In this second press review, let’s talk about sustainability, what it really means and the consequence for cosmetics, but also the new trends of K-Beauty now that it’s here to stay and more easily available worldwide!
Sustainability, as defined by the 1987 Brundtland Commission, meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
And it has become a constant challenge in the beauty industry. Cosmetic brands, packaging companies, and ingredient manufacturers are increasingly investing in greener initiatives. Technology has also taken part in that big change with raw materials and their production processes and distribution, that have been completely redesigned to meet the new requirements of today’s attentive consumer.
Here are some interesting articles I had came across on these subjects and wanted to share with you:
The Eco Well podcast: is natural sustainable?
The Eco Well is a Canadian podcast, hosted by Jen Novakovich, cosmetic chemist, and environmentalist (probably my best discovery of the year, I will have the opportunity to talk to you about it again, all the interviews are so fascinating!)
In her interviews, she regularly discusses the subject of sustainability in the cosmetics industry. This interview with Kenna Whitnell raises an essential question: does natural mean it is good for the planet? As you will see, and as is often the case, the answer is more nuanced than we think!
Source: The Eco Well podcast
Premium Beauty News: Alternatives to plastics take the beauty industry by storm
An example with packaging, always greener and more innovative. Even if plastic shouldn’t disappear immediately, the cosmetics industry is looking for alternative solutions and starts to find more and more good ones!
Source: Premium Beauty News
The Guardian: Sali Hughes’s 40 best sustainable beauty brands
And if you need some inspiration, here is a list of 40 sustainable brands (or that tend to be), shared by the famous English beauty editor Sali Hughes.
Source: The Guardian
Market Watch: Pollution is good for business, L’Oréal CEO says
However, for big cosmetics groups, it’s not always easy to communicate on the efforts they make on a daily basis to reduce their ecological impact. And I’m not sure the words of Jean-Paul Agon, CEO of L’Oréal, will help convince the public that the industry takes the issue of sustainable development seriously…
Source: Market Watch
Vox: Hotels are banning tiny plastic toiletries. Environmental experts think they can do more.
In an effort to reduce their environmental impact, more and more hotels want to ban the amenities provided in their rooms for the guests.
Source: Vox
A good initiative at first sight, but the alternative solutions don’t always seem to do the trick…
Source: View From The Wing/ Marriott’s Move to Bulk Toiletries is Already a Disaster
Refinery29: K-Beauty’s Third Wave Is Here & They Saved The Best For Last
In the US, K-Beauty is super popular at the moment! More and more Korean beauty brands are launching into the North American market. Products with “cute” packaging had their moment in the beginning, but the good news is that they are now more serious, results-oriented brands available. You wan’t be surprised to know I’m very happy about it 😉
Source: Refinery29
K-Beauty: don’t call it Kawaii Beauty!
I already mentioned this difference in perception of K-Beauty in the West in this article I wrote almost 2 years ago! For me, the K-beauty offer has always been complex, rich and very innovative. Common beliefs about K-Beauty are starting to fade, and Korean cosmetics are also becoming more mainstream and appreciated. And it was about time!
Source: BTY ALY
I am very curious to hear your opinion on these articles and topics! And if you have any questions or reading recommendations, feel free to share them in the comments! 🙂