The beauty and skin-care industry is a prominent leader in carbon emissions around the world, and the public is beginning to take a closer look at the carbon footprint of cosmetics. Cosmetics indicates any item which is used to clean or beautify the human body, and thus, represents a vast category of commercial products.
Most everyone uses at least one or two cosmetics daily, most of which are in plastic packaging. This article explores the environmental impact of the cosmetic industry and takes an item by item look at carbon emissions from cosmetics.
Understanding the Carbon Footprint of Cosmetics and the Environmental Impact of the Cosmetic Industry
An accurate estimate of the carbon footprint of cosmetics necessitates a complete understanding of what all the term “cosmetics” encompasses. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), any product which is manufactured for and used on the human body to promote cleanliness and beauty or change physical appearance is considered a cosmetic (See the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 and the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022).
Thus, cosmetics can be anything from soap to hair dye.10 The FDA also makes the point that some products, such as anti-dandruff shampoo, moisturizers with sunscreen, a fluoride toothpaste may be classified as both a cosmetic and a drug.2
A carbon footprint is the sum total of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CO2e) generated by an entity. In the case of products, such as cosmetics, a “cradle-to-grave” lifetime carbon footprint can be calculated by looking at the emissions generated at each stage of the product’s life (even before actual manufacturing begins).
Knowing how to calculate carbon footprint manually means understanding all the different components that contribute to that carbon footprint. In the case of the carbon footprint of cosmetics , there is a lot to consider.
The cosmetic industry is the composite of those companies or corporations which are in charge of manufacturing and distributing cosmetics to the public. Some prominent cosmetic companies include Chanel, Estee Lauder, and L’Oreal, to name a few.7
To carry out carbon footprint calculation for the entire industry, a person would need to examine and aggregate the emissions generated (directly and indirectly) by each company at three different levels: scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3.
Scope 1
Scope 1 emissions are those which a company produces directly through manufacturing including on-site combustion for heating, cooling, water filtration, as well as direct emissions from company vehicles. On-site emissions from industrial gases, refrigerants and hazardous materials are also included (EPA Scope 1 and 2 Inventory Guidance).32
Scope 2
Scope 2 emissions are those which a company produces indirectly by purchasing energy. Though the emissions are generated at the source of electricity production, the energy demand is driven by the companies purchasing.
These numbers vary by energy source, intensity, and location.
Scope 3
Scope 3 emissions are also indirect and much more challenging to access. These include upstream emissions associated with the collection and transport of raw materials and employee commute, as well as downstream emissions associated with product distribution, retail, consumer use and end of life disposal (EPA Scope 3 Inventory Guidance).33
Fortunately, more corporations and industries are responding to public demand for carbon emission reporting.
(Image: Amy Shamblen41)
The following are the self-reported numbers for leading companies in the cosmetic industry.
1. Chanel
Based on Chanel’s 2022 climate update, the company metrics are as follows:4
Total Carbon Footprint: 1,029,120 mt (metric tons or tonnes) of CO2e.
Footprint Breakdown:
- 25,211 mt from scope 1 & 2
- 1,003,909 mt from scope 3
Scope 3 Breakdown (5 largest categories):
- 629,607 mt from upstream raw material collection, media and events
- 128,009 mt from capital goods (IT, boutique, etc.)
- 117,820 mt for transportation/distribution of materials and products
- 29,460 mt for business travel
- 28,721 mt from downstream consumer use of product
2. Estee Lauder
Some parts of Estee Lauder’s 2022 report are still pending, so 2021 numbers are included here:13
Total Carbon Footprint: 2,437,400 mt (metric tons or tonnes) of CO2e
Footprint Breakdown:
- 24,100 mt from scope 1
- 54,000 mt from scope 2
- 2,359,300 mt from scope 3
Scope 3 Breakdown (5 largest categories from 2021):
- 1,410,300 mt from upstream purchased goods and services
- 460,900 mt from upstream transportation/distribution
- 253,000 mt from capital goods
- 78,600 mt from downstream transportation/distribution
- 54,000 mt from downstream end-of-life treatment
3. L’Oreal
According to L’Oréal’s GHG emission report, the company’s estimated emissions for 2022 are as follows:5,25
Total Carbon Footprint: 11,336,569 mt or 11,337 kt
Footprint Breakdown:
- 19,733 mt from scope 1
- 5,367 mt from scope 2
- 11,245 kt from scope 3
- 66,469 mt from “upstream leased assets” that are being shifted from scope 3 to scopes 1 and 2 but reported separately for now.
