March 16th, 2023
Happy World Environment Day from Adina!
The 5th of June marks World Environment Day, a global awareness day that promotes sustainable practices, inspires positive change, and addresses specific environmental challenges facing our planet. This year’s theme is ending plastic pollution and finding sustainable alternatives. To celebrate, we’re shining a light on five ingredients and five brands that inspire us. From upcycled ingredients and eco-friendly packaging to low-waste formulas and brands that give back to the planet.
5 Inspiring Ingredients:
1. Pumpkin TONIQTM - The Upcycled Beauty Company
The Upcycled Beauty Company is at the forefront of sustainable innovation, creating plant-based ingredients from by-products and food waste. Their latest launch, Pumpkin TONIQ™, is a standout example—crafted from upcycled pumpkin seeds, this zero-waste haircare active boosts shine, tames frizz, deeply conditions, and delivers benefits not just for your hair, but for the planet too.
2. STIMU-TEX® AS - dsm-firmenich
STIMU-TEX® AS is an incredible ingredient made from a blend of upcycled spent grain wax (from a brewery), cold-processed argan oil, and shea butter. This powerful natural formulation relieves irritated, itchy skin by targeting antihistamine-related symptoms. It is a great way to turn an age-old brewing byproduct into a modern skincare solution.
3. TOSOLIN® P - Gobiotics by Sweetch
TOSOLIN® P is another powerful ingredient. Derived from purified polysaccharides, sustainably sourced through the fermentation of molasses (a by-product of sugar refining). These polysaccharides enhance cell-to-cell communication within the skin, boosting its resilience against environmental stressors such as UV exposure, which can accelerate aging and dryness. TOSOLIN® P not only strengthens the skin’s natural defences but also supports the tanning process, offering a well-rounded solution for healthier, more responsive skin.
4. A-Leen 5 - Minasolve
A-Leen 5 is a great sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical ingredients. Derived from renewable vegetable by-products like corncob and sugarcane bagasse, it delivers the proven performance of Pentylene Glycol, while championing environmental responsibility by using up food waste. With its multi-functionality (can be used for an emollient, skin humectant, solubiliser, and antimicrobial agent), it's a naturally derived option that supports the shift towards greener, more conscious cosmetics.
5. CosmeGreen PC50 - Surfactgreen
CosmeGreen PC50 is another eco-conscious ingredient that uses upcycled food waste from beetroot and sugarcane. This COSMOS-certified cationic emulsifier is not only a high-performance conditioning agent and viscosity builder but also a sustainable, plant-based alternative to traditional BTAC in haircare formulations. It’s gentle on skin and enables versatile applications, including solid formats like sticks, balms, and butters. A planet-friendly choice for clean beauty formulations.
5 Inspiring Brands:
1. Vemel
Vemel is a UK-based skincare brand leading the way in waterless beauty. By removing water from their formulas, they reduce resource use and create highly concentrated, effective products. From cleansers to balms, everything is packaged in fully recyclable, plastic-free materials. Truly reflecting their commitment to sustainability, minimalism, and zero-waste skincare.
2. Wild
Recently acquired by Unilever, Wild is another sustainable-led brand. Widely known for their refillable deodorants, balms, and body washes using natural ingredients. Wild also created the world's first 100% plastic-free, compostable body wash bottle from bamboo and plant starch. The refillable design aims to eliminate traditional plastic bottles and tackle the throwaway culture of bathroom products.
3. BYBI
BYBI continues to lead with its carbon-neutral production and sugarcane-based packaging. Its refillable system for products like the Babe Balm helps reduce waste while maintaining stylish, functional design. By prioritising low-impact ingredients and responsible sourcing, BYBI demonstrates that sustainability and high-performance skincare can go hand in hand. The brand’s transparent supply chain and commitment to circular beauty set a strong example for the future of eco-conscious cosmetics.
4. Neal's Yard Remedies
This heritage British brand has been CarbonNeutral® certified since 2008 (one of the first high street brands in the UK to do so) and is committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Known for their iconic recyclable blue glass bottles and organic ingredients, Neil’s Yard is a conscious brand contributing to a more circular economy.
5. Faith In Nature
Faith In Nature recently launched solid shampoo and conditioner bars with compostable wrappers. They also have new aluminium 'infinitely recyclable' bottles, which they're looking to switch more products to. They found just one refill drops below the carbon footprint of their 100% recyclable smaller plastic bottles. Their transparency on changing from 100% recycled plastic to other means is refreshing to read on their blog and a conversation we feel all brands should be openly having, as they look to make more changes. They also became the first company to legally appoint Nature to their board, giving the environment a literal voice. Now that’s putting the environment at the heart of things!
This World Environment Day, we're reminded that every small change can contribute to a bigger shift toward a more sustainable future. At Adina, we’re proud to champion brands and ingredients that prioritise the planet, and these brands and many others prove that beauty can be both effective and eco-conscious. Let’s continue to support and celebrate companies helping reshape the industry for the better, not just today but every day!
For more inspiration, check out our full range of ingredients available to use in your next formulation.
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