When it comes to skincare, not all products are created equally, especially when we look at their environmental impact. Some products still use animal-testing, damaging chemicals, and non-recyclable packaging. This article will explore what big-name brands are doing and what alternatives there are to each.
Procter & Gamble
Pros
1. Has pledged 100% recyclable/renewable packaging by 2023 to cut virgin plastic use per product
2. Achieved zero manufacturing waste to landfill
Cons
1. Still relies on single-use plastics and hard-to-recycle pouches
2. Criticized for deforestation risks in paper-based products
Alternatives
Ethique
Fully plastic-free beauty and skincare bars with compostable packaging.
"We seek to deliver Environmental Impact at three levels: reducing our own impact, helping consumers to reduce their impact, and helping scale solutions across industries." (P&G-Environmental Sustainability)
Garnier
Pros
1. Certified cruelty-free and working toward more recycled packaging
2. Introduced some refill stations and solid shampoo bars
Cons
1. Most products are still plastic-heavy
2. Their “Green Beauty” campaign is more future promise than present reality
Alternatives
UpCircle Beauty
Zero-waste skincare that uses upcycled coffee grounds and fruit seeds in glass/aluminum packaging.
Neutrogena
Pros
1. Wide accessibility and some new refill pouches
2. Has invested in more “clean beauty”
Cons
1. Heavy reliance on non-biodegradable wipes
2. Plastic-heavy packaging dominates the lineup
Alternatives
Plaine Products
Refillable skincare and body care in reusable aluminum bottles
Quote from lawsuit: "Unfortunately, rather than truly creating the plant-based products that consumers desire, Defendant has just repackaged a principally synthetic product and deceptively marketed it as 'plant-based,' thereby misleading reasonable consumers and violating the law,”
Estee Launder Companies
Pros
1. Committed to net-zero carbon emissions and renewable energy
2. Expanding refill stations for some luxury skincare lines
Cons
1. Still relies on non-recyclable luxury packaging (glass, pumps, plastics)
2. Transparency on ingredient sources is limited
Alternatives
Tarta Harper
Natural luxury skincare with refillable jars, farm-to-face transparency, and eco-friendly packaging.
More Alternatives
Check out Good One You to discover thousands of brand reviews on anything you can think of!
Add comment
Comments