Who Did You Interview?
- Sara - Univ. Friend
Demographics That Might Provide Helpful Context for Their Responses
- Residing in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Born in 2001
- Currently studying at Sookmyung Women's University, majoring in Entrepreneurship
Key Findings from the Interview
#1. How important is the environmental impact of cosmetics when choosing a product?
→ It seems that sustainability is considered as the third most important factor, following ingredients and price.
#2. Are there any specific ingredients or practices in the cosmetics industry that you consider unsustainable or harmful to the environment?
→ There are practices such as excessive packaging, unnecessary use of plastic, and a lack of refillable products.
#3. What are the barriers or difficulties you face when trying to find and purchase sustainable cosmetics?
→ There is a limited availability of sustainable cosmetics, and many brands only offer them as limited editions or seasonal products, making it difficult to find them consistently. Additionally, some brands advertise themselves as sustainable or vegan, but in reality, they may not meet those claims. Smaller-scale sustainable brands may not have high awareness or availability through mainstream channels like Olive Young, and can only be purchased through their own websites, creating additional barriers.
#4. Do you trust claims about sustainability efforts by cosmetics brands? What are your reasons for trusting or not trusting them?
→ I do not trust them. While many brands may be genuinely making efforts towards sustainability, there are currently no perfectly sustainable cosmetic brands. Ultimately, cosmetic production involves generating waste and potentially polluting water sources. Moreover, there has been an increase in cosmetic advertisements that highlight sustainability as a marketing trend to target value-conscious consumers.
#5. Are there any certifications or labels that you specifically look for when purchasing sustainable cosmetics? What are the reasons for this?
→ Instead of certifications or labels, I primarily visit the product websites and check the production process and ingredients. The majority of certifications or labels are unfamiliar, so I prefer to verify the information directly.
#6. How do you balance your desire for sustainable cosmetics with other factors such as price and effectiveness?
→ If a sustainable cosmetic product is environmentally friendly and effective, I would be willing to compromise on a slightly higher price. However, if the price is significantly higher than what I consider reasonable, I might prioritize other factors over sustainability.
#7. Do you have any sustainable packaging practices that you consider important in relation to cosmetics?
→ I consider practices such as using eco-friendly packaging materials, promoting refillable options, and reducing plastic usage. I also look into whether the plastic used in the packaging is recyclable or biodegradable, or if it is made from recycled materials.