The Responsible Consumption Guide of the Raça Sostenible portal shares some relevant data about the cosmetics industry.The European cosmetics and personal care market is the largest in the world, valued at €78.6 billion in 2018. Spain is the fifth largest market within Europe, according to Cosmetics Europe. In 2018, Spain became the world’s second‑largest exporter of perfumes.

 The greatest environmental impact of cosmetics is related to their use, which is mostly connected to washing/cleaning through rinsing with water. Therefore, water consumption and wastewater generation concentrate the ecological footprint of these products. Packaging use in cosmetics is equally important.

Another highly significant impact is that of domestic wastewater. Many chemical compounds used as cosmetic ingredients cannot be properly treated and end up in marine and river environments, as well as degrading our sanitation systems due to the use of wipes, cotton buds, toilet paper, etc. In many of these products, although they are labeled as biodegradable, the conditions under which they biodegrade (terrestrial? aquatic?) are not specified, nor—most importantly—the time required.

Finally, it is important to highlight the use of micro‑pollutants in the cosmetics industry, such as nanomaterials or microplastics, which end up in the natural environment.

Some specific recommendations

• During our daily hygiene and beauty routines, we also generate solid waste that must be properly managed.We must not dispose of any solids down the drain

• Toilet paper, cotton buds, wipes, hair, nails, etc. They must be separated and managed as urban waste. Cotton buds and wipes should be avoided whenever alternatives exist.

• Replace toilet paper with washing.

• Expired or unnecessary medicines—even empty boxes or containers—must be taken to collection points located in most pharmacies. VERY IMPORTANT: DO NOT THROW THEM IN REGULAR TRASH.

• Always consider whether one unit may be enough instead of two or more . Try to buy less and optimize use..

• Choose in order of preference: organic and natural > natural > synthetic (the worst option)..

• Choose certified organic cosmetics and learn what the certification guarantees.

• Check labeling and ingredient lists.

• Be especially careful with online purchases. 

• Avoid buying single‑use‑specific items. Example: hand cream, conditioner, tissues. Look for multi‑use or natural alternatives

• Choose wooden or metal utensils instead of plastic ones. Ensure they are reusable and durable, avoiding single‑use items

• Packaging. Choose products with minimal packaging.Preferred order: renewable and biodegradable > reusable > recyclable. If reusing or recycling, prefer glass and textiles over paper, and paper over plastic.

• Prefer products from companies with good environmental practices. And ideally also good social practices.