Cosmetic products, when being purchased, it all comes down to the personal values of the individual. The requirement for demand and supply will remain constant, but it is the proprietor of the brand and his values and contribution towards the environment. It is his values that reflect on the branding. Whether he chooses to make actual contributions or brand them in the perspective of increasing his sales. Similarly, it is also the consumers‘ choice to purchase the products sold by the brand.

One of the most crucial things that every consumer needs to keep on top of their list is ‘Research’, before purchasing the product. Just because the name of the product has the word ‘Natural’ or ‘Organic’ doesn’t necessarily mean that the ingredients used in it are as they mentioned. Look into the brand’s website and look into the concept and brand aim towards creating their product. There are numerous brands in the market that claim to be  cruelty-free and vegan, but upon research it is revealed that the primary products however are outsourced to make the final product. Meaning the outsourced product does not necessarily have to be cruelty-free or vegan. Resources such as the ‘Environmental Working Group Skin Deep’ also known as ‘EWG’ is a database that verifies beauty and hygiene products based on their chemical makeup to ensure consumers are shopping safely.

Be a smart shopper. Not every product purchased will suit every skin type. Therefore it is important to always test the product before purchasing and if the product is not satisfactory, gp back the one you were initially using until you find a product that tops the one you are already using. Numerous consumers buy products in bulk without testing which results in loss of money as it does not suit them or expires as it was not used.  This is where the phrase ‘Less is more’ is apt. The more the number of products you use on the skin, it will only confuse it and won’t result in effectiveness. Several brands in the market who launch product ranges, for which awareness is to be spread that the brand does not invest on testing and researching on all products to use the best formulations.

Apart from the above mentioned pointers, all makeup enthusiasts have to remove their makeup at the end of the day. Skincare is one of the most crucial steps during the day that help cleanse and restore the skin after the pollution and makeup that the skin has been exposed to. Most people use cotton pads, wet wipes, cotton swabs, tissue papers and so on. Several brands have launched the ‘Micro-fibre’ cleansing tools such as towels, which work as good as cotton pads and wet wipes. These micro-fibre products do not require separate cleansing liquid and can be used with regular or  lukewarm water. These products are washable and reusable which can last longer and result in saving money and avoiding harm to the environment.

Cosmetic products are used by everyone, be it made or female. The cosmetic industry is also one of the polluting industries as there is a wide range of products that are being manufactured and stored in bottles that are disposed of after use by us, the consumers. So, in the end, it all comes down to consumers, who are the final step in causing landfills and pollution. It is when consumers change that the manufacturers and brands will make an active initiative to make their products more eco-friendly.