In recent years, the demand for natural skin care products has surged, with the global market value of natural and organic skin care products expected to grow from almost 9.9 billion dollars in 2021, to roughly 20.4 billion dollars by 2030.
Standing out as a values-driven, authentic brand has never been more important in the skincare industry. We want to unpack why that is, and how customers and retailers alike can ensure their values align while stocking and shopping natural products.
Understanding the Natural Skincare Movement
So, why should consumers prioritise products and brands that uphold transparency and integrity?
The natural skincare movement has gained momentum in recent years due to rising concerns about the potential adverse effects of synthetic ingredients commonly found in conventional beauty products. As a result, many consumers now seek safer, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free alternatives that harness the power and benefits of nature's many available ingredients. Authentic natural skincare brands adhere to this ethos by sourcing high-quality, sustainable ingredients and maintaining a commitment to environmental responsibility.
At White Rabbit Skincare, for example, we pride ourselves on our use of largely organic, vegan and plant-derived natural ingredients, as well as our recyclable packaging solutions and scheme, and palm oil and microplastic-free certifications.
Such markers of credibility and authenticity are more important than ever within the growing natural beauty space. As customers have become increasingly conscious of the ingredients they put on their skin, natural skincare brands have emerged to cater to this growing market, offering products that claim to be free from harmful chemicals and synthetic additives.
However, with this increase has come hypervigilance, essential for consumers looking to distinguish genuine natural skin care products from those that merely use greenwashing tactics to appear authentic.
The Pitfalls of Greenwashing
Customers have become increasingly savvy about what constitutes natural, and have a heightened awareness of misleading marketing and greenwashing campaigns. According to a recent study, the vast majority of Generation Z shoppers prefer to shop more sustainable brands, and are most willing to spend 10 per cent more on sustainable products. Along with Millennials, they are the most likely to make purchase decisions based on social and environmental values and principles.
For those not in the know, ‘Greenwashing’ refers to the use of deceptive marketing tactics some brands employ to portray themselves as more eco-conscious or natural than they truly are. Many companies use misleading labels and buzzwords, making it challenging for consumers to differentiate authentic natural products from those that are not. The absence of regulations surrounding the use of terms like "natural," "organic," or "green" in the beauty industry also exacerbates this issue. Authentic brands aim to be transparent, providing detailed information about their ingredients, sourcing practices, and certifications.
Transparent Ingredient Sourcing
An authentic natural skincare brand places great emphasis on sourcing its ingredients responsibly. They often collaborate with local farmers and suppliers, ensuring fair trade practices and sustainable cultivation methods. At White Rabbit, for example, we exclusively source our ingredients from only UK-based suppliers, and try to buy organic ingredients where possible.
By sourcing ingredients responsibly, brands help support communities while reducing their environmental impact. Consumers can research and verify the sourcing practices of their favourite brands to ensure that they align with their values.
Certifications and Third-Party Testing
To lend credibility to their claims, many authentic natural skincare brands obtain certifications from reputable organisations. As mentioned before, White Rabbit is proudly certified by the following organisations:
- The Orangutan Alliance
- Cruelty-Free International
- The Vegan Society
- PETA
- Naturewatch
- Made in Britain
Third-party testing and certification can provide unbiased assessments of a brand's products, ensuring they meet their advertised claims.
No Harmful Ingredients
Authentic natural skincare brands take great care to exclude harmful ingredients from their formulations. They avoid using parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, which are known to be detrimental to both skin health and the environment. By eliminating these harmful substances, brands prioritise the overall wellbeing of their customers and contribute to a healthier planet.
Ethical and Sustainable Practices
Beyond ingredients, authenticity in natural skincare extends to a brand's overall ethics and sustainability practices. This includes packaging choices, responsible waste management, and contributions to charitable causes. Transparent communication about such initiatives showcases a brand's commitment to making a positive impact.
For stockists, the brands you showcase are also as much a reflection of your brand’s values and ethics, as the choices of your customers are to them. As a shop owner, if you want to make a positive impact on your local community, the best thing you can do is offer your customers high-quality, responsibly sourced products to choose from. And we may be a little biased, but a great place to start would be to stock up on White Rabbit’s natural skincare products!
Skincare You Can Trust
The rise of natural skincare brands reflects a collective desire for safer, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly products. As consumers or stockists, it is crucial to prioritise authenticity and support brands that genuinely uphold the principles and values you stand by.
Whether that’s vegan-friendly products, cruelty-free cosmetics, and most importantly, high quality ingredients to help your skin glow. A little bit of research can go a long way, and help retailers and customers alike to confidently make informed decisions that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable beauty industry.
Remember, the power to make a difference lies in the choices we make. Let's choose authenticity and natural skincare brands that care for both our skin and our planet! Learn more about White Rabbit’s green credentials here, and discover our range of natural skincare products today.