Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Eco-Friendly Extraction of Bioactive Compounds Using Polyol-Based Microwave-Assisted Techniques
Published on: August 23, 2024
Sustainable cosmetic ingredient alternatives to replace conventional ingredients: Case studies in moisturizers and
Anna Spaulding1, Gabriella Baki1
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Objective:
Over the last two decades, consumers have been calling for greater transparency for ingredient sourcing and manufacturing practices; therefore, more sustainable alternatives need to be evaluated to meet industry demands. While many organizations give standards for 'clean', 'organic' and 'natural' cosmetic products, sustainable formulations lack standardization and harmonization globally. This study aimed to formulate sustainable lipsticks and moisturizers using resources and standards currently available in the cosmetic industry and compare select sustainable alternatives to a conventional control product.
Methods:
After thoroughly screening ingredients for each product type, five different lipsticks and five batches of moisturizers were formulated and tested for quality, performance and stability characteristics.
Results:
Pay-off and friction were the most different among the lipsticks, with M4, the lipstick containing sustainable ingredients, having the highest average friction and pay-off at Week 1. As for the moisturizers, spreadability had the largest differences, mostly due to the different emulsifier systems, as expected.
Conclusion:
Incorporating sustainable ingredients can be challenging, but having quality products while being more environmentally friendly is possible. These case studies are meant to serve as examples for formulation chemists.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Lipids as Anchors
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Structure of Lipids
Esters to Carboxylic Acids: Saponification
The reaction requires a base in stoichiometric amounts, which participates in the reaction and is not regenerated later. So, the base acts as a...
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer

