Celebrating Progress on Earth Day

By Lisa Powers
Executive Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications, PCPC

I love the TV series “Yellowstone.” The beautiful and breathtaking landscape of Montana brings me a certain peace. Its main protagonist once said: “The problem is people have stopped living with the planet and started living on it. There will come a time when Earth sheds us like dead skin and it will be our own fault.” These words have stayed with me since I first heard them.

Having worked within the beauty and personal care products industry for nearly two decades, I have seen extraordinary change when it comes to thinking – and acting – responsibly with our Earth. Twenty years ago, issues like reducing packaging, increasing transparency and traceability in the supply chain, and reducing biodiversity loss were not front and center. Today they are integral parts of both the operations and the mindset of our member companies.

PCPC’s most recent sustainability report and its companion video showcase the beauty and personal care industry’s continued commitment to the responsible management of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) impacts and highlights the innovative ways our member companies integrate sustainability into their business practices. 

But the report tells a deeper story that gives me tremendous hope on this Earth Day. In the two years since PCPC’s first sustainability report, more and more companies are taking significant steps to increase the sustainability of their operations:

  • Nearly twice as many cosmetics and personal care companies report making commitments to science-based targets (SBTs), designed to limit global warming to 1.5° C and prevent the worst impacts of climate change. The SBT Initiative requires reductions to scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Nearly twice as many companies report having made commitments to 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable for all plastic packaging by 2025.
  • More than twice as many companies report offering consumers retail collection or mail-in take-back programs for empty packaging.
  • The number of companies reporting commitments to use 100% renewable energy and joining RE 100 has doubled. RE 100 is a global corporate renewable energy initiative that brings together hundreds of large businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity.
  • Multiple companies are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and have made commitments to zero deforestation and sourcing sustainable palm oil for their products. The RSPO was established in 2004 to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products.

The progress over just two years is remarkable. Momentum continues to build in our industry and so many others. And consumers are engaged as well, seeking products that align with their own sustainability priorities. While we recognize that there’s more work to be done, the beauty and personal care products industry is committed to be part of the solution when it comes to addressing some of society’s most urgent sustainability challenges. PCPC and our member companies are working together with governments and NGOs to make meaningful change.

I am optimistic when I look at our member companies’ efforts to create a more beautiful world. As we celebrate the 53rd Earth Day, I hope everyone can continue their commitments to care for our world – in every aspect of our lives – but also let’s take a moment to celebrate the progress we are making, together.

PCPC’s 2021 Sustainability Handbook provides practical guidance for advancing a company’s sustainability practice.

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Honoring the Legacy of Women Trailblazers: The Power of Beauty. The Power of Women Supporting Women.

By A’Lelia Bundles
Author, Journalist, Madam Walker’s Great-Great-Granddaughter

Our stories are our power! As women we must tell our stories so future generations can see themselves in our triumphs and in our challenges. We must tell our stories so girls grow up assuming they can be bosses and innovators.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we are showered with magazine cover stories, documentaries, LinkedIn posts and TikTok videos about amazing women. But not so long ago, those stories were hard to find.

When I was in elementary school in the 1950s, my favorite library books were biographies. I loved learning facts about historical figures. But something was missing. Almost all the books were about men. I remember reading about author Louisa May Alcott and pilot Amelia Earhart, but there was nothing on the shelves about Black, Latina, Asian American and Indigenous women. Fortunately, the publishing industry is correcting this omission and women’s history is no longer just a footnote in the larger narrative of human history.

Today, I write the books I wish had been written for me as I tell the story of my great-great-grandmother, Madam C.J. Walker. Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867 on the same cotton plantation where her parents and older siblings had been enslaved, she became an early 20th century entrepreneur and millionaire by selling a line of hair care products created in 1906 specifically for Black women.

Having solved her own hair loss dilemma, she traveled throughout the United States, Central America and the Caribbean recruiting sales agents. Soon the products became a means to a greater end as she realized that her customers needed education and wanted financial independence as much as hair care products.

Madam Walker – like cosmetics industry founders Helena Rubinstein, Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Arden and Mary Kay Ash – knew the beauty business was lucrative. Despite their expertise in product formulation, strategic marketing and customer service, they all struggled to be taken seriously by investors, suppliers and male-dominated banks. Ultimately, their visionary business models prevailed as they employed thousands of women, empowered them economically and encouraged their self-confidence.

