The A to Z of Green to Beauty

A run-through of the buzzwords for those wanting to embrace a more planet-conscious routine

So you want to be more eco‑friendly when it comes to all things beauty, but are thrown off by the terminology used in the green, clean and sustainable beauty world (yes, the descriptors all have subtly different meanings). To help you spot greenwashing—the false marketing of something as eco‑conscious when it’s not, or as more environmentally friendly than it is—and ensure you know exactly what you’re purchasing, we’ve put together a glossary of the terms that you’ll no doubt encounter frequently as you build your earth‑loving beauty wardrobe. Bear in mind, though, that definitions can change as the products and user expectations evolve, but until you hear otherwise, you’re welcome.

B

Botanical: This refers to ingredients extracted from plants, such as herb oils, antioxidants from berries and naturally occurring acids found in plants.

Note that while botanical ingredients come from natural sources, that does not automatically mean they are suitable for all skin types; some—particularly citrus oils—can irritate sensitive skin.

C

Clean: This indicates the product has ingredients that are non‑toxic. While the terms “green” and “natural” are often associated with clean beauty, this is a misconception—many clean beauty companies use non‑toxic synthetic ingredients, as they can be more stable, sustainable and eco‑friendly, and less dangerous, than some naturally derived ingredients.

Cruelty‑free: This alludes to the fact that the product was developed without the use of methods that cause harm to animals. However, “cruelty‑free” products are not automatically vegan, as they can be formulated with ingredients derived from animal products. Look for a label featuring the Leaping Bunny, which certifies that the product has not undergone any animal testing in its development.

E

Eco‑friendly: This is an umbrella term with several meanings: it can refer to a product having recycled packaging; that it’s made by a company that is actively trying to reduce its carbon footprint; or that it’s carbon neutral—which happens when a brand calculates the amount of CO2 produced when making and shipping its products, and compensates for that with a carbon offsetting

programme. A company with truly eco‑friendly products will be explicit in sharing what tangible actions it is taking to protect the environment.

Ethical: Again, this has several meanings. Beauty companies can approach being “ethical” in different ways—by using recycled or zero‑waste packaging, having good waste management policies in place, being socially conscious and working alongside charities, or sourcing ingredients produced responsibly. For example, products with the Fairtrade symbol means that the workers producing the ingredients used were treated and paid fairly for their work and goods.

G

Green: Like “eco‑friendly”, this is a vague, overarching term. It is often mentioned alongside “natural”, “organic” and “sustainable”, but there is no clear definition, although green beauty products are made with consideration for the environment. This can mean using ethically sourced or plant‑based ingredients, but generally, it signals a product that does not actively damage the environment.

N

Natural: This indicates that the ingredients in the formula are derived from natural sources, but the classification is not regulated. An Ecocert label, which indicates that 95 per cent of the formulation is made of natural ingredients, is much more reliable. Be aware, though, that “natural” does not equate to being ethical or vegan unless explicitly stated.

Non‑toxic: This means the ingredients in the product are not harmful or poisonous, or that they have not been linked to causing toxic responses in humans, such as cancer and neurological disorders.

O

Organic: Referring to the fact that the ingredients used are grown without the use of chemicals, the term is closely tied to “natural” and speaks to the quality of a product’s natural ingredients. However, there is no one definition of how much “organic” content a product must contain to be classified as “organic”. Note, too, that “organic” products are not necessarily sustainable, as the ingredients may require more water, energy and land to farm if chemicals are not used.

P

Parabens: These are chemicals that are used as artificial preservatives in the beauty world and contrary to popular belief, they are not completely objectionable. Parabens can prevent microbial growth, making products last longer. They are regulated in countries worldwide and are classified as safe, even in extremely large doses, according to Us‑based organisation Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIS).

S

SLS: This stands for sodium lauryl sulphate, a surfactant whose function is to trap oil and grease, and help create a rich lather. There have been claims that it is too harsh to safely use on skin and that it can cause hair loss, but the CIS has refuted them all, stating that it is safe to use in formulations designed to be washed off.

Sustainable: A core concept for many clean beauty brands, this term can apply to multiple aspects of a product—it can mean it is formulated with responsibly sourced ingredients, or that it has recyclable or biodegradable packaging. Check for clear labels that state what is truly sustainable about the product.

V

Vegan: A term often associated with cruelty‑free brands, this signals that the product does not have any ingredients derived from animals or animal by‑products, such as beeswax, honey and lanolin. However, this does not automatically mean “clean”, as synthetic ingredients that are vegan can be toxic.

W

Waterless: The easiest of the terms to understand, this means that the product is free of water. It’s the latest development in sustainable beauty—water, a precious resource, makes up 80 per cent of most product formulations and its inclusion makes products unsustainable.

Z

Zero waste: This means that the product does not generate leftover waste that will go to landfill, thus reducing pollution. Many zero‑waste beauty products are packaged in reusable and recyclable materials, such as bamboo and glass, or take the form of solids to reduce the need for packaging.