Eco Cosmetics
- Meera Naveen
- Dec 26, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24, 2024
Many of us use cosmetics. Whether that's some lotion and oil for casual skin care or heavy face makeup for a big event, most (if not all) of us use some kind of cosmetics.
So how does that tie into the main idea of the environment?
Well, some of the cosmetics we use are animal tested. Many times, this can harm animals, and is so called animal cruelty.
Way over half of the world still allows animal testing. This can result in the intense endangering of many species, especially since millions of animals are tested per year, many being killed in the process. Not only that, but it is the opposite of sustainable, using a high amount of material, with a risk of putting danger to people and the Earth.
And not only that, but specific cosmetics can contain toxic chemicals such as parabens, plasticizers, and other such synthetic materials that are capable of endangering our planet.
To take an example, these dangerous chemicals can leak into reservoirs and water systems, harming coral and reproduction systems under the water surface.
Some cosmetics also contribute to plastic pollution on our planet. An example being microplastics such as glitter that contain things like polyethylene in many products can have nasty effects and are already being ingested by over half of fish and birds globally when considering aquatic pollution.
Cosmetics such as palm oil or products that contain this ingredient contribute to deforestation. As said in one of my other posts, the popular use of palm oil is affecting nature in a way you might not suddenly think of.
It can affect in deforestation so people can clear land for palm trees to produce this oil. It can result in the loss of biodiversity and species such as the orangutan and rhinos.
And with many products' multiple fragrances and perfumes, they can release many chemicals into the air and negatively affect the formerly clean atmosphere.
So, what can we do about this?
There is always a solution to every problem.
First, you have to promise that the next time you buy a certain cosmetic product, whether it's soap, lotion, shampoo, eye shadow, blush, lip gloss, a face mask, powder, deodorant, or whatever, make sure it's vegan/cruelty free. And if there's the option of a sustainably certified product, choose that.
Another thing you have to look for is if it's free of toxic chemicals or plastics. Many times, items might say something like 'no parabens' or 'Terra Cycle certified' , etc. Make sure to use products like that, because you have a better guarantee that this is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than other such things.
Also, if possible, you can try to look up ingredients you're not sure of in cosmetics to assure yourself that they are safe and healthy for both you and the environment.
When it comes to the situation about microplastics, try to avoid any cosmetics, especially face washers/cleansers/scrubs that have microbeads or glitter in them.
Sadly, I bought a product with microbeads in it not too long ago without having the knowledge that they are made from "synthetic polymers" (Scientific Evidence Supports a Ban on Microbeads) that are big polluters of ocean ecosystems (8 trillion in the U.S only daily!)
They can even disrupt food chains and attract toxic chemicals, so don't make the same mistake I did!
Finally, use clean, reliable at - home skincare practices when you can instead of buying from the store. This way you know what you're doing and using. By creating healthy, natural homemade oils and soaps and such, it would be a great, productive way to contribute to the environment. So, to wrap it up, some cosmetics can negatively impact the environment, but if we use sustainable practices and methods in using these products, we'll definitely get a healthy, clean future.
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