Ecodesign of cosmetic formulae: methodology and application

Area of Science:

• Cosmetic Science
• Environmental Science
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Cosmetic products are discharged into aquatic environments post-use.
• Reducing the environmental impact of cosmetics is crucial.
• Dispersive and continuous discharge necessitates sustainable solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an ecodesign methodology for improving cosmetic product sustainability.
• To ensure no compromise on cosmetic efficacy while enhancing environmental performance.
• To present a practical approach for sustainable innovation in the cosmetics industry.

Main Methods:

• Focus on three key indicators: biodegradability, grey water footprint adapted for ecodesign (GWFE), and a global environmental profile indicator.
• Biodegradability assesses the removal of organic ingredients.
• GWFE quantifies the freshwater needed for dilution to non-toxic levels.

Main Results:

• Developed methodologies to maximize biodegradability (≥95%) and minimize GWFE.
• Successfully limited the use of ingredients with unfavorable environmental profiles.
• Achieved high cosmetic efficacy standards alongside improved sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Successfully developed and marketed highly biodegradable cosmetic products with low GWFE.
• Demonstrated that ecodesign can drive innovation in sustainable cosmetic development.
• The applied methodology offers a pathway for embedding sustainability in new product creation.