Hidden plastics in the cosmetics industry

Are you worried about hidden plastics in the cosmetic industry? Here at Scence Skincare HQ sustainability lies at the core of our values and ethos. Based on the harbour in Falmouth, Cornwall, we are surrounded by water and see first-hand the negative effects of plastic pollution on the environment.

To support Plastic Free July we are offering free postage on ALL orders this month. We believe that all businesses should participate in the global campaign which dedicates to raising awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and to promote more
sustainable alternatives.

Given the skincare sector contributes significantly to plastic waste and pollution, before we set up Scence it was of paramount importance for us to ensure our business left no trace. Scence proudly won at the Vegan Awards this year

Our natural, vegan, plastic free skin care range is formulated and shipped from our unit in Cornwall. With sustainability at our core, our mission statement is:

To promote health and well-being  by providing natural vegan skincare using hand-made, organic formulas.

To offer cruelty-free and sustainable products to individuals that care about what they put on their skin and care about how they impact our world.

For our products to nurture, nourish, and protect the alongside zero waste packaging.

All Scence products are cruelty free and certified vegan by the Vegan Society and our 100% paper packaging is not only recyclable – it can be home composted along with garden and food waste.

We plant trees in our home county to offset our carbon footprint. Scence is for the conscious consumer.

When we created Scence’s product range, at every step of the way, we were mindful to ensure that each and every product did not contain any of the hidden plastics often included in skincare products and packaging.

Below are some of the hidden plastics contained in beauty products, which we guarantee are not in any Scence product:

Plastic packaging
Many skincare products are packaged in plastic containers or bottles. These largely end up in landfill, where they take decades or centuries to decompose. Often luxury products have increased packaging which is heavier to touch to give the impression of higher quality. Not only does plastic packaging create disposal problems, they also require fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases to produce, thus creating a double whammy for the environment.

Beware of packaging that looks like paper – quite often paper tubes have a hidden plastic laminate on the outer or inside which renders the product neither compostable or even re-cycleable due to the mixed content.

Secondary packaging
Some cosmetic products have additional layers of plastic wrapping or outer boxes. These further increase the overall plastic waste generated by products and are unnecessary and discarded immediately post purchase.

Microbeads
These are small plastic particles commonly used in skincare products, particularly in exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste. These microbeads are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment which results in them leaking into the our oceans, rivers and lakes, where they are ingested by marine life, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and in worst case scenarios entering the food chain.

Plastics seals and caps
Cosmetic products tend to have single use items which contribute hugely to plastic waste. These small plastic components end up being thrown away when empty and are a real problem for sustainability and the sheer volume of waste worldwide annually.

Flexible plastic tubes
Most cleansers and creams use flexible plastic tubes. Whilst these are convenient for dispensing the products, the tubes are a problem for recycling and are generally not able to be put into the recycling rubbish. We are sure that many consumers would make different purchasing choices if they were aware of how much waste can be generate by their favourite products, particularly as there are alternative product options to explore.

Alongside the hidden plastics in skincare, there are huge environmental impacts from plastics.

Marine pollution
Plastic waste from beauty products can find their way into our seas and harm marine life by being ingested by fish and other animals who mistake the particles for food.

Landfill pollution
More often than not, plastic packaging ends up in landfill, creating huge volumes of landfill rubbish and releasing harmful chemicals as they break down over a long period of time.

Greenhouse gas emissions
Not many people are aware that plastic production relies on fossil fuels, which in turn contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and is a major factor in climate change. Try to visualise the volume of discarded packaging year on year in every country around the world.
As consumers we have the power to make decisions based on this information to stop this situation worsening.

Wildlife disruption
Plastic pollution disrupts wildlife habitats and ecosystems which results in disastrous effects on various animal species and their populations.
To alleviate the brunt of the effects of hidden plastics in skincare products and packaging on the environment, consumers and companies can take action immediately to limit and halt the ruinous effects on the environment:

Consumers! Choose plastic free alternatives
We have the power to change our consumer choices, seeking skincare products which use biodegradable exfoliants as opposed to microbeads and to select products packaged in glass, metal or recyclable or compostable materials

Support sustainable brands
Choose skincare brands which prioritise environmentally friendly packaging and have transparent sustainability practices and credentials

Curtail single use plastic
Consciously avoid products with excessive plastic packaging and instead select products and brands which have only essential or recyclable packaging. Once we tune ourselves into this conscious purchasing power we can all contribute to making a change.

Recycle responsibly
If your products use plastic packaging, ensure they are recycled correctly. Check with your local authorities policies regarding what types of plastics they accept and rigorously organise your home waste to separate all recyclable items to ensure they are disposed of in the most green and clean way.

Spread the word!
Inform yourself and educate others about the problems caused by the impact of plastic in skincare products and packaging on the environment and where you can make more sustainable choices in the brands and products you choose.

By all playing our part, together we can limit further environmental damage caused by the skincare and beauty industry and reduce the harmful effects on our fragile world. Choose wisely, inform yourself and others and together lets contribute to reducing the environmental position worsening.