Ana Quevedo, a cosmetic consultant & claims specialist visited in-cosmetics Global in Paris in April 2024 and here’s her independent account.
In recent years, sustainability has become a major focus as consumers become more environmentally conscious.
The cosmetics industry has undergone a profound transformation reinventing traditional approaches where sustainable beauty, innovation, ethics, and environmental responsibility converge to shape the cosmetics industry committed to preserving our planet.
My goal today is to keep you up to date with the latest trends in sustainability and industry perspectives after in-cosmetics Global 2024.
I’d like to highlight that the world’s largest event in cosmetic ingredients is not just about showcasing beauty trends and technologies, ingredients innovations, and formulations. It is about working together towards a sustainable approach to deliver sustainability-driven solutions and green innovations for a more sustainable future in the cosmetics and personal care industry.
I want to immerse you in the latest trends in sustainable beauty during this exciting 3-day show in Paris, the picturesque capital of France. I explored the new launches from the Innovative Zone to the Sustainability Zone.
This article will give you an insight into the current landscape of sustainability in the cosmetics industry – let’s dive in!
The Sustainability Zone and sustainable ingredients approach
As a biologist, I couldn’t get enough of the Sustainability area – such an inspiring showcase with an environmental and social focus!
In addition, attendees were able to participate in the free-to-attend sessions at the Sustainability Theatre and also a one-day program, the Sustainability Zone Forum, hosted by The Green Chemist Consultancy.
Here, with experts in “green” cosmetic formulations and manufacturing, the forum focused on sustainable innovations (cosmetics ingredients and packaging) that reduce environmental and social impact
Green horizons: Embracing sustainability every step of the way
In terms of “green” cosmetic formulas and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices, the Sustainability Zone Forum focused on ingredients and production processes, both in terms of minimizing the impact on the environment.
One of the presentations on the final day that explored a unique way of embracing sustainability was the session by Kaffe Bueno.
Why is everyone talking about this company? Because this Danish manufacturer of recycled coffee ingredients is the world’s first coffee biorefinery to offer recycled multifunctional ingredients as an alternative to traditional ingredients.
Well, I want to talk about them too, because the Co-Founder and CCO of Kaffe Bueno, Alejandro Franco, spoke at the Sustainability Theatre during the show inviting us to “accelerate the transition to natural ingredients”.
Alejandro invited us to change the rules of the game with his upcycling ingredient approach, seeking sustainable solutions without compromising performance and accelerating the transition to sustainability in the personal care industry.
Kaffe Bueno also won the Rising Star Award for environmental responsibility and positive social impact through its upcycled solutions. Bravo to the whole team!
The Rising Star Award category recognized only first or second-year exhibitors, and among the list of 10 companies, another company on this list showing product innovation that caught my eye was the Spain-based company Roka Furadada.
This company is well-known for its innovative active ingredients and skincare solutions related to photoprotection, with low toxicological and environmental impact.
Another Spanish start-up on the rise at the show was Advanced Dispersed Particles, a manufacturer of non-nanometric mineral UV filters, which presented its latest product under the slogan “Look after Yourself, Look after your World.
These eco-initiatives underline the commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility to ensure minimal impact on the ecosystem in the cosmetics industry.
Today, cosmetics companies aim to create products that are safer for both consumers and the environment, and to meet ethical standards.
In addition to ingredient sourcing, manufacturing green cosmetics also involves minimizing energy consumption and waste generation. Companies can invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to reduce their carbon footprint. They can also implement recycling programs and use biodegradable packaging to minimize waste.
Creating a more sustainable world
Overall, the trend towards “sustainable cosmetic” reflects a growing awareness and the rise of conscious consumers attracted to sustainability within the beauty industry.
Consumers are increasingly seeking out products that align with their values of environmental responsibility, driving cosmetics ingredients manufacturers to innovate and adopt more eco-friendly approaches.
Having the opportunity to attend the Awards at the end of the first day, I enjoyed the Green Ingredient Award (in association with Ecovia Intelligence), which rewarded the cosmetic ingredients that play a key role in the pursuit of sustainability.
The Gold award went to SpruceSugar by Boreal Bioproducts, a company based in Finland with a business model that focuses on the forefront of sustainability, circular solutions and wood-based bioeconomy. Bravo!
The Silver award went to Perfectyl Biofunctional by Ashland, and the Bronze went to LignoGuard Aqua 20 – a bio-based SPF booster – by Lignovations. This young company was founded in 2021 creates a functional ingredient from biomass promoting a society in harmony with the environment.
The latest innovations in ingredients: sustainability at the forefront
The Gold award in the Innovation Zone Best Ingredient category went to the German company Evonik, for the functional ingredient Ecohance Remo XP. Evonik has been recognized for its sustainable approach, highlighting sustainability as a focal point of this year’s in-cosmetics Global show.
As we look ahead to 2025, what can we expect from the cosmetics industry?
The answer lies in a continued commitment to new developments and innovations that prioritize the well-being of our planet, with sustainability at the forefront of our collective goal. After all, there is no Planet B. Let’s work together to accelerate sustainable beauty and a greener future for the cosmetics industry.
Ana Quevedo is a Spain-based biologist with 9 years’ immersive experience in the EU, the UK, and Latin America cosmetics industry. She has cultivated a profound passion for cosmetic science, and over the years, her professional journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to mastering the intricacies of skin biology, product safety and efficacy, marketing claims, and regulatory affairs within the cosmetics field.
Her career has been defined by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends. With a comprehensive understanding of skin biology and a keen eye for emerging beauty trends, she specializes in crafting engaging and informative content that resonates with audiences. Driven by a curiosity for the latest advancements in cosmetic science and a deep-rooted appreciation for natural and sustainable beauty, she is constantly exploring new horizons and pushing the boundaries of innovation to make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving landscape of the cosmetics industry.
Feeling inspired?
Then why not visit one of the in-cosmetics events around the world?