Unveiling the Truth About Greenwashing in the Skincare Industry
How to spot the Signs of greenwashing in your skincare
Let's Talk About It!
- What is Greenwashing?
- The Common Tactics Used in Greenwashing
- How to Spot the Red Flags of Greenwashing
- How to Check How Clean Your Products Really Are
- Our Favorite Resource for Checking Ingredients
- Let’s Look at a Perfect Example
As a company deeply committed to transparency and integrity in skincare, Simple Body believes it’s crucial for our customers to be informed about the pervasive issue of greenwashing in the beauty industry. Today, more than ever, consumers are making conscious choices about the products they use, aiming not only for effectiveness but also for sustainability and ethical practices.
Greenwashing, a deceptive marketing tactic where products are labeled as “natural,” “organic,” or “eco-friendly” without substantial evidence, has unfortunately become widespread. These terms are often used ambiguously, leading consumers to believe they are making environmentally responsible choices when, in reality, the products may not live up to their green claims.
Why does this matter? It matters because your skincare routine shouldn’t just be about looking good; it should also be about feeling confident in the choices you make for your health and the environment. When you purchase a product labeled as “clean” or “green,” you should be able to trust that it truly aligns with your values.
At Simple Body, we’re dedicated to cutting through the noise of greenwashing. We believe in empowering our customers with knowledge, offering transparency in our ingredients, sourcing practices, and environmental impact. By shedding light on the misleading practices of greenwashing, we aim to guide you towards skincare choices that are genuinely beneficial for both you and the planet, even if it is not our products you are choosing to purchase.
Together, let’s navigate the complexities of the skincare industry with clarity and confidence. Because when it comes to your skin and the planet, every choice matters.
what is greenwashing?
Greenwashing in the skincare industry refers to the practice where companies misleadingly market their products as environmentally friendly or “green” when, in reality, they may not be as eco-friendly or as clean as claimed. This term originated from the concept of “whitewashing,” where something is made to appear cleaner or better than it actually is.
Greenwashing in the skincare industry poses a significant concern due to its potential to mislead consumers who are striving to make environmentally conscious choices. By labeling products as “natural,” “organic,” or “eco-friendly” without clear substantiation, companies can create a false impression of environmental responsibility.
This misleading marketing can lead consumers to believe they are purchasing products that are safer for both their health and the environment, when in reality, these claims may not be backed by rigorous standards or certification.
Genuine efforts towards sustainability in skincare involve responsible ingredient sourcing, sustainable packaging practices, and minimizing environmental impact throughout a product’s lifecycle. Greenwashing not only undermines these efforts but also erodes trust in brands and the industry as a whole. It can make consumers skeptical of environmental claims, leading to confusion and skepticism in making informed purchasing decisions.
There is no organization in the United States that regulates claims made by skincare companies that their products are “clean” or “all-natural”. Without regulatory oversight and accountability, companies engaging in greenwashing may not face consequences for their misleading claims, further perpetuating the issue.
The common tactics used in greenwashing
These are some of the most common ways greenwashing can manifest in the skincare industry:
- Misleading Labels: Products may be labeled with terms like “natural,” “organic,” or “eco-friendly” without clear substantiation or certification. Consumers may assume these terms mean the product is better for the environment when that might not be the case.
- Ambiguous Claims: Companies might use vague or ambiguous language that implies environmental benefits without providing specific evidence or details.
- Exaggerated Benefits: Some products may claim exaggerated environmental benefits or make broad environmental claims that cannot be verified.
- Hidden Practices: Behind the scenes, companies might engage in practices such as unsustainable sourcing of ingredients, excessive packaging, or other environmentally harmful processes.
- Green Marketing without Actions: Companies may heavily market their eco-friendly initiatives or donations to environmental causes without actually making substantial changes to their overall practices.
Consumers concerned about greenwashing can look for certifications from reputable organizations (like USDA Organic, COSMOS, or EWG) that verify environmental claims. They can also research a company’s environmental policies, ingredient sourcing practices, and transparency in reporting to make informed decisions about their skincare purchases.
