Deep Responsibility and Irresponsibility in the Beauty Industry

Abstract

This working paper employs the concept of deep responsibility to assess the social responsibility of the beauty industry over time. It shows that many of today’s problems with the industry have deep historical roots. Products have carried too many health hazards. Consumers have been subject to exaggerated claims and restricted beauty ideals that have damaged self-esteem. The environmental impact of the industry has been highly negative. The industry has more often worked against communities than strengthened them. Alternative and more responsible behavior has existed in the past in the industry, and needs to become the norm.