These successful businesswomen claimed their seat at the table even if they had to build their own board rooms to do so. They used their clout to fight for women’s rights and against domestic violence. That same spirit of advocacy shines through today, notably among women of color. Their concern for equality and fairness has inspired many beauty industry leaders to join them in supporting the CROWN Act, a law that bans workplace discrimination based on hair texture and styles, particularly those worn by African Americans. While federal legislation has not yet passed, 20 states have enacted their versions.

The beauty business always has been more complex than lip gloss and hair spray. From the beginning, it has been about women’s entrepreneurship, personal power, collaboration and economic empowerment.

Whether today or this month, I hope you will take some time to learn more about trailblazing women. Whether it’s Madam Walker and other cosmetics industry pioneers or women scientists, artists, diplomats, librarians, athletes, elected officials and your own grandmother, they all are a testament to the brilliance, creativity and fortitude of women who have succeeded against the odds.

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Transparent, Accountable and Purposeful: Our Journey Towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

By Michelle Shands
Director of Human Resources and Office Services, PCPC

It’s been nearly three years since George Floyd’s senseless murder. Businesses across the nation promised to take meaningful action to combat the systemic inequities and injustices plaguing our society. The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) understands the importance of playing a significant role in creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) world. As the director of HR and Office Services and a Black woman working in the trade association sector, I know my voice is critical in advancing my organization’s commitment.

At PCPC, we are intentional and thoughtful about our organizational changes and initiatives, deeply diving into our practices, impact and internal dynamics. We took a good, hard look at ourselves and engaged expert consultants, and DEI and social justice advisors to facilitate challenging conversations with our CEO, staff and Board of Directors. Through organization-wide town hall meetings and one-on-one discussions, we talked, listened and reflected on what we learned.

But we didn’t stop there. We took decisive action to make real change. We are working to ensure our employees have more opportunities for growth and development, enhancing transparency and accountability, aligning our external activities with our organizational and internal DEI goals, and embracing an intentional posture that clearly defines racial justice, equity, diversity and inclusion for PCPC. By remaining focused and purposeful, we have updated leave benefits and refined our recruitment process. And we are are working toward a more transparent approach to salary and promotion decisions and investing in leadership development to ensure our employees are ready to advance – whether at PCPC or other organizations.

Although it hasn’t been easy, we remain steadfast and proud of our hard work. While others may have acted faster, we knew laying a solid foundation was necessary to build lasting change. We have made significant strides but recognize that our work is far from done. We will continually evaluate our internal systems, practices and policies to ensure they align with our DEI goals and course-correct when necessary. Moving forward, we remain committed to listening and learning, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. We know that true progress requires vigilance and willingness to adapt.

It’s not about meeting quotas or checking boxes but building a culture of inclusivity that permeates every aspect of our organization. We are actively working to embed DEI into the fabric of our organizational culture, not just in how we do business but in how we treat each other and our wider community.

I am proud to work for an organization committed to making a real difference. I am grateful for the opportunity to lend my voice to this essential work. The conversation around DEI is long overdue, and while it took a tragedy to spark it, we will not turn back.

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A New Year But Not Business as Usual

By Lezlee Westine
President & CEO, PCPC

After more than two years of shifting much of our work and personal lives to virtual platforms, this past year saw a welcome return to in-person gatherings and events. While 2022 was not without its challenges, PCPC and our member companies remained steadfast in our commitment to the well-being of our employees, our consumers and our communities.

I am incredibly proud of everything we accomplished together. One of the last bills passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Biden included long-awaited legislation that advances product safety and innovation for our science-driven industry and reinforces consumer confidence. This historic moment took more than a decade to come to fruition, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to support a contemporary approach to cosmetics oversight and further strengthen consumer trust in the products they use every day. This landmark legislation would not have been possible without our members’ leadership and commitment and our partnership with key NGOs. We look forward to working closely with Congress, the FDA, our members and all interested parties to implement the new regulations every step of the way.

We also advocated modernizing laws and harmonizing initiatives at the state and global levels. For example, climate action is a top priority for our sector, and beauty and personal care products companies strive to be among the most exemplary in the sustainability of their businesses. We believe protecting people and the planet is an urgent responsibility, and sound science is the foundation for everything we do. However, we have more work to do. PCPC members continue to reduce their energy consumption, transitioning toward lower carbon or renewable sources of energy, and ambitiously cutting their GHG emissions while implementing mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies. PCPC’s second sustainability report showcases our industry’s commitment to the responsible management of environmental impacts, as well as economic and social value, and highlights the innovative ways member companies have integrated sustainability into their business practices. 

