With easier access to information and a growing focus on sustainability in nearly every aspect of life, the cosmetics industry is undergoing a major shift toward going green in 2026. Often called the “clean beauty revolution,” this movement is driving brands to rethink how they source and use cosmetic raw materials, inspiring innovation and a more responsible approach to product creation.
This green revolution is already showing significant growth, with a USD 47.5 billion market projected by 2027, driven by a CAGR of 5.6%. Almost 8 out of 10 customers now demand sustainable and green chemistry cosmetics in their closets. With such demands, one must wonder, what exactly are green raw materials in cosmetic products?
What Makes Cosmetics “Green”?
1. Cosmetic products that don’t use harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones, etc.
2. Companies produce cosmetics using such chemicals without an impact on the environment or carbon footprint.
3. The materials used should have biodegradability, i.e., they should decompose naturally.
4. All the cosmetic raw materials should be from renewable sources with fair-trade standards.
Types of Green Cosmetic Materials
- Bio-Actives and Botanical Extracts
Antioxidant is a term you will see a lot in cosmetics these days, and botanical extracts are getting special attention for getting these life-vital compounds. Natural materials like green tea, chamomile, aloe vera, turmeric, and ginseng are increasingly common in cosmetic raw materials to achieve an antioxidant profile.
2. Plant-Based Oils
Formulations of premium cosmetics products use plant-based oils like coconut, shea butter, jojoba, argan, rosehip oil, etc, to give the product a proper hydration profile while also providing the skin proper nourishment and protection without the usual synthetic additives.
3. Natural Pigments & Minerals
Mineral pigments, which exist naturally, are quickly replaceable and categorized alongside synthetic dyes. These include mica, iron oxides, titanium dioxide, etc. In fact, cosmetic products are quickly categorized as substandard if these pigments are not found in their ingredients by customers these days.
4. Marine Ingredients
They receive a lot of attention and are often featured in premium cosmetic brands. The most common ones are algae peptides, marine collagen, and seaweed extracts, which are quite popular due to their super-rich profile.
5. Biotechnological Ingredients
Nowadays, there is a huge demand for cosmetics that feature fermentation-derived actives, such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which remain among the most marketed and in-demand actives of this year. Producing such cosmetics through fermentation has a minimal environmental impact and is also a highly effective and stable method for producing the raw materials of modern skincare.
Green Materials and the Future of Cosmetics:
- Waterless Formulations
One key focus of green cosmetics and sustainable practices is the shift toward products that require little to no water, recognizing that water remains a scarce resource on our planet. The use of products like solid shampoos, cleansing balms, and powder-to-foam products is on the rise due to this approach and is expected to gain more traction.
2. Circular Beauty is here
This is already becoming a norm and is expected to become a standard in the near future. Companies are utilizing biodegradable packaging, upcycled ingredients, and refillable containers to make the entire cosmetic industry more circular and planet-friendly.
3. Trend of Lab-Grown Materials
Many cosmetic companies are now adopting lab techniques to produce cosmetic raw materials that are traditionally obtained from animal sources. These include lab-grown collagen, elastin, and plant stem cells.
Platform for Sourcing Green Materials
This significant market shift is affecting everyone in the business and supply chains. To stay ahead of the curve, finding a reliable supplier of such raw materials is essential. In fact, working with sustainable suppliers of such materials remains one of the biggest challenges companies face this year. This is where ECHEMI solves its problem.
The platform is a well-respected and experienced global B2B sourcing network that directly connects businesses with vetted and verified potential partners. They can be cosmetic formulators, manufacturers, and suppliers of cosmetic materials from all around the world. Businesses can quickly adapt to the circular beauty industry with these suppliers and can source with confidence while maintaining transparency and traceability on the platform.
Wrapping Up:
The entire cosmetic industry is undergoing a significant shift toward “greener” cosmetic raw materials, the adoption of sustainable operational practices, and digital traceability. Platforms like ECHEMI help businesses to align their sales with this cosmetic revolution.