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slug: plastic-skincare-containers
For far too long, I remained unaware of the significant impact that skincare containers have on our fragile environment and the vast oceans that sustain life on Earth.
My perspective shifted dramatically during a family trip to Vancouver in August 2019. We visited a compelling art exhibit by Douglas Coupland at the Vancouver Aquarium, which served as a stark reminder of the alarming extent of plastic waste polluting our oceans and harming marine ecosystems.
This eye-opening experience has stayed with me ever since.
As a mother, I felt a wave of guilt wash over me, reflecting on my own role in this environmental crisis. I pondered the fact that every single toothbrush I’ve ever used still exists somewhere, along with every diaper my children used (and even the ones from my own childhood, over 40 years ago). It dawned on me that all of the single-use items, from straws to packaging and shopping bags, continue to linger in our environment.
Initially, I felt a sense of hopelessness, believing that my individual efforts would be futile. As a busy working mom with two young boys, our daily routine is chaotic, and convenience often triumphs over sustainability. Yet, I came to understand that while perfection is unattainable, small changes can collectively lead to significant progress. If millions of individuals commit to making minor adjustments, it can result in a substantial impact. However, meaningful structural change requires unity and collaboration.
Indeed, while individual actions matter, the collective power of many is far more formidable.
Consequently, I made the difficult decision to cancel my cherished beauty sample subscription. I had adored the excitement of receiving that shiny, pink package each month, filled with five delightful items that often ended up in my cosmetics graveyard.
When I received an email asking why I canceled, I replied candidly: “Too many single-use plastic items, nothing recyclable, have to make a change.”
While my individual subscription may not concern the company, if thousands or even millions of consumers followed suit, businesses would inevitably take notice.
As a conscious consumer, I choose to express my preferences and the reasons behind them to companies. When businesses recognize a shift in consumer behavior and sentiment, they are compelled to adapt to maintain their market presence.
As a brand owner, I make intentional decisions from the outset that reflect my values. During the creation of the bareLUXE™ brand, I encountered a landscape of marketing strategies tailored to brand owners. We too face a myriad of options when it comes to our business decisions. The allure of choosing something that merely “sounds” appealing can be tempting, particularly given the high costs associated with sustainable skincare containers.
Brand owners must also embrace their corporate and ethical responsibilities by conducting thorough research. Eco-friendly skincare containers are available, and the technology exists to replace plastic. It is crucial for consumers to challenge the status quo and demand that corporations evolve!
The value of gasoline was not recognized until the late 1800s, coinciding with the rise of the automobile industry. By 1920, there were 9 million vehicles on the roads of the U.S.
Similarly, while plastics were invented in the late 1800s, their widespread adoption did not occur until after World War II. Plastics emerged as a revolutionary material—lightweight, durable, and cost-effective—replacing metal and glass due to its abundance (derived from petroleum). However, by the 1960s, society began to notice the adverse effects: ocean pollution, persistent plastic waste, and environmental contamination from oil spills and refining.
Alongside the oil boom in the early 1900s, the beauty industry began its meteoric rise. The U.S. beauty market was valued at $60 million in 1920, growing to $400 million by 1930 and reaching billions by the 1970s. As product variety increased, so did the reliance on plastic packaging.
The interconnected growth of the petroleum, plastic, and beauty industries over the past century has been staggering.
In less than 2% of our existence on this planet, consumerism has catalyzed a climate emergency that jeopardizes our future.
There is little debate about the detrimental consequences associated with both the production and waste of plastic.
The energy consumption involved in bottled water production is astonishing. In 2007, the U.S. alone consumed 33 billion liters of bottled water, estimated to require between 32–54 million barrels of oil for production—a figure that triples when accounting for global demand. The world consumes approximately 1 million bottles of water every minute, totaling 1.5 billion bottles each day—most of which are single-use plastics. For those with access to clean drinking water, immediately ceasing the use of bottled water represents a significant step toward sustainability.
Eliminating plastic bottled water could yield immediate benefits for climate change, significantly reducing oil consumption, harmful emissions, plastic waste, and microplastics.
The beauty industry heavily relies on a staggering number of cheap plastic skincare containers. In 2017, the beauty and personal care market surpassed $455 billion and continues to grow at a rate of approximately 5% annually. It is estimated that the global production of cosmetic containers reaches between 120–150 billion units each year.
In 2019, the leading 10 lip balm brands in the U.S. sold close to 200 million units. Transitioning to genuinely sustainable skincare containers is something major corporations are reluctant to embrace, given the potential for packaging costs to increase by as much as 50 times.
