FRACTURED EDIT
What’s in Your Skincare?
We’re all about conscious choices, and that extends far beyond what we wear. What about what we put on our skin? The beauty industry, while focused on enhancing our well-being, has a complex relationship with sustainability. At Fractured, we believe that true beauty encompasses not only how a product makes us feel, but also its impact on the planet and its people.
Let’s dive into the often-unseen side of skincare – what happens before that cream or serum ever touches your skin.
The Hidden World of Skincare Sustainability
The journey of a skincare product is more than just mixing ingredients in a lab. It’s a complex web of sourcing, formulation, production, and packaging, each with its own set of ethical and environmental considerations.
- Ingredient Sourcing: Where do the ingredients come from? Are they harvested sustainably? Are the workers involved treated fairly? Many skincare ingredients, even natural ones, can have a significant environmental footprint.
- The Challenge: Some ingredients are sourced from delicate ecosystems, and unsustainable harvesting practices can lead to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
- Formulation Ethics: Are the formulations safe for both us and the environment? Do they contain harsh chemicals or potential pollutants?
- The Challenge: The beauty industry has historically been linked to the use of synthetic ingredients, some of which are known to be harmful to human health and the environment.
- Production & Manufacturing: How are the products made? What is the energy consumption and waste generated during production?
- The Challenge: Traditional manufacturing processes can be energy-intensive and generate significant waste, including wastewater and byproducts.
- Packaging: What materials are used to package the products? Is the packaging recyclable or biodegradable?
- The Challenge: The beauty industry is notorious for its excessive packaging, often using multiple layers of non-recyclable materials.
- Animal Testing: Is the product tested on animals?
- The Challenge: While many brands are now cruelty-free, animal testing remains a concern in some parts of the world.
What to Look For in Sustainable Skincare: A Fractured Guide
Navigating the world of skincare sustainability can feel overwhelming. Here’s a guide to help you make more conscious choices:
- Ingredient Transparency: Does the brand clearly list all ingredients and their sources? Look for brands that prioritise natural and organic ingredients, and are transparent about their sourcing practices.
- Ethical Sourcing: Does the brand ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for those involved in ingredient harvesting and production? Look for certifications like Fair Trade.
- Sustainable Formulations: Are the products free from harsh chemicals, parabens, sulphates, and synthetic fragrances?
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Does the brand use minimal packaging, and are the materials recyclable, biodegradable, or refillable?
- Cruelty-Free: Is the brand certified cruelty-free? Look for certifications like Leaping Bunny.
- Certifications: Look for trusted certifications that verify environmental and social standards.
At Fractured, we’re committed to partnering with skincare brands that prioritise sustainability at every stage of their product lifecycle. We believe that beauty shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet or its people.