How to spot the red flags of greenwashing
Spotting greenwashing tactics in skincare requires a critical eye and a bit of research. Here are some key strategies to help identify greenwashing:
- Vague Terminology: Be wary of terms like “natural,” “pure,” “green,” or “eco-friendly” without further explanation or certification. These terms can be used loosely without clear definitions or standards.
- Lack of Certifications: Genuine eco-friendly claims in skincare are often backed by recognized certifications such as USDA Organic, COSMOS, Ecocert, or EWG Verified. Look for these seals on product packaging or check the brand’s website for certification details.
- Important Note: Unfortunately, most of these certifications are expensive which can be a hinderance to small businesses who may dedicate themselves to following good practices and have clean ingredients, but they are not able to afford the certification. These certifications are typically only held by big brands.
- If you support a small skincare business such as Simple Body, the best way to confirm if their ingredients are in fact clean is to pay attention to their ingredient labels and ASK for more information. Most companies that are working hard to provide clean products are proud to share their information. You can also look up their ingredient list in the EWG (Environmental Working Group) Skin Deep database or app… more on this app below!
- Misleading Imagery: Images of nature, plants, or green landscapes on packaging or marketing materials can create a perception of environmental friendliness without substantiating actual sustainable practices.
- Exaggerated Claims: Claims of being “100% natural” or “chemical-free” are often misleading, as all ingredients—even natural ones—can be chemically derived or processed.
- Hidden Ingredients: Some products may tout natural or botanical ingredients but still contain harmful chemicals. Check ingredient lists and research unfamiliar ingredients to understand their environmental and health impacts.
- Unsubstantiated Statements: Look for specific evidence or data supporting environmental claims, such as information on sustainable sourcing, reduced carbon footprint, or packaging recyclability.
- Greenwashing by Association: Some brands may align themselves with environmental causes or use green colors and imagery to imply sustainability without actual commitments or actions.
- Lack of Transparency: Genuine eco-friendly brands typically provide transparency about their sustainability practices, ingredient sourcing, and environmental impact. Lack of detailed information or transparency could indicate greenwashing.
- Contradictory Actions: If a brand claims to be eco-friendly but engages in practices like excessive packaging or unsustainable sourcing, it may be greenwashing.
- Comparative Advertising: Be cautious of products that claim to be better for the environment than competitors without specific evidence or third-party verification.
By staying informed, researching brands and products, and looking for credible certifications and transparent practices, consumers can make more informed choices and avoid falling victim to greenwashing tactics in the skincare industry.
How to check how clean your products really are
As we mentioned earlier, in the realm of skincare, there isn’t a singular regulatory body that universally defines or oversees the terms “clean” or “all-natural.” Unlike terms such as “organic” or “FDA-approved,” which have specific legal definitions and regulatory oversight in certain contexts, terms like “clean” and “all-natural” are often used in marketing without standardized definitions or rigorous regulatory scrutiny.
However, there are some certifications and organizations that aim to provide guidance and standards related to clean and natural skincare products:
- USDA Organic: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides organic certification for agricultural products, including ingredients used in skincare products. Products bearing the USDA Organic seal must meet strict guidelines regarding ingredient sourcing and processing methods.
- COSMOS: COSMOS (Cosmetic Organic and Natural Standard) is an international standard for organic and natural cosmetics. It sets criteria for organic ingredients, bans certain synthetic chemicals, and promotes sustainable sourcing and production practices.
- Ecocert: Ecocert is an inspection and certification body that certifies organic and natural cosmetics according to rigorous standards. It evaluates ingredients, packaging, and manufacturing processes to ensure environmental responsibility.
- EWG Verified: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) offers a verification program for personal care products, including skincare items. Products that are EWG Verified meet strict criteria for transparency, ingredient safety, and environmental impact.
- Natural Products Association (NPA): The NPA provides a Natural Seal certification for personal care products, including skincare items. Products certified by NPA meet defined standards for natural ingredients and manufacturing processes.
