Recently, the global beauty space has witnessed a major shift in perspective. As more and more focus now lies on clean ingredients, environmentally safe products, and sustainability, consumers are also leaning towards being aware and seeking transparent beauty. Let’s delve deeper into the evolution of ingredients in beauty formulations and the changing practices that support the same.
In a conversation with Professional Beauty India, Prachi Bhandari, Co-founder and Head Of Research at Aminu Skin Care, sheds light on India’s rich tradition of skincare remedies and their seamless integration into modern formulations. With a focus on transparent beauty, she explains how Aminu and other skincare brands in India are now prioritising ingredient education, offering consumers insights into the origins and benefits of their products. All so while ensuring the ingredients and products are safe for the planet.
India has a rich history of traditional skincare remedies. How are traditional ingredients incorporated into modern skincare formulations, and what benefits do they offer?
India’s rich history of traditional skincare remedies has significantly influenced modern skincare formulations. Ancient ingredients such as turmeric, neem, sandalwood, and aloe vera are known for their therapeutic properties. They’re seamlessly integrated into contemporary skincare products. These traditional elements bring a wealth of benefits, offering natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. For example, Turmeric & Calendula have brightening and anti-inflammatory effects. Neem provides potent antibacterial qualities. The incorporation of these time-honoured ingredients not only connects modern skincare with cultural heritage but also provides consumers with effective, time-tested solutions for radiant and healthy skin.
How do skincare brands in India approach ingredient transparency? What efforts do they take to educate consumers about the ingredients used in their products?
Many skincare brands in India, including ours, are making conscious efforts to prioritise ingredient transparency. At Aminu, we strongly believe in transparent beauty. We attain this by being open and honest about the ingredients we use in our skincare products.
To help you make informed decisions about your skincare, we have created a huge Ingredient Glossary on our website that provides detailed information about the ingredients we use, where they come from, and what benefits they offer.
Educating consumers about sustainable beauty practices is crucial. How does Aminu approach consumer education on sustainability, and what role does transparency play in building trust with environmentally conscious consumers?
Sustainability is a big deal for us, and we’re always looking for ways to reduce our impact on the planet. That’s why we follow the five R principles: Reduce, Refill, Reuse, Recycle, and Respect. We’re taking steps to reduce our waste footprint by using eco-friendly packaging like glass and recyclable plastic. We’ve also made sure that none of our products contain microbeads or microplastics. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the environment. We’re glad you’re along for the ride!
The concept of green chemistry is gaining prominence. How are beauty companies incorporating green chemistry principles into their formulations to create products that are both effective and environmentally friendly?
Beauty companies are increasingly embracing green chemistry principles to forge a new standard in effective yet environmentally friendly products. This involves sourcing sustainable, eco-conscious ingredients, opting for energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and prioritising recyclable or biodegradable packaging. By minimising environmental footprints and promoting responsible practices, these companies aim to deliver skincare solutions that not only nourish the skin but also align with the growing global commitment to ecological sustainability.
At Aminu, we formulate highly effective, clean skincare using the 12 principles of green chemistry. The ingredients are biocompatible and sustainable, from high-quality suppliers to processing of a cosmetic ingredient, to the product wash-off, down the drain and into the waterways.
What is the impact that micro-plastics are having on the environment? How can we make sure that our skincare products are effective in maintaining healthy skin while also taking care of the planet?
Micro-Beads & Micro-Plastics are those tiny particles that one often finds in skincare. However, while they look harmless, they often do not dissolve in water. This leads to a significant threat to marine life and also contributes significantly to water pollution. They travel from sink to sea and cause irreparable damage to marine life. Thousands of tonnes of microplastics are washed down our drains into the environment every year.
We are a signatory to Zero Plastic Inside, a campaign to stop using micro-plastics & microbeads spearheaded by Plastic Soup Foundation, Netherlands. None of our products contain microplastics or microbeads.