Rethinking skincare in a complex world
Today, skincare is more than a personal ritual—it’s part of a larger system with far-reaching impacts. While many of us reach for products that promise radiance and renewal, the story behind conventional skincare is often less visible. From the ingredients we absorb through our skin to the packaging we discard, our daily choices are deeply woven into the health of both our bodies and the planet.
In the face of a growing polycrisis—a web of interconnected environmental, social, and health-related challenges—it’s worth asking: What role does conventional skincare play? And what alternatives exist that care for us without compromising the world around us?
Long-term exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in beauty products can affect fertility, the immune system, and the development of hormone-related diseases.
Chemicals and consequences
The Way Forward: More Sustainable and Holistic Skincare
Allergies and skin conditions such as eczema and acne may worsen due to synthetic ingredients that disrupt the skin’s microbiome. Chemicals that accumulate in the body are suspected to play a role in the development of chronic illnesses, including certain cancers and metabolic disorders.
Harmful Chemicals and Health
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Many conventional skincare products contain synthetic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. These substances can:
Disrupt the hormonal system (endocrine disruptors), which is linked to fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, and certain cancers.
Cause allergies and skin irritations, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or autoimmune disorders
Accumulate in the body and potentially contribute to chronic diseases over time.ystems through harmful chemicals, overconsumption of resources, and a destructive production cycle.
Environmental Pollution and Ecosystem Destruction
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Overconsumption of Resources and Climate Impact
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The chemicals washed off the skin during bathing or removed during facial cleansing often end up in our water supply. Some of the consequences include:
Water pollution: Silicones, microplastics, and chemical UV filters (such as oxybenzone) accumulate in rivers and oceans, harming aquatic life and coral reefs.
Soil contamination: Pesticides and chemical fertilizers used in conventionally grown ingredients (e.g., non-organic plant extracts) degrade soil biodiversity and create depleted agricultural land.
Plastic pollution: Single-use plastic packaging and microplastics in beauty products contribute to the global plastic crisis, with millions of tons of plastic ending up in nature and the oceans each year.
The production of conventional skincare requires large amounts of energy and water. Many product ingredients come from industrial agriculture or mining, leading to:
— Deforestation: Palm oil, often used in creams and soaps, is one of the leading causes of rainforest destruction in places like the Amazon and Indonesia.
— CO₂ emissions: The production and transportation of skincare products (especially those with synthetic ingredients) contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
— Animal testing: Many companies still test their products or ingredients on animals, causing unnecessary suffering and ecological imbalance.
The Way Forward: More Sustainable and Holistic Skincare
To reduce harm to both health and the environment, we can choose:
- Organic and natural products that avoid synthetic and harmful chemicals.
- Reusable and sustainable packaging such as glass, metal, or biodegradable materials.
- Certifications like the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, ECOCERT, or B Corp, which ensure a more sustainable production process.
- Less consumption and more mindful product choices, so we do not contribute to unnecessary waste and resource depletion.-
- By moving away from conventional skincare, we can reduce our impact on both our bodies and the planet—helping to mitigate the polycrisis.
