You may have heard Vineeta Singh from Sugar Cosmetics talking about greenwashing on Shark Tank India. But what does it really mean?
Many brands mislead customers by labeling their products as “natural” or “eco-friendly” while still using harmful chemicals.
This blog uncovers how brands trick you, real-life examples of greenwashing, and how to avoid falling for marketing gimmicks.
What is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing happens when brands pretend to be eco-friendly to attract conscious consumers but don’t actually practice sustainability. They use words like “organic,” “natural,” or “green” to make products seem safer than they really are.
Vineeta Singh from Sugar Cosmetics pointed this out on Shark Tank India, calling out brands for misleading customers with buzzwords that sound good but don’t mean much.
How Brands Trick You with Greenwashing
Misleading Labels
Have you ever bought a baby powder that proudly said “Made with Essential Oils” on the front? That sounds safe, right? But flip it over, and you might find “Parfum” listed in the ingredients.
What’s the problem? The word “parfum” can hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals, many of which can cause allergies and irritation. The company makes you think it’s all-natural while using artificial components.
Hidden Ingredients
A while ago, I bought a herbal shampoo that was a beautiful green color. I assumed it was from natural herbs—but when I checked the label, there was no mention of any color! If the color was from plant extracts, wouldn’t they proudly say it?
This is another common greenwashing tactic: hiding synthetic dyes while marketing a product as herbal.
How Greenwashing Affects You
Beyond being misleading, some greenwashed products still contain harmful chemicals. Studies show that certain skincare and beauty products marketed as “clean” actually contain:
- Parabens – linked to hormone disruption (Source).
- Phthalates – known to affect reproductive health (Source).
- Formaldehyde – a known carcinogen still found in some beauty products (Source).
Some “clean beauty” brands still use hidden toxic ingredients but rely on green marketing to sell their products.
How to Spot and Avoid Greenwashing
Want to make sure you’re not being fooled? Follow these steps:
Check the Full Ingredient List
Don’t trust just the front label. Flip the product and read what’s really inside.
Look for Real Certifications
Words like “natural” are not regulated. Instead, look for trusted certifications like USDA Organic or Ecocert.
Watch Out for Green Packaging Tricks
Just because a bottle is green doesn’t mean the product inside is. Check the actual ingredients, not just the marketing.
Must-Watch: The Truth About Greenwashing
Want a deep dive into how beauty brands fool customers? Watch this video:
Greenwashing Brands of Cosmetics – Clean Beauty to AVOID
Final Thoughts
Greenwashing is everywhere, and it’s up to us as consumers to be informed. Next time you buy a product, read beyond the fancy labels and make sure the ingredients match the marketing.
If this blog helped you, share it with someone who needs to know the truth about greenwashing!
