The Beauty Industry: Packaging, Progress and Potential

There’s a new-found beauty surrounding the beauty and skincare industry within the realm of sustainability. In recent years, brands have raised awareness for unnecessary waste and are focused on making the industry a greener community. From recycling schemes to refillable and even naked packaging, this initiative is one everyone should know about and can get involved in!

Here are some ways to make your place in the beauty and skincare industry more ethical…

How do you shop?

Over-consumption of products is something everyone is guilty of at some point within their shopping history. With the growth of social media and influencer marketing constantly showcasing new and trendy products, it is easy to slip into the habit of shopping for items excessively and impulsively. I’d recommend asking yourself the question, ‘How do I shop?’

As well as thinking about how often you buy a product, you could consider if you use up all of the contents of the item. Unlike clothes, cosmetic products have an expiry date. Being conscious about your buying habits will help ensure minimal wastage of products and packaging alongside saving a bit of money!

One way I increase my chances of loving a product is through watching or reading reviews and recommendations from blogs, TikTok’ s or YouTube videos from people I trust as content creators. Some of my favourites are Skincare By Hyram* for all things skincare and Katie Jane Hughes for a professional and creative approach to makeup. Doing this allows you to see how a product applies, the results it delivers, if it is something worth buying and if it is well-suited to your routine.

*Check out Skincare by Hyram on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2sYit3cZ2CuD_8FHYH7O_Q

Brands I love

Recognisable for the dreamy scent their shop emulates as you walk by, as well as their value of fighting animal testing, Lush is committed to building a sustainable future for the cosmetic industry. Every black pot from Lush is made from fully recycled materials and makes great use as plant pots or containers for DIY products once emptied. Alternatively, Lush offers a ‘bring it back’ scheme of returning 5 clean Lush pots to earn 50p worth of store credit or a free fresh face mask!

Cruelty-free hair and skincare brand Aveda supports ethical ingredient sourcing as well as responsible packaging. They revealed that their products are manufactured with 100% wind power through renewable energy therefore showing their dedication to aiding climate action.

Origins is a notable mention in the world of skincare as they also make ethical choices in their ingredients, packaging, and renewable electricity manufacturing. Origins in-store recycling scheme encourages customers to bring along cosmetic empties from any brand to combat excess waste.

Skincare brand Kiehl’s have pledged their loyalty to making sustainable choices throughout their brand ethos. Their ‘Recycle and Be Rewarded’ programme gives incentive to return empty Kiehl’s packaging in return for loyalty points which eventually add up to rewards and vouchers.

Embrace being naked!

The naked product initiative has grown in recent years which advocates ditching packaging altogether! Lush launched their range consisting of naked shower gels, makeup products and body butters to prove the potential that no-waste products offer. Garnier are also embracing the naked initiative through their shampoo bars which are available in various scents and properties.

*Browse Garnier's shampoo bars here: https://www.garnier.co.uk/our-brands/hair-care/ultimate-blends/shampoo-bars

The beauty and skincare industry’s potential in becoming a sustainable space is fuelled by the interaction of customers. It pushes us to question how we shop and our knowledge about recycling our products in a way that benefits you and the environment together.

Thank you for reading!

- Ria