Soluções sustentáveis na cosmética: a integração entre biocosméticos e técnicas de produção mais limpa

Abstract

In recent years, the cosmetic sector has faced a growing demand for sustainable practices, driven both by environmental pressures and the demands of more conscious consumers. In this context, biocosmetics and green cosmetics emerge as more sustainable alternatives, combining natural, organic, and cruelty-free ingredients with production practices that have a lower environmental impact. This study aimed to analyze, through a literature review, the integration between Cleaner Production (CP) strategies and the development of biocosmetics, highlighting how this synergy can promote sustainable solutions for the beauty industry. The research covered the concepts and hierarchical levels of CP application within the cosmetic production chain, the characterization and differentiation of conventional, natural, organic, vegan, and biocosmetic products, and the analysis of well-established practices in the sector, illustrated by the cases of Natura, L'Oréal, and Grupo Boticário. The results indicate that the integration between CP and biocosmetics constitutes a complementary and technically viable strategy, capable of simultaneously reducing water and energy consumption, the generation of polluting effluents, and dependence on petrochemical inputs, while adding market value through alignment with ESG criteria. However, technical, economic, and regulatory challenges that still limit large-scale adoption were identified, such as the instability of natural formulations, certification costs, and the absence of a unified legal definition for the term biocosmetic. The results are expected to contribute to the dissemination of clean technologies, the strengthening of environmental responsibility in the cosmetic segment, and the formulation of guidelines for future sustainable innovations in the field.