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Learning Objectives - Clean & Green Skincare

Describe the common features of clean cosmetics and personal care products
Identify the key regulatory bodies, and understand current regulations, surrounding cosmetics in North America and the European Union
Explore and understand key statistics and market trends in relation to the sales growth of clean and green skincare product purchases
Recognize emerging trends within the clean and green marketplace
Identify the primary factors relating to clean & green product purchase behaviour
Identify and understand the key roles of the general ingredients and ingredient classes common to most cosmetics and personal care products
Identify and describe the general role, and evidence-based associated health, environmental, and sustainability concerns, and in some cases, counter-points to these concerns, for a variety of ingredient and ingredient classes commonly avoided or limited in use within clean skincare product formulation; these include parabens and other preservatives, phthalates, sulphates, fragrances/sensitizing agents, benzophenone UV filters, per- & polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), among others
Identify and describe the primary elements contributing toward sustainability in the formulation and manufacture of skincare products
Understand the main phases of a cosmetic product ‘life cycle’, including product design, manufacturing processes, packaging and distribution, and post-consumer use
Describe the differences between common ingredient classes used in clean skincare, including natural, natural derived, nature identical, and organic
Identify various certification standards for organic and natural skincare products from North America and Europe
Recognize currently-used (and theoretical) ‘clean/green’ ingredient alternatives used to replace certain ingredients of concern in skincare products; including alternatives for emollients, colorants, surfactants, fragrances and preservatives
Explore resources which provide evidence-based safety and assessment data relating to cosmetic and personal care product ingredients
Explore and become familiar in the use of resources providing for the criteria-based identification of skincare products deemed to be clean, including those considered safer for patients managing allergic or irritant contact dermatitis
Recognize and utilize governmental regulatory and cosmetic industry resources pertaining to safety assessment and selection of skincare products
Identify key results from research evaluating the effects of active exposure reduction from the use of products which have limited or restricted amounts of certain ingredients of concern
Understand non-topical routes of exposure, and methods to avoid such, for certain ingredients of concern
Explore resources which improve label ingredient transparency by providing more detailed label and ingredient information