As developed societies move toward sustainability, so do the major industries that contribute to the day-to-day. The Health & Beauty industry is a leading entity in that drive for the greater good.
Modern consumers are more conscious driven than previous generations. Information about climate change, ecosystem destruction, hormone disruptors in water sources is easily researched. Because of this, raw material suppliers have made strides in green tech, making healthier (for ourselves and the environment) alternatives available.
Here are the 3 main reasons consumers are changing their buying habits
- Environmental Sustainability
- Increased Efficacy
- Long-term health
With certifications like RSPO and ECO-Cert, green alternatives that work like or as well as traditional raw materials and have fewer long-tern health risks, are the way forward is clear. Before enumerating some better options for your formulations, here are some chemicals you should avoid using:
- Sulfates (great cleansers, but they strip hair and skin of their natural oils)
- BHT (antioxidant; skin irritant)
- Triclosan (antimicrobial; FDA has asked manufacturers to provide evidence of efficacy)
- DMDM Hydantoin (preservative; formaldehyde-releasing agent)
- Toluene (solvent in nail polishes; known carcinogen and on Prop. 65 list)
- Palm Oil/Palm-derived ingredients (results in destruction of tropical habitats; look for RSPO certification)
Fortunately, many of these ingredients have fallen out of use as word spreads of their potential for harm and lack of environmental responsibility. Sulfates for examples, can be dangerous to aquatic life. With the advent of green tech revolutionizing the cosmetics industry, other options have become available. Here are some of those options:
- Alkyl Polyglucosides: sugar-based surfactants; options like Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, and Coco-Glucoside offer excellent cleansing ability.
- Amine-based surfactants: Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate and Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate are known to be gentle to the skin, cleanse well, and respond to pH lowering by increasing in viscosity.
- Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate: preservatives commonly found in food. They offer good broad spectrum preservation at 1.0-1.5% formula use level.
- Phenoxyethanol: decent preservative, that when coupled with certain compounds, has its efficacy boosted.
- Tocopherol: Otherwise known as Vitamin E, Tocopherol is a great antioxidant that’s both sustainable and safe.
- Cetearyl Alcohol NF: RSPO certification is crucial if intending to use ingredients that are Palm-Derived.
There you have it. These are just a few options in the increasingly expanding microcosm of natural formulations. The people’s voices and concerns have been heard and companies have adjusted to accommodate. One of the features that enthralls me so much about this industry is that it’s constantly evolving. Every year, there are new ways to reduce wrinkles and dark spot, safer ways to cleanse the hair and skin, more efficient ways to sustain ubiquitous oils like Palm and Coconut Oils.
One final note: many ingredients that have gotten a bad rap have done so due to inconclusive evidence. These ingredients did not make it on the to avoid list. In future articles, I will present holistic information on raw materials that are not as bad, or not bad at all, despite the reputation they’ve acquired. A goal of this blog is to also educate people on some of the deceptive practices within green health and beauty (greenwashing).
References
Greengen Labs 