We believe a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace fosters more innovative and creative teams, less biased decision-making and produces better ideas for solving problems. As part of our own sustainability commitment, PCPC presented the second annual Madam C.J. Walker Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), which recognizes individuals in the beauty industry who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to DEI through strong leadership and sustained efforts with a focus on workplace culture, programs and policies, or through external engagement with consumers and communities. PCPC presented the award to Esi Eggleston Bracey, president of Unilever U.S. & CEO of Unilever Personal Care North America. 

I am incredibly humbled when I reflect on the countless ways our industry continues to deepen and broaden collaborative efforts to benefit society, including standing united with the international community to support the Ukrainian people. Many PCPC member companies fund relief efforts in Ukraine by donating to NGOs on the ground, supporting U.S.-based and international organizations focused on helping refugees displaced by the violence, and donating essential care and hygiene supplies.  

Business as usual has changed for the world, and collaboration is key to success. We are proud of the numerous ways our member companies are making a difference.

As we embrace the new year, we look forward to continued momentum and progress in creating a more diverse, equitable, inclusive and sustainable future. Together, we have much to be proud of and strive for. Happy New Year!

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Sustainability is Beautiful

By Lezlee Westine
President & CEO, Personal Care Products Council (PCPC)

The world has changed dramatically since we published our first sustainability report in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged all of us in unprecedented ways, and the events surrounding the tragic death of George Floyd in May 2020 and the subsequent protests have made diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) an even greater societal priority.

PCPC’s 2021 “Creating a More Beautiful World” sustainability report showcases the beauty and personal care industry’s continued commitment to the responsible management of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) impacts and highlights the innovative ways our member companies integrate sustainability into their business practices. 

Recognizing a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace fosters more innovation and creativity, less biased decision-making, and produces better ideas for solving problems, PCPC and many of our member companies initiated a variety of programs and approaches to improve employee recruitment and retention, and to address issues of racial disparities in leadership and pay. Currently, more than 75% of PCPC members have DEI policies and programs in place. Additionally, they work to develop products and services with more formula and shade diversity, as well as disability-inclusive packaging, to meet different needs.

I am incredibly proud of PCPC’s continued advocacy on behalf of our industry for the passage of the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, legislation that aims to end race-based hair discrimination. PCPC also announced the first annual Madam C.J. Walker Award for Excellence in DEI in May 2021, recognizing individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to DEI through strong leadership and sustained efforts with a focus on workplace culture, programs, and policies, or through external engagement with consumers and communities. Latriece Watkins of Walmart was our first recipient. Our second award presentation during PCPC’s Leadership Summit this past September brought industry together to celebrate Unilever’s Esi Eggleston Bracey.

These past few years have also called to light the pressing, complex and critical challenges facing our natural systems and the urgent need for us to take significant measures to protect our planet. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) state of global climate science publication issued a red alert for the planet. Climate action is a top priority for our member companies, and our sector has undertaken ambitious initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and transition toward a low carbon economy. Many PCPC member companies have also committed to zero waste in operations, including Beiersdorf, Burt’s Bees, Coty, Colgate-Palmolive, Henkel, Firmenich, International Flavors and Fragrance, L’Oréal, Procter and Gamble (P&G), Mary Kay, The Estée Lauder Companies and Unilever.

Several PCPC members are committed to the Global Commitment and Plastic Pact to make 100% of plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, including Beiersdorf, Colgate-Palmolive, Henkel, Kimberly-Clark, L’Oréal, Johnson & Johnson, Natura, Reckitt Benckiser, The Clorox Company and Unilever. And many PCPC member companies and their brands offer consumers retail collection or mail-in take-back programs for empty packaging, including Aveda, Burt’s Bees, Colgate Oral Care, Dial, Head and Shoulders, Herbal Essence, Henkel, Garnier, Kiehl’s Since 1851, MAC Cosmetics, Origins, Pantene, Seed Phytonutrients and Tom’s of Maine.

