This Report underscores the growing global awareness of environmental issues, particularly among younger adults, who predominantly associate sustainability with environmental protection. In India, this trend is especially strong among younger, more educated demographics. However, challenges such as affordability, convenience and trust in sustainable products remain barriers.
Ingredient transparency has become a key focus, with consumers seeking ‘cleaner’ beauty products made from natural and safe components. This Report also addresses critical concerns such as plastic pollution and climate change, highlighting the importance of responsible plastic use. India’s regulatory policies are evolving to support sustainable packaging, with initiatives such as the India Plastics Pact fostering a circular economy.
The Report also delves into the delicate balance between efficacy and sustainability in the BPC market, particularly in India. While product efficacy continues to be the primary factor influencing purchases, there is a growing interest in eco-friendly packaging and ingredients. Consumers associate sustainability with skin-safe ingredients, fitting into the concept of ‘harmless beauty’, which prioritises natural, non-toxic components and being safe for humans as well as the planet. The Report explores regional variations in sustainability preferences and highlights opportunities for growth in eco-conscious packaging, such as refillable and recyclable solutions.
By addressing these trends and challenges, this Report paints a comprehensive picture of how sustainability is reshaping the BPC industry globally, with a focus on emerging markets such as India.
This report looks at the following areas:
- The dominance of efficacy over sustainability in BPC purchases
- Indian consumers’ focus on eco-friendly ingredients and practices
- The growing importance of clean beauty and ingredient transparency
- Differences in sustainability priorities between city tiers
- The rise in eco-friendly packaging claims in Indian BPC launches
- Opportunities for brands to leverage refillable and plastic-free packaging
While opposition to plastic remains strong, sustainability in the BPC industry extends beyond packaging – it also involves ingredients that are both skin-friendly and environmentally safe.
Rushikesh Aravkar, Director, Mintel Reports India
Market Definitions
For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definition.
Sustainability in BPC encompasses a myriad of aspects. This Report focuses on:
- sustainable consumer practices in BPC (eg recycling packaging, using refills)
- sustainability in packaging
- sustainability in ingredient sourcing