As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing issue, consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their products—and the efforts made by their favorite brands to reduce it.
Like any popular trend, sustainability has opened the door for some companies to engage in greenwashing, where they market themselves as more environmentally friendly than they genuinely are. It's vital to recognize that every consumption, including spa products, has an environmental impact.
Related: Eco-Friendly or Eco-Fraud? How to Spot Greenwashing & Avoid It
To help you and your guests make informed choices, it's essential to dispel some of the biggest myths in the greenwashing space.
Myth No. 1: Natural Is Better Than Synthetic
In many cases, harvesting natural ingredients can harm the environment and deplete natural resources. In contrast, synthetic ingredients are created in a controlled lab environment, which means they are often more environmentally friendly and safer than their natural counterparts.
Myth No. 2: Refillable Products Are More Sustainable
While refillable containers can be an eco-conscious alternative to single-use ones, they often just amount to larger containers that you still need to refill and eventually dispose of. Additionally, exposing skin care products to air and light can lead to instability issues. Instead, consider simplifying self-care routines and buying only what you'll use up; then, dispose or recycle the products appropriately. Avoid purchasing things you will not use.
Related: Spa Pros Reveal Their Methods for “Green” Spa Success
Myth No. 3: Clean Products Are More Green
The term "clean" in the beauty and wellness space lacks a regulated definition, allowing brands to define it as they see fit. This leaves room for misleading marketing claims, which often imply that products with omitted ingredients or organic components are inherently more sustainable. Greenwashing often thrives on this ambiguity, so it's crucial to stay well informed and scrutinize marketing claims.
If you genuinely want to make a positive environmental impact, consider instead addressing larger sustainability practices in your business and daily life. Reduce your car and air travel, conserve water, minimize waste and consider planting a garden or trees. Decreasing your electricity and gas consumption, eating seasonally and even family planning can all have a far more significant effect on the environment than simply changing a skin care routine.
Emily Trampetti is a multi-state licensed esthetician, skin care expert and founder of Skin Property Virtual Esthetics. After successfully owning and running her spa in Chicago, she decided to expand virtually with her proprietary skin coaching program, which now supports clients from over 15 states, Puerto Rico and Europe. Her mission is to empower her clients to finally feel in control of their skin and reach their goals through personalized skin care, tailored education and lifetime empowerment.
