![The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and rising climate change concerns are driving demand and expectations in ethical beauty [Getty Images]](https://retime.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Ethical-beauty-needs-environmental-action-and-focus-to-fulfil-consumer.jpg)
GlobalData’s Q3 2021 consumer survey found that 41 percent of Europeans consider third-party certified certifications to be an important factor when buying products, including personal care products. 54 percent of European consumers find carbon footprints claims very or extremely important.
Speaking to CosmeticsDesign-Europe, Khadija Begum, consumer analyst at GlobalData, said that for beauty there were clear opportunities for brands and manufacturers to strengthen engagement in this space.
It is important to reduce carbon footprints and have a positive effect on the environment. Begum told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.
It will also be a huge opportunity for beauty e-commerce. She said. Online shopping can highlight brands that are aligned with ethical trends. Online shopping and targeted marketing allow companies to engage directly with consumers, reach a worldwide audience, and provide crucial information about the manufacturing practices and operations of the brand. This builds brand loyalty and demonstrates the brand’s ethical nature in an era of increased competition.
The rise of ethical COVID-19 pandemics and climate concerns are key
Begum stated that there was a continuing interest in ethical beauty and veganism as well as cruelty-free and planetary goodness. This was due to key consumer shifts. These trends are, undoubtedly an answer to consumers growing concern about climate change. They also reflect the global pandemic which has put corporate, social, environmental responsibility under the spotlight.
Consumers have greater access to brand activity and information than ever before. This allows them to choose products that are in line with their values and needs and to boycott those that don’t.She said.
This Become more informedAccording to her, beauty consumers are more likely to actively look for and engage with companies that share their interests, no matter if they are cruelty-free or environmental impact.
She said that companies and corporations around the world were changing how they present and produce beauty products. Many were investing in sustainable packaging innovation and sustainable formulations. They also invested in claims like kind to the environment, cruelty-free, vegan, and others. Many of these claims were third-party verified. Key indicators of ethical practicesShe said.
Global regulations and COP26 commitments are a challenge
![Increasing regulations and governmental pressure will likely create hurdles for the beauty industry moving forward [Getty Images]](https://retime.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1644606860_62_Ethical-beauty-needs-environmental-action-and-focus-to-fulfil-consumer.jpg)
Begum said that there were many challenges ahead as the industry moved deeper into ethical beauty.
In recent years, brands have been under greater pressure to produce ethically-sourced and manufactured goods. As activists, governments, as well as the wider public demand transparent and sustainable operations, supply chains are under increasing scrutiny.
She said that as the industry continues to innovate and expand, increased regulations could pose a barrier to brands, especially those that operate across borders or globally. China has updated its animal testing laws in 2021, exempting certain cosmetics from animal tests, but this does not extend to all cosmetics. This is a difficult hurdle to overcome for brands that are committed to cruelty-free or vegan claims. Brands could look disingenuous if they comply with China’s testing requirements while selling products in other markets.
She said that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in the USA, had its own regulations for cosmetic ingredients. These requirements must be met before the product can be put on the market.
Begem noted that the future of the beauty industry could be challenged by the COP26 commitments. Many companies had made significant pledges to reduce carbon emissions over the coming years. This was an aspect that was likely becoming a problem. As governments strive to achieve ambitious carbon goals, they will be more tightly regulated.She stated that the biggest obstacle would be to overcome risks. Greenwashing accusations and public backlash If companies are believed to be not fulfilling these obligations,
Beauty claims and sustainable manufacturing transformations
Begem explained that while ethical beauty is gaining traction over the long-term and continues to gain acceptance, it was important to address and overcome these obstacles as well as fulfilling the goals. more prominent requirement All beauty products must be vegan-friendly and sustainably produced.
Looking ahead, she stated that technologies such as block chain would be of benefit to industry as they allow for greater transparency for both governments, and consumers. GlobalData, however, stated that this technology would not be abandoned in 2020. It is a niche market in the beauty industry.
The Bigger Picture
Ethical beauty claims are becoming more mainstream
According to Mintels’ latest report UK The Ethical BPC Consumer Market Report68% of UK adults consider ethical beauty and personal-care brands to be those that protect the environment. However, awareness of certifications such as B Corp is still low. This indicates that, while consumers want proof of a brand’s ethical credentials they may not always be able to recognize when it is.
Mintel however stated that the number of ethical beauty claims made to consumers by brands and manufacturers is on the rise, making them fast becoming a part of mainstream culture. More mainstream. It was also reported that environmental friendly claims were being made. Significant rise
Mintel says that on-pack communication is possible essentialFuture strategies for ethical beauty brands had to be planned carefully. Because of the limited space on-pack, brands will need creativity in how they link ethical practices to their packaging. While certifications are a great way to show a brand’s credentials in vegan and environmentally-friendly positioning, they can make it difficult to relay a brand’s corporate practices on pack, such as fair treatment for employees.
Mintel stated that raising awareness about existing certifications is key to moving forward. They include the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and B Corp, as well as investing into informative in-store displays, QR codes, and other information that educates consumers.
