January 19, 2025 6 min read

The beauty industry is booming - the global beauty and personal care market is projected to reach approximately $590 billion by 2028, reflecting an annual growth rate of about 6% (source). But behind the glamorous packaging and lofty marketing promises is the undeniable environmental impact of beauty products. From plastic packaging to harmful ingredients (for the body and the planet), the beauty industry has a long way to go before it can truly claim to be sustainable.

Let's take a look at the wastefulness of the beauty industry, the rise of greenwashing, and how Bright Body is making a difference through sustainable ingredients and packaging.

The Wastefulness of the Beauty Industry: A Closer Look

It's no secret that the beauty industry contributes significantly to plastic waste. According to a report by Zero Waste Week, the beauty industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging every year. This includes plastic bottles, jars, and tubes that often end up in landfills and oceans. Even though many beauty brands market themselves as environmentally conscious, the reality is that only 9% of plastic is recycled globally (source). This means that the vast majority of plastic packaging in the beauty industry is either incinerated or ends up as waste.

The statistics are staggering, and the environmental toll is undeniable. For instance, around 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, much of which comes from single-use packaging in industries like beauty and personal care. This has serious implications for marine life, wildlife, and ultimately, human health. After all, individual health IS environmental (and public) health.

The need for more sustainable practices in the beauty industry is clear. But unfortunately, not all brands are walking the walk, even when they talk the talk.

Greenwashing in the Beauty Industry: What You Need to Know

While the global demand for "eco-friendly products" grows, many beauty brands have rushed to label themselves as “green” or “natural” without truly adopting sustainable practices. Known as greenwashing, this practice misleads consumers into thinking they're making a sustainable choice when, in fact, these brands aren't much different than the conventional alternatives. Ultimately, greenwashing undermines efforts to create real environmental impact.

One of the most common tactics of greenwashing is marketing plastic packaging as "recyclable." Although it may sound like a step in the right direction, the reality is that the vast majority of plastic is not recycled effectively. According to a report from The Last Beach Cleanup, only 9% of all plastic waste is actually recycled, with much of it ending up in landfills or oceans. Even when plastic packaging is labeled "recyclable," it’s often contaminated with product residues or made from mixed materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle.

Another common greenwashing tactic is nature-associated branding. Brands will strategically use natural imagery and colors to suggest that their products are sustainable. But a closer inspection tells a different story. Many brands that market themselves as "natural" may still use harmful ingredients, unsustainable sourcing practices, and plastic packaging.

Greenwashing isn’t just about clever marketing—it's also about the ingredients that go into the products. Some ingredients used in beauty products are environmentally unsustainable and have considerable consequences on ecosystems, biodiversity, and communities. Here are a few examples of environmentally harmful ingredients commonly found in beauty products:

  1. Palm Oil: Palm oil is a ubiquitous ingredient in many beauty products, from soaps and shampoos to lotions and cosmetics. While it’s a cheap and effective ingredient, its conventional production is highly unsustainable. Palm oil is responsible for massive deforestation in tropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia. This deforestation leads to habitat destruction for endangered species like orangutans, tigers, and rhinos, and contributes to climate change through carbon emissions. Furthermore, palm oil plantations often displace local communities, resulting in social and economic inequality. Look for brands that use sustainably sourced palm oil or, ideally, avoid it altogether.

  2. Petroleum-Based Ingredients: Ingredients like petrolatum (petroleum jelly), mineral oil, and paraffin wax are derived from fossil fuels and have significant environmental impacts. These substances are not biodegradable, so they persist in the environment for extended periods of time. Their production also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Petroleum derivatives can also be contaminated with carcinogens during the manufacturing process. While these ingredients are commonly used as emollients in beauty products, there are many plant-based alternatives that are safer for the body and the planet.

