Sustainable Beauty

For the consumer, the attractions of sustainable cosmetics outweigh extra costs or research. Three major draws of Tessa Bella include environmental responsibility, increased effectiveness, and long-term health.

1. Environmental Responsibility

A recent example of pollution and consumer demand is the ban of microbeads. Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic found in many shower scrubs and exfoliating products. However, they do not dissolve, and in 2015, a study reported that over eight trillion microbeads were being washed into our waterways every day. Later that year, U.S. President Barack Obama signed a bill banning the small plastics, illustrating that environmental stewardship is an increasing priority to the nation and its consumers.

2. Increased Effectiveness

Natural and oleochemical ingredients are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Without synthetic, toxic chemicals or artificial colors, sustainable products rely on the healing properties found naturally in plants and animals — the ingredients humans have been using for centuries.

Consider glycerine, a natural derivative of palm oil. The clear, non-toxic liquid is used in soaps, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Since it is a humectant, glycerine can retain water, making it an excellent moisturizer. Glycerine enhances the body’s hygroscopic characteristics, encouraging the skin to absorb and hold on to water. As a non-irritating substance, it can be applied anywhere on the body. It is an effective anti-aging ingredient and, due to its anti-microbial properties, can also serve as an acne treatment.

An oleochemical that has all the power of synthetic chemicals without any of the toxicity, glycerine is a perfect example of the natural effectiveness of sustainable cosmetics.

3. Long-Term Health

While petrochemicals may deliver short-term results, the long-term effects can be highly toxic to humans and the environment. Years of synthetic cosmetics use has been traced to headaches, eye damage, acne, hormonal imbalance and premature aging. Phthalates have even been linked to cancer and type II diabetes.

By choosing sustainable cosmetics, a consumer forgoes the stress and uncertainty of toxic, synthetic products and invests in their long-term health and beauty.