Eco-responsible cosmetics: 5 criteria to identify them
What is an eco-responsible cosmetic?
Definition of the eco-responsible approach
According to ADEME - the ecological transition agency - eco-responsibility refers to all the daily actions implemented by a collective to limit the impact on the environment . Also, when it comes to cosmetics, the collective in question is represented by the creators of the brand, who develop and manufacture the product. When can we say that a cosmetics brand is eco-responsible?
A brand can be described as eco-responsible when it implements actions and is part of a process of reflection that responds to environmental issues . To do this, the cosmetics brand must rely on several aspects:
- the environmental aspect : Where are the products manufactured? What raw materials are used? What is their impact on the environment? How are the products packaged?
- The social aspect : Is the brand in question a partner of the producers who distribute the raw materials from abroad? (This could be through a cooperative, for example.) Does the brand manufacture its products in France? If so, does the brand choose to use local partners?
- the economic aspect : Does the cosmetics brand act with complete transparency towards its customers?
Favor eco-responsible cosmetics to limit our impact on the environment
The manufacture of cosmetic products requires exchanges, methods and manufacturing processes, which can have harmful repercussions for the planet. However, when we opt for eco-responsible cosmetics, we illustrate our desire to participate in the preservation of the environment . We therefore commit to choosing a product that will have a minimal impact on the planet.
Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to identify eco-responsible cosmetics . Therefore, to help you select the best eco-responsible cosmetics , you must base your decision on certain criteria such as labels and product information . Their attribution is a real guarantee of quality and therefore represents a concrete criterion . There are several labels that are part of a sustainable development dynamic.
The 5 criteria for identifying eco-responsible cosmetics
1. The organic label, a guarantee of the use of natural organic ingredients
When it comes to cosmetics, the organic certification label is a primary guarantee of quality. Indeed, this certification proves that the labeled product does not contain any synthetic chemical components. Quite the contrary, it is solely the sum of natural and organic ingredients, good for the skin and respectful of the environment. The Ecocert COSMOS ORGANIC label , for example, guarantees that the cosmetic complies with strict specifications (the COSMOS standard). The certification body scrupulously verifies the product's composition, from its processing to its packaging. If everything is compliant, the certification body will issue the brand its certification.
The award of the organic label is the result of a rigorous study aimed at ensuring the product's compliance with environmental and social requirements. It also constitutes a reliable guarantee. As a reminder, a product can be labeled as organic, or even "bio", as soon as it is composed of at least 95% certified organic plant ingredients .
Organic cosmetics, in addition to being brimming with benefits for the skin and body, are also highly recommended from an environmental perspective. While conventional cosmetics have a devastating impact on the planet due to their numerous pollutants (which end up in rivers and our oceans), organic products guarantee more environmentally friendly production methods. They are untreated, thus preserving their benefits.
Opting for certified organic cosmetics therefore clearly has a significant impact on the environment. Considering this criterion is already a first step towards eco-responsibility. For a more significant commitment, other criteria will need to be taken into account.
2. Select eco-responsible cosmetics committed to fair trade
For an eco-responsible approach, the social aspect of a company's activity must be taken into account. The most representative example is undoubtedly the commitment to fair trade .
As a reminder, fair trade occurs when a company establishes a partnership agreement with a producer in a disadvantaged country. In doing so, both parties agree to a fair exchange of compensation, with a minimum amount.
What is fair trade based on?
- fair prices for producers;
- a long-term business partnership;
- compliance with the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO);
- the protection of biodiversity and the environment.
Concretely, when a brand promotes fair trade, it means that it cares about the working conditions of people living in disadvantaged countries and that it attaches importance to their living conditions . By guaranteeing participation, inclusion, solidarity , honest working conditions, respect for people and the heart of its business, it highlights its humanist values. Thus, a committed brand can choose to partner with cooperatives, organizations or associations that also share respect for the environment. A strong symbol of social connection, commitment and humanity!