When exploring beauty packaging, one encounters a plethora of common options alongside exciting new alternatives. Typically, a product will feature multiple layers of packaging and labeling. For example: shipping materials such as envelopes, boxes, and branded tissue paper; additional inner packaging applied to the container; safety seals; product labels; and the container itself (which contributes significantly to cosmetic plastic waste). Each level of packaging presents opportunities for brands to make impactful sustainability choices, extending all the way to bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and the ink used for labels.
Spoiler alert: Sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options are available for every aspect of packaging. However, they often come at a premium.
For instance, packing peanuts can be made from 100% biodegradable materials, but that decision ultimately lies with the brand. When considering the cheapest option, both sustainable alternatives and enhancing customer experience generally incur higher costs for both brands and consumers.
The crux of the matter revolves around the trade-off between investing in consumer experience and opting for more sustainable solutions. For example, when purchasing a $300 face serum, one does not expect it to arrive in a plain kraft box wrapped in newspaper! Yet, it is important to note that the actual cost of manufacturing the product inside that vial is significantly lower than the retail price. Consumers ultimately have the power to decide how much they are willing to pay for the packaging experience.
Numerous eco-friendly packaging companies are emerging, making it entirely feasible for brands to choose sustainable options that do not compromise customer experience. A few noteworthy companies include NoIssue, ecoenclose, The Better Packaging Co, PackHub, and Elevate Packaging.
We are particularly intrigued by two innovative sustainable technologies currently under development: packaging made from mushrooms and ink derived from algae (please note that these references are unsolicited and non-affiliate).
Merely packaging skincare products in ‘recyclable containers’ and assuming it’s sufficient is a common misconception among companies. This approach unfairly places the responsibility on consumers. Instead, a comprehensive redesign of our consumption system and our identity as consumers is essential.
The beauty industry must rise to the occasion.
Discover the Most Sustainable Materials for Eco-Friendly Skincare Containers
There is no single perfect solution. We appreciate glass as a viable alternative to plastic. However, glass presents its own challenges: it is heavier, incurs higher shipping costs, and can shatter (making it less suitable for bath products). If disposed of improperly, glass can persist in the environment indefinitely. Additionally, mining sand from ocean and riverbeds has its own environmental implications. The silver lining is that glass is infinitely recyclable and does not leach toxins into the environment or produce harmful microplastics.
Uncover the Hidden Factors Driving Unsustainability: 3 Secrets the Beauty Industry Hides
The Deceptive Trap of Greenwashing
Vague terms without easily accessible details are often designed to mislead consumers, enticing them to purchase based on the perception of eco-friendliness, regardless of the truth.
Terms like bioplastics and “bio” suggest environmental responsibility. The label “biodegradable” implies that a product will harmlessly vanish. However, simply labeling something as “recyclable” does not guarantee it will actually be recycled.
The problem lies in the fact that none of these terms are clearly defined or regulated. Transparency is vital for brands.
The Allure of Impulse Buying: A Deceptive Marketing Strategy
Brand sales rely heavily on impulse purchases—add-ons, paid samples, mini-trial sizes, and subscription boxes. Companies understand that consumers are more likely to buy additional items to qualify for free shipping. Our desire for pretty, enticing products fuels this consumerism. I, too, am guilty of falling for this trap. However, just as brands must scrutinize their corporate decisions, consumers must do the same. There is an endless array of products available for purchase. Supporting ethical skincare brands sends a powerful message to larger corporations that resist change.
The Sustainability Paradox: Overconsumption vs. Minimalism
Skinimalism embodies minimalism: Overindulgence in sustainable products can be counterproductive as well. Make use of what you already have and choose new products intentionally. The Green Beauty movement extends beyond simply using eco-friendly, toxin-free skincare products; it also encompasses ensuring that skincare containers are safe for the earth. Consumer choices drive transformation within the cosmetics industry.
Brands aim to convince you that you’re making responsible choices, relying on your attraction to the allure of their products. Informed consumers go a step further, considering the brand’s values alongside the product itself. Aligning your values with a trusted company is essential. When consumer sentiment begins to shift, major brands and corporations must adapt or risk becoming obsolete. It’s consumers (like you!) who drive that change. Together, we can make a significant impact.
bareLUXE Skincare is dedicated to educating consumers and challenging major brands to enhance their practices regarding skincare containers and beauty packaging. They elevate simple Green Beauty ingredients with the use of Performance Botanicals that deliver results.