Sustainable ingredients and claims selection (2025)

What is sustainability in the cosmetics industry?

Sustainability in the cosmetics industry is no longer a buzzword. It is a transformative movement reshaping beauty standards. Imagine your skincare routine powered by nature, consisting of essential oils, botanical extracts, natural clays, and biodegradable exfoliants (e.g., sugar crystals).

Brands are swapping synthetic chemicals for plant-based proteins and lab-grown alternatives. Thus ensuring products are gentle on your skin and the planet. Innovations like biodegradable microbeads and responsibly sourced ingredients set a new standard. This combines luxury with eco-consciousness. As consumers demand transparency and greener choices, the beauty industry is proving that sustainability is not just ethical but the future of beauty.

Clean beauty market expansion and key influences

The clean beauty market, valued at $8.7 billion in 2023, is projected to surge to $39 billion by 2033, growing at an impressive CAGR of 16.65%. This shift reflects a rising consumer preference for cosmetics and skincare products free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. Clean beauty emphasizes natural, non-toxic ingredients that are safer for both users and the environment.

Skincare dominates the market with a 41.7% revenue share in 2023. This is followed by haircare and clean makeup, which is expanding at a 15.4% CAGR. Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this movement. This favors eco-friendly formulations that align with their values of transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. These consumers are increasingly scrutinizing product labels for natural components and recyclable packaging.¹

Sustainable ingredients and claims selection (1)

Clean beauty market trends (size, by-product type, 2023-2033, USD billion)²

Asia-Pacific and Latin America are emerging as key markets. This is due to growing middle-class spending power and heightened awareness of beauty trends. Despite challenges like regulatory gaps in defining "clean", innovation in sustainable cosmetics continues to propel market expansion.³

Factors that drive the clean beauty trend are as follows:

Technological advancements, including cruelty-free formulations, organic compounds, and sustainable packaging, are reshaping product development.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify this trend, with influencers promoting clean beauty brands to eco-conscious millennials and Gen Z buyers.

Browse our database to select sustainable ingredients for your cosmetic formulations:

Sustainable ingredients	Commercial grades
Bio-based	Select 8,360+ commercial grades
Natural	Select 2,030+ commercial grades
Non-animal (BSE/TSE-free)	Select 610+ commercial grades
Organic	Select 600+ commercial grades
Vegetable-based	Select 560+ commercial grades
Renewable	Select 140+ commercial grades
Upcycled	Select 85+ commercial grades

Sustainable ingredients based on their origin

As sustainability becomes the cornerstone of the cosmetics industry, manufacturers are increasingly tasked with sourcing ingredients. They align with eco-friendly principles without compromising the ingredients' quality or product performance. Sustainable ingredients offer a diverse range of options for creating effective and environmentally conscious formulations. These range from plant-based extracts to innovative biotech solutions.

In the below section, we will explore the key types of sustainable ingredients and their relevance in cosmetics manufacturing industries looking to find sustainable solutions for clean beauty. This is because the transition has recently created a competitive advantage for skincare brands.⁷

Plant-based and botanical extracts

Plant-based ingredients have long been a staple in cosmetics due to their natural origin and multifunctional benefits. These include:

oils,
butters, and
essential oils (derived from renewable sources like seeds, fruits, and flowers)

For example, argan oil is celebrated for its moisturizing properties. Whereas shea butter provides deep hydration and skin protection. Botanical extracts like green tea and aloe vera are rich in antioxidants, offering anti-aging and soothing benefits.⁸

Technical buyers should prioritize plant-based ingredients that are sustainably harvested and certified by organizations like COSMOS or Fair Trade. However, challenges such as supply chain disruptions and variability in ingredient quality exist. These make it essential to work with transparent suppliers who can ensure consistent sourcing practices.

