Vegan makeup is a product where the formula is free from any animal derived ingredients such as beeswax which is a very common ingredient in many makeup formulas. Although vegan products are not directly sustainable, by using plant based ingredients and cruelty free production methods they contribute to sustainability.
It might not be obvious to a consumer however the beauty industry carries a significant environmental cost due to the process of making the products, including: high emission transportation for globally sourced ingredients and high amounts of plastic packaging. Therefore, where makeup brands are using animal derived ingredients and single use plastics they have a big impact on reducing the industries environmental footprint.
What Is a Carbon Footprint in the Beauty Industry?
Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide released as a result of the activities associated with an individual, organisation or community.
The impact makeup products have on the environment is often overlooked by consumers however there are a lot of factors that can contribute negatively. One of the main contributors is ingredient sourcing due to the fact that most raw materials used are from different parts in the world therefore requiring long distance transportation. In addition, there are also specific ingredients which rely on resource heavy agricultural practices that contribute to things like deforestation.
Furthermore, the energy use of manufacturing also adds to a businesses carbon footprint, the majority of makeup production depends on fossil fuels for things such as heat formulations and operating large scale machinery. Packaging materials are also a major contributor to carbon footprint as they tend to be mainly made up of plastic which produce significant emissions during production but also unlikely to be recyclable.
Sustainable Ingredient Sourcing
A makeup brand can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by using vegan ingredients in their products. By eliminating animal derived ingredients, the business is removing any dependence on animal agriculture which can be a major contributor to climate change. Many brands are turning to plant based or other alternative ingredients which are easier to produce or source responsibly. For example, vegan lipgloss formulations commonly replace beeswax and lanolin with plant oils, shea butter, and synthetic waxes.
Another way to source sustainable ingredients is through the use of locally sourced materials or organic farming practices. The shorter the supply chain the better as it allows the brand to monitor the environmental impact closely.
Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Processes
There are several ways makeup brands can change their manufacturing processes to make them eco-friendly. Many brands have transitioned to renewable energy sources for example using solar or wind-powered energy. This change massively reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacturing process.
Another way is through water conservation, by recycling the water within their manufacturing facilities. A less common method is small batch production to minimise excess inventory and discard products due to overproduction or short shelf lives.
The Role of Consumers in Reducing Carbon Impact
A key role is played by consumers in shaping the environmental impact of makeup brands through their purchasing decisions. As demand increases for vegan and sustainable makeup products it sends a clear message to the industry that environmentally conscious production matters.
Although the brand the consumer buys has the biggest environmental impact there are other consumer decisions that can make a difference. Opting for refillable products will help to reduce packaging waste but not completely reduce waste therefore, making sure the packaging is recyclable and that it is recycled correctly.
Conclusion
The beauty industry is being redefined by vegan makeup brands reducing carbon footprints across their processes, in particular ingredient sourcing. By consumers making more informed choices about their beauty purchases and supporting brands who are committed to sustainability, they have the power to shape a lower carbon footprint future for the beauty industry.
