Beauty That Harms
1. Animal Testing
Many cosmetic companies still test their products on animals. Animals are kept in captivity and are subject to pain, torture, and reactions to products that are not yet proven safe for use. This process is unethical and brings harm to many animals.
2. Petroleum
Petroleum can be found in many cosmetic products, both as an ingredient and within the packaging. Most packaging for cosmetics is made of oil based plastic, and the industry produces about 120 billion units of packaging per year. About 70% of this is not recyclable. Furthermore, petroleum may be found in cosmetics themselves. See our page Ingredients to Avoid for more information.
3. Palm Oil
Palm oil can be found in many cosmetic products and has been linked to unsustainable growing practices and deforestation. Palm oil can be found in products such as lipsticks, shampoos, soaps, and conditioners, and it is known for its smooth texture and emulsifying properties. Derivatives of palm oil can be found in up to 70% of cosmetic products, and companies such as L'Oreal can use up to 60,000 tons of it per year.
4. Chemicals
Many chemicals found in cosmetics have proven to be harmful to the environment, especially our waterways and wildlife. Substances such as Titanium dioxide, a chemical found in many skin tints and sunscreens, has been shown to prevent phytoplankton growth and harm freshwater snails. Furthermore, parabens, which are used in most products to stifle bacteria growth, have been shown to disrupt dolphin hormones and kill coral reefs.