Greenwashing in cosmetics: what it is and how to detect it
Greenwashing consists of giving a brand, product, or service a “green,” “natural,” or ecological appearance without actually being so.
In other words, it's pretending to be something it isn't. Although it's a deceptive practice, it's very common, especially in cosmetics, where consumers are looking for healthy formulas that are respectful of their skin and the environment.
At OhMyKoko, we are the first skin activist brand , offering truly natural cosmetics, free of toxic chemicals and with transparent formulas.
Origins of the term greenwashing
The term appeared in the late 1980s, when David Bellamy , a British botanist and popularizer, wrote an article in Sanity , the newspaper of the NGO Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament .
Since then, the concept has spread to multiple sectors: food, energy, automotive... and, of course, cosmetics.
Interested in natural skin care? You'll love this.
How to identify greenwashing in cosmetic products
1. The color green does not guarantee naturalness
Seeing a green or natural-looking package doesn't mean the product is natural. Colors can be misleading, but they don't reveal anything about the actual composition.
2. Images of plants and flowers
The appearance of fruits, flowers, or leaves on the packaging doesn't guarantee that the ingredient is relevant to the formula. Some brands use synthetic flavors to give that "natural" feel.
3. Messages on the packaging
Phrases like "paraben-free" or "eco-friendly" can hide other harmful ingredients. The key is to check the INCIs or the full list of ingredients.
4. Misleading labels
Marketing may highlight one or two natural ingredients while the rest of the formula contains toxic or irritating substances.
Ingredients that would never be in a real natural cosmetic
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Petroleum derivatives: paraffin, petroleum jelly, silicones, mineral oils
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Parabens
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Phenoxyethanol
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PEG
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Synthetic perfumes
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Phthalates
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Chemical sunscreens
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Monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)
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Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
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Aluminum
To learn about real-life examples of these ingredients in common cosmetics, see our article " The Toxic Ingredient Still in Thousands of Creams. "
Tips to avoid greenwashing
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Read the ingredient list : Prioritize products with simple, transparent formulas and reliable certifications.
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Check for certifications : trustworthy vegan, organic, or cruelty-free seals.
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Find out about the brand : review its philosophy, processes, and true commitment to sustainability.
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Be wary of exaggerated promises : phrases like “100% natural” or “organic” without backing them up are suspicious.
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📰 Toxins in your cosmetics: protect your skin from harmful ingredients
Many seemingly safe products contain substances that affect your skin's long-term health. Discover the most common toxins and how to choose truly natural and environmentally friendly cosmetics. Read the full article 👉
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Why choose OhMyKoko?
At OhMyKoko we not only offer natural and vegan cosmetics, but we are the first skin activist brand .
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Formulas free of toxic chemicals
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High-quality natural ingredients
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Complete transparency in the list of ingredients
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Commitment to the health of your skin and the planet
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👉 If you haven't already, download our free guide and start your routine with meaning.
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