Ethical Sourcing of Cosmetic Products: Why Cruelty-free Isn’t Enough Today

Most companies in the global cosmetic industry have a long-standing history of unethical product sourcing. However, with the shift in consumer demands and rise in ethical consumerism, cosmetic companies have started working towards sustainable development. Environmental, ethical, and sustainability initiatives are all taken into account and cosmetic products are now obtained through sustainable methods.

Ethical sourcing ensures that the raw materials for cosmetic products are sourced in a responsible and ethical way. The workers involved in the process are fairly paid, treated well and the other environmental and social impacts are taken into consideration.

Devising an effective ethical sourcing policy is vital for companies selling cosmetic products. To know how our experts can help you gain accurate market insights.

The Reason for Sourcing Products Ethically in Cosmetic Industry

Consumers viewpoint

Consumers of today are boycotting brands for their irresponsible actions and are shifting towards cosmetic products with a social environmental benefit. They prefer companies advocating for issues they care about and having an effective ethical sourcing policy.

According to our experts, a vast majority of customers are willing to spend more on a product if it comes from a sustainable brand. The increasing buying power of the millennial population is also expected to keep this trend growing.

Smart cosmetic companies are paying attention and preparing an ethical sourcing policy that can address the changing requirements of cosmetic products. They focus their efforts on creating vegan products with less packaging waste, using natural and safe ingredients, and taking pride in cruelty-free labels. Also, they develop a supplier code of conduct, visit their suppliers to trace ingredients, meet the growers and ensure that they work in good conditions. They also take care of the environment and convey their sourcing practices loud and clear to their consumers.

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Companies viewpoint 

Companies often think of devising an ethical sourcing policy when they realize the need to mitigate risks, reduce operating costs, improve their brand image, and meet evolving consumer demands. Developing any kind of ethical sourcing policy and implementing it can be a massive undertaking for companies, but if done correctly, the results can significantly increase profits and the brand value in the global cosmetic industry. Leading cosmetic companies are already leading the way through sourcing and the rest of the companies need to embrace it as well. Here are a few tips that can help companies ensure ethical sourcing of cosmetic products.

Tips to Ensure Ethical Sourcing of Cosmetic Products

Be cruelty-free and vegan

Although animal testing for cosmetics is banned by the European Union, the majority of the world still permits it. The cruelty-free label guarantees that the company is neither testing its cosmetic products on animals nor using animal ingredients in the cosmetic products.

Evaluate suppliers

Companies selling cosmetic products need to do proper research on their suppliers before sourcing products. They should look for organic materials to ensure a fail-safe way to avoid nasty, artificial chemicals reaching their consumers.

Monitor supplier contracts

Make points in initial supplier contracts that audit, and spontaneous checks of raw materials used in the cosmetic products may occur. This helps brands to maintain higher standards at all times and ensure quality cosmetic products.

Ensure its a Fairtrade

Cosmetic products use many agricultural products, which are often grown by overworked and underpaid laborers. Companies in the global cosmetic industry should look for Fairtrade cosmetic products that can ensure that growers involved in the process are paid a fair amount.

Set example

Make sure that the ethical practices are being followed not just by the suppliers but also by the organization. Take a close look at the business and adhere to ethical sourcing practices that are expected out of suppliers. Companies can also learn from organizations that are successfully implementing an ethical sourcing policy. To gain detailed insights into the ethical sourcing standards and practices adopted by companies sourcing cosmetic products, request more information here!

Steps to Ethical Sourcing of Cosmetic Products

Benefits of Implementing Ethical Sourcing Policy for the Global Cosmetic Industry

Keeps the organization out of the courtroom

Around 25 million individuals in the world are trapped in forced labor, making ethical sourcing an important issue in different industries. Implementing an ethical sourcing policy can help companies to ensure compliance with laws enforced by different governments and focus on developing cosmetic products that can reach the uppermost levels of innovation and effectiveness.

Satisfies the rising needs of customers

Implementing an effective ethical sourcing policy can make a brand more popular and attractive to customers. It can act as a differentiating measure for companies, thus, helping them to increase brand value and create social impact. Ethical sourcing policy can further influence purchasing decisions of consumers and could be a game changer in the global cosmetic industry, as a large section of consumers comprises of millennials. 

Makes a better impression among employees  

Talent quality, talent management, and talent retention are? key priorities for companies in the cosmetic industry. Ethical sourcing policy not only helps cosmetic brands create a better impression among customers and clients but also makes companies a more attractive employer. This helps companies to improve business processes, retain loyal employees, that translates to financial bonus and productivity climbs in the long run.

Alternative Testing Methods for Cruelty-Free Cosmetic Products

New approaches for evaluating the environmental friendliness of cosmetic goods have been introduced as a result of the experts’ ongoing technological and equipment upgrades. Here are three alternative testing methods for cruelty-free cosmetics:

In Vitro Testing

Instead of using live animals, in vitro testing entails performing studies on cell cultures or tissues in a controlled laboratory setting. The use of this technique spares animals from suffering while simulating the effects of cosmetics on human skin or other body parts. Numerous characteristics, including skin irritancy, corrosion, and absorption, can be measured in vitro.

Computer Modeling and Simulation

Advanced software is used in computer modeling and simulation approaches to forecast the possible impacts of cosmetics. This strategy makes use of databases that include information on numerous substances and how they interact with human tissues. Animal testing is no longer necessary because computational models can accurately anticipate things like skin absorption, toxicity, and metabolism.

Organ-on-a-Chip Technology

Organ-on-a-chip technology imitates the structure and operation of real organs by fabricating small copies of human organs on microchips. These “chips” are made up of living cells that behave in a way similar to the tissues and organs of people. Researchers can create organ-on-a-chip models of skin, eyes, and other key tissues for cosmetics testing to analyze how products interact with these tissues without using animals.

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