Slave labor and sweatshops are terms the general public is fairly familiar with when it comes to how clothes and toys and other widely used products are made overseas. But what does that have to do with your favorite skincare products and other cosmetics? Plenty. The dark side of how these items are made has finally been brought to light, giving consumers a better option when it comes to the products they buy: fair trade skincare.

The term “fair trade” was developed to describe a trading partnership that seeks greater equality in international trade. In simpler terms, this type of partnership works to ensure that the companies it works with overseas pay their workers decent wages, don’t use unethical practices and produce their products in a way that is safe for the environment. The need for fair trade products was developed mostly because of the widely publicized harsh working conditions of workers in third world countries.

So how does all that translate to what you buy in the store? Like your favorite dresses, jewels and children’s toys, many of the skincare, beauty and cosmetics you use on a daily basis come from the resources found in many third world countries, such as Africa, South America, and Asia. If you already support companies that don’t use slave/child labor in the clothing and toy industry, take it one step further by using fair trade skincare products. When you switch to fair trade skincare and cosmetics, you’re able to encourage mistreated workers to seek employment with fair trade companies that will treat them right and allow them to provide for their family without jeopardizing their health.

Through the efforts of the many organizations involved in the fair trade social movement, many companies are no longer able to overwork their employees for little pay. By supporting companies that produce fair trade products, you are ensuring that those third world workers get fair wages, sanitary working and living conditions and the ability to become self-sufficient. International trade is a booming business and without the work force to gather the resources and put together the products, we wouldn’t have access to any of the top-quality products on store shelves. Fair trade products guarantee that workers receive credit where credit is due.  

The next time you decide to purchase a cosmetic or skincare item, check the label to see if it is a fair trade product. If you’re concerned about your favorite products not being fair trade, do something about it by contacting the manufacturer or retailer and asking them to start carrying fair trade products. The clothing and food industry have already caught onto the fair trade movement, but the skincare and beauty industry have yet to catch on. This is where you can play a role in making sure that the moisturizer, anti-aging serums and other items the public buys supports the companies that truly take care of their employees.

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