Biotech-derived ingredients

Biotechnology is revolutionizing the cosmetics industry. It offers lab-grown alternatives to traditionally harvested ingredients. These biosynthetic materials are created through fermentation or other biotechnological processes. Thus reducing the environmental impact associated with farming or extraction.⁹

Examples of biotech-derived ingredients include:

Fermentation-based actives: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can be produced using yeast or bacteria. This ensures high purity and sustainability.
Lab-grown alternatives: Squalane derived from sugarcane fermentation replaces shark-derived squalene. This offers an ethical and eco-friendly alternative.

Biotech-derived ingredients provide consistent quality, lower resource use, and reduced carbon footprints. For technical buyers, they also address traceability concerns. This is because their production is highly controlled and transparent.

Upcycled ingredients

Upcycling transforms food industry byproducts into valuable cosmetic ingredients. This reduces waste while promoting sustainability.¹⁰ Examples of upcycled ingredients include:

Fruit seed oils: Oils extracted from discarded seeds of fruits like apricots or avocados.
Coffee grounds: Used coffee grounds are repurposed into skincare actives that mimic the benefits of argan oil.
Walnut shell: Powder extracted by grounding shells is used in scrubbing products for exfoliating the face or body.
Food byproducts: Blackcurrant pulp waste has been used to create natural hair dyes.

Upcycled ingredients align with circular economy principles. This makes them an attractive option for brands looking to reduce environmental impact. Technical buyers should assess the stability and performance of these materials to ensure they meet formulation requirements.

Mineral-based ingredients

Mineral-based ingredients are widely used in cosmetics for their natural origin and functional benefits. Examples of mineral-based ingredients include:

clay,
titanium dioxide,
zinc oxide, and
mica,

Clay serves as a purifying agent in masks, while zinc oxide is a key component in reef-safe sunscreens. However, mineral sourcing can involve environmental degradation if not managed responsibly. Buyers should prioritize suppliers who adhere to ethical mining practices and ensure that minerals undergo minimal processing to retain their natural properties.

Waterless and concentrated formulations

Waterless formulations involve the elimination of water and represent a growing trend in sustainable cosmetics. Examples of waterless formulations include:

Anhydrous bases: Oils or balms that replace water with plant-based emollients.
Solid cosmetics: Shampoo bars or concentrated serums that reduce packaging waste and transportation emissions.

Waterless products minimize environmental impact. Additionally, they eliminate the need for preservatives often required in water-based formulations. For technical buyers, this approach offers an opportunity to innovate while addressing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions.¹¹

Key ingredient categories for 100% natural formulations

Creating 100% natural cosmetic formulations requires a careful selection of ingredients that align with sustainability goals while delivering high performance. Each ingredient category plays a vital role in ensuring stability, efficacy, and sensory appeal. The below section provides a detailed insight into the key ingredient categories essential for natural formulations.

Fragrances & colorants

Natural fragrances and colorants enhance the sensory appeal of cosmetics while adhering to clean beauty standards.

Essential oils: Lavender, rose, or citrus oils provide aromatic profiles. However, they must be used at safe concentrations to avoid skin sensitization issues.
Plant pigments: Beetroot extract or spirulina powder offer vibrant colors for lipsticks or blushes without synthetic dyes. However, they may fade over time if not stabilized properly.
Mineral-based colors: Iron oxides and mica deliver consistent pigmentation for makeup products. In addition, they are non-toxic and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic colorants.¹⁹

Natural emulsifiers & surfactants

Emulsifiers and surfactants are critical for blending oil and water phases or creating gentle cleansing systems. Natural options include:

Lecithin: Lecithin is a versatile emulsifier suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. It is derived from soybeans, sunflower seeds, or egg yolks. It provides a protective barrier on the skin but may require co-emulsifiers for enhanced stability.
Saponins: Saponins serve as mild surfactants that are ideal for natural cleansers and shampoos. They are found in plants like soapnuts or yucca. They create low-foam systems that are gentle on the skin and scalp.
Sugar-based surfactants: Ingredients like decyl glucoside are derived from sugar and coconut oil. They offer mild cleansing properties with excellent biodegradability. These are widely used in sulfate-free formulations.

