Discover eco-friendly bath and body products on Online Product Locator

Still a buzzword in many industries, including the spa, bath, baby and body markets, “green” products are gearing up to make a big splash for 2011. Historically, beauty companies have been criticized for unethical and unsustainable business practices that include animal testing and chemical pollution.

However, market research company Organic Monitor reports that the beauty industry has begun to clean up its image by investing in specific corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability initiatives.

Such initiatives include ethical sourcing, greener formulations, biodiversity preservation and packaging, although the initiatives vary from company to company. “Large multinationals are taking a holistic approach to sustainability, which enables them to tackle various issues simultaneously,” reports Organic Monitor. These “companies are lowering the environmental impact of their cosmetic products by using greener formulations, reducing packaging and also cutting greenhouse gas emissions, waste, energy and water consumption; they are also looking at social dimensions, such as ethical supply chains and corporate philanthropy.”

More options available
It helps that huge progress has been made in recent years in the types of sustainable materials available, from natural and organic to fair trade ingredients. And some raw material suppliers are publishing guides that will assist formulators in ingredient selection and use, says Organic Monitor.

“Beauty brands and suppliers are continuously seeking creative new ways to merge science, nature and sustainability for better results and more eco-friendly formulas and packaging,” says Nica Lewis, Director of Mintel Beauty Innovation, in an interview with SPC magazine. From 2010 and into 2011, organic ingredients will be one of the most popular options — “revisiting attributes like authenticity, provenance and local production,” she says. Expect to see claims such as “free form” and “sustainable.” In addition, Lewis forecasts that beauty manufacturers will explore simple formulas, such as infusions and fluids.

Increase your knowledge
The Organic Monitor’s research shows that the majority of consumers do not know or is uncertain about which companies support sustainable values, or even which products are sustainable. “The growing plethora of eco-labels and seals is making consumers skeptical about green claims. Moreover, there is growing evidence that consumers are unsure of what the word ‘sustainability’ means,” reports Organic Monitor. Unregulated claims also can be misleading and make consumers feel they are making a healthier choice when they actually are not.

Making a commitment to offering sustainable products in your store will require that you stay up to date on the research, such as being mindful of the ingredients and packaging that companies use. The “Dirty Thirty” list is a good place to start. Teens Turning Green, a youth movement working to eliminate toxic exposures compiled this list, which names the top 30 chemical ingredients that may be linked to cancer. Many of these chemicals “have been banned by the European Union on suspicion of their toxicity,” according to the group’s website. “What you may not know is that many of the biggest manufacturers of these products reformulate without these chemicals for the European market, but continue to manufacture with these potentially dangerous chemicals for the U.S. market.

In an interview with Indulge magazine, Lana Mitchell, a skincare specialist at Pure Pharmacy Health Center in South Surrey, England, says that chemical-free lines from some companies are beginning to get attention from Hollywood, which will help to increase education and awareness about these alternatives to mainstream cosmetics and body care products.

The main thing to remember about new eco-friendly bath and body products, Mitchell warns, is that consumers will experience an “adjustment period” when switching to natural products. “You have to be open to trying something new,” she says. “Natural skin care products feel, smell and sometimes perform differently, but you’ll learn to love them.”

The latest personal care products, decorative accessories and gift items will be available at the January 2011 Chicago Market. Browse the Chicago Market Product Locator to get a sneak peak at the newest products, or click on one of the links below for quick access to popular personal care items for your store.