Blue Beauty Movement: Why we have to pay attention to "Blue" Beauty Products
It is one of the greatest challenges of our time: the climate crisis is demonstrably changing our climate system and threatening the habitats of many living creatures, including those of us humans. But it's not just airplanes and diesel cars that are to blame, but also our own beauty habits. The cosmetics industry is a major contributor to the environmental problem, and not only because of the billions of plastic packages produced each year. Even seemingly environmentally friendly cardboard packaging often contains hidden plastic in the form of laminations and adhesives. In addition, the so-called microplastics in the formulations of some products (e.g. in peelings) are also highly problematic, as they cannot be filtered and thus end up in our wastewater and waterways. Ingredients contained in the products also end up in wastewater and can be potentially harmful. As a result, entire ecosystems are endangered or their destruction is significantly contributed to.
But despite all the alarming facts, there may well still be cause for hope. The silver lining in the cosmetics industry's plastic crisis is Blue Beauty. The movement has already existed since 2018 and was founded by the American Jeannie Jarnot. Given the devastating situation around our climate and specifically the state of our oceans and waters, the issue is becoming increasingly relevant.
The growing movement focuses on the relationship between the beauty industry, plastic waste and the health of our planet's waters and oceans. The designation with the color blue is meant to signal that a product is not harmful to waterways. Blue Beauty brands make sure their products are environmentally friendly - this includes things like being safe for the ocean, coming from sustainable sources and minimizing their carbon footprint. But they also make sure that their actions as a brand make a positive contribution to the environment and have a positive impact on it as well. Blue Beauty's main concerns are reducing plastic waste, making recycling easier, and protecting our oceans from the microplastic particles and chemicals found in our beauty products. We're fans of the movement because both Blue Beauty and the related Green Beauty movement play an important role in the fight against climate change. But how do the two Movements actually differ from each other?
Basically, Blue Beauty can be thought of as a subgroup of the Green Beauty movement. The small but subtle difference: Blue Beauty focuses strongly on our waters and marine life. Unlike Green Beauty, however, Blue Beauty is not just about using clean, sustainably sourced ingredients. It's also about the impact of products and packaging on our waters, water waste, and generally limiting the damage we do to our oceans as much as possible. So you could say that Blue Beauty perfects the concept of sustainable Green Beauty.
Whether you're more of a Green Beauty or Blue Beauty follower, or are just getting to grips with the topic in general: We think it's important to support movements like these! That's why we're introducing you to four brands that are already operating under Blue Beauty standards:
One Ocean Beauty
Natural beauty sources are the basis for One Ocean Beauty's products. The active ingredients used all come directly from the sea and meet clinical standards without being tested on animals. They are obtained in an innovative biotechnology process that conserves resources. The product range includes everything for natural and regenerating body and face care: from cleanser to face mask to cellulite night cream. In addition, all products are sustainably packaged and fully recyclable. The proceeds are also used to support Oceana, the largest international organization for the protection of the world's oceans.
Kevin Murphy
Hair care brand Kevin Murphy was the first cosmetics brand to help save 360 tons of plastic by making its bottles entirely from recycled Ocean Waste Plastic (OWP). The brand also supports the Climate Reality Project, which focuses on educating the public about the effects of climate change and the science behind it. To prevent water waste in its salons, the brand also partners with Ecoheads, whose shower heads use 65 percent less water than traditional shower heads, while saving tons of water despite providing a consistently luxurious wash.
Caudalie
Caudalie is one of the few brands that have launched a sunscreen that does not harm corals or marine life, but still reliably protects our skin from UV radiation. In this way, the French brand makes a considerable contribution to environmental protection, because the problem of sunscreen for our waters should not be underestimated. Every year, around 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the sea, which in turn leads to the death of microorganisms and coral reefs. In general, Caudalie is committed to the environment and especially to the protection of our oceans: For example, the brand supports Coral Guardian, a French NGO, and other marine conservation organizations. As part of the program with Coral Guardian, coral reefs are protected and restored in Indonesia.
Osea
Ocean, Sun, Earth, Atmosphere: Osea's brand name is composed of the first letters of these words. The brand's declared goal: to provide the skin with the highest quality ingredients. To do this, innovative compositions of certified organic, bio-available seaweed are blended with pure steam distilled and cold pressed essential oils. This approach allows Osea to completely eliminate synthetic ingredients in their vegan products while delivering active and effective solutions for any skincare needs. In addition, the brand not only supports Mission Blue and the Surfrider Foundation - two non-profit organizations that promote clean water and healthy beaches - but is also certified carbon neutral.
