Watsons’ Blue Beauty range seeks to reduce ocean-bound plastic waste and increase accessibility to sustainable personal care

The “great success” of the Naturals by Watsons’ Blue Beauty range in Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan in April has prompted its introduction to Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines markets this month.

This series of products consist of shower gel, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner that are formulated with over 94% natural origin ingredients.

Each packaging bottle is made of 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic, which is defined as abandoned plastic waste located within 50km from shores where waste management is inexistent or inefficient.

“The Blue Beauty range is part of Watsons’ initiatives to support AS Watson Group’s pledge to reduce the overall impact of plastics used in its exclusive (in-house) brand packaging.​

“In order to promote a sustainable lifestyle, we offer a free cotton shopping bag with purchase of this range. In some markets like Hong Kong, we collaborate with NGOs and make donations to support ocean protection when customers buy any product from this special edition,” ​Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia & Regional Exclusives Director at Watsons International, told CosmeticsDesign-Asia​.

In addition, the firm aims to raise awareness of ocean-bound plastic and encourage consumers to join in the fight against plastic waste while enjoying quality and sustainable personal care products.

“Every year, 14m tons of plastics, equivalent to the weight of over 140,000 blue whales, enter the ocean. By 2050, the weight of plastics in the ocean is projected to surpass that of fish, and a major contributor is ocean-bound plastic. This would affect at least 700 marine species and result in the death of 100m marine animals annually.”​

Conscious choices​

“Sustainable Choices” is an initiative by Watsons to make sustainable living more accessible, and enable consumers to find products that are good for the environment more easily.

All products under Sustainable Choices must meet specific criteria, such as being made with better ingredients or materials, using environmentally friendly packaging, offering refill packs, and featuring reusable or replaceable components that promote less waste.

“We have observed an increasing demand for Sustainable Choices products. That is why we have expanded the selection of products to 9,700, which range from skin care to hair and personal care.​

“These products are not only available in our physical stores but also our online stores, allowing customers to shop for what they need anytime, anywhere. Hopefully, more customers will be motivated to do the right thing for themselves and for the planet.”​

Popular among consumers​

According to Loh, the response to Watsons’ branded products has been “hugely encouraging”, with Naturals by Watsons and Collagen by Watsons being two of the best-selling brands.

In terms of product category, facial sheet mask stands out as the top favourite among its customers.

“As consumers place a growing emphasis on product quality and affordability, we are confident that the performance of Watsons’ exclusive brands will continue to thrive and remain our customers’ choice of health and beauty products.”​

Additionally, Loh said that the development of these products is backed by scientific research, with a focus on value, quality, safety, trendiness, credibility, and sustainability.

“Each of our products must pass through a stringent quality-assurance process that is checked by our own laboratories as well as external experts. We also conduct regular research to listen to customers about our products, so we can continue to improve.”​