As consumers become more conscious of the impact their purchases have on the environment and animal welfare, the demand for cruelty-free and natural beauty products continues to grow. However, there are several ways in which brands can obscure their ingredients in order to meet health and beauty trends. For example, they may use misleading labels, such as "natural" or "organic," even when a product contains synthetic or potentially harmful ingredients. Additionally, they may use vague terms like "fragrance" or "proprietary blend" to avoid listing the actual components of a product. This lack of transparency can be harmful to consumers, particularly those with allergies or sensitivities to certain substances.
One example of a brand that has hidden potentially harmful chemicals is Johnson & Johnson. In 2020, the company announced that it would stop selling talc-based baby powder in the US and Canada due to concerns about asbestos contamination. This announcement came after years of lawsuits and allegations that the company had known about the potential health risks of talc but failed to inform consumers.
Another example is the use of parabens in many personal care products, including shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Parabens are a type of preservative that has been linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer. Despite these risks, many brands continue to use parabens, often without clearly indicating their presence on the label.
We'll explore the importance of choosing cruelty-free and natural beauty products and the positive impact they can have on the environment and animals.
1. Animal Testing in Traditional Beauty Brands
Many traditional beauty brands still use animal testing to test their products, which can cause unnecessary harm and suffering to animals. Choosing cruelty-free skincare and natural beauty products ensures that no animals were harmed in the making of the products you use.
There are several reasons why some brands still use animal testing.
Firstly, some brands may not be aware of the availability of alternative testing methods that do not involve animals, such as in vitro tests or computer modelling. These alternative methods are becoming increasingly common and have been shown to be more accurate, cost-effective, and faster than animal testing.
Secondly, some brands may be required by law to test their products on animals before they can be sold in certain countries, such as China. In China, animal testing is required for all imported cosmetics and for certain domestically produced cosmetics. While there have been some recent changes in Chinese regulations, there is still a long way to go before animal testing is no longer required.
Thirdly, some brands may believe that animal testing is necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products. While animal testing has been used for many years to assess the safety of cosmetics and personal care products, it is increasingly recognized that animal testing is not a reliable indicator of human safety. In fact, many ingredients that have been deemed safe for animals have later been found to be harmful to humans.
2. Sustainability in Natural Beauty Brands:
Many cruelty-free and natural beauty brands also prioritize sustainability and use eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging. By choosing these products, you're not only making a positive impact on animals but also on the environment.
Sustainable brands are committed to reducing their environmental impact. They use environmentally friendly materials, which require less water, energy, and chemicals to produce. They also prioritize reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain, from production to transportation to packaging.
Sustainable brands often prioritize quality over quantity. They focus on producing high-quality products that are made to last, rather than fast fashion that quickly goes out of style or falls apart after a few wears. This means that consumers can save money in the long run by investing in high-quality, durable items that do not need to be replaced as frequently.
Choosing sustainable brands can also have a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole. By supporting sustainable brands, consumers are sending a message to the fashion industry that they value sustainability and ethical practices. This can encourage more brands to adopt sustainable practices, leading to a reduction in the fashion industry's negative impact on the environment and society.
3. Quality Plant-Based Ingredients in Beauty Products:
Natural beauty products often use plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the skin and provide nourishing benefits. These products are also free from harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health.
Chemicals commonly found in beauty products, such as parabens and phthalates, have been linked to a range of health concerns, including skin irritation, and hormonal disruption, and even quality beauty brands that are free from harmful chemicals prioritize using high-quality, natural ingredients that are often more effective than their chemical counterparts. For example, natural oils and extracts can provide deep hydration and nourishment for the skin without the need for synthetic ingredients.
By using beauty products that are free from harmful chemicals, you are investing in the long-term health and appearance of your skin. These products work to improve the health of your skin over time, rather than just providing temporary benefits.
Chemicals commonly found in beauty products can cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin. Quality beauty brands that are free from harmful chemicals prioritize using gentle, natural ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. cancer. Quality beauty brands that are free from harmful chemicals prioritize using safe and natural ingredients that are less likely to cause harm to the skin.
4. Transparency in Cruelty-Free Natural Beaty Brands:
Many cruelty-free and natural beauty brands prioritize transparency and disclose all of their ingredients, so you can make an informed decision about the products you're using.
By providing a complete ingredient list, consumers can identify potential allergens or irritants that may be present in the product. This allows them to avoid products that may cause adverse reactions and choose products that are safer for their skin.
Providing complete transparency about the ingredients used in a product allows consumers to assess the quality of the product. They can make informed decisions about whether the product meets their standards for quality and effectiveness.
Consumers who are concerned about the ethical production of their beauty products want to know where the ingredients are sourced and how they are obtained. By being transparent about their production process, cruelty-free and natural beauty brands can address these concerns and provide consumers with the information they need to make ethical choices.
Many consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they use. By disclosing all of their ingredients and production processes, natural beauty brands can demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and transparency.
By choosing cruelty-free skincare and natural beauty products, you're making a positive impact on the environment and animals, while still maintaining high-quality skincare. At Oceanspire, we believe in sustainable beauty and offer a wide range of eco-friendly cosmetics that are both cruelty-free and made with natural ingredients. Shop our selection today and join us in making a difference.
References:
1. "Why choosing sustainable brands is better"
Sustainable consumption and production for a low-carbon economy. (2016). United Nations Environment Programme. https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/18421/SCP_for_a_Low_Carbon_Economy.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
2. "Specifically health and beauty brands"
Cohen, J. (2019). A Review of Sustainable and Green Beauty Products. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 9(4), 283-294. doi: 10.4236/jcdsa.2019.94028
3. "Why quality beauty brands that are free from chemicals are better"
Singh, N., & Kaur, G. (2018). Natural beauty care products: A review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, 6(1), 43-47. http://www.plantsjournal.com/archives/?year=2018&vol=6&issue=1&part=A&ArticleId=918
4. "Many cruelty-free and natural beauty brands prioritize transparency and disclose all of their ingredients, so you can make an informed decision about the products you're using"
Guo, Y., & Sasser, S. (2017). Consumer preferences for ingredient disclosure on cosmetic products: An empirical analysis of stated preference data. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 51(1), 146-167. doi: 10.1111/joca.12147