The use of palm oil in the world of beauty goes way back to over 5000 years ago. It contains tocotrienols from the vitamin E family which is known to be a powerful antioxidant. For this reason, palm oil is found in numerous skin care products for its anti-aging and moisturizing properties.
Moreover, palm oil is also found in soaps and shampoos because of its outstanding ability to eliminate dirt and grime while simultaneously restoring the hair and skin’s natural oils. However, in recent years, palm oil production was found to be a major contributor to climate change and global warming.
The production of palm oil alone has devastated 80-90% of the habitats of various endangered species such as Orangutans, Rhinos, and Pygmy elephants. It doesn’t stop there—people are also losing lands and livelihoods due to the pollution caused by the industry. So to say that the palm oil industry poses a serious threat to the planet is an understatement.
Now the question is: is it time to completely ditch palm oil? You might want to think again. On the other end of the spectrum are thousands of farmers working in the palm oil industry. If we boycott this ingredient, we’re risking their livelihoods. Fortunately, there are other ways to support the palm oil industry while advocating against its detrimental effects.
Tips on sustainable palm oil use
1. Check the brand
Check every product you’re using and do a quick background check on the brand. Stick to brands that are known to be honest and transparent about their production methods. Better yet, check if the brand has shifted to sustainable sourcing of palm oil.
Make sure that the company’s sourcing process utilizes the RSPO standards. RSPO-certified palm growers are strictly audited to ensure that the methods used are sustainable and safe for the ecosystem. Research goes a long way!
2. Check the label
Spotting palm oil in the ingredient list is extremely tricky. It’s not as simple as looking into the ingredient list and looking for “palm oil.” This vegetable oil comes in more names than one such as Palmate, Palmolein, Sodium kernelate, and Stearate, among many others.
By accurately identifying the presence of palm oil in your product, you can successfully move to the next level of verifying if it’s being sustainably sourced. For a more extensive list of sneaky names for palm oil, click here!
3. Use your voice
Now, what do you do after you find out that a brand you love is not using ethically sourced palm oil? Do you just throw it away and cut ties? While that’s perfectly fine, using your voice is a whole lot better.
Send a message to the company, post your feedback, and demand transparency. You may think you’re just one person but you have to remember that the ripple effect your voice can make can change the world. Speak up and let your voice be heard!
While the debate around palm oil continues to grow, with conscious use and responsible consumerism, we can regulate the negative impact of this vegetable oil on the environment. Keep in mind that when our little voices add up, we can make a difference.