PCPC members also support a wide range of corporate social responsibility programs to help make their communities better places to live, including flagship initiatives like PCPC’s Look Good Feel Better and many corporate programs: L’Oréal Fund for Nature Regeneration and the For Women in Science program; Dove’s Real Beauty campaign and its more recent project #ShowUs; M·A·C’s VIVA GLAM campaign; Vaseline’s See My Skin; LIFEBUOY’s global handwashing campaign; Schwarzkopf’s Million Chances; Colgate’s Bright Smile, Bright Future; P&G’s Children’s Safe Drinking Water; Always’ #LikeAGirl campaign; Gillette’s #TheBestMenCanBe; Coty’s long-standing partnership with DKMS, an international non-profit fighting blood cancer and blood disorders; Rodan + Fields’ Prescription for Change Foundation; Fondation Chanel’s work on gender, climate and the environment; Mary Kay’s Pink Changing Lives and Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator; and Beiersdorf’s “Care Beyond Skin.”

Our member companies continue to conduct business with transparency, oversight and accountability, implementing policies, practices and processes that govern their actions and decision making. Ethical conduct guides our industry to act with integrity and maintain the highest standards. We are committed to promoting greater transparency and disclosure around products and believe everyone deserves the right to know and understand what’s in their products. Our member companies are also committed to eliminating animal testing while ensuring the safety of the products consumers trust and rely on every day. We have long advocated for government recognition and acceptance of alternative testing methods for product safety.

While we face a long list of social and environmental challenges, PCPC and our member companies believe that working together alongside government and NGOs will enable us to make meaningful change. We remain committed to tangible progress on serious issues like workforce opportunity, racial equity, climate change, and sustainable, responsible supply chains. Together we can make a difference.

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Voting is a Beautiful Thing

Lezlee Westine
President & CEO, Personal Care Products Council

More and more people are voting. Nearly 155 million people voted in the 2020 presidential election – significantly more than the 137.5 million who voted in 2016. Coincidently, 2020 was the year the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies launched the Beauty Counts…Time to Vote industry pledge, an effort to encourage civic engagement and a safe environment for employees to vote. Clearly, voting behaviors are changing.

Meanwhile, other changes are unfolding. According to the U.S. Census, approximately 60% of voters voted in person in 2016. The Covid-19 pandemic changed people’s behavior. In the 2020 election, 69% of voters voted early or cast their ballot by mail. How will voters choose to participate in the November 2022 midterm elections? Will they return to in-person voting or continue to rely on mail-in ballots?

However individuals choose to exercise their right to vote, leaders in the beauty and personal care products industry are pledging their support again this year. Building on the effort launched in 2020, 20 companies have signed the Beauty Counts…Time to Vote pledge to date this year, providing employees flexibility and/or meaningful time off to vote in the upcoming midterm election. Employees can also use the time to volunteer at the polls or engage in other appropriate activities that strengthen a culture of civic engagement.

As we said when we launched this effort, physically getting to the polls can be difficult, and no one should have to choose between earning a paycheck and casting a ballot. Everyone who has the right to vote should also have the opportunity. And that’s what the Beauty Counts pledge is all about.

Beauty and personal care companies thrive when employees are engaged citizens who actively participate in their communities. I know that we are but one piece of an extensive and vibrant network of organizations and individuals working to promote voter engagement.

Now in our third year of the Beauty Counts pledge, I remain so proud of the beauty and personal care industry for coming together to encourage employees to engage in civic-minded activities. And I urge everyone – within our industry and beyond – to never take for granted the right to vote.

Whether you vote early, by mail-in ballot or in person on November 8, remember that every vote counts and you are making a beautiful difference.

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Sunscreens, Waterways and Science – What We Know

By Iain Davies, Ph.D.
Director of Environmental Science Programs, PCPC

While sunscreens may not be top of mind as the weather turns cooler, sunscreens are a critical tool in a daily regimen, year-round. Last month, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released an important report about the environmental impact of currently marketed sunscreens and the potential human impacts of changes in sunscreen usage. The report noted sunscreens’ public health benefits and provided much-needed perspective on the current state of scientific knowledge related to sunscreens, specifically ultraviolet (UV) filters.

UV filters are essential ingredients used in sunscreens to absorb, scatter or reflect the UV radiation, protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure. By filtering out harmful UV rays, sunscreens help to reduce the risk of skin cancer, sunburn and premature skin aging.

