4 MIN READ
2-6-2025
The Plastic Problem in Skincare: How to Make the Industry More Sustainable
Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder
The Plastic Problem in Skincare: How to Make the Industry More Sustainable
With people spending billions of dollars every year on goods meant to enhance the appearance and health of their skin, the global skincare market is flourishing. However, the industry's significant reliance on plastic packaging conceals a less appealing reality behind the shining promises of radiant skin. Most skincare products, from moisturizers to serums, come in plastic containers, which adds to the already dire environmental situation.
This blog will discuss the issue of plastic in skincare, its effects on the environment, and the significant actions that the sector—as well as consumers—can do to become more sustainable.
The Dependency on Plastic in the Skincare Sector
The skincare sector is dominated by plastic due to its affordability, durability, and light weight. It enables companies to design aesthetically pleasing packaging that shields goods from contamination. Nevertheless, there is a substantial environmental cost associated with these benefits.
Typical Plastic Ingredients in Skincare Items
1. Bottles and Tubes: Plastic bottles or tubes are commonly used to hold cleansers, moisturizers, and foundations.
2. Caps and Pumps: Plastic is frequently mixed with other materials, such as metal, in serum and lotion dispensers, making them challenging to recycle.
3. Sample Packaging: Tiny, single-use plastic containers and packets are a major source of waste.
4. Seals and shrink wraps: These protective coverings are thrown away practically right away after purchase.
Despite their ease of use, these parts are frequently difficult to process or non-recyclable because of their small sizes or mixed materials.
The Effects of Plastic Skincare Packaging on the Environment
Plastic skincare packaging has a significant negative impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
1. Accumulation of Plastic Waste
In the United States, packaging trash makes up more than 30% of all municipal solid waste, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This number is greatly influenced by skincare packaging, a large portion of which is single-use.
2. Pollution in the Ocean
Plastics that are improperly disposed of frequently wind up in the oceans where they decompose into microplastics. Marine life consumes these microscopic particles, harming the animals and maybe making their way into the human food chain.
3. Emissions of Carbon
Fossil fuels are necessary for the manufacture and shipping of plastic. Climate change is exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions at every level, from the extraction of raw materials to manufacture.
4. Challenges with Recycling
Just 9% of plastic garbage has been recycled worldwide. Multiple layers of materials, such as plastic mixed with paper or metal, are frequently found in skincare packaging, making recycling using traditional methods challenging or impossible.
The Need for Industry Change
Customers are calling for more sustainable solutions as environmental concerns gain greater attention. According to a McKinsey & Company report from 2021, 55% of consumers worldwide are extremely worried about how product packaging affects the environment. Customer loyalty and brand decay may result from ignoring these issues.
Sustainability is now a necessity rather than an option. In addition to protecting the environment, skincare companies that use sustainable procedures can increase their market attractiveness and forge closer bonds with environmentally aware customers.
How to Make the Skincare Sector More Eco-Friendly
1. Use Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials
The industry's plastic footprint can be greatly decreased by substituting eco-friendly plastic for conventional plastic.
- Recyclable Plastics: One way to help close the loop is to use single-material plastics that are simple to recycle.
- Biodegradable Alternatives: Polylactic acid (PLA), which is made from corn or sugarcane, breaks down more quickly than traditional plastics.
- Glass and Aluminum: Aluminum and glass are heavy, but they can be recycled endlessly and give things a high-end feel.
2. Encourage the Use of Refillable Systems
Single-use plastics can be replaced with refillable packaging. A few companies are already setting the standard.
- L'Occitane reduces the amount of plastic used by up to 90% by providing refill pouches for its best-selling products.
- Reusable ingredients were included to Fenty Skin's cleansers and moisturizers.
3. Simplify the Design of Packaging
Packaging that is minimalistic uses less material and makes recycling easier. Waste can also be reduced by getting rid of extra layers, like plastic seals or exterior boxes.
4. Put Take-Back Programs in Place
Companies can encourage consumers to send back empty containers for upcycling or appropriate recycling. Programs such as "Back to MAC" from MAC Cosmetics provide free merchandise to consumers who return used packaging.
5. Use Sample Distribution to Your Advantage
Waste from single-use samples is disproportionately high. Other options include:
- Digital sampling: is the process of delivering virtual experiences or courses through QR codes.
- Reusable Vials: Samples are provided in reusable vials so that clients can return or reuse them.
6. Inform and Involve Customers
It is essential to inform customers about appropriate recycling procedures and the advantages of making sustainable decisions. Additionally, brands can promote more general environmental issues through their platforms.
7. Work Together Throughout the Supply Chain
Collaboration is necessary for sustainability at every level, from obtaining raw materials to producing and distributing goods. Eco-friendly activities can be prioritized by brands in collaboration with suppliers.
Brands Setting the Standard: Success Stories
A number of skincare companies are leading the way in implementing sustainability:
- The Ordinary: This brand is well-known for its simple packaging, which steers clear of superfluous secondary packaging and makes use of recyclable materials.
- REN Clean Skincare: As part of their effort to produce zero waste, REN offers refill stations and packages its products with recycled ocean plastic.As part of their effort to produce zero waste, REN offers refill stations and packages its products with recycled ocean plastic.
- Herbivore Botanicals: To lessen its dependency on plastic, the company packages the majority of its goods in glass containers.
These trailblazers show that excellence and innovation can coexist with sustainability.
The Function of Customers
By making thoughtful decisions, consumers can influence change:
- Encourage Sustainable Brands: Look into and select companies that place a high value on environmental stewardship. Look into and select companies that place a high value on environmental stewardship.
- Recycle correctly: by making sure containers are dry and clean before recycling and by according to local recycling regulations.
- Reduce and Reuse: Choose things that can be refilled and come up with inventive ways to recycle empty containers.
- Advocate for Change: Use email or social media to persuade your favorite brands to implement sustainable practices.
The Prospects for Eco-Friendly Skincare
Although the issue of plastic in skincare is difficult, it also offers a chance for development and creativity. The industry can lessen its environmental impact and align with the beliefs of contemporary consumers by adopting sustainable practices.
Policymakers, customers, and brands must work together to achieve sustainability. When combined, they can turn skincare from a cause of plastic waste to an example of environmental stewardship. The industry can guarantee that taking care of our skin doesn't come at the expense of the environment if they work together.
One sustainable step at a time, let's rethink skincare's future.