The 5 Elements of Sustainable Beauty Products

In an age where climate consciousness is rising, sustainability has become a defining value for both consumers and companies. The beauty industry is no exception. With more customers questioning what goes into their favorite products and how those products are made, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility.

According to Pew Research, 64% of American adults believe reducing climate change should be a top priority. Likewise, a 2024 survey revealed that 60% of women between 15 and 70 prioritize sustainability when purchasing beauty products. But what exactly does "sustainable" mean in the context of beauty, and how can brands live up to these expectations?

Let’s explore the five core elements of sustainable beauty products and how brands like Acme-Hardesty are leading the way.

What Is Sustainability?

In business terms, sustainability is about maintaining a balance between profit and the planet. It acknowledges that natural resources are finite, so industries must evolve to protect ecosystems, reduce emissions, and support ethical labor practices. In beauty, this means rethinking how ingredients are sourced, how products are made, and how they're packaged.

Much like the slow fashion movement, sustainable beauty encourages thoughtful consumption. Consumers are encouraged to invest in high-quality, ethically produced products that support a healthier production model. This mindset benefits everyone:

• Companies cut down on waste and improve efficiency.

• Employees feel empowered by working toward a greater good.

• Brands reach a more values-driven consumer base.

• Consumers feel better about their purchases.

What Is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing occurs when brands use misleading claims to appear eco-friendly, without actually backing them up with sustainable actions. Whether it’s vague language like "all-natural" or labels with no real certifications, greenwashing exploits consumer goodwill.

To combat this, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established guidelines for environmental claims:

• Use clear, accurate language.

• Specify whether claims refer to the product, packaging, or components.

• Avoid exaggeration.

• Provide data to support comparative claims.

Transparency builds trust. When companies clearly state what makes their products sustainable—whether it’s biodegradable packaging or responsibly sourced ingredients—they set a standard for integrity in the industry.

The 5 Most Important Sustainable Considerations for Beauty Products

Now let’s break down the five essential elements of truly sustainable beauty products.

1. Sustainable Palm Oil

Palm oil is the world’s most efficient vegetable oil. It’s used in everything from mascara to moisturizers. However, rapid demand has led to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and displacement of Indigenous communities.

The solution? Sourcing RSPO-certified palm oil. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil ensures that producers:

• Avoid destroying primary forests

• Respect Indigenous land rights

• Offer safe, fair labor conditions

• Protect endangered wildlife

• Minimize emissions

Brands like Acme-Hardesty are members of the RSPO, advocating for ethical sourcing and showing that it’s possible to use palm oil responsibly.

2. Responsibly Sourced Natural Ingredients

Where your ingredients come from is just as important as what they are. Several common beauty ingredients have problematic backgrounds:

• Mica is used for shimmer in makeup but often involves child labor in unsafe mines. The Responsible Mica Initiative works to improve transparency and ethics in mining. Some companies opt for synthetic mica instead.

• Squalene is an emollient found in moisturizers. While it traditionally comes from shark livers, plant-based alternatives (like olives and sugarcane) are more sustainable and cruelty-free.

• Microbeads, once common in exfoliators, are now banned in the U.S. due to their environmental harm. Still, they exist in products from other countries. Sustainable brands use biodegradable exfoliants like jojoba beads or walnut shells instead.

Choosing ethical sources for these ingredients helps protect both the planet and its people.

3. Organic Formulas

"Organic" in beauty goes beyond being natural—it refers to how ingredients are grown and processed. The USDA sets strict standards for organic certification, requiring:

• No GMOs

• Minimal synthetic additives

• Conservation of biodiversity

• At least 95% organic content

Organic products avoid harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, parabens, and PFAS. These toxins can penetrate skin and accumulate in the body over time, posing long-term health risks.

Organic farming also benefits the planet. It reduces pesticide use, prevents soil erosion, and minimizes water pollution, making it a win for both skin and the environment.

4. Reusable and Recyclable Packaging

Packaging accounts for a massive portion of the beauty industry’s environmental footprint—120 billion units annually. Much of this ends up in landfills or oceans, contributing to microplastic pollution.

Here’s how brands can reduce packaging waste:

• Use recyclable and recycled materials.

• Design packaging that’s easy to disassemble.

• Minimize mixed materials like plastic-paper combinations.

• Shift to biodegradable plastics where possible.

• Downsize packaging to reduce shipping impact.

Even better? Adopt circular end-of-life strategies:

• Offer refills or reusable containers.

• Let customers return empties for a discount.

• Collect used containers for recycling or resale.

This shift toward circularity not only cuts costs and waste but also gives consumers a tangible way to be part of the solution.

5. Ethical Manufacturing and Transparent Supply Chains

The final piece of sustainable beauty lies in the invisible part of the process—how products are made and who’s involved. Brands should:

• Prioritize fair labor practices across their supply chains.

• Partner with ethical suppliers.

• Audit production sites to ensure safety and legality.

• Be transparent about where and how products are made.

Consumers increasingly want to know the story behind their purchase. Offering visibility into your manufacturing process builds trust and sets your brand apart from competitors still operating behind closed doors.

Acme-Hardesty Is Committed to Sustainability

As an industry leader, Acme-Hardesty puts sustainability at the forefront of everything we do. From RSPO-certified palm oil to responsible ingredient sourcing and eco-friendly packaging solutions, we’re helping reshape what it means to be a sustainable beauty brand.

Our commitment goes beyond checking boxes. We believe in building long-term partnerships with clients who share our values. By investing in ethical, science-backed, and sustainable solutions, we’re paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.

Final Thoughts

Sustainability in beauty isn’t just about making greener products—it’s about rethinking every step of the process. From ingredient sourcing and formulation to packaging and supply chains, each decision has a ripple effect.

The five key elements of sustainable beauty—responsible palm oil use, ethical ingredient sourcing, organic formulas, eco-conscious packaging, and transparent production—offer a roadmap for brands to follow. Consumers are watching, and they’re ready to support brands that lead with purpose.