New report suggests the beauty industry is ignoring net zero
Titled ‘greenhouse gloss,’ Carbon Trust’s inquiry into the sector’s commitment to tackling climate change has uncovered that some major brands’ sustainability efforts are falling short. Although the beauty industry’s impact on the environment pales in comparison to fashion’s (which itself accounts for ten per cent of humanity’s total emissions), the...
Current in Face
Our obsession with collagen is hurting the planet
An investigation into the supply chains of this ‘wonder product’ for skin, ageing, and health that’s at the centre of a global wellness craze has uncovered a dark side to its cultivation. Collagen, which makes up 60 per cent of our cartilage, accounts for 70 to 80 per cent of...
The fight to end hair discrimination
What’s being done to address the racist policies and unfair judgements targeting Black people for wearing their natural hair? With issues such as criminal justice reform currently dominating political discourse, confronting hair discrimination may seem inconsequential to some. What it represents, however, is another hurdle to overcome in our quest...
Will this year see our beauty habits simplified?
Amid a growing number of people choosing to ditch complex makeup and skincare routines in favour of a more pared-back approach, 2023 is all about embracing our au naturale selves. In 2015, Em Ford sparked debate with You Look Disgusting, a YouTube video highlighting how damaging the shame associated...
The rise in niche cosmetic surgeries sparks debate online
The ever-growing list of available cosmetic surgeries continues to generate new ways for us to dislike ourselves, but online narratives prove that some are just too ridiculous to buy into. ‘What do you want for your birthday?’ my mom asked when visiting me last year in London. Turning away...
Keke Palmer gives her audience a beauty standards reality check
After a makeup-free photo was posted of her online, Keke Palmer was hit with a wave of hateful comments about her appearance. Her response to the criticism should be a wake-up call for how we measure beauty today and how we value women in general. The internet is a ruthless...
Opinion – beauty’s attempts at sustainability are misguided
So-called sustainable beauty products are everywhere. But with a new beauty line coming out almost every month, is less production the only way to achieve more in terms of true sustainability? It seems counterintuitive to say that the beauty industry is becoming more complex, especially when our understanding of which ingredients are necessary for maintaining healthy skin is improving. But take a walk into a local beauty department and it’d be...
Adidas launches new swim cap line for Black and afro hair
In collaboration with the British company Soul Cap, the global sportswear giant has introduced another inclusive product to its athletic wear collection. This time, it’s a swim cap designed to fit swimmers with long, voluminous, or Black and afro hair. Last year, Adidas launched a marketing campaign that showcased how a one-size-fits-all approach to sports bra design has resulted in women lacking adequate breast support during their fitness routines. Today, the...
Do we really need gender-specific skincare products?
For decades, skincare routines and other beauty regimes have been viewed as rituals carried out solely by women. But as the boundaries of gender become further blurred, gender-neutral skincare products are increasing in popularity. Was the concept of gender-specific skincare ever legit to begin with? Despite the fact that most straight men still recoil when being convinced to get a tidy-up mani-pedi (trust me, I’ve tried), the promotion of...
How is the beauty industry prioritising transparency online?
As the industry continues exploring digital spaces, community-centric platforms that allow the vetting of cosmetics and skincare products in real time are proving the most popular. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but online consumer engagement has become a top priority for the beauty industry. Anyone who’s been paying attention over the last decade or so will have noticed many leading beauty brands rapidly shift their focus onto online...