Texturizers & thickeners

Texture plays a crucial role in consumer acceptance of natural products. Natural thickeners include:

Alginates: They provide viscosity and gel-like textures suitable for masks or serums. However, they require controlled hydration during processing to prevent clumping.¹⁷ They are derived from seaweed.
Cellulose derivatives: They stabilize emulsions while offering smooth application without greasiness. For example, NATPURE® CELLGUM PLUS (made from tree fibers).
Starches: Corn or tapioca starches act as lightweight thickeners. They also absorb excess oil, making them ideal for mattifying products like powders or primers.¹⁸

Preservative systems

Preservation is essential to ensure product safety and shelf life in natural formulations. Synthetic preservatives like parabens are avoided in favor of natural alternatives:

Organic acids: Sodium anisate (from anise) and sodium levulinate (from corn) work synergistically. They inhibit microbial growth while maintaining a neutral pH.
Plant extracts: Rosemary extract and grapefruit seed extract provide antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, they may require encapsulation to enhance stability.
Fermentation-based solutions: Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate offers broad-spectrum protection against bacteria and fungi. They are also compatible with sensitive formulations.

It is important to know that natural preservatives often face challenges such as reduced efficacy in high-water-content products or variable performance under extreme temperatures. To overcome this, formulators can use synergistic blends or microencapsulation techniques. This enhances stability and controlled release.

Active ingredients & performance enhancers

Natural active ingredients bring functional benefits to formulations. These include:

Phytoactives: Plant-derived compounds that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, polyphenols from green tea or flavonoids from chamomile.
Peptides: Bio-engineered peptides derived from fermentation processes mimic collagen-boosting effects without synthetic additives. This makes them ideal for anti-aging products.
Adaptogens: Extracts from ashwagandha or holy basil help combat oxidative stress. They also support skin resilience, aligning with wellness trends in cosmetics.¹⁶

The selection of sustainable ingredients does not come without challenges. Technological buyers must navigate complex supply chains to ensure traceability, balance performance with sustainability, and comply with evolving regulations. The debate between natural versus synthetic ingredients further complicates decisions. While natural materials are often preferred, lab-engineered alternatives can offer lower carbon footprints.⁶

Claims supporting sustainable ingredients and their future trends

In the cosmetics industry, sustainability claims and certifications play a critical role in shaping consumer trust and market positioning. However, substantiating these claims requires rigorous evidence and transparency. Let's explore the key aspects of sustainability claims, certifications, consumer perception, and the challenges involved in validating these assertions.

Key sustainability claims

Sustainability claims highlight the environmental and ethical benefits of cosmetic products and their ingredients.²⁰ Common claims include:

Biodegradable: Ingredients that break down naturally without harming ecosystems are increasingly sought after. For example, natural surfactants like decyl glucoside are biodegradable alternatives to synthetic detergents.
Compostable: Some packaging and solid formulations now claim to be compostable, reducing landfill waste.
Water-saving: Waterless products, such as shampoo bars or anhydrous serums, emphasize reduced water usage during production and consumer use.
Carbon-neutral: Brands are adopting carbon offsetting measures to achieve carbon neutrality across their supply chains. This includes sourcing renewable ingredients like sugarcane-derived squalene.

Sustainability claims are integral to market positioning under the following movements:

Clean beauty: Focuses on non-toxic, safe ingredients while emphasizing transparency in formulations.
Green beauty: Highlights eco-friendly practices such as using natural, biodegradable, or upcycled materials.

However, there are certain challenges in substantiating sustainability claims. These require robust data collection and verification processes that include:

➤ Proving biodegradability: Testing under standardized conditions (e.g., OECD guidelines) is necessary to demonstrate biodegradability claims. However, it can be costly and time-consuming.
➤ Sustainable sourcing verification: Ensuring traceability across complex supply chains is challenging, especially for ingredients like palm oil derivatives or exotic botanicals sourced from multiple regions. Blockchain technology is emerging as a solution to improve traceability and prevent greenwashing.
➤ Regulatory compliance: Claims must comply with international regulations to ensure they are verifiable and not misleading.²² For example, REACH (EU) or ISO standards like ISO 16128.²⁴

