Issue: Vol. 17

The increasing consumer demand for more sustainable products and the renewable qualities of natural raw materials are a perfect match to bring circular economy to the beauty world. In the last years, many cosmetic companies have started to look into upcycling discarded raw materials that can be reused for the production of cosmetics: a noted source of upcycled ingredients comes from the food and drink sector.

As sustainability becomes more important in the cosmetics industry, we are seeing an increase in the number of sustainability charters, standards, and labelling schemes. Ethical labels in particular are becoming more visible on cosmetic & personal care products. This article gives an overview of this trend, giving details of leading ethical labelling schemes.

Veganism is on the rise across the globe – and no industry is growing faster within the vegan market than cosmetics. Labelling in the cosmetics industry can be confusing with varying terms not always being fully understood by consumers and businesses alike. The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark was created in 1990 to help make veganism more accessible and has set the standard for what makes a vegan product.

Cosmetics manufacturers are seeking ingredients that enable environmentally and ethically responsible product profiles, while still delivering measurable positive performance. A new bio-based anionic surfactant made from renewable soy protein is enabling them to meet these expectations. This alternative to traditional solutions that contain sulphate or ethylene oxide derivatives is of 100 percent natural origin and is suitable for formulations that are labelled cruelty free. Tests have shown its excellent mildness, as well as its potential to repair hair damage and strengthen hair. This creates significant opportunities for rinse-off products that are marketed as sustainable (1).