In our electronically-connected world, consumers now have greater access to product information than they ever did before. Because of this, manufacturers are facing immense pressure to abandon their conventional practices of producing cosmetics and embracing a cleaner and greener movement. The beauty industry stands at the forefront of the sustainability movement and as a raw cosmetics manufacturer, Phoenix Chemical is here to answer the call for a more sustainable future. The sustainable beauty industry came into existence for a reason, and it will continue to benefit many consumers, all while preserving the health of our planet. 

A Short History of Sustainable Beauty

Before the boom of the internet, cosmetic companies were still dealing with public scrutiny over their practices. One of the earliest public outcries against cosmetic manufacturers dates back to 1944 with the advent of the Draize test. Because of stringent regulations for safety administered by the FDA, the Draize test gained much traction and was implemented by creators of hygiene products. 

However, problems arose when animal activists learned that the Draize test was responsible for the suffering of many rabbits. The rabbits would have their eyes pinned open for receiving chemical drops, often leaving them blind afterwards. Unfortunately, the heinous acts committed against animals for testing didn’t stop here— researchers would also shave animals to test for skin irritation, causing many skin lesions that typically went untreated. As more time went on, public disavowal caused many manufacturers to abandon this test in favor of more humane options, but other issues with sustainability continued to come up. This was but one moment in the history of sustainable beauty–which is rooted in both ethical concerns for animal testing as well as the overarching desire to create products that don’t come at nearly the same cost to the planet’s resources.

A majority of individuals have an unwavering commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. This awareness helped propel movements like decreasing waste in cosmetic manufacturing, using less water in the production process, and so on and so forth. Additionally, increased awareness on gender issues–namely, gender neutrality and gender fluidity has spearheaded the demand for products that cross gender boundaries. Manufacturers have taken note of this and have gotten more savvy in their execution, directing more of their products directly to men or for those who do not conform to either side of the gender spectrum.

Newest Sustainability and Beauty Trends

Many of the latest trends emerging from beauty manufacturers have showcased the industry’s intentions of implementing more environmental sustainability. Some of the latest sustainable beauty trends for 2022 and beyond include the following:

  • Fermented Beauty: Fermentation relies on microorganisms to condense organic materials, leading to the creation of nutrient-rich byproducts such as peptides and amino acids. The process of fermentation makes it easier for the skin to absorb vital nutrients, improve barrier functions, and synthesize collagen.
  • Home skin care and high-tech devices: High-tech devices for skincare will become more readily available. I.e.–skin tightening devices for advancing your anti-aging, skincare routine.
  • Waterless Products: Waterless products by nature are more potent, meaning they will require little to no preservatives. With the fresh water supply being depleted more than it is replenished, this can put the spotlight on the waterless beauty industry. Beauty manufacturers are always getting more inventive, so there are bound to be viable solutions in the works that will accelerate the use of waterless cosmetics. 

Sustainable Beauty–Looking Ahead 

We’ve peeked into the history of sustainable beauty, but what about the future? Consumers have emphasized time and time again that they are willing to pay more for products if it means that Mother Nature is protected. In recent years, we have seen an uptick in personalized products, giving the user the freedom to mix and match ingredients with ease and more importantly, matching these mixtures with their unique hair and skin profiles. 

Making the switch to sustainable beauty is a conjoined effort between consumers and a raw cosmetic manufacturer. Cosmetic science is continually evolving and the future looks bright. Here at Phoenix Chemical, we are huge proponents of sustainability, reducing your carbon footprint, and using products that will benefit your overall health and appearance. If you are interested in learning more about our formularies and philosophies, contact us today!