GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Cosmetics Industry Statistics

Sustainability drives growth, consumer loyalty, eco-friendly packaging, and industry innovation.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 70% of consumers worldwide prefer brands that demonstrate sustainable practices.

Statistic 2

85% of beauty consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits for eco-friendly products.

Statistic 3

Brands that adopted sustainable packaging saw an average sales increase of 12%.

Statistic 4

65% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands with transparent sustainability practices.

Statistic 5

Organic and natural ingredients accounted for 25% of the global cosmetic product launches in 2022.

Statistic 6

50% of consumers check for sustainability information on product labels before purchasing.

Statistic 7

80% of consumers would pay more for sustainable beauty products.

Statistic 8

78% of millennial consumers purchase from brands they perceive as environmentally responsible.

Statistic 9

The demand for cruelty-free cosmetics grew by 22% from 2019 to 2021.

Statistic 10

52% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that disclose their sustainability goals publicly.

Statistic 11

Around 40% of consumers in the US consider sustainability a key factor in their cosmetic purchases.

Statistic 12

72% of consumers prefer products with refillable or reusable packaging options.

Statistic 13

48% of consumers look for products certified by third-party sustainability standards.

Statistic 14

Sustainable cosmetics brands reported a 30% increase in customer loyalty scores in 2023.

Statistic 15

About 67% of consumers prefer cosmetic brands that actively promote sustainability initiatives.

Statistic 16

42% of consumers check for sustainable sourcing information before buying cosmetics.

Statistic 17

Around 50% of consumers are willing to switch to brands with stronger sustainability credentials.

Statistic 18

60% of consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the ingredients in their cosmetic products.

Statistic 19

The carbon footprint of the cosmetics industry accounts for approximately 2-3% of global plastic production.

Statistic 20

In 2023, 35% of cosmetic brands reported having a dedicated sustainability officer or team.

Statistic 21

The average carbon footprint per product for traditional cosmetics is estimated at 2.5 kg CO2e, while eco-friendly products average 1.2 kg CO2e.

Statistic 22

65% of consumers are concerned about the ethical practices of cosmetic brands.

Statistic 23

80% of consumers agree that environmental impact influences their brand loyalty.

Statistic 24

The cosmetic industry's water usage conservation initiatives increased by 40% in 2023.

Statistic 25

The innovation of biodegradable glitter gained a 25% market share in eco-friendly cosmetics in 2022.

Statistic 26

The global cosmetics industry is projected to reach $463 billion by 2027, with sustainability being a key growth driver.

Statistic 27

The global vegan cosmetics market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2027, reflecting a rising trend in cruelty-free and plant-based products.

Statistic 28

The use of mineral-based pigments in cosmetics increased by 18% from 2019 to 2022.

Statistic 29

The global demand for organic cosmetic products is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2023 to 2030.

Statistic 30

The eco-certification market for cosmetics grew by 22% in 2022.

Statistic 31

The use of biodegradable packaging in the cosmetics industry increased by 30% from 2020 to 2023.

Statistic 32

40% of cosmetic companies have committed to achieving 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.

Statistic 33

Refillable cosmetic product containers reduce plastic waste by up to 60%.

Statistic 34

The use of recycled plastics in cosmetic packaging increased by 50% over the past three years.

Statistic 35

90% of new cosmetic brands launched in 2022 claimed to prioritize sustainability in their marketing.

Statistic 36

60% of consumers are concerned about the water footprint of their cosmetic products.

Statistic 37

The use of natural preservatives in cosmetics increased by 15% over the last five years.

Statistic 38

45% of cosmetics firms have implemented or plan to develop sustainable sourcing policies.

Statistic 39

The global market for eco-friendly packaging in cosmetics is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2028.

Statistic 40

63% of cosmetic companies are adopting more sustainable supply chain practices.

Statistic 41

55% of beauty brands are incorporating more eco-friendly ingredients into their products in 2023.

Statistic 42

Recycling programs for cosmetic packaging increased by 35% globally over the past three years.

Statistic 43

53% of cosmetics companies are investing in renewable energy for their manufacturing processes.

Statistic 44

The average lifespan of a sustainable cosmetic product’s packaging is 3.5 years, compared to 1.5 years for conventional packaging.

Statistic 45

46% of beauty products launched in 2023 claim to use minimal or zero waste packaging.

Statistic 46

Globally, 33% of cosmetic brands have set measurable sustainability targets for 2025.

Statistic 47

The adoption of circular economy principles in cosmetics increased by 28% from 2020 to 2023.

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Key Highlights

The global cosmetics industry is projected to reach $463 billion by 2027, with sustainability being a key growth driver.
Approximately 70% of consumers worldwide prefer brands that demonstrate sustainable practices.
85% of beauty consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits for eco-friendly products.
Brands that adopted sustainable packaging saw an average sales increase of 12%.
60% of consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the ingredients in their cosmetic products.
The use of biodegradable packaging in the cosmetics industry increased by 30% from 2020 to 2023.
40% of cosmetic companies have committed to achieving 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.
The carbon footprint of the cosmetics industry accounts for approximately 2-3% of global plastic production.
65% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands with transparent sustainability practices.
Organic and natural ingredients accounted for 25% of the global cosmetic product launches in 2022.
50% of consumers check for sustainability information on product labels before purchasing.
In 2023, 35% of cosmetic brands reported having a dedicated sustainability officer or team.
Refillable cosmetic product containers reduce plastic waste by up to 60%.

