I came across with this website, The Slow Cosmétique (Belgium), as one of the tags I use on my social profile is #slowmade. The Slow Cosmétique is a movement promoted by an international non-profit association for a more responsible way to consume cosmetics.
This association wants to raise awareness amongst consumers about what we call “cosmetic brainwashing” pointing out how better cosmetics could be and how we could be more sensible to them. I really enjoyed reading their statement and I wanted to share it here with you.
These are the 4 Essential values they claim any cosmetic should comply with: (I quote below)
1) Cosmetics should be more "smart”:
We want ‘smart’ cosmetics Cosmetics must suitably meet the skin’s genuine needs. Cleansing, moisturising and protecting the skin are basic needs, and cosmetics must respond with sound products or actions. To this end, cosmetics must use ingredients from the available resources that provide something positive to the skin.
Efficient, cosmetics must give priority to the ingredients naturally active and beneficial for the skin, without seeking to claim exclusiveness.
Inert, inactive or unnecessarily processed ingredients should be avoided, as well as any ingredients that may improve the skin’s health at the expense of the health of the rest of the body or mind.
Cosmetics should only be formulated with active and healthy ingredients that really take care of the skin. To make it clearer: we don't think silicones, synthetic or mineral oils are a good example of active and healthy ingredients.
2) Cosmetics should be more "sustainable”:
We want ‘eco-friendly’ cosmetics
Cosmetics must be formulated and used with respect for the environment.
The least processed natural and organic ingredients should be favoured in formulas, excluding any synthetic chemical ingredients, petrochemicals, animal abuse leading to death, as well as any ingredients potentially polluting the environment.
Cosmetics must strive to minimise its environmental impact in all spheres of its design and use. Short cycles and exchanges at the local level must be favoured.
We tend to believe that 100% natural formulas are better for our skin and our environment. Have you heard about the ecological impact of silicones in shampoos? And what do you think about tons of useless packaging and promotional material thrown away after each season? We have to support organic certified products, but also fair-trade products as well as home-made recipes.
3) Cosmetics should be more "sensible”:
We want ‘sustainable’ cosmetics Cosmetics must not create new needs for the skin. Limiting the amount of products and rituals necessary to maintain healthy skin is key in avoiding marketing tricks.
In its discourse, cosmetics must not make promises that are impossible to keep in view of the nature of the product or the cosmetic action. Nor should it be anxiety-ridden and use the fear of ageing or being imperfect to sell.
Cosmetics should not encourage us to consume even more products or services.
Mankind is a great community of individuals, each one being a jewel on its own. So are animals and plants. We condemn cosmetic products that are disrespectful of human beings, animals or plants.
4) Cosmetics should be more "respectful”:
We want ‘ethical’ cosmetics
Cosmetics must be formulated, sold and used with respect for humankind in all its complicatedness. It must acknowledge humankind’s need for enjoyment as a quality, but must encourage nurturing enjoyment in a simple way. Cosmetics must emphasise the benefits that plants, animals and minerals bring to the body and to the mind. Any ingredient or technique potentially harmful to humans must be avoided. Thus, humankind will be encouraged to come into direct contact with nature and will not seek to recreate it synthetically. Cosmetics must forbid any form of airbrushing or concealment intended to deceive its partners. It must be sold and bought at a fair and sensible price, reflecting the true quality of its formulation or service.
Photoshop is so 80's! We, the new cosmetics brands, need to promote self-love, the love for our curves, our perfect imperfections. Transparency and honesty are the key.
I could not agree more with everything that’s been said here. However, I missed one more value that I find is essential to any beauty products.
5) Cosmetics should be more "holistic" We don’t go green beauty or organic or natural, but we come back. Ancient beauty was based on a holistic approach, a more medicinal yet more magical way of seeking wellbeing. We need cosmetics that help us to find a more spiritual and meaningful connection with others, with place and with ourselves. We live in a Universe where everything is interconnected and every action has a reaction. Therefore it is important to flow with the energies that surround us to find more balance and reach absolute wellness.
Do you agree?
Love
Sonia x