The beauty industry is full of “green” promises. But how many products are actually eco-friendly? With so many labels claiming to be “natural,” “clean,” or “organic,” it’s tough to know what’s real and what’s not. And so, you may end up with a product that’s all talk and no action.
The sad part is that inauthentic products aren’t just ineffective; they’re also harmful to your skin and the environment. Every time you buy body wash, face mask, or eye cream that isn’t truly eco-friendly, you unknowingly contribute to pollution, support unsustainable practices, or expose your skin to hidden chemicals.
So, in this guide, we will show you how to identify truly eco-friendly skincare products and where you can get them. But first, let’s make sure we’re on the same page:
What exactly is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing is when companies market their products as eco-friendly or sustainable without backing up those claims. It’s like they’re putting on a “green” mask—using words and imagery that make you think they’re doing good for the planet, but in reality, they’re cutting corners.
For instance, a skincare brand might label a product as “natural” or “plant-based,” even if only a tiny percentage of the ingredients meet those standards. This tactic is frustrating because it preys on your desire to make responsible, eco-friendly choices.
What about Cleanwashing?
Cleanwashing is similar to greenwashing but focuses more on making products appear “clean” or “non-toxic.” A brand may advertise its skin care as “free from harmful chemicals” or “pure,” even though it could still contain ingredients you don’t want on your skin. Cleanwashing often takes advantage of the beauty industry’s lack of regulation—terms like “clean” and “non-toxic” are not strictly defined so that companies can use them freely.
What Do Greenwashing and Cleanwashing Look Like in the Beauty Industry?
Different beauty brands use different greenwashing and cleanwashing tricks. Here are some of the common ones to look out for:
- Vague Claims: Words like “natural,” “green,” or “eco-friendly” without any details or certifications. For example, if you see a body wash labeled as “natural,” check the ingredients list to see if it’s filled with plant-based or mostly synthetic ingredients.
- Minimal Changes: Some brands make only small changes, like using recycled packaging, while keeping the rest of their product (like the ingredients or sourcing practices) the same. This is a partial effort that may not align with genuine sustainability.
- Fake Certifications or Misleading Labels: Companies may use labels that sound official but have no real significance, or they might create their own “certified” labels that aren’t verified by an external organization. Genuine certifications to look for include USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and Leaping Bunny (for cruelty-free claims).
- Overuse of Buzzwords: Terms like “toxin-free,” “chemical-free,” or “plant-powered” can sound appealing, but remember, even water is technically a “chemical.” Look past the buzzwords and dig into the ingredient list to understand what’s in the product.
How Do You Ensure You Don’t Fall Prey?
Here’s a list of things to watch out for when shopping for high-quality, sustainable skincare products:
Check Certifications
Certifications should be at the top of your requirements list. Brands that are serious about being sustainable usually get certified by trusted organizations. These certifications prove that a product meets specific standards, like using organic ingredients, treating workers fairly, or minimizing its environmental impact. Here are some standard certifications that stand out:
- USDA Organic: This means the product uses certified organic ingredients without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It’s a strong indicator of a truly natural product.
- Fair Trade: This certification ensures that ingredients are sourced ethically, with fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers.
- Leaping Bunny or Cruelty-Free: These logos guarantee that the product hasn’t been tested on animals. They’re a must for anyone who cares about ethical beauty practices.
- Carbon Neutral Certification: Some brands go the extra mile to offset their carbon footprint, often by investing in renewable energy or reforestation projects. If you see this label, it means the brand is committed to reducing its environmental impact.
Look for Ingredients That Matter
When choosing skincare, look at what’s in the product. Eco-friendly skincare should have natural ingredients that are good for your health and beauty. For example, ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and essential oils are naturally good for your skin. Plus, when they’re sourced responsibly, they have less environmental impact. Ethical sourcing usually means less environmental impact and better treatment of local workers.
You also want to look for products with biodegradable ingredients. These break down easily and don’t harm the planet when they wash off. So, when you’re using something like body wash or face cream, you know it’s not going down the drain and harming rivers or oceans. And packaging matters just as much as the product itself. Eco-friendly brands often use glass, recyclable plastic or biodegradable materials to reduce waste.
Why Transparency Matters
Transparency is key when it comes to skincare. Truly eco-friendly brands are open about their practices, ingredients, and sourcing. They want you to know what’s in your products and how those ingredients impact your skin and the planet.
When you see a brand that hides its ingredient list or offers vague descriptions, that’s a red flag. In contrast, a transparent company will spell out everything—often down to where they source each ingredient.
How Pure Treesy Embodies Eco-Friendly Values
Pure Treesy gets it. We aren’t just talking the talk—we’re walking the walk when it comes to eco-friendly skincare. We carefully select sustainably sourced ingredients so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin. We use biodegradable to limit waste that harms the environment. And even better is that we’re all about transparency. We’re open about where our ingredients come from and how our products are made.
So, if you’re ready to treat your skin and the planet right, check out our certified, eco-conscious skincare collection. You’ll love the results and feel good about your choices.
