Personal care products help people maintain good hygiene practices while providing beauty benefits. Hydrating hair and skin can leave it looking more vibrant while adding nourishment.
As consumers use cosmetics daily, they release numerous harmful toxins into the environment at massive levels [21]. Some of these pollutants may even be carcinogenic and pose other potential health hazards.
Natural and organic ingredients
Natural substances and products are widely used in personal care products, yet some researchers question their safety. A recent study reviewed 100 natural cosmetic products available on European retail markets with 231 natural substances declared as harmful to human health and the environment – such as Chamomilla recutita extract, Xanthan gum, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil or Triticum aestivum germ oil).
The study discovered that product names and ingredient lists often do not correspond. Three products named after plants contained extract from that plant; however, no trace was seen on their ingredients list. These products also included preservatives with potential sensitizing effects, in line with COSMOS standards which outline different criteria to distinguish organic from natural cosmetics. Organic cosmetics must contain at least 70% of their physical ingredients derived from controlled organic production, but this definition isn’t universally accepted in the industry. Instead, the NSF/ANSI 305 organic cosmetics standard focuses on finished cosmetic products and requires at least 95% organic ingredients in them.
Labels and classifications
Personal care products are an integral component of our health and wellness. From cleansers and shampoos, toothpaste and deodorant, sunscreen and deodorant – everything we use daily contributes to keeping us feeling clean, healthy and fresh – but it is crucial that these items contain no toxic or hazardous ingredients.
Understanding product labels and classifications is essential to making informed decisions based on your needs and values. Avoid buzzwords like “organic”, “natural”, and “hypoallergenic”, which may not be supported by actual certifications or standards.
When reviewing product labels, be mindful of the ingredients list. The initial few are usually the most prevalent components in any formula and their order can often be significant. Be especially wary of preservatives like phthalates and parabens which have been linked with hormonal disruptions and health concerns; additionally, fragrance may contain multiple chemical compounds; therefore seek natural alternatives or use apps such as Clearya or EWG Skin Deep to identify safer options.
Regulations
Personal care industries encompass cosmetics, which consist of mixtures of chemicals designed to beautify skin or hair. Cosmetic products are widely used across the world in immense quantities, leading to the continuous release of toxic chemicals into the environment, contaminating soil, water, air and food chains and potentially leading to health problems among humans. [60]
The industry has an enormously negative effect on nature and climate. Upstream production requires land conversion and deforestation while downstream processing may cause pollution (particularly plastic pollution) in rivers, lakes and oceans. Many businesses in this sector have already made pledges to change their business practices to minimize their environmental and climate-related impact.
The Food and Drug Administration regulates personal care products with therapeutic or functional claims, such as dandruff shampoo or sunscreen. Before they can be sold for sale, these must first receive approval by the FDA; and must follow stringent standards to ensure safety and accuracy when labeling.
Emerging trends
Clariant has responded to this unprecedented growth by creating two minimalist collections; KISS for personal care products featuring minimalist formulations to meet value-conscious consumer needs; and HERITAGE BLOOM hair care range focused on balancing out textured hair by targeting its specific care needs with premium innovations like root to tip moisture for naturally beautiful results.
While major beauty brands such as Nivea, Dove and L’Oreal remain strong among Generation Z consumers, this landscape is gradually shifting as niche brands focused on inclusivity and style emerge. Dove resonates strongly with Gen Z due to their strong affiliation with social responsibility; on the other hand, Sephora, The Ordinary, Fenty Beauty Milk Glossier are increasingly recognized for being trendy as they appeal to Gen Z’s desire for contemporary and fashionable products.
