The beauty industry is seeing a sharp increase in interest in eco-friendly skincare products. Customers prioritize natural ingredients that are healthier for the body than unknown substances. They also want ingredients that are better for the environment, sourced from ethical practices, and biodegradable so as not to leave a lasting mark on the world.

Many customers also believe natural ingredients are more potent than other ingredients, making effective products that work.

Brands respond to the growing desire for eco-friendly products by providing sustainable packaging and using organic, ethically sourced ingredients.

Factors Driving the Eco-Friendly Skincare Movement

Customers desire ingredients that they know and understand. Rather than using products full of chemicals and additives with unknown origins, people want to use products that they know are free of synthetic materials.

As more skincare brands hit the market, customers want trust from companies. One way companies are gaining customer loyalty is through transparent practices. Customers value a brand willing to show their entire product-creation process, including ingredient sourcing, shipping, product manufacturing, and packaging.

Additionally, consumers are focused on environmental responsibility when looking for products. With an increasing awareness of climate change and other pollutants, customers want brands that provide eco-friendly ingredients and packaging to reduce their global footprint. 

How Brands are Responding

Many skincare brands are turning to sustainable packaging in response to consumers wanting eco-friendly products. The Organic Skin Co. uses glass, bamboo, and recycled aluminum for their packaging. Additionally, the company uses a non-profit organization to further contribute to minimizing global waste. “Every time you purchase a product our partner, a non-profit called Seven Clean Seas] removes the equivalent of five plastic bottles from water waste,” says Organic Skin Co. representative Grant Douglas.

Brands are also formulating skincare products with fair-trade, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients. Instead of guessing where an ingredient may have come from, transparent sites emphasize where ingredients come from.

Consumer Demographics: Who is Embracing the Change?

At the forefront of the eco-friendly skincare movement are predominantly younger generations, such as Millenials and Gen Z. With growing concern and a feeling of responsibility for contributing to a cleaner world, these individuals champion eco-friendly products. The rise of clean beauty is largely due to social media and online communities promoting eco-conscious choices among consumers.

Beyond younger generations, Generation X and Baby Boomers are becoming increasingly interested in sustainable skincare products. These customers are shifting towards wellness-forward products, prioritizing skin health and the potential health benefits.

“They are looking for organic and natural products to replace more conventional products,” Grant Douglas says. Many over fifty find natural products more favorable than synthetic ingredients, which may contain overly harsh chemicals for aging skin.

The Future of Eco-Friendly Skincare

Skincare brands will face higher production costs as consumers seek more transparent company practices. Eco-friendly materials and sustainable sourcing can also result in higher price tags for manufacturers, resulting in smaller profit margins or higher-priced products. However, customers concerned with sustainability and natural ingredients are often willing to pay a higher price for eco-friendly skincare products.

Skincare consumers should also be educated on how to read product labels properly. These labels contain important information, such as ingredients, product claims, and sustainability certifications. Product packaging may also bear Fair Trade and cruelty-free labels. 

Eco-Friendly Skincare Consumption

As several industries worldwide shift towards eco-conscious practices, skincare brands are also changing their goals. Consumers are increasingly concerned with sustainability and clean efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and packaging waste. 

Eco-friendly skincare also often prioritizes clean ingredients, which many find to be more suitable for their skin. Organic, natural ingredients may be more effective than synthetic ingredients, and ethically sourced trade practices can often be used. 

The beauty industry is rapidly changing to become more health-conscious and ecologically forward. Consumers are driving the change, impacting how the beauty industry may look in future years.