While these certifications offer some level of assurance regarding ingredient integrity and environmental impact, it’s important for consumers to research and understand the specific criteria each certification entails. Additionally, regulatory oversight and definitions of terms like “clean” and “all-natural” can vary by region and may not be as standardized or comprehensive as those for terms like “organic.” Therefore, consumers interested in purchasing clean or natural skincare products should look for trusted certifications and/or conduct thorough research on brands’ sustainability and ingredient sourcing practices.
our favorite resource for checking ingredients
EWG (Enviormental Working Group) is our favorite resource for checking the ingredients of products for just how clean they are. EWG is a non-profit organization that empowers you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment and they have a fantastic app and database called Skin Deep that allows you to check any ingredient label! Click here to view the Skin Deep Database online.
Why We Love EWG Skin Deep:
Just read their mission statement!!
“We work for you, and we’re not going anywhere.
Picture putting sunscreen on your skin, knowing it has toxic chemicals in it. Envision biting into a carrot, knowing it’s tainted with pesticides. Imagine drinking a cup of water, knowing it’s contaminated by pollutants from local farms and factories.
This is the world we live in. But we deserve better.
Since 1993, the Environmental Working Group has shined a spotlight on outdated legislation, harmful agricultural practices and industry loopholes that pose a risk to our health and the health of our environment.
Whether it’s on Capitol Hill or in communities across America, we make our voices heard, changing the debate over environmental health and putting the most important people – you and your family – at the center of the conversation. “
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep® database and app are valuable tools for consumers seeking to assess the safety and environmental impact of personal care products, including skincare items. Simply search the brand/product your are interested in learning about and you will get a detailed report on it’s safety.
Here are the features:
- Ingredient Transparency: The EWG app provides detailed information on ingredients used in personal care products. Users can search for specific products or ingredients to access comprehensive safety ratings based on scientific research.
- Safety Ratings: Products listed in the EWG database are assigned a safety rating from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest hazard and 10 being the highest. This rating system helps consumers quickly assess the potential health risks associated with a product’s ingredients.
- Environmental Impact: Beyond safety, the EWG app also evaluates products based on their environmental impact. It considers factors such as ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and packaging materials to provide an overall assessment of a product’s eco-friendliness.
- Expert Analysis: The database includes assessments and analyses conducted by EWG scientists and experts in environmental health. This ensures that the information provided is based on credible scientific research and up-to-date regulatory information.
- User-Friendly Interface: The EWG app is designed to be user-friendly, allowing consumers to easily search for products by brand or product name. The app also provides tips and resources for making healthier and more sustainable choices in personal care products.
- Guidance for Safer Alternatives: For products with higher hazard ratings, the EWG app suggests safer alternatives that meet stricter safety and environmental criteria. This helps consumers find alternatives that align with their preferences for clean and natural skincare options.
- Regular Updates: The EWG database is regularly updated with new products and ingredient information, ensuring that users have access to the latest data and research findings.
Let's Take a Look at a perfect example
One of my favorite products I was using daily from a brand I thought was “natural” is this lovely avocado eye cream. The packaging and marketing showcases fruits and vegetables as their main ingredients and looks “juicy” and “nourishing”.
I was surprised when I ran this one through the database for sure! It is not our intention to put other brands down, but this is a prime example of how marketing and packaging design can make you think you are getting something good for you when you may be putting chemicals on your skin that can be a concern.
I “splurged” on this product often and was using it not just on my eyes, but also my face and other dry spots. With a high cancer rating, I have to admit, I feel very disappointed that I did not do my research! I even asked for this as a Mother’s Day gift! After working with Jewels, I have learned so much about honest ingredients and how to really care for yourself and your skin.
Be sure to check for yourself what you are putting on your skin. It is easy to fall prey to these greenwashing tactics and think you are buying something you can trust.
Jewels and our entire team are here to help if you have any questions. As always, if you are interested in learning more about our ingredients and how and where they are sourced, we are an open book! We actually LOVE to share this information as it is part of the core of who we are and why we do what we do.
