Biocosmetics: solutions and challenges in the transition to sustainable prac-tices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20873/jbb.uft.cemaf.v14n1.20782Keywords:
bioactives, personal care, sustainabilityAbstract
The reliance on petroleum-based ingredients in cosmetics raises significant environmental and health concerns. In this context, biocosmetics emerge as a promising solution, as they are not only effective but also composed of natural and sustainable ingredients. However, knowledge about the integration of biocosmetics remains limited. Under this perspective, this study aimed to explore the use of biological ingredients in cosmetic formulations, addressing the challenges related to dependence on fossil actives, excessive waste and future perspectives for the transition of these formulations. An integrative literature review was conducted to provide a comprehensive approach to the topic. Findings emphasize the dual impact of biological ingredients on product efficacy and environmental safety, underscoring the necessity for innovative solutions. While promising, the shift requires overcoming raw material availability and ethical certification barriers. By addressing these challenges, this study contributes to the development of scientific knowledge and encourages the continuation of sustainable practices in the cosmetics industry. This gradual shift is not limited to ingredient substitution but reflects an evolution in the concept of beauty and personal care, grounded on environmental, safety and efficacy principles.
References
Antunes F, Mota IF, Fangueiro JF, Lopes G, Pintado M, Costa PS. From sugarcane to skin: Lignin as a multifunc-tional ingredient for cosmetic application. International Jour-nal of Biological Macromolecules, 234, 123592. 2023
Arshad H, Mehmood MZ, Shah MH, Abbasi AM. Evaluation of heavy metals in cosmetic products and their health risk assessment. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 28(7), 779-790. 2020.
Augustyniak A, Bartosz G, Čipak A, Duburs G, Horáková LU, Łuczaj et. al. Natural and synthetic antioxidants: an up-dated overview. Free radical research, 44(10), 1216-1262. 2010.
Bezerra KGO, Rufino RD, Luna JM, Sarubbo LA. Saponins and microbial biosurfactants: potential raw materials for the formulation of cosmetics. Biotechnology progress, 34(6), 1482-1493. 2018.
Bilal M, Mehmood S, Iqbal HMN. The Beast of Beauty: Environmental and health concerns of toxic components in cosmetics. Cosmetics, 7 (1), 13. 2020.
Bom S, Jorge J, Ribeiro HM, Marto JOANA. A step forward on sustainability in the cosmetics industry: A revi-ew. Journal of cleaner production, 225, 270-290. 2019.
Botelho LLR, Cunha CDA, Macedo M. O método da revisão integrativa nos estudos organizacionais. Gestão e Sociedade, 5 (11), 121-136. Moreira, LR (2014). Manual de revisão bibliográfica sistemática integrativa: a pesquisa baseada em evidencias. Anima educação. 2011
Caldeira VF, de Carvalho AFF, de Alencar Filho JMT, Gui-marães AL, Reis SAGB, da Cruz Araújo EC. Chemistry and fatty acid profile of new fixed oils from two Cenostigma species: Different promising raw material for use in cosmet-ic emulsions. Industrial Crops and Products, 196, 116451. 2023
Clarke CJ, Tu WC, Levers O, Brohl A, Hallett JP. Green and sustainable solvents in chemical processes. Chemical re-views, 118(2), 747-800. 2018.
Damasceno GA, Barreto SM, Reginaldo FP, Souto AL, Ne-greiros MM, Viana R.L. et al. Prosopis juliflora as a new cosmetic ingredient: Development and clinical evaluation of a bioactive moisturizing and anti-aging innovative solid core. Carbohydrate polymers, 233, 115854. 2020
Goyal N, Jerold F. Biocosmetics: technological advances and future outlook. Environmental Science and Pollution Re-search, 30(10), 25148-25169. 2023.
Guerra E, Llompart M, Garcia-Jares C. Analysis of dyes in cosmetics: challenges and recent developments. Cosmetics 5 (3): 47. 2018
Hafner MDFS, Rodrigues AC, Lazzarini R. Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics: retrospective analysis of a popula-tion subjected to patch tests between 2004 and 2017. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 95, 696-701. 2020.
Khan MB, Cui X, Jilani G, Tang L, Lu M, Cao X. et al. New insight into the impact of biochar during vermi-stabilization of divergent biowastes: Literature synthesis and research pursuits. Chemosphere, 238, 124679.2020.
Komaikul J, Mangmool S, Putalun W, Kitisripanya T. prepa-ration of readily-to-use stilbenoids extract from Morus alba callus using a natural deep eutectic solvent. Cosmetics, 8(3), 91. 2021
Liu, JK. Natural products in cosmetics. Nat. Prod. Bio-prospect. 12, 40 (2022).
Martins AM, Marto JM. A sustainable life cycle for cosmet-ics: From design and development to post-use phase. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 35, 101178. 2023.
Miguel LM. A biodiversidade na indústria de cosméticos: contexto internacional e mercado brasileiro. 2012. Tese (Doutorado em Geogradia) – Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Pau-lo, 2012. (Tese/Dissertação)
Nardelli A, Drieghe J, Claes L, Boey L, Goossens A. Fra-grance allergens in ‘specific’cosmetic products. Contact Dermatitis, 64(4), 212-219. 2021.
Natural Cosmetics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Color Cosmetics), By Price Range (Low, Medium, High), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2030. 2025.
Accessed 20th April 2025
Nawalage NSK, Bellanthudawa BKA. (2022. Synthetic poly-mers in personal care and cosmetics products (PCCPs) as a source of microplastic (MP) pollution. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 182, 113927.2022.
Novak AC, Sydney EB, Soccol CR. Biocosméticos. In: Brar S, Dhillon G, Soccol C. (eds). Biotransformação de resí-duos de biomassa em bioquímicos de alto valor. Springer, Nova York, 2014. p. 389-411.
Sharmeen JB, Mahomoodally FM, Zengin G, Maggi F. Es-sential oils as natural sources of fragrance compounds for cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Molecules, 26(3), 666.2021.
Sim YY, Nyam KL. Application of Hibiscus cannabinus L.(kenaf) leaves extract as skin whitening and anti-aging agents in natural cosmetic prototype. Industrial Crops and Products, 167, 113491. 2021.
Ugoeze KC, Odeku O.A. Herbal bioactive–based cosmetics. In Herbal Bioactive-Based Drug Delivery Systems (pp. 195-226). Academic Press. 2022.
Zappelli C, Barbulova A, Apone F, Colucci G. Effective active ingredients obtained through biotechnolo-gy. Cosmetics, 3(4), 39. 2016.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Kamylla de Souza Silva, Breno Dias Vitorino
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2024 - Journal of Biotechnology and Biodiversity
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0 at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g. in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (Available at The Effect of Open Access, at http://opcit.eprints.org/oacitation-biblio.html).
