eco-friendly, sustainable and cruelty-free : what's the difference?

A dedication to Eco-Friendly, Sustainability and Cruelty-Free is essential for a new generation of skincare brands committed to protecting the planet, but what are the meanings behind the statements? 

What makes an eco-friendly product?

An eco-friendly product is one that has been designed and manufactured with minimal impact on the environment. Eco-friendly production does not prioritise low costs and rapid manufacturing, instead, they put the brake on the frantic pace of production to prioritise a low environmental impact.

There are numerous features that distinguish eco-friendly products from common ones. Here is a list of the benefits of these products:

• Reduced carbon footprint
• Toxin-free
• Energy-saving
• Biodegradable
• Recyclable and/or made from recycled materials

What makes a product sustainable?

A sustainable product is developed respecting the environment and protecting the people and communities that have participated in the entire production process. The development of sustainable products is beneficial to not only the planet but also to the livelihoods of each person involved in the production line. Sustainable production does not cost future generations and local communities.

“As the world declares a climate and ecological crisis, the beauty and skincare industry must kick-start green game-changing innovation”, says Chris Sherwin, director of sustainable design.

What does cruelty-free mean?

The image of a bunny on product packaging is not simply there to be cute, it symbolises a companies dedication to cruelty-free testing. A company must be officially certified by one of the competent agencies in order to qualify for a cruelty-free label.

Certified companies find alternative formulas to determine the safety of their products instead of testing on animals.