In 2019, luxury department store Selfridges removed single-use plastic wipes from its shelves for their harmful effects on the planet. This year, the chain pledged to remove all plastic-based glitter cosmetics from its shelves by 2021 citing the same reasons.
The transition will involve over 300 beauty partners, brands, and service providers that will be required to remove the microplastic ingredient for any products sold at Selfridges within the next 12 months. However, many of Selfridges' beauty brands are already plastic glitter-free including Lancôme, It Cosmetics, Benefit, and Christian Louboutin Beauty.
"By removing all microplastic glitter products from our beauty offer, we hope to inspire our customers, suppliers and fellow retailers to act responsibly, seek alternatives and make positive change through transparent and meaningful action," said Daniella Vega, Director of Sustainability at Selfridges.
Plastic Glitter Beauty Bans
Selfridges Pledged to Remove All Plastic-Based Glitter Cosmetics
Trend Themes
1. Plastic Glitter Ban - The removal of plastic-based glitter cosmetics creates an opportunity for cosmetic companies to innovate and explore alternative, eco-friendly ingredients for their cosmetic products.
2. Eco-friendly Beauty - The push for sustainable beauty products presents an opportunity for companies to create and market products that use eco-friendly and sustainable ingredients and packaging.
3. Transparency & Responsible Action - The emphasis on removing harmful ingredients from beauty products highlights a need for transparency and responsibility in the beauty industry, presenting opportunities for companies to reassess their production practices and marketing strategies.
Industry Implications
1. Cosmetics & Beauty - The cosmetic and beauty industry is being directly affected by this trend, creating a space for companies to innovate with alternative ingredients, more sustainable packaging, and more transparent production processes.
2. Sustainability - The trend for eco-friendly and sustainable products is growing, highlighting a need for innovation in industries that have a significant impact on the environment, such as cosmetics and beauty.
3. Retail - As more retailers take steps towards sustainability and ethical production practices, there is a need for more transparent and responsible retail practices in the industry, paving the way for opportunities for innovation in retail strategy and marketing.