As the beauty industry grows, there is an increasing focus on sustainability in cosmetic formulations. More consumers are looking for cosmetic products made with natural ingredients and mindful of the environmental impact. This shift influences everything from the raw materials used in cosmetic formulas to the packaging and production process. Sustainable choices affect a wide range of product types, including shampoos, serums, lotions, lipsticks, and body butter.
What defines a sustainable ingredient?
Sustainable ingredients in cosmetics are typically derived from renewable sources, are biodegradable, and are produced through methods that minimize harm to ecosystems and communities. For example, shea butter is widely used in body scrub, body, and hair conditioners due to its emollient properties and low environmental impact. Similarly, prickly pear oil, often found in face masks and creams, supports biodiversity and requires little water. Choosing such ingredients helps achieve a balance between performance and responsible sourcing.
Examples of common sustainable ingredients
Sustainable cosmetic formulations include ingredients that are versatile, nourishing, and beneficial for different skin and hair types, including those with sensitive skin. These ingredients are used across a variety of product types such as shower gel, micellar water, and cleansing emulsions. Here are five examples of widely used sustainable ingredients:
Aloe Vera: A hydrating component used in creams and serums, offering a soft feel and suitable for sensitive skin.
Coconut Oil: Used in conditioners and butter formulations for its natural emollients and pleasant scent.
Jojoba Oil: Popular in facial care and body products, this oil helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance.
Squalane (plant-derived): Found in face cream and oil-based serums, it's a stable, lightweight moisturizer sourced from olives or sugarcane.
Iron Oxides: Common in makeup like lipstick, providing natural coloring options for fragrance free and sensitive applications.
Impact on cosmetic product types
New formulations are designed not just for efficacy but also to reduce waste and environmental impact. Creating fragrance free or naturally scented cosmetics appeals to the environmentally conscious consumer. Products like cleansing masks, emollient-rich body butters, or antioxidant-loaded serums rely on a mix of ingredients that respect both skin health and ecological integrity. This careful formulation approach applies to both rinse-off products like shampoo and leave-on treatments like serums or lotions.
Considerations in developing sustainable products
When brands formulate cosmetic products, they must consider other ingredients beyond the actives—like flavors, consistency agents, and preservatives—that influence texture, shelf life, and user experience. Using a small amount of essential oils or natural emollients, for instance, can have a big impact on both performance and sustainability. The goal is to create smooth, pleasant-to-use products while keeping sustainability at the forefront of every product type, whether it's for skin, hair, or body.
From concept to packaging
Each cosmetic product goes through a thoughtful development process that includes ingredient sourcing, mixing phases, and packaging. From the oil phase in lotions to the water phase in micellar water, each step in the process must be planned to ensure stability and sustainability. Beauty brands today are paying more attention to how their formulations are made, packaged, and delivered to meet growing consumer awareness around environmental responsibility.
Please contact us to get started on your next sustainable cosmetic formulation.