The Impact of the Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry on the Environment: Three Strategies for Sustainability

The environmental impact of the cosmetics and personal care industry has gained increasing attention in recent years. Sustainability is a crucial principle that emphasizes the need to meet present demands without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. Unfortunately, human activities and greenhouse gas emissions have contributed to serious environmental problems, including global warming and climate change. In this context, the choice and processing of chemical raw materials used in cosmetics also significantly contribute to these challenges.

Many of the consequences of these changes are irreversible and demand immediate action. Today, consumers are increasingly aware and seek products that are not only effective but also environmentally friendly. In response, cosmetic companies are striving to maintain their market position by selecting sustainable raw materials and adopting responsible practices, thereby contributing to the protection of our planet.

This article examines the factors influencing the cosmetic industry’s impact on the environment and climate change, as well as the role it can play in mitigating these effects.

Environmental Impacts of the Cosmetics Industry: It is widely known that increasing levels of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane—released through human activities—act like a blanket in the atmosphere, trapping infrared radiation and preventing it from escaping into space. This phenomenon, known as the greenhouse effect, gradually warms the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface, ultimately leading to global warming and climate change on local, regional, and global scales. The primary drivers of climate change include the burning of fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal), improper waste management, deforestation, and air pollution caused by greenhouse gases. In recent years, the cosmetics and personal care industry has demonstrated greater awareness of these issues and has taken steps toward improvement by modifying production methods and sourcing practices.

According to a reputable report published in *Frontiers*, the cosmetics industry has significant environmental impacts that cannot be overlooked.

“The beauty industry and its products have significant environmental consequences that cannot be ignored—from excessive packaging waste to the depletion of natural resources.”

Carbon Footprint in Cosmetic Product Manufacturing: Throughout the lifecycle of a cosmetic product—from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, transportation, and waste disposal—the industry releases a significant amount of carbon into the atmosphere. The high energy consumption involved in extracting plant-based materials further exacerbates this issue. For example, the extraction process for shea butter alone emits approximately 10,374 kg of CO₂ per kilogram, encompassing all stages from traditional raw material sourcing to the production of the final cosmetic products.

Moreover, manufacturing processes such as heating, cooling, mixing, production, and the disposal of plastic packaging materials require significant amounts of energy. Unfortunately, much of this energy is still derived from fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions and accelerating climate change. As the cosmetics industry continues to grow, its carbon footprint expands, raising increasing environmental concerns.

Waste Management and Packaging: According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, the global cosmetics industry produces approximately 120 billion units of packaging annually, the majority of which is not recyclable. One of the primary environmental concerns in the cosmetics and personal care sector is the excessive production of plastic. Plastic continues to be the dominant material in cosmetic packaging, and its complex composition, combined with the challenges of proper separation and disposal, presents significant environmental issues.

Water Scarcity Challenges Resulting from the Cosmetics Industry: Water consumption is a critical issue that must be addressed. Cosmetics and personal care products are primarily composed of water; in fact, high water usage is one of the industry’s key environmental impacts. Creams typically contain between 60–85% water, lotions up to 90%, and shampoos and shower gels up to 95%.

Water plays a vital role in every stage of cosmetic production—from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing processes and, ultimately, product usage. For example, cultivating raw materials such as palm oil or algae requires a significant amount of water, which can exacerbate water scarcity in certain regions. Even the production of plastic packaging demands substantial water resources.

Industrial wastewater is a significant environmental concern. If not properly treated, it can introduce pollutants—including residues from personal care products—into ecosystems. In recent years, the release of organic and inorganic (mineral) UV filters into aquatic environments has garnered increasing attention. The growing detection of these filters in surface water, groundwater, and even drinking water has raised concerns about their potential risks to aquatic life and habitats.

For these reasons, the cosmetics industry is actively conducting life cycle assessments to identify the environmental impacts of its products. These assessments evaluate factors such as carbon emissions, water consumption, and the depletion of natural resources, enabling manufacturers to pinpoint areas for improvement.

Deforestation and Air Pollution: Deforestation is a significant environmental challenge associated with the cosmetics and personal care industry. Palm oil, for instance, is one of the most commonly used ingredients in cosmetics. Although palm oil certifications aim to reduce deforestation and protect forests, they often fall short in preventing biodiversity loss and continue to threaten the habitats of many endangered species.

Air pollution resulting from the release of various greenhouse gases during production also poses significant risks to human health. This pollution can weaken the immune system, damage the skin’s protective barrier, increase inflammation, and accelerate premature aging.

Sustainability Strategies in the Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry: Encouragingly, innovative approaches such as regenerative agriculture, climate-resilient farming, and biotechnology solutions are being implemented to secure raw material supplies while enhancing sustainability.

Choosing Sustainable Raw Materials: Formulators have access to a wide range of ingredients, and their choices significantly impact the environment. A key strategy for achieving sustainability is prioritizing renewable and biodegradable materials, such as plant oils, botanical extracts, and biodegradable polymers sourced from suppliers committed to ethical practices. Supporting initiatives like fair trade, organic farming, and environmentally friendly harvesting methods helps preserve biodiversity and protect sensitive ecosystems.

It is important to remember that while sustainability is a priority, formulators must balance environmental objectives with maintaining product performance.

Optimizing Sustainable Formulations: Formulators play a crucial role in reducing waste and lowering energy consumption throughout the production process by optimizing formulations. This can be achieved through several approaches, including designing formulations that align with green cosmetic principles, using local and recycled raw materials, and adopting cold-processing methods. These strategies enhance production efficiency, reduce water consumption, and promote cleaner manufacturing processes to minimize hazardous waste.

Sustainable Packaging: Packaging is as important as formulation, and cosmetic scientists are keenly aware of its environmental implications. Choosing biodegradable, recyclable, and refillable materials significantly reduces environmental impact.

Conclusion:

By adopting sustainable strategies in raw material selection, formulation optimization, and environmentally friendly packaging, the cosmetics and personal care industry can significantly reduce the negative impacts of climate change. These efforts not only help conserve natural resources but also build consumer trust and steer the industry toward a more sustainable future.

Pedideh Shimi Jam is a manufacturer of chemical raw materials in Iran. To purchase or place orders for chemical raw materials, please contact the experts at this company.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do cosmetics and personal care products impact climate change? The cosmetics industry contributes to climate change in several ways. Its carbon footprint is generated throughout all stages of production—from raw material extraction and processing to transportation and waste disposal. Additionally, high water consumption during product manufacturing and packaging, improper waste management (especially of plastic packaging), and deforestation for sourcing ingredients such as palm oil all contribute to global warming and environmental degradation.
2. What actions can manufacturers take to reduce their environmental impact? Manufacturers can minimize their environmental footprint by adopting sustainable practices. These measures include selecting renewable and sustainable raw materials, such as plant oils and botanical extracts, and partnering with suppliers committed to fair trade and organic farming. Additionally, optimizing product formulations to reduce waste and energy consumption, as well as using eco-friendly packaging like recyclable or refillable materials, are effective strategies.
3. How can consumers help reduce the environmental impact of this industry through their choices? Consumers play a crucial role. By selecting environmentally friendly products and supporting brands committed to sustainability, they can drive positive change. Paying attention to product packaging—such as choosing recyclable or low-plastic options—and favoring companies that use sustainable production methods helps reduce pressure on natural resources and the environment. These conscious choices encourage companies to take greater responsibility for their ecological impact.