Junbo Zhao

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In 2011, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), marking it as the first international instrument that assigns companies the responsibility to respect human rights.

Accounting for a third of the global population, Gen Z, 9–24-year-olds (born between 1997-2012), has surpassed millennials as the largest generation, and they are grabbing a larger share of the attention of beauty brands too. (Allen, 2021) Gen Z consumers have grown up with the technology and experienced a variety of cultures. They are known for unique characteristics, such as a focus on experiences, a willingness to try new things, and a strong desire for social interaction. They are enthusiastic about investing significant time and even money in areas that reflect their identity.

According to surveys, Gen Z is the loneliest generation in America, so they’re actively looking for ways to engage and connect with like-minded individuals. (J, Hilliard 2019) Brands can consider building digital communities to attract Gen Z customers, encouraging them to share their thoughts and provide feedback during product development, which will strengthen the bond between Gen Z customers and the brand.

The cosmetic industry should also adapt its marketing tactics to capture with the new generation that has grown up with internet and online social media. For example, spending more time collaborating with internet influencers and establishing their own official accounts on various online media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, to promote their products.

The content of the video must be entertaining enough to attract Gen Z attention. Gen Zers have an uncanny ability to filter content.(Thomas, 2022) Fenty Beauty, a makeup brand, has effectively achieved this on their TikTok and Instagram account by creating interesting and easily digestible tutorials in collaboration with beauty influencers, which highlights their products on the internet.  

Furthermore, the beauty and cosmetics industry faces challenges related to diversity and human rights in product development and advertising. The rise of online media and internet influencer marketing has made it easier to hold companies accountable for opacity.

Fanty beauty is a notable example of responding to racial diversity. They have created more than 50 foundation shades to cater to every race, allowing individuals to find their most suitable skin colour.

As the influence of the internet continues to expand, cosmetics companies should hire more individuals with expertise in the technology field to establish online stores and recruit people working in social media to help the brand create online live-streaming experiences. This approach not only reduces costs associated with physical stores and traditional media but also allows more Gen Zers to connect with the brand online.

Reference:

PowerReviews (2021). Consumer Survey: The Changing Face of the Beauty Shopper. Available at: https://www.powerreviews.com/insights/2021-beauty-industry-consumer-report/. [Accessed 12 Oct. 2023]

Allen , J. (2021). Cosmetics Business Reveals Key Gen Z Beauty Trends in new report. Available at:https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/news/article_page/Cosmetics_Business_reveals_key_Gen_Z_beauty_trends_in_new_report/179180 [Accessed 12 Oct. 2023].

ESW Global Voices Survey (2023). Millennials Will Lead Global Ecommerce Spending in 2023, New Study Reveals.

Available at: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230324005221/en/Millennials-Will-Lead-Global-Ecommerce-Spending-in-2023-New-Study-Reveals [Accessed 12 Oct. 2023]

Thomas, M. (2022). 5 Gen Z Marketing Strategies to Implement in 2023. Available at: https://later.com/blog/gen-z-marketing/ [Accessed 15 Oct. 2023].

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AMZ-SV-SS30-SS50-v3-100_-Reef-Friendly-小

Planet

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As awareness regarding the adverse effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on skin health grows, including skin damage, premature ageing and even cancer, sunscreen has been widely used to prevent the cutaneous harm. However, many chemicals in sunscreen could cause damage on the marine animal and coral reefs which cause a negative impact on world sustainable developments.

The chemicals that have been commonly used, such as oxybenzone which is found in more than 3,500 skin care products worldwide (Skincare chemicals and Coral Reefs, 2013), is immensely toxic to coral reefs. The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science researchers had discovered even very low concentrations of or BP-2, can quickly kill juvenile corals. (NCCOS, 2013) There are roughly 14,000 tons of sunscreen enters waterways (American Chemical Society, 2019) around the world every year mainly from swimmers in the ocean and washing off from our bodies.