Certifications and standards

Certifications provide third-party validation of sustainability claims. This ensures credibility and compliance with industry standards.²¹ Key certifications include:

COSMOS Organic: Requires a minimum percentage of organic ingredients and prohibits petrochemical-derived substances.
Fair Trade: Ensures ethical sourcing practices that support local communities and fair wages for farmers.
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO): Certifies palm-derived ingredients sourced through sustainable practices that avoid deforestation.
USDA Organic: Focuses on agricultural ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

These certifications guide ingredient selection and enhance a product’s appeal. They align with consumer values for transparency and ethical practices. However, achieving certification can be resource-intensive, particularly for smaller brands or suppliers operating in fragmented markets.

Select various regulatory-certified sustainable ingredients from our exhaustive database:

Best practices for balancing sustainability, performance, and cost

Achieving the right balance between sustainability, functionality, and affordability requires strategic planning.

Ingredient synergies: Multi-functional ingredients should be used to reduce formulation complexity and costs. For example, plant-based emulsifiers or upcycled actives.
Innovative processing: Energy-efficient methods must be adopted to preserve ingredient integrity while lowering production costs. For example, cold emulsification processing.
Collaborative sourcing: Partnerships to be made with transparent suppliers who provide detailed documentation on sustainability metrics and quality assurance.

By prioritizing these practices, brands can create high-performing products that are both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.²⁵

Trends in sustainable ingredient innovation

The future of sustainable cosmetics lies in continuous innovation such as:

Biotechnology advancements: Lab-grown actives like fermented peptides or bioengineered squalane offer consistent quality while reducing environmental impact.²⁶
Circular economy ingredients: Upcycled materials from food or agricultural byproducts will gain traction. They serve as a means to reduce waste and enhance sustainability claims.
Waterless formulations: Solid shampoos, anhydrous serums, and other water-saving formats will dominate. This is because consumers seek eco-friendly alternatives that minimize water usage.

These trends highlight the growing intersection of science, sustainability, and consumer demand in shaping the next generation of cosmetic products.²⁷ By following these guidelines and staying ahead of industry trends, formulators can deliver innovative products that balance sustainability with performance while meeting the evolving expectations of eco-conscious consumers.

Navigating challenges to select the right sustainable ingredients

Challenges faced while selecting natural cosmetic ingredients

Selecting natural cosmetic ingredients involves more than just choosing what’s plant-based or eco-friendly. Brands must navigate various challenges. This ranges from raw material inconsistencies and traceability issues to complex regulatory standards. On top of these, maintaining product performance and consumer trust are the most important criteria.

Sourcing & quality variation challenges

The journey to creating sustainable cosmetic products begins with sourcing high-quality ingredients. These ingredients meet both ethical and environmental standards. However, this process is fraught with challenges, from variability in raw materials to supply chain complexities. In the section below, we will explore the key hurdles and strategies to address them.

Raw material variability by source and geography

The quality and availability of raw materials for cosmetics are influenced by many factors. These are explained in detail below:

Climate impact: Ingredients like avocado oil or shea butter are vulnerable to changing weather patterns. This can affect yield and consistency. Droughts or excessive rainfall in producing regions often lead to supply shortages or variability in active compounds.
Seasonal variations: Botanical extracts such as lavender extract or chamomile may differ in potency depending on harvest timing. Thus impacting product performance.
Biodiversity concerns: The overharvesting of wild-sourced ingredients like argan oil or sandalwood threatens ecosystems. It disrupts local communities reliant on these resources.

To mitigate these issues, sourcing strategies must emphasize partnerships with suppliers practicing regenerative agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Diversifying sourcing regions can also help maintain ingredient consistency. It can also reduce risks associated with environmental disruptions.

