you put on your face? While most people are aware of the things they put inside their bodies, they often don’t think about the potentially harmful effects of their cosmetics. The cosmetic industry is notorious for being one of the most polluting industries in the world, yet it’s an industry that continues to grow rapidly.
Sustainable makeup is an excellent choice if you’re concerned about your environmental impact or simply looking for a better option for your skin. Here are six reasons why eco-friendly experts like Vikki Gerrard La Crosse urge you to switch to sustainable makeup.
1. Sustainability is Important for the Environment
The most obvious reason to switch to sustainable makeup is for the environment. The traditional cosmetics industry is responsible for a lot of pollution, and it’s only worsening. Water, air, and land pollution are significant problems caused by the cosmetics industry.
According to the Environmental Working Group, the typical American woman uses 12 personal care products daily containing 168 unique chemicals. These chemicals end up in our waterways, polluting the water and harming wildlife. They also end up in our air, contributing to air pollution.
The packaging of makeup products is also a significant source of pollution. Most makeup products come in plastic packaging, which is not biodegradable. This means that the packaging will sit in landfills for years or end up in the ocean, polluting the water and hurting marine life.
While the environmental impact of the traditional cosmetics industry is well documented, many reputable sources discuss the positive effects of sustainable makeup on the environment. For example, a Green America report on the sustainable cosmetics industry found that sustainable makeup brands often work to reduce their environmental footprint by using recycled materials, renewable energy, and biodegradable packaging.
2. Sustainable Makeup is Better for Your Skin
In addition to being better for the environment, sustainable makeup is also better for your skin. Many traditional makeup products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your skin. For example, phthalates and parabens are two common chemicals in cosmetics that can harm your health.
Phthalates are a type of plasticizer, which means they’re used to make plastics more flexible. They’re also used in cosmetics as a fragrance ingredient and as a fixative, which helps other ingredients adhere to your skin. Phthalates have been linked to hormonal problems, reproductive issues, and cancer.
Parabens are another type of chemical commonly found in cosmetics. They’re used as a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. While parabens are considered safe in small quantities, they can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body, disrupt the endocrine system, and potentially lead to cancer.
Sustainable makeup brands are more likely to avoid using harsh chemicals like phthalates and parabens. Instead, they often rely on natural ingredients that are better for your skin. For example, many sustainable makeup brands use plant-based oils and extracts to replace synthetic ingredients.
3. Sustainable Makeup is More Ethical
The traditional cosmetics industry is known for being unethical, which is another reason Vikki Gerrard La Crosse supports the switch to sustainable makeup. Many cosmetics brands test their products on animals, which is cruel and unnecessary. In addition, the traditional cosmetics industry relies heavily on child labor.
Animal testing is still widespread in the cosmetics industry, even though it’s cruel and unnecessary. Animals in experiments are routinely subjected to painful procedures without any pain relief. They often suffer health problems and die before the experiment is over.
According to a report from Oxfam, an estimated 168 million children aged 5 to 17 are involved in child labor around the world. The report found that the cosmetics industry is one of the industries that rely most heavily on child labor.
Sustainable makeup brands are more likely to be ethical, as they often avoid testing their products on animals and rely less on child labor. For example, Lush, a sustainable cosmetics brand, is known for its commitment to being cruelty-free and ethically sourced.
4. Sustainable Makeup Lasts Longer
In addition to being better for the environment and your skin, sustainable makeup also lasts longer. Sustainable makeup brands often use higher-quality ingredients than traditional cosmetics brands.
For example, many sustainable makeup brands use plant-based oils and extracts to replace synthetic ingredients. These natural ingredients are not only better for your skin, but they also last longer. In addition, sustainable makeup brands often use packaging that helps prolong the shelf life of their products.
5. Sustainable Makeup is Affordable
One of the biggest myths about sustainable makeup is that it’s more expensive than traditional cosmetics. However, many sustainable makeup brands are just as affordable as conventional brands. Some sustainable makeup brands are even more affordable than classic brands.
For example, Lush, a sustainable cosmetics brand, is known for its affordable products. The brand offers a wide range of products, from shampoo bars to face masks, that are all reasonably priced. In addition, Lush often has sales and offers discounts on its products.
6. Sustainable Makeup is Available at Most Stores
One of the biggest myths about sustainable makeup is that it’s difficult to find. Previously, this was the case, as sustainable makeup was only available at a few specialty stores. However, this is no longer the case, as sustainable makeup is now widely available.
Vikki Gerrard La Crosse advises many sustainable makeup brands are now available at major retailers, such as Target and Walmart. In addition, many sustainable makeup brands are available online. This makes it easier than ever to find and purchase sustainable makeup.
Final Thoughts
Sustainable makeup is becoming increasingly popular as people realize the benefits of using ethical and environmentally-friendly products. In addition to being better for your skin, sustainable makeup lasts longer and is often more affordable than traditional cosmetics brands. It is also widely available, with many brands available at major retailers or online. If you’re looking for ways to be more eco-friendly, look no further than sustainable makeup.