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 (United Nations 2023), the product which produced by the cosmetic industry has already made impact on the SDG 11 of life below water. An estimated 25 percent of all marine life are dependent on coral reefs at some point in their life cycle. (US EPA, 2017) The industry should avoid using ingredients that can cause damage to coral reefs, and opting instead for ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which function as physical barriers to the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by the skin

Certain companies have already initiated proactive measures. La Roche-Posay, for example, has introduced a line of sunscreen products adorned with a logo symbolizing their commitments to respect marine life, thus elevating the significance of coral reef and marine ecosystem conservation. In collaboration with external organizations like CRIOBE, Tara Pacific, Ifremer, CSM, La Roche-Posay has a dedicated team has been testing the Anthelios range to ensure these products are marine safe. (La Roche-Posay, 2023)

Apart of choosing reef-friendly products to save the life below water, it’s also important to spread awareness about the issue to people around us, or even advocate for local legislation to ban sunscreens that contain toxic ingredients. There are many governments started to ban or regulate the use of sunscreens due to the influence on marine animals. The most restrictive regulations on sunscreens are from the Republic of Palau, which banned all organic UV-filter sunscreens (BBC News, 2020).

Reference list

  1. National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (2013) Skincare chemicals and Coral Reefs. Available at: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals-noaa-studies.html  (Accessed: 08 Oct 2023).
  2. American Chemical Society (2019) Sunscreen and cosmetics compound may harm coral by altering fatty acids. Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190109110048.htm  (Accessed: 08 Oct 2023).
  3. Downs, C.A., Kramarsky-Winter, E., Segal, R., Fauth, J., Knutson, S., Bronstein, O., Ciner, F.R., Jeger, R., Lichtenfeld, Y., Woodley, C.M., Pennington, P., Cadenas, K., Kushmaro, A. and Loya, Y. (2015). Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), on Coral Planulae and Cultured Primary Cells and Its Environmental Contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-015-0227-7. (Accessed: 08 Oct 2023).
  4. US EPA (2017). Basic Information about Coral Reefs. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/coral-reefs/basic-information-about-coral-reefs#:~:text=Coral%20reefs%20are%20among%20the. (Accessed: 08 Oct 2023).
  5. La Roche-Posay (2023) “Our commitment”, INNOVATING SUSTAINABLY, 2023. Available at: https://www.laroche-posay.ca/en_CA/our-commitment.html. (Accessed: 08 Oct 2023).
  6. ScienceDaily. (2019). Sunscreen and cosmetics compound may harm coral by altering fatty acids. Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190109110048.htm. (Accessed: 08 Oct 2023).
  7. US EPA (2017). Basic Information about Coral Reefs. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/coral-reefs/basic-information-about-coral-reefs#:~:text=Coral%20reefs%20are%20among%20the. (Accessed: 08 Oct 2023).
  8. Cooney, J., Lenczewski, M., Leal-Bautista, R.M., Tucker, K., Davis, M. and Rodriguez, J. (2023). Analysis of sunscreens and antibiotics in groundwater during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Science of The Total Environment. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164820. (Accessed: 08 Oct 2023).
  9. Palau is first country to ban ‘reef toxic’ sun cream. (2020). BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-50963080. (Accessed: 08 Oct 2023).
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Purid

My Favourite Cosmetics Brand

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Piaoli is a new Chinese skincare brand established by a Chinese cosmetics formulator, setting it apart from other commercial skincare brands.

  • One notable difference is that some of Piaoli’s products contain alcohol in their formulation, which many other skincare brands try to avoid. According to the brand’s founder, the addition of alcohol can help the effective ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin. The brand’s aim is to create affordable and effective products for everyone.
  • Another distinctive feature of Piaoli is its use of “old-fashioned” ingredients, such as Ascorbic acid and Retinol. The brand founder believes that these ingredients are cost-effective and reliable. Piaoli exclusively sells its products online, as maintaining physical stores can be expensive and would drive up product prices—something they wish to avoid.
  • While Piaoli is not yet widely known in China, it already boasts a loyal customer base who willingly promote the brand on their social media platforms to spread awareness. I believe this brand has great potential for future success. If you have any skin problems, I encourage you to give Piaoli a try!

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