3. Focus on eco-responsible cosmetics that promote a local approach
In order to reduce the ecological impact, particularly the carbon footprint, it is wise to favor products made in France . In addition, the Made in France label or the mention "made in France" indicates that a product has indeed been manufactured in France. However, it is important to note that these indications only concern the manufacture of the product and not the origin of its raw materials. The components used in the manufacture of the product can come from France or abroad. It is therefore a question of using common sense when looking at a brand, keeping in mind that certain raw materials can only come from foreign countries. (example: For argan oil, the argan tree only grows in Morocco)
Similarly, an eco-responsible brand can be recognized by the choices it makes regarding its partners, suppliers, or employees. Choosing to surround yourself with local partners is a way to strengthen the local economic fabric . In addition to reducing the distance of goods transport , as well as all exchanges, using local suppliers, technicians, or organizations demonstrates a company's commitment to a positive approach.
To recognize a product made in France, there are two options:
- the inclusion of a statement on the product (“made in France”, “designed in France” or “Made in France”);
- the display of the Made in France logo.
4. Choose to buy eco-friendly, eco-designed cosmetics
Another criterion that is very important is that of the packaging of the cosmetic . Still far too much cosmetic packaging is made of plastic and the consequences are disastrous.
For environmental protection and ethical reasons, it's best to choose eco-designed cosmetics. What is an eco-designed cosmetic?
It is a cosmetic that, from its conception, has been the subject of an environmental protection approach . What is more, throughout the product's life cycle, environmental impacts will be reduced. The aim is to generate as little waste as possible , from the design of the product to the treatment of its waste, which can be recovered.
Therefore, we favor care products packaged in glass bottles and jars, which are infinitely recyclable and do not contain toxic substances. For certain products that do use plastic, however, it is important to check whether the plastic is recycled and/or recyclable.
It's also important to look for cosmetic brands with biodegradable ingredients . Indeed, all cosmetic products, especially those used in the shower, end up in rivers. If they contain chemical residues, these will pollute the water. Fortunately, there are biodegradable cosmetics, such as Léonia cosmetics. These, combined with other quality criteria, therefore contribute to the preservation of the environment, particularly the oceans.
To learn more about eco -design , you can find out about the eco-design association by clicking here.
To know if a cosmetic is recyclable, the TRIMAN logo (mandatory since 2015) must appear on the product:
5. Promote eco-responsible cosmetics committed to the fight for animal protection
For your information, animal testing for cosmetics has been banned in Europe since March 11, 2013. The " not tested on animals " label displayed on certain products is therefore not a true commitment from a brand. It is required by law.
On the other hand, if there are any animal-related labels to be noted on eco-responsible cosmetics, these are the Vegan and Cruelty Free & Vegan labels. These labels go much further by guaranteeing that no ingredients of animal origin are present in the product. (example: No honey, donkey milk, animal coloring, animal keratin, etc.)
To obtain this label, the brand undergoes strict verification of its manufacturing process and raw materials. Thus, the label guarantees not only that the cosmetic does not contain any animal-derived materials and has not been tested on animals, but also that the raw materials used have not been tested on animals. In short, the presence of vegan labels guarantees 100% that no animals were exploited in the manufacture of the product.
Please note that the Cruelty Free label alone does not exclude the presence of animal-derived ingredients in the product. It simply guarantees that no animal testing has been carried out.
As you will have understood, to ensure the credibility of a cosmetic product on its true eco-responsible commitment , several criteria must be taken into account . In particular, it is necessary to take into consideration its different labels which are good indicators of the concrete actions of the brands involved. For those who wish to decipher a brand's commitments in more depth, you can look for this essential information: What is this product made of? Are its components organic? Where was this cosmetic manufactured? Is it labeled? Is the packaging recyclable? Is there a fair trade approach?
Unfortunately, these important criteria are still very rare among cosmetic brands today. Only a few niche brands like Léonia Paris meet all these concrete commitments . It is therefore essential to be vigilant in order to properly decipher your cosmetics.
