The Ugly Truth About Beauty
Razaq, now a freshman at UIndy, was a Reporter for YEPT in 2023/2024 when she also wrote for Elkhart High School’s ‘The Pennant.’ She is currently interning for YEPT.
There’s something magical about walking into Sephora or Ulta. You’re greeted with aisles of cute and colorful packaging, promising a new you in every product. You excitedly pick up a few items, maybe that lipgloss or moisturizer you’ve always had your eye on, and head home to unwrap them. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens next? The packaging gets tossed, and when the product is eventually finished, it joins mountains of waste caused by other discarded products and packaging. The beauty industry is built on making us feel good, but behind the beauty is a reality that is quite ugly: its negative environmental impact.
From harmful ingredients to unsustainable packaging, the beauty industry has caused massive harm to the planet. Some brands are trying to address these issues, but the efforts are often inconsistent or overshadowed by “greenwashing.” The question is, are these changes enough to counteract the damage?
The environmental impact of beauty products begins with their ingredients. Many cosmetics contain synthetic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and microplastics, which often end up in waterways after being washed down the drain. These substances disrupt aquatic ecosystems and harm marine life. Sustainable Earth estimates that over 8 million tons of plastic waste, including microplastics, enter the ocean every year. Microplastics, in particular, are nearly impossible to clean up and have even been found in the food chain, which can potentially affect human health.
Then there’s the issue of resource extraction. An ingredient found in many cosmetics is palm oil, which has devastating environmental consequences. Earth.org reports that palm oil production is responsible for 10% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, as it leads to large scale deforestation in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. These forests are home to endangered species like orangutans, whose habitats are being destroyed to meet the demand for this widely used ingredient.
Photo by Artem Podrez, courtesy of Pexels
Packaging is another major problem. The beauty industry produces 120 billion units of packaging every year, much of it single-use plastic that is rarely recycled. According to Safe Cosmetics, only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled successfully. The rest ends up polluting the planet, as it takes hundreds of years for the plastic to decompose.
Some beauty brands are making strides towards sustainability. Lush, for example, has launched “naked” products; shampoos, conditioners, and other items sold without packaging. On their website, they state, “By eliminating packaging, we’re cutting down on waste and lessening our environmental impact.” Similarly, Ethique, a brand known for its solid beauty bars, uses compostable packaging and claims to have prevented over 20 million plastic bottles from being produced. The Ordinary, a popular skincare brand, has made progress by adopting minimalist packaging and emphasizing transparency about its ingredients.
While these efforts are commendable, they are the exception rather than the rule. Many brands have embraced sustainability as a buzzword without taking meaningful action, which is a practice known as “greenwashing”. For example, some companies promote “eco-friendly” lines while continuing to use unsustainable practices across their other product ranges. Kristen Arnett explains that this tactic creates a false sense of progress. Brands might highlight one small improvement, like switching to recycled cardboard for outer packaging, while ignoring more important issues with their products, such as the use of harmful chemicals or non-recyclable containers.
Even among brands that claim to prioritize sustainability, there’s often a lack of follow-through. For example, refillable packaging and zero-waste programs are rarely applied to entire product lines. And while some brands speak proudly on their carbon offset programs, these initiatives are often used as a way to avoid addressing the root causes of their environmental impact.
A Turning Point
The beauty industry is at a turning point. To truly reduce its environmental impact, brands need to do more than surface-level solutions. This means phasing out harmful chemicals, eliminating microplastics, and adopting circular production systems that prioritize reuse and recycling. For example, brands that adopt closed-loop systems (where products are designed to be reused or recycled) can reduce plastic waste by as much as 90%, according to Cleanhub.
Consumers have an important role to play as well. By supporting brands that are genuinely committed to sustainability and pushing back against greenwashing, shoppers can help push for change. In recent years, consumer demand has already sparked innovations like refill stations, biodegradable packaging, and ingredient transparency. But there’s still a long way to go.
The beauty industry has the power to transform itself, but it will require real commitment to sustainability from brands and informed choices from consumers. It’s easy for us to get caught up in the excitement for pretty products, but the reality is that our makeup habits have led to a negative impact on the planet. True beauty isn’t about how we look… it’s about the world we leave behind.