The booming $463 billion global cosmetics industry is increasingly driven by consumers demanding eco-friendly practices, with over 70% preferring sustainable brands, signaling a transformative shift toward greener, more responsible beauty choices.

Consumer Preferences and Purchase Behavior

Approximately 70% of consumers worldwide prefer brands that demonstrate sustainable practices.
85% of beauty consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits for eco-friendly products.
Brands that adopted sustainable packaging saw an average sales increase of 12%.
65% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands with transparent sustainability practices.
Organic and natural ingredients accounted for 25% of the global cosmetic product launches in 2022.
50% of consumers check for sustainability information on product labels before purchasing.
80% of consumers would pay more for sustainable beauty products.
78% of millennial consumers purchase from brands they perceive as environmentally responsible.
The demand for cruelty-free cosmetics grew by 22% from 2019 to 2021.
52% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that disclose their sustainability goals publicly.
Around 40% of consumers in the US consider sustainability a key factor in their cosmetic purchases.
72% of consumers prefer products with refillable or reusable packaging options.
48% of consumers look for products certified by third-party sustainability standards.
Sustainable cosmetics brands reported a 30% increase in customer loyalty scores in 2023.
About 67% of consumers prefer cosmetic brands that actively promote sustainability initiatives.
42% of consumers check for sustainable sourcing information before buying cosmetics.
Around 50% of consumers are willing to switch to brands with stronger sustainability credentials.

Consumer Preferences and Purchase Behavior Interpretation

With a clear consumer-driven shift towards eco-friendly and transparent practices, the global cosmetics industry is no longer just about beauty but about accountability, as brands embracing sustainability enjoy up to a 30% boost in loyalty—proving that conscience and cosmetics can, and should, go hand in hand.

Environmental Impact and Corporate Responsibility

60% of consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the ingredients in their cosmetic products.
The carbon footprint of the cosmetics industry accounts for approximately 2-3% of global plastic production.
In 2023, 35% of cosmetic brands reported having a dedicated sustainability officer or team.
The average carbon footprint per product for traditional cosmetics is estimated at 2.5 kg CO2e, while eco-friendly products average 1.2 kg CO2e.
65% of consumers are concerned about the ethical practices of cosmetic brands.
80% of consumers agree that environmental impact influences their brand loyalty.
The cosmetic industry's water usage conservation initiatives increased by 40% in 2023.

Environmental Impact and Corporate Responsibility Interpretation

With two-thirds of consumers scrutinizing ethical practices and environmental impacts, the cosmetics industry is quietly but diligently shedding its plastic-shrouded, carbon-heavy past—one eco-conscious product and sustainability officer at a time—highlighting that beauty now truly begins with responsibility.

Industry Innovations and Product Development

The innovation of biodegradable glitter gained a 25% market share in eco-friendly cosmetics in 2022.

Industry Innovations and Product Development Interpretation

The dazzling rise of biodegradable glitter, capturing a quarter of the eco-conscious cosmetics market in 2022, proves that sparkle and sustainability can go hand in hand—without leaving a toxic trail.

Market Trends and Certification

The global cosmetics industry is projected to reach $463 billion by 2027, with sustainability being a key growth driver.
The global vegan cosmetics market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2027, reflecting a rising trend in cruelty-free and plant-based products.
The use of mineral-based pigments in cosmetics increased by 18% from 2019 to 2022.
The global demand for organic cosmetic products is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2023 to 2030.
The eco-certification market for cosmetics grew by 22% in 2022.

Market Trends and Certification Interpretation

As the $463 billion global cosmetics industry sails toward sustainability and veganism, with mineral pigments rising and eco-certifications booming, it's clear that beauty is increasingly becoming a reflection of our planet’s health—and consumers' conscience—rather than just skin deep.

Sustainability and Eco-friendly Practices

The use of biodegradable packaging in the cosmetics industry increased by 30% from 2020 to 2023.
40% of cosmetic companies have committed to achieving 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.
Refillable cosmetic product containers reduce plastic waste by up to 60%.
The use of recycled plastics in cosmetic packaging increased by 50% over the past three years.
90% of new cosmetic brands launched in 2022 claimed to prioritize sustainability in their marketing.
60% of consumers are concerned about the water footprint of their cosmetic products.
The use of natural preservatives in cosmetics increased by 15% over the last five years.
45% of cosmetics firms have implemented or plan to develop sustainable sourcing policies.
The global market for eco-friendly packaging in cosmetics is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2028.
63% of cosmetic companies are adopting more sustainable supply chain practices.
55% of beauty brands are incorporating more eco-friendly ingredients into their products in 2023.
Recycling programs for cosmetic packaging increased by 35% globally over the past three years.
53% of cosmetics companies are investing in renewable energy for their manufacturing processes.
The average lifespan of a sustainable cosmetic product’s packaging is 3.5 years, compared to 1.5 years for conventional packaging.
46% of beauty products launched in 2023 claim to use minimal or zero waste packaging.
Globally, 33% of cosmetic brands have set measurable sustainability targets for 2025.
The adoption of circular economy principles in cosmetics increased by 28% from 2020 to 2023.

Sustainability and Eco-friendly Practices Interpretation

With a 30% rise in biodegradable packaging and nearly half of brands pledging to cut waste, it's clear the cosmetics industry is working hard to unveil beauty that’s as sustainable as it is stunning—though the real test remains whether these promises translate into lasting change before the 2025 deadline.