Ethical standards may mean something to one person and something different to someone else. But are ethical standards simply personal choice or merely an opinion? If we look at what ‘ethics’ really means we discover that beauty brands cannot simply rely on the terms ‘organic’, ‘cruelty-free’, ‘vegan’, ‘natural’ nor ‘sustainable’ as these terms can also mean one thing to one person and something else to another. For a brand to be truly ethical it has to be honest, transparent and fair. A business that values humanity above money and what’s more, provides a product that actually works!
By Beauty product I am referring to all types of skin-care, cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners and toothpaste.
I ditched all shop bought skin-care and beauty products In October 2021 when a friend introduced me to a brand that has just blown me away. Not only for the high quality and effectiveness of their products but for the company’s integrity, honesty and uniqueness. I’m going to tell you about them. But first, here are my 5 standards that make a beauty product ethical:
  1. Authenticity A good brand should fit all labels but a brand you can trust shouldn’t have the need for any labels at all.
labels or certifications can definitely be helpful but when I looked into the very complicated area of cosmetic and skin care labelling, things are so very clearly, how shall I put it..unclear. One reason for this is brands or companies aren’t obliged to tell the consumer anything. The thing is we tend to rely on the certifications and take them for face value. But, if the product packaging states ‘not tested on animals’, ‘vegan’ or ‘natural’ we can’t assume that it is. Why? Because the criteria for a brand or product to achieve a certification isn’t as clear cut as we would like it to be. There are too many interests at stake. So it’s usually down to the consumer to make further investigations into a company if they really want more information.
Although these certifications can be confusing they seem to be an essential part of a transitioning process that the cosmetic/beauty industries must, and have to go through. Brands that demonstrate they are true to their word are the ones that will stand strong in the end.
2. Transparency You can only trust a brand when it has nothing to hide.
Honesty and integrity haven’t really been criteria for ‘successful’ brands as has profit. Yet, most ‘successful’ companies have been profiting from the earths resources using very unsound systems of production for decades. Where does this profit go? There are companies that directly or indirectly still test on animals in the beauty industry. Who does it benefit? If a company is honest it’s because they are asking themselves these questions.
Consumer choice and consumer demand is all well and good but the burden of responsibility concerning the planet cannot only be down to the consumer. Government bodies, agencies and the companies themselves need to take responsibility. Not only should companies be open about the sourcing of their materials, they should also be mindful of the way they run their company, their financial viability, how they treat their employees, and the social and environmental impact of their operations and disclose that information as well.
3. Sell products that actually work Do you really know what you are putting on your skin?
Many ingredients in beauty products are toxic and, of course, harmful to humans and to the environment. Some of these ingredients are; Sulphates, Parabens, Fragrance, Triclosan, talc, formaldehyde, petrolatum not to mention the presence of heavy metals, micro-plastics and nano-plastics…For the past 50 years or so, we have been taught that a very special compound needs to be formed with the precise amount of certain ‘chemicals’ for the effectiveness of a beauty product. This couldn’t be further from the truth. These chemicals are not only questionable, they have no influence on a product’s effectiveness.
Instead, nature; plants, algae, fruits, seeds, grains and vegetables are all full of active substances that are extremely beneficial to the human body. Nature can also provide us with natural colorants and preservatives as has been documented for thousands of years. But, thankfully there is more interest in rediscovering the true nature of natural ingredients, as the combination of natural substances can also be toxic too. But with more innovative research, the use of contaminant substances and ingredients deriving from animals will one day be non existent in the beauty industry, along with other industries.
The potential damage to our health from the intense use of chemicals is very worrying. Â To find out more about harmful chemicals in skincare and other beauty products, including toothpaste and shampoos go to this website
4. Community Business models that benefit everyone
But the principles of an ethical business are not only based on the highest standards for ones products but on how other people and the environment are treated. Acknowledging and connecting on a human level with everyone involved. A holistic and Sustainable approach that encourages growth by conserving resources and preserving a liveable environment for all beings. Fair systems of production and fair trade where small farmers and communities can prosper. And, where customers, cooperation partners and employees are treated with honesty and fairness. Equal pay for men and women and equal opportunities for everyone.
Traditional business models encourage owners, certain associates and other third party suppliers, to profit huge amounts of money without regard for the hard work of those that work at all the different levels of production and sales. A very unfair system of production functions now on a terrifyingly global scale. Only a minority of people benefit from this system, with the majority struggling to make ends meet.
5. No waste There is no waste in responsible business
Last but not least, waste. Our waste problem is an environmentally monumental hazard. Looking to nature for viable alternatives to ingredients used in beauty products, their packaging and the alternative forms of technological research can only result in positive outcomes. Because the industrial economy is largely linear we create a lot of toxic waste. Instead nature operates in cycles, so what we take we can put back. Responsible production means we can conserve our natural resources.
There are so many alternatives to plastic packaging now that there are essentially no excuses. And reuse schemes that enable customers to exchange their empty containers for a new product is something all companies can provide. Furthermore, the use of animals in the production process as an ingredient, for research or used as a by-product is not a viable excuse any more.
What’s your favourite ethical beauty brand?
Maybe you make your own. I’d love to know. But if you don’t have one, take a look at RINGANA. It’s a company in Austria that has been growing strong since 1996 because of their sound philosophy with regards to animals, people and the environment.
RINGANA encompasses all my 5 standards for an ethical beauty brand and more! Not only are the products made with 100% natural ingredients, the ingredients are FRESH! This means there are no artificial additives or preservatives. The result: pure and effective fresh skin care. Within Europe, this must be the only brand that uses fresh ingredients. Because of this you won’t find RINGANA products in your local supermarket. It can’t be stocked. That’s what I find so unique about them.
I have never been very excited about cosmetics or skin care products, but I realise now that it’s because I had never found a brand that I could trust, until now. I was so impressed with the company that I decided to become a RINGANA Partner so if you want to know more about their products and become my customer, or even a partner you can go to my vendor page emilybinstead.ringana.com or  drop me a line in contacts.  But here’s a quick check list for you of what you can expect:
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Based on Ayurveda
- No artificial preservatives or genetically modified materials
- Micro plastic and Nano plastic free
- Highly antioxidant natural substances
- Extremely potent ingredients
- Absolute freshness with expiry date
- Scientifically developed
- Recycled sustainable packaging
- REuse Concept
- Social responsibility
- Fairsale
This is not an official website of RINGANA GmbH
Leave me a message, you know I always love to hear your comments.
Emily XXXX
