3 MIN READ
1-13-2025
Transforming the Beauty Industry: Plastic-Free Packaging and Sustainable Formulas
Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder
Transforming the Beauty Industry: Plastic-Free Packaging and Sustainable Formulas
Like all other industries producing consumer packaged goods, the beauty industry bears a substantial environmental footprint. Manufacturing these products contributes to deforestation, especially through the use of palm oil, a leading cause of deforestation globally. Additionally, beauty product manufacturing is highly water-intensive, placing further strain on natural resources.
However, the disposal of beauty products is among the most concerning environmental impacts, particularly regarding plastic waste. Plastic packaging from beauty products is a well-known pollutant in our oceans, but the issue extends further: many beauty products also contain synthetic ingredients that contribute to the microplastic crisis. Researchers from Plastic Soup analyzed over 7,000 beauty products and found that only 13% were free from microplastics, meaning that most of these products release tiny plastic particles that can contaminate water bodies, soils, and groundwater. These pollutants endanger ecosystems, humans, and marine life alike.
The awareness of this environmental damage is driving consumer demand for products that prioritize sustainable and responsible practices. In fact, 64% of consumers consider sustainable practices important when choosing beauty and personal care products. This shift in consumer preference has encouraged cosmetic companies to innovate and adopt sustainable measures that minimize their environmental impact across the product lifecycle, from formulation to packaging.
Plastic-Free Packaging in the Beauty Industry
Globally, the beauty industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging each year, with approximately 95% of it discarded after use. Given the minimal recycling rates of plastics, the most effective way to reduce this packaging waste is to eliminate plastic altogether.
Refillable and reusable packaging is gaining popularity in the beauty industry. According to a 2019 study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, replacing single-use packaging with refillable options could significantly reduce the beauty sector’s global greenhouse gas emissions. Several brands have embraced this concept, with companies like L’Occitane and The Body Shop now offering refill stations in Europe, North America, and Asia, allowing consumers to replenish their products directly into existing containers.
Maintaining infrastructure for a refillable products model poses financial and logistical challenges, limiting its broader adoption. However, alternatives such as aluminum, glass, and biodegradable materials offer viable plastic-free packaging solutions. Brands are exploring these options, with Elate Cosmetics using bamboo and Skinfood opting for glass containers for various products.
In many cases, the most sustainable packaging is minimal or none at all. Many companies are moving toward minimal or no packaging for products such as shampoo bars and lotion bars. Brands like Lush, Ethique, and Axiology are leading the way with solid beauty products packaged minimally or left unpackaged, showing that effective products don’t always need traditional plastic containers.
Sustainable Formulas
In addition to packaging changes, many brands are revising product formulas to reduce environmental impact. Synthetic ingredients, often laden with microplastics, are increasingly being replaced with natural, biodegradable alternatives that decompose safely without harming ecosystems. For example, REN Clean Skincare’s Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Body Wash is entirely biodegradable, showcasing a commitment to sustainable ingredients. Waterless formulations are also becoming more popular due to their reduced water usage and lower transportation costs. Solid formulas for shampoos, soaps, and lotions require less packaging, further supporting sustainability efforts in the beauty industry.
Several eco-conscious brands have adopted upcycling, using repurposed waste materials as ingredients. UpCircle Beauty incorporates coffee grounds from London cafes into their body scrubs, while Circumference NYC utilizes leftover grape seeds and olive leaves from wineries and olive oil producers in their skincare products.
Lastly, some brands are simplifying their formulations by removing unnecessary ingredients, reducing the complexity and environmental impact of their products. Brands like The Ordinary are known for minimalist formulas, demonstrating that quality skincare doesn’t require an excessive ingredient list.
A New Standard for Sustainable Beauty
As the beauty industry adapts to the rising demand for eco-friendly products, plastic-free packaging, sustainable formulations, and responsible production practices are setting new standards. Through these innovations, brands can lead by example, inspiring consumers and competitors alike to prioritize the health of the planet alongside personal beauty routines.