4 facts about how cosmetics affect the planet

On May 15, the world celebrates International Climate Day. And one of the main threats to him is the beauty industry. And it's not just about greenhouse gas emissions: the production of cosmetics in general is actively affecting the environment.

Does cosmetics affect the planet? Yes – and it happens every day. Sometimes this impact is positive: for example, when brands develop sustainable paper packaging or grow medicinal plants on their own farms. But the production (and even use) of many beauty products has harmful consequences for the planet – for example, global warming caused by the carbon footprint of cosmetics, or pollution of the oceans. 

The beauty industry is wasteful of resources

The problem of overproduction arises not only in the fashion industry. How plants and flowers are grown, from which the ingredients for creams, tonics and masks are obtained, affects the local ecosystem and the overall carbon footprint. A vivid example of this is coconut oil, which is added to 70% of cosmetics. The mass planting of coconut palms in Indonesia and Malaysia has led to the partial destruction of tropical mangroves. Now much more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere than before.

In addition, the main component of many beauty products is water. Shampoos, toners, face sprays, shower gels… By 2050, the availability of clean drinking water will plummet, according to environmental forecasts. And this will cause an increase in the cost of cosmetics production.

This is not to say that beauty brands do not pay attention to these alarming bells. Unilever plans to label each product – informing the consumer about the carbon footprint of the production of each bottle of shampoo or lotion. British brand Lush is a pioneer in all things waterless beauty. Massage tiles, dry shampoos and bath bombs, solid foundations: the brand manages to produce a huge range of products in solid and pressed form.

Many countries are still testing cosmetics on animals.

In the US, UK, Australia, Turkey, Israel, animal testing is prohibited. The number of ethical brands is growing every day, but in China, for example, without animal testing it is impossible to sell any cosmetic products. Animal rights activists are striving to achieve the introduction in all countries of the "law of three O": 

• limit the use of animals;
• optimize testing so that it brings as little suffering as possible;
• refuse tests that can be replaced by alternative methods.

Some beauty products harm the oceans

Sunscreens, face and body scrubs, antiperspirants, toothpastes – what do they have in common? All these products have a harmful effect on the waters of the oceans. Triclosan, which is added to deodorants and oral hygiene products, is harmful to dolphins and aquatic bacteria. Oxybenzone and octinoxate block ultraviolet rays – they also contribute to the destruction of coral reefs. Plastic pellets do not dissolve in water: because of them, fish and marine animals die. 

…and pollute the environment

The global beauty industry needs at least 120 billion units of plastic packaging per year. It is considered one of the largest waste producers in the world. Cosmetic brands do not stand still: they increasingly prefer biodegradable materials. And not only to help solve the garbage problem. As plastic decomposes, it releases a dangerous mixture of methane and ethylene. These are greenhouse gases that warm the atmosphere. To help the planet, choose cosmetics in packaging made of cardboard, bioplastic – they do not harm either nature or your health.