The beauty industry shapes how people see themselves from an early age. Whether it’s childhood comparisons to dolls or adult decisions about wedding makeup, beauty has always been part of the story. But for all the freedom it promises, there are deep issues that still haven’t been addressed.

Here are nine of them, and what’s finally being done.

1. Weak regulation, especially in the U.S.

In the United States, most beauty products don’t need FDA approval before hitting the shelves. That means brands can release cosmetics without proving safety or long-term impact. Color additives are one exception, but that’s it.

By contrast, Health Canada reviews products before they go to market. They assess safety, ingredient lists, and labeling. If you live in the U.S., it’s on you to research what’s in your products.

2. Greenwashing is still common

Some brands care more about looking ethical than actually doing the work. They market themselves as “clean” or “green,” but the label doesn’t mean anything unless the practices match. A product might say “organic” and still include synthetic ingredients or unsustainable packaging.

Consumers are catching on. People are starting to look past branding and demand real proof, like recyclable packaging, verified cruelty-free claims, and responsible sourcing.

3. Ingredient labels are still too vague

Many products list “fragrance” as a catch-all term. That one word can hide dozens of ingredients, some of which may irritate skin, trigger allergies, or disrupt hormones. The industry doesn’t require companies to disclose what’s in a fragrance blend.

If a brand isn’t willing to list its ingredients clearly, that’s a red flag. Transparency is non-negotiable when it comes to what we put on our skin.

4. The marketing is full of lies

We’ve all seen the ads promising perfect skin overnight. It’s not new, but with social media, the problem has grown. Influencers push serums and creams with exaggerated claims. Many people don’t know what works and what’s just hype.

The reality is, good skincare takes time. Ingredients matter. And no, you don’t need a 10-step routine with products that cost more than your phone bill.

5. Real education is hard to find

Between beauty TikTok, Instagram influencers, and endless product launches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Everyone is pushing something, and real education is hard to come by. Even brand websites are sometimes just thinly veiled sales pages.

What’s needed is honest, accessible education that teaches people how to read labels, understand what ingredients do, and make informed choices. Some brands are doing this, but not nearly enough.

6. Beauty ideals are still too narrow

The industry has long centered whiteness, youth, thinness, and clear skin as the standard. This leads to shame, insecurity, and sometimes serious mental health consequences. It’s hard to feel good in your own skin when the message you keep seeing is that your body is a problem to be fixed.

Thankfully, the counter-voice is growing. More campaigns are centering real people, and more creators are pushing back. But we’re not done yet.

7. Body trends are harmful

From one decade to the next, the “ideal” body shape shifts. Flat stomachs, big hips, thigh gaps, curvy but not too curvy — the goalposts move constantly. This creates pressure to mold yourself into something that’s trending, even if it means risking your health or self-worth.

We need to stop treating bodies like fashion. They are not trends. They are people.

8. Inclusion is still inconsistent

Fenty Beauty made waves for offering 40 shades, but that shouldn’t be revolutionary. It should be normal. Many brands still offer limited shade ranges, tokenize their campaigns, or fail to understand textured hair and non-white skin needs.

Representation isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a requirement. If your product excludes a group, your brand is sending a message — and people are listening.

9. Expensive doesn’t mean better

There’s a myth that high price equals high quality. In beauty, that’s often false. Some luxury brands charge more for packaging and scent than for results. At the same time, there are affordable products with clinical-grade ingredients that outperform them.

The beauty space needs more balance. Influencers and professionals have a responsibility to highlight effective options at every price point.

Where do we go from here?

The beauty industry is shifting. People are asking harder questions, calling out bad practices, and demanding better. But real change takes more than a few brand statements. It requires transparency, accountability, and a willingness to dismantle what never served us in the first place.

Final thought:
You don’t need permission to feel beautiful. And you don’t need a product to make you valid.ative to reflect the true beauty that resides in all of us.