You’ve probably heard about clean beauty and green beauty. But what about blue beauty? Blue beauty is the newest sustainable beauty movement that considers how every facet of a beauty product will affect the environment, especially our oceans and waterways.
Have you considered the impact common synthetic fragrances or silicones have on our waterways after they wash down the drain from our shampoo, shaving creams, deodorant or make-up? What about when sunscreen from thousands of beach goers around the world finds its way into the ocean? Green beauty focuses on ingredient transparency and the use of non-toxic or harmful chemicals. But, blue beauty takes things a step further. It examines the entire life cycle of a beauty or skincare product from start to finish, especially what happens after product usage.
Approximately 98 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. At least 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year making up 80% of all marine debris. Many product packaging, such as plastics, run the risk of ending up in the ocean and harming birds, fish, and other sea animals. Blue beauty brands focus on utilizing more environmentally- and ocean-friendly packaging solutions as well.
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Creating a Movement
Founded by Jeannie Jarnot of Beauty Heroes in 2018, blue beauty has become a global movement. Brands that are pioneering the blue movement meet many sustainable best practices, such as:
- Sourcing non-GMO, organic harvested ingredients
- Use minimal packaging, specifically biodegradable, up cycled or reusable packaging
- Are typically certified carbon-neutral
- Are plastic negative and provide supply chain transparency
- Partner and work with local farmers and suppliers
- Often have achieved a B-Corp certification
- Have a customer-facing recycling program as well as a smart returns donation programs
- Invest R&D budget into green technologies and commit to cause-based giving campaigns
3 Blue Beauty Brands to Try
The beauty industry has been making strides to become more sustainable in recent year. But, the following brands are thinking several steps ahead to ensure their products will not have a negative impact on the environment. Here are a few of our favorite blue-safe beauty products you might want to consider:
Osea
Short for ocean, sun, earth and atmosphere, Osea was founded by mother-daughter duo Jenefer and Melissa Palmer. Osea offers clean, vegan and cruelty-free luxury skincare and bodycare. Their star ingredient, seaweed, contains powerful minerals and nutrients that are absorbed to nourish and rejuvenate skin cells. Be sure to check out some of their best sellers, such as the anti-aging body balm or the award-winning hyaluronic sea serum.
Bathing Culture
Bathing Culture celebrates the simple necessity of bathing. They focused on sustainability, with a commitment to organic, and locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, they utilize innovative packaging using re-claimed plastic from Northern California, as well as give back to environmental organizations. We suggest trying the mind and body wash or the big dipper mineral bath salts.
Ursa Major
Vermont-based skincare brand, Ursa Major, uses plant-based formulas to create face and body products for clear, healthy skin. Inspired by the owners’ love of the outdoors, they focus on sustainable, clean skincare products for those looking to live a healthier lifestyle: mind, body, spirit and skin. Our favorites are their hoppin’ fresh deodorant and their stellar shave cream.
Kim is the owner and publisher of Sass Magazine, as well as the owner of Sass Studios, a boutique graphic design studio in Frederick, MD. When not in the office, Kim can be found doing some of her favorite hobbies—reading a book, dancing, traveling, or playing with her rescued pitbull.
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