Eco-friendly skin care is now more common, allowing beauty enthusiasts to stay glowing while taking care of the environment. However, there are some cases where businesses are just greenwashing. If you want to support genuinely eco-friendly skin care companies, look for these green flags.
1. Sustainable Shipping
As convenient as it is to order online, expedited shipping can have unseemly consequences. One study finds fast shipping increased carbon dioxide emissions by up to 15% in 2021, so look for enterprises that partner with an eco-friendly carrier.
2. Clean Ingredients
Another green flag for eco-friendly skin care is clean ingredients. Components like parabens and other synthetics could harm your skin and health. They can also be difficult to acquire, requiring mining processes that can damage the environment. Opting for natural ingredients is better since they’re relatively renewable.
They can also benefit your skin since they contain fewer toxins. However, like any skin care product, it’s better to do a patch test before buying.
3. Thoughtful Material Use
Aside from the ingredients used, materials are also incredibly important to pay attention to. Some companies use the cheapest materials and processes, even if they harm the Earth.
For example, traditional face masks commonly include plastics that can pollute the environment. Shifting to cotton and other natural sources minimize waste in the long run.
4. Certification Symbols
Certification symbols are one of the easiest things to look out for on eco-friendly skin care packaging. These obvious indicators let consumers know what the makeup and manufacturing of the product is like. Here are a few examples:
- USDA Organic: The USDA reviews whether items are formulated with organic components before branding a firm and its offerings with this stamp. The certification process is thorough, so you can rely on its credibility.
- Leaping Bunny: The Leaping Bunny Program is an internationally recognized symbol that indicates a brand did not use animal testing when creating the product. Some place it on the packaging and components.
- PETA: The PETA bunny is also a valid certification symbol for more USA-based products. Similar to Leaping Bunny, it indicates no animal testing was utilized. It also verifies vegan formulas.
- Mobius Strip: The Mobius Strip is another popular symbol characterized by three arrows forming a loop. It indicates that the packaging is recyclable, so you can take it to the recycling centers or reuse it as is rather than dispose of it.
5. Minimal Packaging
The personal care and beauty industry is responsible for over 120 billion packaging units annually. A huge majority are made of plastic, which could end up in the ocean and landfills.
Using fewer materials is an ideal way to reduce that potential pollution. Another solution would be to utilize biodegradable packaging, such as recycled cardboard or bioplastics. Aside from lowering waste, it also has a faster breakdown time.
6. Transparency
Simple things such as visible ingredient lists and educational content about eco-friendly production practices can put customers at ease with their purchase. It’s also ideal if these makers exercise their corporate social responsibility through environmental protection programs.
About a fifth of U.S. consumers would trust an organization if it supports causes they care about. Projects like tree planting and conservation or animal rehabilitation are testaments to their admirable dedication.
Be An Eco-Conscious Skin Care Shopper
Being an eco-friendly skin care shopper entails taking time to research and fact-check. These extra efforts ensure you’re voting for the right causes with your money. Plus, you’ll find some fantastic brands for your skin, all of which you can enjoy guilt-free!