Traceability and transparency

Modern supply chains for cosmetic ingredients are complex, spanning multiple regions and suppliers. This complexity often obscures the origins of raw materials, making traceability a pressing concern.¹²

Supply chain complexity: Ingredients like palm oil derivatives are often sourced through fragmented networks. This increases the risk of unethical practices such as deforestation or exploitation of labor.
Consumer trust: With growing demand for transparency, brands face scrutiny over their claims of sustainability. A lack of traceable sourcing can erode consumer confidence in clean beauty products.

Adopting modern AI-based industry 4.0 technologies like blockchain or serialization tools can enhance supply chain visibility. This allows brands to track every stage of ingredient sourcing. Collaborating with certified suppliers who adhere to ethical practices further ensures accountability and builds trust with consumers.

Certifications and regulatory compliance

Certifications such as COSMOS Organic, Ecocert, USDA BioPreferred®, and USDA Organic provide benchmarks for sustainable ingredient sourcing. However, they come with challenges as follows:¹⁴

Formulation challenges with sustainable ingredients

As the cosmetics industry shifts toward sustainability, technical buyers and formulators face unique hurdles in balancing eco-consciousness with performance. The challenges and solutions for integrating sustainable ingredients into formulations are explained below.

Stability & shelf-life

Natural preservatives like rosemary extract, ferulic acid, or phenolic compounds (e.g., from green tea) are increasingly replacing synthetic alternatives like parabens and phenoxyethanol. However, these ingredients are prone to oxidation and microbial growth. This increases the risk of instability in formulations like serums or moisturizers¹⁴.

For example, a serum formulation using grapefruit seed extract (touted for its antimicrobial properties) failed microbial challenge testing after 3 months. This allowed the growth of Pseudomonas. Unlike broad-spectrum synthetics, natural preservatives like essential oils can degrade under UV exposure. They interact unpredictably with other ingredients, reducing their antimicrobial potency.

The strategies used to combat these challenges are as follows:

Microencapsulation: Protecting botanical actives (e.g., vitamin C, peptides) in lipid vesicles or cyclodextrins. This helps to shield them from light and oxygen.
Synergistic blends: Pairing plant-derived antimicrobials (e.g., salicylic acid from willow bark) with chelating agents (e.g., citric acid). This helps to enhance microbial resistance.
Packaging innovations: Using airless pumps or UV-filtered glass. This allows to minimize exposure to environmental stressors.

Solubility & compatibility

Waterless systems (e.g., solid shampoos, anhydrous creams, oil-based cleansers) require solubility adjustments for bio-based surfactants like saponins or sugar esters. These may degrade in high-shear mixing or incompatible pH ranges.

In a project, replacing dimethicone with squalane (derived from sugarcane) caused phase separation in a sunscreen emulsion. This was due to mismatched hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) values. However, the introduction of Olivem 1000, a natural emulsifier derived from olive oil, stabilized the blend. This required adjusting shear-mixing speeds to avoid overheating sensitive botanicals.

The strategies for tackling the challenges are as follows:

Greener solvents: Substituting ethanol or glycerin with bio-based glycols (e.g., isosorbide) to dissolve natural waxes (e.g., candelilla, carnauba).
pH optimization: Adjusting formulations to stabilize enzymes (e.g., lipase for exfoliation) or plant proteins (e.g., pea protein for skin elasticity).

Ingredient screening

lecithin

Texture & sensorial impact

Replacing dimethicone or cyclomethicone with natural oils (e.g., jojoba, argan) or plant-derived silicones (e.g., rice bran wax) can alter spreadability, absorption, and after-feel. Silicones like cyclopentasiloxane deliver unparalleled slip and a velvety finish but clash with sustainability goals. Swapping them for plant-based alternatives often sacrifices sensory appeal. For example, a luxury cream reformulated with bakuchiol and marula oil initially felt greasy and left a residue. This was a dealbreaker for consumers accustomed to silicone’s lightweight feel.

Hybrid approaches are gaining traction to bridge this gap. A recent anti-aging serum combined C15-19 alkane (a biodegradable silicone alternative) with tapioca starch powder. This mimics the silky texture of dimethicone while maintaining a clean ingredient profile. Similarly, xanthan gum and sclerotium gum blends can replicate the thickening power of acrylic polymers without synthetic additives, though they require precise pH adjustments to avoid gritty textures.