Scope 3 Breakdown (5 largest categories; numbers are reported in kilotonnes [kt] equal to thousand mt):
- 4,556 kt from upstream purchased materials and services
- 4,102 kt from downstream consumer use
- 813 kt from capital goods
- 589 kt from downstream transportation and distribution
- 520 kt from end-of-life product treatment
These are the emission numbers for just a few of the largest corporations in the industry, but there are many, many more. The biggest takeaway from these reports is that the largest percentage of CO2e emissions can be attributed to scope 3 emissions with a very heavy chunk generated through the mining, processing, collection, transport, and distribution of purchased materials.
Don’t forget the environmental impact of cosmetic testing on animals. Animal testing still occurs in the vast majority of countries, and some species have been pushed to endangerment and even extinction due to cosmetic testing!35
Having illustrated the behemoth scale of the cosmetic industry and highlighted both the obvious and more subtle sources of carbon emissions, the rest of this article is dedicated to an examination of the carbon footprint of cosmetics by individual items and an exploration of more sustainable options!
The Carbon Footprint of Cosmetics by Item
There is an abundance of cosmetic products on the market, and particularly in the U.S., these products are subject to very little regulation.
The carbon footprint of cosmetics by item varies significantly depending upon the specific ingredients in the item as well as the manufacturing practices, but the following sections will provide insight where it is available.
(Image: No Revisions42)
Carbon Footprint of Deodorant
Deodorant is classified as a cosmetic, and deodorants with antiperspirant have dual classification as both cosmetic and drug. As expected, aerosol spray deodorants have emit higher emissions than roll on deodorants, but packaging of any deodorant is a huge component.
Some sources even compare the environmental impact of deodorant to that of automobiles!23
For a sustainable alternative, opt for deodorant creams with organic ingredients in compostable packaging.
Carbon Footprint of Facial Moisturizer
Facial moisturizer is made from similar compounds and ingredients as body lotion, and it is usually packaged in even smaller, harder-to-recycle plastics which have a tremendous impact on overall carbon footprint.
(Image: Anna Shvets43)
Facial lotion with added sunscreen or UV protection has further negative environmental impact.
Additionally, products containing palm oil perpetuate a devastating environmental pattern of over-exploitation. Carbon footprint varies greatly by composition.
For a sustainable alternative, opt for refillable, organic moisturizers.
(Image: Maksim Chernishev44)
Carbon Footprint of Hair Dye
To no one’s surprise, hair dyes are among the most harmful of cosmetic products due to the ingredients they contain, the way they are manufactured, the vapors produced during use, and the amount of heated water used in rinsing.
Hair dyes and hair sprays release significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the air.18
There are no available estimates for CO2 emissions as these depend heavily on the composition and application of the product. For a sustainable alternative, opt for plant-based dyes or colors.
Carbon Footprint of Hair Sprays
Hair sprays release toxic VOCs directly into the air when applied, making them even more harmful to the ozone. Although the chlorofluorocarbons of early manufacturing have been replaced by hydrofluorocarbons, there is still a substantial environmental impact.
(Image: josue Verdejo45)
One global article projected that the carbon emissions from aerosol sprays in 2020 would surpass 3,100 kt (kilotons) of CO2e, and body sprays such as hair sprays are believed to release more emissions than household aerosols.27
For a sustainable alternative, opt for natural pump hairsprays.
(Image: Evangeline Sarney46)
Carbon Footprint of Lipstick
Does anyone ever think about what happens to those tiny lipstick tubes when they are discarded? Generally too small to be recycled and almost never repurposed, lipstick casings are a landfill staple, with more than one billion tubes landing in the dump each year.
A single tube of lipstick may be responsible for more than 2 kg of CO2e.36
For a sustainable alternative, opt for refillable lipsticks.
