HOW TO TAKE A MORE ETHICAL APPROACH TO BEAUTY AND SKINCARE

As consumers, we can play a role in promoting more ethical practices in the beauty industry by being mindful of the products we purchase and how they’re sourced. Here are some steps you can take to ensure a more ethical approach to beauty and skincare from the point of view of the consumer.

Steps You Can Take to Ensure an Ethical Approach to Beauty and Skincare

Be Aware of Which Companies and Practices You Support

When it comes to beauty and skincare, it is important to be mindful of the companies you support with your money. Make an effort to research the ethical practices of any company before you make a purchase. This research can include looking into whether the company tests on animals, for example.

There are many ways to research a company’s ethics. One way is to read online reviews or articles about the company, paying attention to any red flags that come up.

Inquire About the Sources of Ingredients

When purchasing beauty and skincare products, it is also important to be aware of the sources of the ingredients used. Many ingredients commonly found in these products are sourced from countries where child labor and unsafe working conditions are rampant.

In other cases, however, it may be necessary to do more research on a particular ingredient before making a purchase. When in doubt, there are numerous resources available online—like this one from Ethical Consumer.

Consider Using Vegan and Animal-Friendly Products

One way to take an ethical approach to beauty and skincare is by using vegan and animal-friendly products whenever possible. These days, there are vegan alternatives available for almost every type of product on the market—from shampoo and conditioner to makeup and skincare items.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to finding vegan beauty products, there are plenty of helpful guides available online. Alternatively, many stores that sell beauty products now offer sections specifically for vegan items so that shoppers can easily find what they’re looking for. These days, there are lots of doctor-formulated skincare products that are 100% vegan.

Be Wary of Greenwashing

“Greenwashing” is when a company falsely promotes itself as being environmentally friendly or sustainable in order to appeal to consumers who care about those issues. Unfortunately, greenwashing is becoming increasingly common in the beauty industry as companies attempt to cash in on consumer trends without actually changing their practices.

To avoid falling victim to greenwashing, it is important to be skeptical of any claims a company makes about being eco-friendly or sustainable. Instead of taking a company’s word for it, do your own research into their environmental impact.

Advocate for Change

In addition to being mindful of your own purchasing decisions, you can also help create change in the beauty industry by speaking up and advocating for ethical practices. This can be done in a number of ways, such as signing petitions, writing letters to companies or politicians, or participating in protests or boycotts. Simply sharing articles or social media posts about these issues can also help raise awareness and create change.