Popular beauty brands have an extensive history of unethical product sourcing and a tendency to try to “cover up,” what ingredients are actually in their formulas. Thanks to technology consumers have access to increased information via the web and a shift is happening in the way consumers shop and also for what they look for. Rising ethical consumerism and the need for resource efficiency are making cosmetic companies take steps towards sustainable development. Environmental, ethical and sustainability initiatives are all accounted for when examining the ethical sourcing of a product as well. Because of the Internet companies are being forced to become more and more transparent and also answer to the consumer. This shift is phenomenal and is part of the movement of “questioning,” that is taking place worldwide. Consumers are finally reading ingredients, researching environmentally sustainable packaging and calling out retailers and brands.
Ethical Sourcing
This process ensures the raw products being sourced are done so in a responsible and sustainable way. The workers involved in making the raw goods are safe, treated fairly and the environmental and social impacts are taken into consideration during the actual sourcing process.
This has become increasingly important “as the wellness trend continues, we’re increasingly aware of what we’re putting on our faces, as well as into our bodies, and there is greater demand for ethically-made cosmetics than ever before.” This demand from consumers has translated into an increasing number of cosmetic companies implementing ethical sourcing programs. This is important especially if they are getting raw materials from developing countries. There are many different ways to be an “ethical” beauty brand: from using organic and vegan ingredients, to not distributing products in China (where it’s a legal requirement for imported cosmetics to be tested on animals), and even creating solid products to avoid wasting water.
There is always room for improvement and very few have gone further and invested in equitable customer and supplier relationships. “The one area that needs most attention is the economic impact: indeed, not many companies could respond to the question: “how is your company having a sustainable economic impact?” Profits and economics are too often put hand in hand but many people feel that these areas don’t bond with sustainability. However, there are many ways companies can address their economic impacts with a great example being Davines. Since day 1 Davines has had an integral and combined business model that addresses doing good business and also preserving our Earth.
Salon Movement believes wholeheartedly in supporting ethical companies that have made environmental and ethics missions a part of their business model. This attention to sustainability and ethical sourcing means we look for companies that pay attention to the raw sourcing of ingredients and are invested in those people’s lives. Ethical sourcing matters not only consumers but also educators we have a responsibly to be aware of the products we’re buying. Contact us to find out more.
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