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What is Green Beauty?

October 12, 2022
3 MIN READ
Close-up of a woman holding a daisy near her eye, symbolising natural skincare and greenwashing awareness.

As more people look for eco-conscious and ethical choices, the green beauty movement has gone from a niche trend to a growing global shift. But what exactly is green beauty—and how can you be sure the products you’re choosing really align with your values?

Let’s break it down into three key areas: ingredients, packaging, and certifications. These pillars are essential to identifying truly natural skincare that’s also sustainable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Green beauty is about more than just using natural ingredients—it’s also about sustainability and transparency.
  • Watch out for greenwashing. A natural-looking label doesn’t always mean what it says.
  • Choosing products with eco-friendly packaging and clear certifications helps reduce your impact.

Ingredients: Nature That Works

The foundation of any green beauty ritual is high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. But here’s the catch: there’s no strict regulation on what brands can label as "natural," which means some products might look green but contain synthetic or unsustainable ingredients.

How to spot the difference:

  • Look beyond the front label and check the ingredient list.
  • Research brands and see if they’re open about their sourcing.
  • Avoid vague claims and flashy buzzwords.

At Amaranthine, every ingredient we use is natural, naturally derived, and minimally processed. We choose ingredients that are rich in nutrients, sustainably harvested, and sourced from suppliers who share our ethical values.

Many plant oils also have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness—examples include argan, raspberry seed, and pumpkin seed oils.

Packaging: Rethink the Waste

The beauty industry produces around 120 billion units of packaging each year, much of which is non-recyclable plastic. If we don't act, this number will only rise—forecasts show that over 12,000 metric tons of plastic waste could end up in landfills or nature by 2050.

But the good news? Small changes make a big difference.

Here’s how we’re doing our part at Amaranthine:

  • Refill options for our face oils, face masks, and day cream to reduce single-use waste.
  • Simple, recyclable and plastic-free packaging wherever possible.

We believe skincare should be kind to both your skin and the planet. That’s why we’re always exploring more sustainable solutions to reduce our footprint.

Certifications: Trust the Symbols

One of the easiest ways to confirm a brand’s commitment to green beauty is through independent certifications.

We’re incredibly proud to be the first skincare company in the world to be certified palm oil free by POFCAP (International Palm Oil Free Certification Trademark). Palm oil hides in hundreds of ingredients under different names, making it hard to avoid unless you buy from a brand that’s fully transparent. Read more about why palm oil is a problem.

We’re also part of PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies programme, meaning our entire range is cruelty free. These certifications are more than just badges—they reflect our values and our commitment to a more ethical, sustainable industry.

Other helpful certifications to look out for include:

CosmEthically Active – A science-based certification that verifies the presence and effectiveness of active ingredients in skincare, supporting transparency and high product efficacy. Our Superactive Day Cream and Face Oil are both proudly certified CosmEthically Active.

COSMOS Organic or Natural – A standard for organic and natural cosmetics that reviews ingredients, sourcing, and processing.

Soil Association – A UK-based organic certification with high environmental and sustainability standards.

Leaping Bunny – A globally recognised cruelty-free certification.

Vegan Society – Ensures no animal ingredients are used and that products aren't tested on animals.

Seeing one or more of these on a label can help you feel more confident that you're supporting truly green beauty.

Less But Better: A Mindful Approach to Skincare

Green beauty isn’t about owning dozens of products—it’s about choosing fewer, better ones. That’s why we encourage a simple skincare ritual made up of products you genuinely love and use every day. Quality over quantity is not only better for your skin, but for the planet too.

If you're ready to build your own green beauty routine, explore our collection of natural skincare that's palm oil free, cruelty free, and filled with skin-loving, sustainably sourced ingredients.

Want to learn more about our commitment to ethical, sustainable beauty? Discover why Amaranthine is proud to stand for real green beauty.

A portrait of the founder of Amaranthine, a natural skincare brand in the UK. The image radiates the founder's warmth and passion for crafting luxurious, sustainable skincare products designed to nourish and enhance skin health.

Sarah Rueger

About the author

Sarah is the founder of certified palm oil free natural skincare brand Amaranthine. She is a qualified organic skincare formulator and has diplomas in Beauty Therapy and Clinical Aromatherapy.