OIJO products created formulations resulting from the cosmetological skills thanks to modern processing techniques such as molecular bio liquefaction, enzymatic activation of plant oils, and natural liposomes
The skincare industry’s pollution and OIJO Milan made-in-Italy brand
While the fashion industry gained a reputation for poor environmental practices, the skincare industry’s pollution, even minor in volume, is not eco-friendly. According to a study by Zero Waste Europe, beauty products produced 142 billion units of packaging in 2018 alone. Not to mention the energy waste and the carbon footprint for transporting and shipping raw ingredients and finished goods. Another issue in the skincare industry regards chemicals and ingredients that are dangerous to the environment.
Many beauty products contain microplastics that pollute oceans and put many living species at risk. Avobenzone in sunscreens is proven to deplete coral reefs. While volatile organic compounds in fragrances and sprays contribute to smog and air pollution. And the use of palm oil in 70% of cosmetics is leading to massive deforestation in southern regions.
The growing awareness of these risks is driving the beauty market to a more responsible approach. Many brands are choosing to work with natural and organic ingredients to offer customers a more sustainable range of products. It’s the concept behind OIJO, a made-in-Italy skincare brand that aims to create natural treatments rich in unique ingredients of artisanal short-chain production without any synthetic and toxic substances.
A new skincare culture
OIJO wants to share a new skincare culture. Their products are made with biocompatible and bio-certified ingredients, which earned the brand the Cosmos Organic label. Cosmos Organic attests that approximately 95% to 100% of the ingredients of the total product are of natural origin. 95% to 100% of ingredients that can be organic are organic, and 20% minimum of the ingredients of the total product is organic. 10% for rinse-off products and minerals considered as non-organic because they are not derived from a life form.
OIJO features four lines, AntiAge, Hydra Woman, Hydra Man, and Detox, all made with natural biocompatible and bio-certified ingredients. This choice of raw materials from organic farming and respectful processing results in treatments capable of replicating the skin’s physiological processes while maintaining the ingredients’ original characteristics. Plus, the brands pay extra attention to sourcing such ingredients, using, when possible, local materials such as vine sap from the hills of Emilia and wheat bran from the Po valley. Ingredients that have obtained COSMOS (Cosmetic Organic) approval.
Locally sourced ingredients
The choice of using locally sourced ingredients is not to underestimate in terms of sustainability. Organic beauty brands are often small or medium enterprises whose production is mainly carried out at the local level. Local production can contribute to more sustainable and shorter supply chains and a more eco-friendly and ethical approach. Regarding ingredients sourcing, partnerships with local farming communities in developing countries are, in fact, a common practice.
Through ethical sourcing collaborations, the organic and natural beauty industry can support local communities’ social and economic development while ensuring an ethical and sustainable sourcing of natural resources. Also, this approach cuts emissions and costs related to shipping raw ingredients worldwide. A process that generates significant carbon dioxide emissions, closely related to the cause of cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological diseases.
The issue with chemicals within the INCI
Another factor to consider when it comes to beauty brands, skincare, and cosmetics is the presence of chemicals in products’ INCI. This generates a debate about their harmlessness for human health and the environment. To be put on the market, all cosmetic products must comply with international regulations, and their ingredients must not be dangerous to health.
Yet despite being authorized, some ingredients are controversial because of the impact on human health or the environment, such as silicones, parabens, and sulfates. Silicones are commonly used in the beauty industry because they perform a function in hair and skin conditioning, and they help combine other substances in cosmetics. However, while some silicones are biodegradable, others can persist in the environment, accumulate and become toxic.
For this reason, for cosmetic product use, silicones have recently raised concerns due to their impact on the aquatic environment. OIJO products created formulations resulting from the cosmetological skills of researchers and beauty experts in Italian laboratories. This, thanks to modern processing techniques such as molecular bio liquefaction, enzymatic activation of plant oils, and natural liposomes, can provide beneficial effects without containing petrolatum and silicones.
Organic and natural ingredients
OIJO combines niche, biocompatible, and bio-certified active ingredients of natural and organic origin, selected and manufactured in Italy, resulted in exclusive formulations, free of toxic chemicals that rewrite the canons of quality cosmetics. The four lines, AntiAge, Hydra Woman, Hydra Man, and Detox feature raw sustainable ingredients. Such as the HYCARE50®, the hyaluronic acid produced through a biotechnological process with minimal environmental impact. Or organic ingredients, like calendula, aloe, mallow, and oats, all sustainably sourced and processed in extracts and gel for the cosmetic industry.
The result is a range of products that meet essential needs such as hydration, nourishment, anti-aging, and cell renewal. This while promoting a more conscious and informed perspective about cosmetic products designed for people’s health, moving to an ‘ingredient first’ approach. OJIO’s products INCI is free of petrolatum, silicones derivatives, and viscous and occlusive substances that prevent the skin from breathing.
Moreover, all bottles use airless technology, designed to eliminate contact with the air, guaranteeing hygiene and no contamination of the active ingredients, which has made it possible to avoid preservatives. OIJO approach is safety first, with all the products ensured by compliance with the required standards. All dermatologically tested, have obtained the cosmetic PIF, and have been notified on the European portal CNPN (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal).
OIJO
Skincare brand that creates high-end natural treatments with formulations rich in ingredients of artisanal production and 100% Italian. Free of synthetic and toxic substances. OIJO wants to share a new culture of cosmetics, a conscious act of love towards skin.