Many people use sunscreens when they are enjoying time outdoors, including in rivers, lakes or oceans. The NAS report sought to address the potential impact on aquatic life if UV filters are present in water systems, as well as the efficacy of sunscreens in preventing UV damage to human skin and the potential health impacts. Sunscreen ingredients also rinse off when people are bathing or showering, entering the wastewater system and potentially being discharged into bodies of water.

The report summarizes the findings of a multidisciplinary expert panel that reviewed the available science. In short, the study found that there is currently insufficient relevant and reliable scientific data to conduct a realistic environmental risk assessment. Additionally, there is not enough scientific data to support UV filter bans that some U.S. states and other parts of the world have implemented.

Importantly, the report put forward three broad recommendations to address the information gaps:  

  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should conduct an ecological risk assessment (ERA) for all currently marketed UV filters and any new ones that become available.
  • Government agencies, together with sunscreen formulators and UV filter manufacturers, should conduct and disseminate comprehensive research on multiple aspects of UV filters and their impact on aquatic environment.
  • Epidemiological risk modeling and behavioral studies related to sunscreen usage should be conducted to better understand human health outcomes from changing availability and usage.

While the report confirmed what PCPC’s scientists have long concluded – insufficient environmental safety data have been used to justify sunscreen bans or changes in consumer behavior – NAS further acknowledges that changes in consumer sunscreen use could lead to significant adverse public health impacts of increased UV-induced skin cancers. Medical experts and regulatory authorities worldwide agree that sunscreens play a critical role in a safe-sun regimen and nothing in the report changes that recommendation.

PCPC and our member companies welcome the opportunity to work with federal agencies and other interested stakeholders to fill in some of the scientific information gaps as they relate to UV filters’ impact to aquatic environments. We are committed to conducting the innovative and cutting-edge environmental research needed to not only assess potential environmental risks but to also address consumer questions and maintain consumer trust in products that help protect their skin every day.

For more information on sunscreens and other beauty and personal care products, visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org.

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Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – What’s the Future?

By Lisa Powers
EVP, Public Affairs & Communications

Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, is an innovative policy approach emerging in several U.S. states to address growing concerns about waste produced by our economy. It assigns producers the responsibility for fiscal, physical and/or end-of-life management of their products and packaging once they are no longer in use. 

Last month, I moderated a webinar in PCPC’s sustainability series with a focus on EPR programs, today and in the future, with guest speakers Resa Dimino, managing partner at Signalfire Group, and Lucy Pierce, project manager at the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC). Numerous PCPC companies are members of SPC.

As Dimino noted during the webinar, companies from a number of industries are engaged with state policymakers to develop effective EPR programs, focusing on:

  • Increased waste diversion and recovery,
  • Reduced government cost,
  • Incorporated cost of recycling and end-of-life management in the product’s cost and
  • Improved design of products to reduce environmental impact

In 2021, Oregon and Maine were the first states to pass EPR bills specific to packaging. In 2022, 15 states have already introduced EPR packaging legislation and more are likely. Typically, state legislation sets requirements for brand and retailer responsibility for residential recycling programs, creates performance standards (e.g., recycling rates, service standards, etc.) and establishes oversight of the programs.

But even without this legislation, EPR principles are widely used for products across various industries, including beverage containers, electronics, rechargeable batteries, paint and many other consumer products. EPR is emerging as a key consideration in the design and development for packaging of cosmetics and personal care products, even when not legislatively mandated.

Regardless of the industry, one of the most critical parts of an EPR program is the producer responsibility organization (PRO), which serves as the administrator of the legislation once implemented. The PRO manages obligations set forth in the legislation and develops and implements the program plan, which serves as the blueprint for meeting goals and obligations. In addition, the PRO sets and collects fees.

According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition: “Many new bills and positions extend cost coverage to include outreach and education, infrastructure improvements, and end-market development for recycled materials. Organizations and policymakers are increasingly pointing to effective EPR as a necessary component of a comprehensive approach to addressing recycling challenges and concern over single-use product pollution.”   

In June 2021, PCPC members were among the more than 100 companies to sign on to a statement from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation committed to ensuring their company and its actions align with the principles of a circular economy while also “advocating for the establishment of well-designed EPR policies and being supportive in working out how to implement and continuously improve EPR schemes in the local context.”

