The cosmetics industry is a massively growing sector that produces a lot of waste. Not only that, conventional cosmetic products are packed filled with harmful chemicals that can slowly deteriorate the condition of our skin.
This has led to people demanding clean and sustainable cosmetics for everyday use. Sustainable makeup, skincare, and hair care products ensure fewer allergic reactions, chemical burns, and environmental pollution. Eco-friendly ingredients are becoming more common and easily available due to the rising demand.
This shift in the cosmetic industry is favorable for our skin health and the betterment of our planet. If you are wondering what is the future of the sustainable cosmetics sector and what are the current market trends then keep reading!
What are Sustainable cosmetics?
The world is currently facing the dreadful consequences of global warming. To prevent our planet from heating up and exhausting its natural resources, and to please green consumers, the cosmetics industry is now moving towards sustainable options.
Sustainability means a process through which we are able to retain nature while also creating products to fulfill our demands. Moreover, the awareness about chemical burns and other side effects is also increasing, which makes consumers make a calculated choice.
Sustainable cosmetics are made of green, raw ingredients that can easily be renewed and recycled. Thes products feature natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Apart from that, companies are also following sustainable practices to cultivate these ingredients and transport the end product to make their brands completely sustainable.
Rising Demand for Clean Cosmetics
The demand for sustainable cosmetics is at an all-time high. People need skincare, makeup, and hair care products with ingredients that do not have severe side effects. The majority of the new cosmetic brands that have been launched in the past two to three years have focused on providing sustainable products to their customers.
Sustainable beauty products are now taking over the cosmetic market. Here is the growth of this industry in numbers:
- The natural and organic cosmetics market is set to grow massively during the years 2022 to 2027. It is expected to grow at the rate of 9,76% which totals € 34,09 billion worldwide.
- North America is the most dominating region for the manufacture and supply of sustainable cosmetics.
- The skincare market has a major share in the growth as most people only want natural ingredients to be a part of their everyday routine. It is expected to rise at a CAGR of 9,2% from 2022 to 2031.
Focus on Sustainable Packaging
Ingredients are not the only part of the cosmetic industry that is experiencing a major shift. Brands are also focusing on creating sustainable packaging for their products.
Since most cosmetic products are packaged in plastic containers, it is one of the leading sources of pollution in landfills and oceans. The makeup industry alone produces so much waste that by 2050, about 12.000 metric tons of plastic will be dumped in landfills.
Here is how cosmetic packaging is undergoing a major revolution:
- The biodegradable cosmetics packaging market is growing rapidly. It is expected to reach a value of € 10.817,84 million by 2029.
- China is one of the biggest manufacturers and exporters of biodegradable packaging including glass jars, cardboard boxes, fabric pouches, and metal tubes.
- Even though plastic holds the majority of the share in the cosmetics packaging market, by 2030, more brands will be using glass for jars and tubs of their products.
Natural Alternative to Chemical-Based Ingredients
The past few decades was all about creating different chemical-based ingredients to treat skincare and hair problems. However, the world is now shifting back to natural ingredients to avoid allergic reactions, chemical burns, and long-term side effects.
Health has become a major focus among consumers after COVID-19 and skin and hair health is no exception. Consumers demand ingredients that are derived from plants and other parts of nature for better healing of their bodies.
These are some of the striking transformations in the cosmetics industry in terms of ingredients:
- The most common anti-aging ingredient, Retinol, has been replaced with Bakuchiol which is a natural anti-aging component. It is as potent as retinol but has no long-term side effects. The survey shows, the global bakuchiol market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6,5% by 2030.
- Furthermore, the use of essential oils is growing to reap the maximum benefits of natural ingredients. The global essential oil market was € 9,02 billion in 2020 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 9,57% from 2021 to 2028.
Carbon-Free Transportation
If a company is sourcing the best natural ingredients and using biodegradable packaging without caring about the carbon footprint created during transportation, then it cannot be termed completely sustainable.
Research shows that the supply chain process creates about 80% of the carbon emissions in most parts of the world. Due to the excessive emissions, companies are opting for more sustainable alternatives for the transportation of their goods.
Here is how companies around the world are trying to make their supply chain greener:
- Electric vehicles are becoming more popular due to their sustainable nature. Companies are experimenting with EVs to transport their goods to different regions.
- Consumers are also more interested in local beauty brands. The demand for small cosmetic businesses that are based in their area is rising rapidly. Since the pandemic has given rise to more home-based beauty businesses, it is easier to sustainably ship your products within a certain area.
- Brands like Sephora, Arbonne, and BeautyCounter are actively participating in sustainable supply chain solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Sustainability is not a trend, it has now become a necessity. It is important to adapt to sustainable practices to save the planet.
Brands include natural ingredients that are gentle and more effective on the skin. It helps avoid side effects and dependency caused by harsh chemicals in our everyday personal care products.
Moreover, brands are engaging in sustainable supply chain practices to reduce their carbon footprint. This way, the business, customers, and environment can thrive simultaneously.
