The cosmetics industry is one of the largest in the world, worth billions of dollars in trades and direct sales. But what many people don’t realize is that our love for cosmetics is having a devastating impact on the environment. From innocent animals dying to natural resources being destroyed, the cost of our beauty products is much higher than we think.
One of the biggest culprits is plastic packaging. While we may love the beautiful and elaborate designs of our cosmetics containers, the truth is that the beauty industry uses plastics without hesitation, even though they take 100 years to break down. Every time we finish a product, we throw away the plastic container, contributing to the millions of new plastics that accumulate and degrade our environment.
But it’s not just the plastic that’s harmful! Cosmetics are often full of toxic compounds that can have a devastating impact on the environment. When we wash off our makeup, for example, toxic chemicals are washed away in the water and end up in the ocean. These chemicals can reduce the population of plankton, which is the main source of food for many aquatic organisms. In addition, chemicals like BHA and BHT can cause genetic mutations in amphibians, leading to their death.
While natural cosmetics may seem like a solution, not all natural products are created equal. Many cosmetic brands use the label “natural” to make more profit, even if their products still contain toxic chemicals. Before buying natural products, it’s important to research the ingredients and make sure they are truly natural.
Even sunscreen, which is an essential part of our skincare routine, can have a harmful impact on the environment. Chemical ingredients like oxybenzone or benzophenone-3, which help to absorb UVA and UVB rays, can bleach coral reefs and damage their DNA. If the coral reef population declines, the entire aquatic ecosystem can collapse.
In conclusion, it’s important to be aware of the harmful effects of our beauty products on the environment. By choosing natural cosmetics and being mindful of the packaging and ingredients of our products, we can help reduce the impact of the cosmetics industry on the environment.