  3. Synthetic Fragrances: Most beauty products contain synthetic fragrances, many of which are petroleum derivates. Synthetic fragrances can harmful to both your skin and the environment. These fragrances often contain phthalates, which have been linked to hormonal disruption and environmental contamination. Phthalates are not biodegradable and can persist in the environment, causing long-term damage to ecosystems. Look for unscented products or alternatives that use safe concentrations of naturally-derived fragrances or essential oils.

  4. Plastics: While many beauty brands tout the use of "recyclable" plastic packaging, most plastics are not actually recycled. Mixed plastics, which combine different types of plastic materials, are particularly problematic because they require special processing that is often unavailable in standard recycling facilities. PVC plastic, often used for squeezable tubes, is notoriously hard to process. While plastic closures (like lids, pumps, and spray tops) are have unavoidable plastic components, full plastic packaging can be avoided.

  5. Silicones: Common in hair care and skin care products, silicones (any ingredient ending in -cone or -siloxane) are synthetic ingredients that form a barrier on the skin or hair, giving the product a smooth, glossy finish. While they provide temporary benefits, silicones are not biodegradable and can accumulate in the environment, especially in aquatic ecosystems. The production of silicones is energy-intensive and can contribute to pollution. Opting for products that use natural oils or plant-based alternatives can help minimize this impact.

How to Spot Greenwashing in Beauty Products

When trying to avoid greenwashing in the beauty industry, it's important to read beyond the buzzwords and look for concrete evidence that a brand is making sustainable choices. Here are some tips to help you spot greenwashing:

  • Look at the ingredients list: A truly sustainable product will have 100% ingredient transparency. Avoid products with questionable ingredients like palm oil, petroleum-derived substances, synthetic fragrances, or non-recyclable plastics.
  • Look at their packaging: Even if they claim their packaging is "recyclable" plastic, remember that only 9% of plastic - even what you put in your recycling bin - is successfully recycled. Look for brands with low or no plastic packaging.
  • Research the brand’s sustainability practices: A responsible brand should have a clear commitment to sustainability in every aspect of its operations, from packaging and ingredient sourcing to carbon emissions. Check the company’s website or social media for details on their sustainability goals and practices.
  • Be wary of misleading marketing: Just because a product says it’s “eco-friendly” or “natural” doesn’t mean it is. Pay attention to claims like “recyclable packaging” or “contains natural ingredients” and do your research to ensure these claims are backed by evidence.
  • Is the "refill" really a refill: Many brands will sell a "refill" that is packaged in more plastic without a take back system. Dig deeper - how does this brand handle their refills?

Bright Body’s Sustainable Ingredient and Packaging Philosophies

At Bright Body, we believe sustainability starts with the ingredients we choose and extends to the way we package and distribute our products. We aim to reduce waste, protect the planet, and offer products that are both effective and eco-friendly.

  1. No-Go List: Our No-Go List is a comprehensive list of all the ingredients we will never use in our products. We believe in the power of plant-based ingredients and the safest synthetics for high performance without compromising your health or the environment. See our No-GO List here.

  2. Real Refill Program: Through our Eco-Friendly Refill Program, customers can reuse their packaging by refilling their products, and we have a system to take back your refill pouches. Our goal was to make sustainable choices more simple and accessible to busy eco-conscious families. Learn more about our refill program here.

  3. Sustainable Packaging: All of our packaging is designed to minimize environmental impact. We package in aluminum and glass, and we take back our foil refill pouches for specialized processing. We also avoid microplastics and plasticizers, which are harmful to both your skin and the planet.

  4. Supporting Sustainable Sourcing: We are committed to working with suppliers who prioritize ethical sourcing practices and fair labor standards. The ingredients in our products are not only good for your skin but also sourced in a way that supports environmental conservation and the communities that grow them.

Bright Body’s sustainable practices extend to every aspect of our business, because we believe that taking care of the Earth is just as important as taking care of yourself.

Ready to make the switch to sustainable beauty that walks the walk? Shop our Bestsellers + Refills collections and get 15% off your first purchase with code NEW.


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