Carbon Footprint of Perfume
The conversation circles back around to sprays here, as earlier sections have illustrated how sprays can cause greater environmental harm due to vapors released into the atmosphere, like aerosols.
(Image: Emily Wang47)
One environmental estimate indicates that a single bottle of perfume could be responsible for 16 kg of CO2e.
A new movement is underway where some industry leaders are using recaptured CO2 in the production of perfumes.16
For a sustainable alternative, opt for refillable roll-on or rub-on perfumes! Consider perfumes made from recaptured carbon dioxide.
(Image: Karolina Grabowska48)
Carbon Footprint of Shampoo
Where does the environmental impact of shampoo originate? Well, in the case of shampoo, the amount of water processed and used during manufacturing, the bulky plastic bottling, and the amount of heated water used during rinsing are big contributors to carbon emissions.
Carbon Footprint of Toothpaste
Like many products, the packaging of toothpaste poses the biggest environmental harm, as toothpaste tubes are not generally reusable or recyclable. The disposal of a single toothpaste tube contributes .08 kg of CO2e to the environment, and this doesn’t even touch on material acquisition, manufacturing, or transportation.3
(Image: George Becker49)
For a sustainable alternative, opt for refillable toothpaste tablets!
Common Cosmetic Ingredients and Their Carbon Footprint
Before diving into an item by item carbon footprint breakdown, it’s necessary to first take stock of the ingredients used in cosmetics to get an idea of which materials have the biggest carbon impact. There are a plethora of cosmetic ingredients in use today, with some dwindling away as awareness of potential harm grows and others burgeoning to take their place.
In addition to water, many other types of compounds are used in cosmetic production, such as:6, 11, 14, 31
- Emollients to soften skin
- Emulsifiers to bind ingredients
- Fragrances
- Pigments
- Occlusives to create skin barrier
- Preservatives to extend shelf life
- Plasticizers to increase durability
- Thickeners to achieve desired consistency
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides additional information on some of these classes of ingredients (this is not a comprehensive list of possible ingredients):8
1. Emollients:
2. Emulsifiers:
3. Exfoliants:
4. Occlusives:
5. Preservatives:
6. Pigments:
7. Plasticizers:
8. Thickeners:
In recent years, research has demonstrated that many of these common cosmetic ingredients pose serious health hazards, such as increased risk for cancer and birth defects. The chemicals receiving the most attention at present are formaldehydes, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, phthalates, and parabens, among others.15
Perhaps not surprisingly, many of these same ingredients are the ones that also pose the greatest environmental danger. Parabens, polyethylene, phthalates, and formaldehyde all have serious impacts upon the environment, leaching into water and soil, contaminating food crops and killing fish and coral.
Polyethylene production is known to emit CO2 at a 1:1 ratio ounce per ounce.34,40
Palm oil, though a natural cosmetic ingredient, has the single largest carbon footprint due to the vast quantities used in cosmetics and the deforestation that is carried out to extract those incredible amounts.
This endangers the environment tri-fold: 1) directly polluting the air by emitting carbon through heavy machinery used to cut down forests and releasing the embodied carbon in trees, 2) reducing the number of trees that can sequester carbon, and 3) eliminating habitats vital to animals, such as the orangutans.35
Tips For Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Cosmetics
There are some simple tips for reducing the carbon footprint of cosmetics, which are outlined in this section.17,21
- Purchase fewer cosmetics and only the amount which will be used to reduce waste
- Look for eco-friendly cosmetics and support companies that are making a positive environmental impact
- Be choosier about the type of cosmetics used, and reduce carbon-heavy items such as nail polish remover, hair dyes, and hair and body sprays
- Choose items in compostable packaging with no plastic when possible or look for refillable containers
- Use products according to directions
- Limit the amount of water and heat used in product application and removal
- Stick to reusable applicators
- Don’t overuse or waste product; use less to stretch it out
What Is Organic Makeup?
The term “organic” is not FDA-regulated for cosmetics, but the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (USDA) which runs the National Organic Program (NOP) does allow organic certification of qualified products.9 “Organic” is colloquially taken to mean that a substance is naturally-occurring in the environment and not man-made or synthesized.
