The concept of sustainable consumption of cosmetics

Nowadays, under the general trend of green and environmental protection, the concept of sustainable consumption of cosmetics has become a global trend. However, in recent years, well-known cosmetics brands have been detected with excessive heavy metals and other safety issues have emerged one after another, making consumers full of doubts about the safety of cosmetics, let alone these beautiful-looking 'green' concepts.


If the cap design of a bottle of body lotion is reduced from two thick layers to one layer, the amount of plastic will be reduced by 50%; the lipstick will be changed from a single pack to a three pack, and the material used will be reduced by 58.5%; one A study shows that the use phase of a cleanser or shower gel may have a significant impact on the entire life cycle, depending on the amount of water used...

Nowadays, under the general trend of green and environmental protection, the concept of sustainable consumption of cosmetics has become a global trend. According to the 'China Sustainable Consumption Research Report' jointly issued by L'Oréal Group, China Consumers Association and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and China’s first sustainable consumption guidelines, 65% of consumers said that they have a 'responsibility to buy good for the environment and society.' Products”, but often failed to put into practice.

'Digbao' renewable raw materials

'Green', 'Organic', 'Natural'...These are the most common cosmetic slogans nowadays. However, in recent years, well-known cosmetics brands have been detected with excessive heavy metals and other safety issues have emerged one after another, making consumers full of doubts about the safety of cosmetics, let alone these beautiful-looking 'green' concepts.

According to industry insiders, the safety assessment of cosmetic raw materials is strict, including a considerable number of pharmacological and toxicological tests. However, the number of finished cosmetics is so large that only the core items will be evaluated for their safety. The product is composed of various raw materials. The combination of raw materials and raw materials may produce new results, or enhancement of product effects, or new functions that are beneficial to the skin. Will there be any undiscovered negative effects after the combination? It is reported that the relevant domestic laws and regulations currently do not have restrictions on the amount of functional ingredients. In order to cater to consumers' expectations for quick results, manufacturers may add excessive amounts of functional ingredients, which may also cause some safety issues. Taking arbutin as an example, a larger addition amount will have a more obvious whitening effect, but if the whitening effect is too pursued, the addition amount is too large, it will produce skin irritation, and may even cause normal skin discoloration.

Sustainable packaging becomes mainstream

The reporter visited the major cosmetics counters in Shanghai and found many sustainable packaging applications. At present, more than 80% of Herborist's products use recyclable and degradable outer packaging, and all cartons are made of recycled paper; FANCL's cartons and instructions use environmentally friendly recycled paper, and the containers are also natural resin materials that can be completely decomposed. Brands such as Shiseido, DHC, and Estee Lauder adopt lightweight replacements at a favorable price to support environmental protection. Products and special boxes are sold separately, and consumers can use new powder cores directly after they are used up.

According to industry insiders, the future packaging concept should integrate the long-term value of natural ecology into humanized scientific design concepts, and advocate public welfare packaging, green packaging, moderate packaging, and light packaging. Reasonable packaging should be just the right protection for the product, including physical, chemical, biological performance protection and not exaggerated exquisite decoration, convenient for storage, transportation and consumer use.