Sustainable Procurement & CSR News - Cosmetics Industry

Les start-up françaises de la cosmétique continuent de se développer pour partager des solutions high-tech, éthique ou encore faisant appel à la physique-chimie. Ces différentes start-up s’imposent à leur manière dans le domaine tout en réussissant à révolutionner le secteur jusqu’ici trusté par les grands groupes.

Demonstrating compliance in cosmetics and personal care product manufacturing is a complex process due to the intricacies of its regulations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the main body that oversees the sale of all cosmetic products in the US, but according to the agency’s own language, it does not grant approval for items before they enter the market. They do, however, have several stringent rules for what ingredients can be used in and even what constitutes a cosmetic product legally. .

The notion that cruelty-free, sustainable cosmetics don't need to sacrifice quality would once raise a well-groomed eyebrow. But while certain niche brands have always emphasized sustainability, there's been a recent surge in mainstream beauty brands that are working to reduce their environmental impact - particularly by cutting down on packaging waste.

Transparency is extremely topical right now. More people want to know where their products are coming from. They want to know where the manufactures are sourcing materials and consumers are trying to understand how the products are made. They also want sustainable and environmentally-friendly ingredients given some cosmetics can play a part in deforestation and lead to environmental damage.

Many of the chemicals used to “protect” you from the sun are so hazardous that they actually threaten the well-being of some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, like coral reefs. In fact, the state of Hawaii just passed a bill banning the sale of sunscreens that contain coral-damaging chemicals. A bill described as the first of its kind, state legislators are taking action to stop the destruction of ocean life.

Target, which is the second largest department store in America after Walmart, implemented product labeling to help shoppers choose items that resonate with their consumer ethics and preferences. The wellness products are clearly labeled with colorful icons that show which items are “better for you, your family or the planet,” Target wrote online. “We believe it is important to offer products that help our guests support their health and well-being. As well as targeting emissions, the company promises to cut its deforestation rates by sustainably sourcing its palm oil.”

The new BPC scorecard focuses on four major “clusters” to characterize product sustainability:
Human Health – Human health impact of ingredients and product formulations
Supply Chain and Environmental – Resource usage (e.g. energy, water) and emissions during sourcing, manufacturing, and product use
Disclosure – Ingredient disclosure to consumers, and
Packaging – Environmental and health impacts of packaging decisions.

Conventional beauty products and standards are getting a green makeover. Tara Foley is the founder and CEO of Follain, a natural beauty retailer. Foley has been a leader in the natural beauty space since founding Follain in 2013 and this year is anticipating 200% year-over-year growth.

Vegetal origin, ethics and value consciousness are growing demands for the savvy beauty consumer and a market driven by the millennium and premium customers. Safety, efficacy and environmental concerns are key drivers for today’s consumer purchase behavior. Although important, they are looking for responsible and natural formulas with complex and innovative performance and will not compromise the functionality of the finished products.

Millennial and Gen Z consumers and marketing executives are re-powering the interest in environmentally responsible packaging and practices in the beauty world, prompting Indie brands and others to seek supply chain partners with relatable stories—and deliverable goods.9 Brands with a Sustainable Mission are The Davines Group, Meow Meow Tweet, NaturaBrasil , Ren Clean Skincare , Bulldog Skincare for Men, Babo Botanicals, Burt’s Bees, Pevonia  and Eminence Organics.
 

Sephora will launch a clean beauty section in its stores and online to help customers avoid unwanted ingredients in their products. The section, entitled 'Clean at Sephora', plans to highlight beauty products that are free of parabens, specific sulfates and phthalates starting on June 1.

Stephen Cotton, commercial director of Ronald Britton, says: “Cosmetic Bioglitter Pure is completely unique in the market, the first cosmetic glitter in the world of its kind to be derived from natural materials and no plastic.”​