The beauty industry faces a big environmental challenge. Each year, makeup, fragrance, skincare, and haircare businesses produce more than 120 billion units of packaging, much of which ends up unrecycled. The fast pace of trends adds to the problem, as new “it” products lead to more waste.
But we don’t have to choose between the environment and beauty. Thankfully, numerous sustainable labels and movements are emerging to tackle this issue. Personally, I’ve felt better about my beauty choices by using products like “naked” soap bars clad in paper and reusable makeup removal pads.
If you’re aiming for a more sustainable approach in 2024, we have some sustainable beauty trends for you to explore, along with product guidance. Simply remember, it’s always better for the environment to first use what you have and always buy in bulk.
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
These shampoo and conditioner bars contain all the best ingredients without the water. They’re lightweight compared to bottled hair products, are plastic-free, and leave a smaller carbon footprint during shipping. Plus, they’re leak-proof, making them perfect for travel. As they’re highly concentrated, they last longer than bottled products. Just remember to lather the bar in your hands before applying it to your hair to avoid buildup.
The partnership between Viori and women of the Red Yao tribe in China is now trending on TikTok. Viori has included rice water in all of its products in recognition of these women’s renowned long and healthy hair.
Reusable Makeup Remover Cloth
Disposable makeup wipes are a major contributor to pollution in the cosmetics industry; this product is an excellent substitute. Not only will these makeup removal pads help you reduce waste and save money, but guess what? Having water is all that’s required. You can remove makeup easily thanks to the cloth’s densely packed microfibers. Just dampen the pads and wipe them off. Use micellar water or any kind of makeup remover together with the pads for an extra deep clean.
The Makeup Mitty is one such brand. The teardrop shape of this cloth makes it particularly good at removing eye makeup.
Refillable Products
Refillable products are a green initiative that many major cosmetics firms are supporting. Lotions, lipsticks, perfumes, and even powder are just a few of the many goods that now have refillable versions. Just retain the container and get refills with little to no plastic packaging. It’s that easy. And it’s good for your bank account, too! The refills are often sold at a discounted price.
Ouai offers refills for all their main products. I personally adore their detox shampoo—it’s super cleansing and smells amazing.
Sustainable Packaging
While it’s great that some companies are introducing refillable products, others are taking sustainability to the next level by using recyclable materials for all of their packaging, including bamboo, paper, aluminum, and biodegradable plastic. Reduced carbon emissions during transportation are a result of the decreased weight of these materials. Additionally, most of these products are developed to either be decomposed or reused, making them waste-free.
Everist packs up their waterless body and hair lotions in tubes of aluminum. They also recycle the lids through their program called closed-loop CapBac.
Multipurpose Products
Product multitasking is one of the easiest methods to cut down on consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. A lipstick that doubles as blush or an eyeshadow that doubles as highlighter are two examples. Use what you currently have in innovative ways, or look into companies who are making things with multiple uses. Many brands now offer multiple-use bars, but NARS swears that The Multiple was the original.
This rosy cream can be used on your cheeks, eyes, lips, and body. Reviews for Selena Gomez’s Always an Optimist 4-In-1 Mist reflect the strong acclaim that has accompanied the debut of her cosmetics line. Apply this mist to your face before, during, or after your makeup application for a flawless finish.
Skinimalism
“Less is more” when it comes to skincare and cosmetics, according to the skinimalism movement. Less is more when it comes to skincare products since this trend promotes a return to bare skin. It suggests that people use less makeup by highlighting their skin’s natural texture. The result? Your natural beauty may shine through with a healthy glow.
Plant-based beauty products
Consumers’ need for pure, natural ingredients is driving the skyrocketing demand for plant-based cosmetics. Without the use of harsh chemicals, these solutions restore and revitalize the skin by using the healing properties of plants. This movement is a reflection of the cosmetics industry’s commitment to creating safer, more conscientious products. Another way that plant-based cosmetics help with environmental protection and biodiversity preservation is by supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Vegamour hair care products use plant-based ingredients and turn the hair care standards. The consumers’ raving Vegamour reviews are a testament to their popularity in the beauty industry.
Waterless beauty products
The beauty industry is responding to the growing global concern about water shortage by introducing waterless cosmetic products. These innovative formulas provide better value for your money and are not just highly concentrated and environmentally friendly. Waterless solutions don’t need water to produce better outcomes, as they include a potent punch of active chemicals. As it’s more environmentally friendly and provides your skin with great hydration and nutrition, this trend is becoming popular. Additionally, waterless beauty products reduce packaging waste, which is in line with customer preferences for environmentally friendly goods.
Personalized beauty regimens
The era of universally appealing beauty is long gone. 2024 will see the rise of customized beauty regimens due to technological breakthroughs and a greater awareness of the demands of each individual’s skin. Customers can now purchase skincare and beauty items that are customized to fit their individual needs and tastes. This personalized approach guarantees better results and a beauty routine that’s all your own. Moreover, customized beauty regimens assist individuals in addressing certain skin concerns with customized remedies, strengthening the connection between people and their skincare practices.
Fermented beauty ingredients
These days, fermentation isn’t only for food. As fermented substances are gentler on the skin and more effective, the beauty industry is embracing them. Molecules undergo breakdown during fermentation, which facilitates the skin’s absorption of nutrients. Fermented extract products are excellent for moisturizing the skin, leveling its texture, and enhancing your natural radiance. Furthermore, the natural preservation process that fermented beauty materials often undergo reduces the need for chemical additives and encourages the use of more natural skincare products.
Digital detox through skincare
Digital detoxification benefits not just our thoughts but also our skin in this age of screen addiction. Skincare products are stepping up to shield us from the damaging effects of blue light from electronics. These remedies use chemicals that counteract screen harm to protect our skin from blue light pollution. With its emphasis on protection as well as renewal, this trend highlights the significance of skincare in the digital era. Additionally, the popularity of skincare products that promote a digital detox serves as a reminder to practice mindfulness in our beauty regimens and to put our health and well-being before screen time.
Inclusive beauty standards
The beauty business is becoming more open and accepting of inclusive standards that value diversity on all fronts. To ensure that everyone can discover what suits them, brands are expanding their product offerings to accommodate a wider range of skin types, tones, and needs. Beauty is changing as a result of this inclusive movement, becoming more approachable and realistic. Additionally, adopting inclusive beauty standards encourages conversations about self-love and body acceptance, strengthening the bonds of support within the beauty community.
Key Note
We are seeing a shift towards a more creative, inclusive, and ethical future in the beauty business as we explore the top trends of 2024. Consumer preferences are shifting, and these trends reflect that. People are looking for ways to enhance their looks while also caring for the environment and meeting everyone’s various requirements. We can look forward to 2024, with its wave of waterless beauty products and inclusive beauty standards, to a year that celebrates people, the planet, and technology’s impact on our beauty routines.