Under the USDA “Organic” label, agricultural ingredients must be grown on soil that has not been subjected to pesticides and synthetic fertilizers within the three years preceding the harvest.28
To be USDA-certified, raw material (ingredient) production and handling as well as manufacturing operations must be approved by the USDA. Depending on the level of organic ingredients, a product may be accredited on one of four levels.
Only the top two tiers of accreditation may bear the USDA’s Organic seal: “100 percent organic” and “Organic.” Products labeled as “Organic” may contain up to 5% of approved non-organic or non-agricultural substances.
Other products with less than 95% organic ingredients may display label information about organic ingredients but do not bear the seal.26
Organic makeup (with a USDA Organic seal) is made up of beauty products which contain at least 95% of organic agricultural ingredients and no prohibited ingredients. This means fewer chemical and synthesized materials.29
Unfortunately, what organic does not necessarily mean is better for the environment. For example, an organic foundation or lip stick may feature palm oil as a prominent ingredient.
While this is a natural, safe ingredient, the extreme demand for it in cosmetics has an astonishing adverse impact on the environment.39
In other words, while a USDA Organic label is a great starting point for makeup and skin care, don’t stop there! Find out what ingredients are being used to replace the synthetic ones that have been removed and make sure that the “mining” of those materials is not devastating the earth.
Advantages of Natural Cosmetics and Eco-Friendly Makeup
Products marketed as cleaner and greener are growing in popularity as studies continue to demonstrate the negative effects of conventional cosmetics. Natural cosmetics are those which purport to contain ingredients which are naturally, rather than artificially, sourced.
Thus, these cosmetics should ideally contain fewer synthetic compounds and harmful chemicals. Likewise, eco-friendly makeup should be manufactured using more sustainable ingredients, processing, and packaging.12
(Image: Rosa Rafael50)
The terms “natural” and “eco-friendly” are not regulated under law, nor are they strictly defined, and they can sometimes be misleading, either intentionally or inadvertently. Labels that advertise natural or eco-friendly do not necessarily ensure that a product is either absolutely safe or carbon neutral.
They are, however, a step or two up from traditional cosmetics. Here are some of the potential advantages:
- Ingredients: Raw materials are more likely to be responsibly sourced and safer for person and environment.
- Packaging: Products labeled as “eco-friendly” are more likely to contain less plastic in the packaging, leading to less waste and a lower carbon footprint.
- Transparency: Manufacturers promoting natural and eco-friendly products may be more motivated to disclose product information fully and accurately.
- Proximity: Some of the best sustainable products are found in local shops, eliminating the need for shipping from long-distance or online retailers.
- An Overall Smaller Carbon Footprint!
What Does Sustainable Skincare Look Like?
What should consumers be looking for in sustainable skincare? As mentioned in an earlier section, a USDA Certified Organic seal is an excellent place to start in choosing sustainable products as it signifies that at least 95% of materials are agricultural products farmed organically.
But here are some other things to look for:37
- No microplastics: Say goodbye to microbeads in exfoliators.
- No toxins: Choose products that avoid preservatives and chemicals that are dangerous to health and the environment.
- No plastic packaging: Embrace compostable and recyclable packaging and refillable glass bottles.
- Ethical manufacturing: Ethical manufacturing means responsibly sourced energy, no animal testing, careful selection and procurement of materials.
- No palm oil: If it contains palm oil, it is not sustainable, as the palm oil industry is wreaking havoc on tropical habitats around the world.
- No animal by-products: Animal by-products are harmful to animals and contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
- Recycling and upcycling programs: The best sustainable skincare brands also consider a product’s end-of-life treatment and create programs that allow containers to be recycled directly or reused.
What Does Sustainable Makeup Look Like?
Finding sustainable makeup can be tricky, particularly because many containers are so small and difficult to recycle. Some people opt to make their own makeup, but industries are responding to demand for more eco-friendly options.
(Image: Laura Chouette51)
Some sustainable makeup options include:
- Reusable brushes and applicators
- Refillable mascara, foundation, palettes, etc.
- Recyclable containers
- No petrolatum or palm oil
- Multi-use makeup remover pads
What Are Some Other Sustainable Beauty Products?