PCPC supports state EPR programs that embrace the following principles:

  • Shared Responsibility – costs and reduction targets should be shared between producers,
    municipalities and other value chain actors
  • Prioritize Infrastructure – producer funding should be directed towards infrastructure that
    will increase packaging recovery and circular use
  • Transparency and Accountability – adequate reporting, monitoring and
    independent auditing systems should ensure producer compliance, state
    accountability of administrative costs and the overall financial health of the program
  • Producer Access to Materials – producers should have fair and privileged access to the purchase of recycled materials in support of closed-loop recycling

PCPC recognizes the need for all actors along the packaging value chain to help identify options to contribute to the success of state initiatives to enhance recycling and support the circular economy. All stakeholders, including the personal care products industry, play an essential role in the future development and growth of EPR programs. We are all in this together.

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National Don’t Fry Day: Enjoy Summer Safely

By Alex Kowcz
Chief Scientist

With summer vacation and warm weather upon us, we’re all eager for fun in the sun. National Don’t Fry Day serves as a reminder of the potential harm of overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The dangers of UV rays – including premature skin aging and skin cancer – are clear and universally recognized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Skin Cancer Foundation and health care professionals worldwide emphasize the important role of sunscreen use in the fight against skin cancer and premature skin aging.

On National Don’t Fry Day, and every day, we encourage everyone to protect their skin from the dangers of UV exposure. An easy way to gauge your UV exposure is by your shadow. UV exposure is likely to be lower when your shadow is taller than you are (i.e., in the early morning and late afternoon). If, on the other hand, your shadow is shorter than you (usually around midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation and should seek shade, and protect your skin and eyes.

DontFryDay

Skin cancer is a significant, yet largely preventable, public health concern. According to the American Cancer Society, more than five million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year – more than all other types of cancer combined. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and 20 Americans die from melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – every day, according to AAD. PCPC and our member companies share a common goal to help consumers make informed decisions about using sunscreen as part of an overall safe-sun regimen. Our industry is proud to offer innovative sunscreen products that help protect individuals and families from the harmful effects of the sun.

Having an array of safe and effective sunscreen active ingredients allows manufacturers to continue to develop products that meet the differing needs of individuals and their families. Ensuring consumers have access to these products is critical in the fight against skin cancer and premature aging, as well as an important contribution to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) public health mission.

Remember, ‘Don’t Fry’ while enjoying your summer! We hope using sunscreens becomes as much of a habit as using your seat belt.

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Earth Day 2022: A Sustainable and Biodiverse Future for Coral Reefs

By Emily Burns, Ph.D.
Environmental Scientist

Earth Day is a reminder of just how important coral reefs are in sustaining a wide array of plant, fish and invertebrate species, as well as supporting the livelihood of more than half a billion people through a variety of means, such as fisheries and ecotourism. Tropical coral reefs are the most ecologically diverse ecosystems in the marine environment. Despite only covering approximately 1% of the oceans, these habitats are critical to sustaining about 25% of all marine species. Coral reefs also protect adjacent shorelines from storms and host dozens of species that are key sources of medicines to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

EarthDay2022

More than 75% of coral reefs are considered to be under serious threat. The most prevalent cause of coral bleaching – which leads to coral weakening and death – is a significant and persistent rise in water temperatures, which can be attributed to the climate crisis. The climate crisis is also increasing ocean acidification, which further threatens reef survival by reducing the growth of corals and other animals.

There are also a number of local threats to coral reefs, including overfishing, invasive species, pollution from untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, unsustainable coastal development and physical damage from tourists’ feet or boat anchors. Proper management of such threats can have a significant positive impact on coral health, potentially increasing resiliency to the broader global threat of climate change.

Coral reef decline is a serious environmental, economic and societal issue that beauty and personal care products member companies take very seriously. While the use of specific sunscreen active ingredients has also been implicated as a local threat to corals, available scientific evidence indicates these ingredients are unlikely to be a threat. As a result of our industry’s extensive investigation, projects and partnerships have been established to lead the way in developing more robust science needed to understand the relationship between sunscreens and coral health. While we don’t have all of the answers, more research into the impacts of sunscreen active ingredients on coral is needed to allow the scientific community to form a consensus based on reliable studies.

We believe protecting the planet is a responsibility, not a choice. PCPC and our member companies are dedicated to improving the well-being of people and the planet, united in our commitment to operate responsibly and to ensure all cosmetic and personal care product ingredients are sustainable and do not adversely impact the environment. 

This Earth Day, I encourage you to explore EarthDay.org’s Conservation and Biodiversity Campaign for ideas and steps you can take to help protect our coral reefs.

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