0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Sign in to save

Innovative Approaches to an Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Industry: A Review of Sustainable Ingredients

Clean Technologies 2024 72 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 60 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Rafaela Sasounian, Rafaela Sasounian, Renata Miliani Martinez, André Moreni Lopes, André Moreni Lopes, Jeanine Giarolla, Catarina Rosado, Wagner Vidal Magalhães, Maria Valéria Robles Velasco, André Rolim Baby

Summary

This review examines sustainable alternatives to conventional cosmetic ingredients, including plant-based, microbial, and recycled materials that could replace synthetic and potentially harmful components. While not directly about microplastics, cosmetic microbeads have been a significant source of microplastic pollution, and the push for eco-friendly ingredients helps reduce plastic particles entering waterways. The shift toward sustainable cosmetics is part of broader efforts to decrease human exposure to synthetic microparticles.

Sustainable ingredients in cosmetics have been discussed for the past decade, and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness of this significant topic. Consumers are informed and vigilant about clean labels, driving the necessity for sustainability throughout the cosmetic production chain. Moreover, nanotechnology and green chemistry approaches have emerged as innovative perspectives to develop sustainable and eco-friendly cosmetic ingredients. In this sense, in this review, we present examples and applications of sustainable ingredients derived from several types of sources (i.e., plants, animals, microorganisms, cell cultures, and recycled materials/biomaterials). The benefits and drawbacks of all classes of compounds were organized and discussed in relation to novel formulations/products. Finally, we addressed perspectives on cosmetic ingredients that prioritize sustainability and safety, with an emphasis on exploring sustainable ingredients, compounds, or molecules as promising areas for research and development.

Sign in to start a discussion.

Share this paper