There are some truly excellent sustainable beauty products out there, many of which people may never really consider. The following are some great examples:1,22
- Shampoo and conditioner bars
- Refillable moisturizers
- Toothpaste tablets
- Non-toxic nail polish
- Reusable face masks
This article takes a deep dive into the cosmetic industry to examine the environmental impact of manufacturing and distributing hundreds of billions of products each year for consumer use. The carbon emissions from cosmetics are heavily impacted by the ingredients used, the way materials are sourced, manufacturing processes, and end-of-life treatment of products.
All of these areas can be positively impacted by ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Additionally, trees are effective in carbon sequestration and participating in a carbon offset program that would plant trees for you would help reduce your carbon footprint.
Consult this article to learn which cosmetic items have the highest carbon footprint and how to replace them.
By highlighting the sustainable skincare and beauty products available, individuals can begin to take personal steps to reduce the carbon footprint of cosmetics.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Carbon Footprint of Cosmetics
What Is a Carbon Footprint?
Amid the discussions of climate change and sustainability, many people may find themselves wondering “What is a carbon footprint?” A carbon footprint quantifies the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organization, product, or activity, as assessed by carbon emissions calculators.
Is Makeup Bad for Your Skin?
A large percentage of people will wear makeup at some point in their lives and many people wear it daily, but is makeup bad for your skin? Over the last few decades, research has demonstrated that the pore-clogging effect of makeup negatively impacts the skin, leading to wrinkles, skin aging, and reduced elasticity.20
What Is Meant by the Term Clean Beauty?
The clean beauty movement advocates for safer beauty and skincare products by demanding greater transparency from manufacturers and providing more information to consumers.38 Yet, with “clean beauty” lacking a precise definition or regulation, consumers are advised to assess the safety and claims of cosmetic products individually.30
Learn More About Carbon Footprint of Cosmetics
References
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41Cosmetics Products Photo by Amy Shamblen. (2020, August 3) / Unsplash License. Cropped and Resized. Unsplash. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/pink-and-brown-makeup-brush-set-xwM61TPMlYk>
42Deodorant Photo by No Revisions. (2020, March 18) / Unsplash License. Cropped and Resized. Unsplash. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-white-tank-top-smiling-pA1l24iwUlI>
43Facial Moisturizer Photo by Anna Shvets. (2020, August 29) / Pexels License. Cropped and Resized. Pexels. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-person-with-smear-of-face-cream-5217926/>
44Hair Dye Photo by Maksim Chernishev. (2021, April 3) / Unsplash License. Resized and Changed Format. Unsplash. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-black-shirt-lying-on-white-textile-PaEFID0r2yo>
45Hair Spray Photo by josue Verdejo. (2020, May 6) / Pexels License. Cropped and Resized. Pexels. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/unrecognizable-hairdresser-spraying-hair-of-female-client-4327414/>
46Lipstick Photo by Evangeline Sarney. (2021, July 1) / Unsplash License. Resized and Changed Format. Unsplash. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/red-lipstick-on-white-surface-NnsqpLjiA94>
47Perfume Photo by Emily Wang. (2020, May 2) / Unsplash License. Cropped and Resized. Unsplash. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/gold-perfume-bottle-on-white-textile-a5917t2ea8I>
48Shampoo Bar Photo by Karolina Grabowska. (2020, September 1) / Pexels License. Cropped and Resized. Pexels. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-using-sustainable-products-to-wash-her-hair-5240730/>
49Toothpaste Photo by George Becker. (2017, January 19) / Pexels License. Resized and Changed Format. Pexels. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/closeup-and-selective-focus-photography-of-toothbrush-with-toothpaste-298611/>
50Make up Powder Photo by Rosa Rafael. (2018, January 12) / Unsplash License. Resized. Unsplash. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/three-makeup-brushes-on-top-of-compact-powders-DEuob2v77wI>
51Makeup Set Photo by Laura Chouette. (2020, August 6) / Unsplash License. Resized and Changed Format. Unsplash. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/a-person-holding-a-makeup-palette-and-a-pencil-yxcCgzSB_iI>