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Introduction: Beauty that takes care of the planet
The world of cosmetics is, above all, a promise of beauty and well-being. What if this promise could also include caring for our planet? With a global production of more than 120 billion packages per year, the cosmetics industry has a key role to play in the ecological transition.
Good news: solutions exist , and they're within reach! Consumers are increasingly attentive and are choosing environmentally friendly products, while innovative tools and regulations, such as the AGEC law in France, are encouraging brands to take action.
At Galeniform, we're excited to be part of this green revolution . In this article, discover how to reduce the ecological footprint of your cosmetics and make sustainability an ally of your creativity, with concrete and inspiring ideas.
The impact of ingredients and packaging: an opportunity to seize
Cosmetics interact with nature through their ingredients and packaging. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, let's consider it an opportunity to innovate for biodiversity !
On the ingredient side , some synthetic substances, such as silicones, can persist in the environment after use. While plastic microbeads, once found in scrubs, are now banned in many countries (since 2018 in Europe for rinse-off products), other compounds still deserve our attention. For example, the extraction of palm oil , used in certain surfactants, can affect tropical forests. But sustainable alternatives, such as local oils or certified supply chains, are emerging to preserve these precious ecosystems.
Packaging , on the other hand, is a tremendous opportunity for change. According to SPICE (Sustainable Packaging Initiative for Cosmetics), it accounts for up to 50% of a product's environmental impact . Complex plastics, often difficult to recycle, have long dominated the sector. However, today, recycled , refillable , or biodegradable materials are opening up new perspectives. Each redesigned bottle is a victory for the oceans and land, which still host too much waste—around 8 million tons of plastic per year according to Ocean Conservancy. Together, let's transform this challenge into a creative adventure to protect our planet!
Solutions for eco-friendly beauty products
Eco -design is the art of creating cosmetics that combine effectiveness , pleasure and respect for the environment , right from the design stage. Here are some ideas to get you started with enthusiasm:
Smart ingredients : Choose natural, biodegradable, and sustainably sourced active ingredients. Replacing silicones with emollients made from natural materials is possible, and it works! The important thing is to favor transparent and environmentally friendly sources.
Smart packaging : Lighten packaging, opt for recycled materials (like PET or glass), or explore refills, which are increasingly appealing to consumers. Why not create an elegant, eco-friendly design that tells a story?
Responsible production : Use energy-efficient processes, such as cold extraction, or switch to renewable energy. Green chemistry, with its innovative techniques, is a goldmine for limiting impact while maintaining efficiency.
To structure this approach, delve into " The Guide to Cosmetic Ecodesign ." This book, accessible through networks like FEBEA, is a true compass for formulators and brands. It offers practical tools, such as life cycle analysis (LCA), and inspiring examples to help you move forward step by step. At Galeniform, we heartily recommend it: it's an invitation to rethink your products with optimism and rigor, for a positive impact at every stage.
Case Studies: Brands Leading the Way
Nothing like concrete examples to boost our motivation ! Here are three brands that prove that sustainability and cosmetics go well together:
La Rosée : This French brand has said goodbye to virgin plastic for its tubes, which are now made from recycled plastic. In 2022, it announced that it had reduced its carbon emissions by 30% thanks to lighter packaging and simple, organic, and local formulas. A great lesson in eco-responsible elegance!
©La Rosée, 2025. Source : https://www.larosee-cosmetiques.com Guerlain : The luxury giant has redesigned its Orchidée Impériale line with more compact bottles and reduced weight, halving their carbon footprint, as Sandrine Sommer explained in ELLE Belgium (2019). As a bonus, Guerlain supports the preservation of orchids through reforestation projects.
CoZie : With its returnable glass bottles and its "DoZeuse" for bulk refills, this French startup makes zero waste accessible and chic. Its organic and local ingredients limit the impact of transportation, proving that simplicity rhymes with efficiency.
©rd2-innovate, 2025. Source : https://rd2-innovate.fr
These successes demonstrate that eco-responsibility is a source of innovation and connection with consumers. Enough to inspire your next creation, right?
Conclusion: Together, let’s shape lasting beauty
What if beauty became a lever for preserving our planet? Reducing the environmental impact of cosmetics by creating eco-friendly cosmetic products is an exciting adventure that combines creativity , responsibility , and customer engagement . The tools exist—with "The Cosmetic Ecodesign Guide" leading the way—and examples of committed brands abound.
At Galeniform, we're ready to help you make your products ambassadors for a greener world. Start small: a more sustainable ingredient, redesigned packaging, a story to share.
Every little bit helps, and together, we can transform the cosmetics industry into a force for good. So, are you ready to take on the challenge with a smile?
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