Innovative Approaches to an Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Industry: A Review of Sustainable Ingredients

Abstract

Sustainable ingredients in cosmetics have been discussed for the past decade, and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness of this significant topic. Consumers are informed and vigilant about clean labels, driving the necessity for sustainability throughout the cosmetic production chain. Moreover, nanotechnology and green chemistry approaches have emerged as innovative perspectives to develop sustainable and eco-friendly cosmetic ingredients. In this sense, in this review, we present examples and applications of sustainable ingredients derived from several types of sources (i.e., plants, animals, microorganisms, cell cultures, and recycled materials/biomaterials). The benefits and drawbacks of all classes of compounds were organized and discussed in relation to novel formulations/products. Finally, we addressed perspectives on cosmetic ingredients that prioritize sustainability and safety, with an emphasis on exploring sustainable ingredients, compounds, or molecules as promising areas for research and development.