Palm Oil in Cosmetics

Palm oil can be found everywhere, from the peanut butter in our cupboards to the bar of soap on our shower stands. It is used in many cosmetic products within the fashion industry and is known for its moisturizing and preservative properties. Although palm oil itself is not a bad ingredient, it is its method of production that has sparked controversy.

The chances are, you have already heard about palm oil and the environmental threats that it creates. The production of palm oil is responsible for large scale deforestation and releases greenhouse gas emissions that contribute greatly to climate change. It also has a devastating impact on endangered species, including orangutans, elephants and tigers.

But what can consumers and brands do in order to improve their palm oil sustainability?

Palm oil is not easy to spot on a list of ingredients as it is processed into making many other ingredients in cosmetic science. Firstly, brands that use palm oil derivatives in their products must label its inclusion more clearly. Some responsibility also falls on the consumer, who must also be more aware of where and how their products are produced.

Some brands that are working towards eradicating their palm oil-based products include Estée Lauder, Lush and L’Oréal. However, companies that are 100% palm-oil free include Bloomtown, Neek and Rosi Skinfood.

Undoubtedly, the use of palm oil in cosmetics is becoming less frequent, yet it is essential to continue pressurizing big companies to include more sustainable alternatives in their products and consumers must research their products more. Hopefully the fashion industry will be much more environmentally friendly in the near future.