Strategies employed to overcome the challenges are as follows:

Texture modifiers: Blending natural thickeners (e.g., xanthan gum, acacia gum) with emollients (e.g., shea butter, mango seed butter) to mimic silicone-like smoothness.
Sensorial enhancers: Using natural humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid, betaine) to improve hydration and glide in serums or sunscreen formulations.
Flavor masking: Adding vanillin or citrus essential oils to mask off-notes from natural actives (e.g., niacinamide or retinol alternatives).

Processing requirements

A chamomile extract sourced from different regions caused batch inconsistencies in a calming cream due to varying polyphenol content. Implementing in-house standardization protocols, including UV-spectroscopy checks, helped mitigate this. However, this added time and resource burdens.

Ingredients like cold-pressed oils (e.g., rosehip, pomegranate) or enzyme-based exfoliants (e.g., papain) are heat-sensitive, requiring low-temperature processing to preserve efficacy.¹⁵

Strategies used to mitigate these challenges are as follows:

Cold processing: Using high-shear mixing or ultrasound homogenization to avoid thermal degradation.
Standardization: Partnering with suppliers to source consistent-quality raw materials (e.g., organic-certified botanicals).
Process modifications: Adjusting batch sizes or mixing times to accommodate natural emulsifiers prone to separation.

Sustainable cosmetics formulation demands creativity in addressing stability, compatibility, and sensory challenges. By leveraging microencapsulation, bio-based solvents, and natural texture modifiers, technical buyers can deliver eco-friendly products that meet consumer expectations for performance and sustainability. Collaboration with suppliers and rigorous testing are key to overcoming these hurdles and driving innovation in the industry.

The choice of ingredients is at the heart of sustainable cosmetics. These components define not only a product's efficacy but also its environmental footprint. Let’s understand the steps to be followed in selecting the right ingredients for your formulation.

Steps to select the right sustainable ingredient

Technical buyers prioritize ingredients that align with eco-friendly principles while delivering superior performance. They require a strategic approach for sustainable ingredient selection. Below is the checklist to be followed to make informed choices:²³ Traceability
Technical buyers must partner with suppliers who provide transparency in sourcing practices. This helps to assess if ingredients are renewable, ethically sourced (RSPO for palm oil or Fair Trade for botanicals helps verify ethical practices), and traceable.²⁴

Lifecycle assessment
The environmental impact of ingredients must be evaluated from production to stabilized product formulation with claim-holding shelf life. Biodegradability, carbon footprint, and ecotoxicity must be checked using tools like AquaScore or LCA.

Certifications
Ingredients with certifications to meet consumer expectations for transparency should be prioritized. Examples of certifications include COSMOS Organic or Cruelty-free.

Innovation
Advancements in green chemistry and upcycling technologies should be leveraged. This helps to source high-performing yet eco-friendly materials.

Performance metrics
Ingredients should be tested for stability, compatibility, and efficacy. This ensures that they meet product performance requirements.

Benefits of sustainable ingredients

Sustainable ingredients offer a wide range of benefits to consumers. These include:

Environmental impact: Ingredients such as zinc oxide (a mineral SPF) and plant-based oils minimize ecological harm compared to their synthetic counterparts.⁴
Biodegradability: Biodegradable and renewable materials reduce pollution and resource depletion.
Consumer safety: Natural and ethically sourced ingredients are perceived as safer by consumers, driving market growth. For example, botanical extracts and bioengineered peptides provide functional benefits without compromising health.
Ethical practices: Certifications like COSMOS, Fair Trade, and Made Safe validate ethical sourcing and production processes. Thus ensuring that raw materials are harvested responsibly.⁵

Conclusion

Sustainable ingredient selection is a critical aspect of formulating eco-conscious cosmetic products. By integrating robust evaluation frameworks, balancing sustainability with performance and cost, and staying informed about future trends, brands can meet consumer expectations while reducing their environmental footprint.²⁵

References