Is All Palm Oil Bad? Not if it's sourced sustainably.
When it comes to natural beauty and skincare, few ingredients are more misunderstood than palm oil. You've probably heard it before: “Palm oil is destroying the rainforest. Avoid it at all costs.” But here’s the truth — not all palm oil is bad, and in fact, sustainably sourced palm oil can be the better choice for both your skin and the planet than many other oils.
Let’s break down the facts.
What Is Palm Oil and Why Is It Used in Beauty Products?
Palm oil is a plant-derived oil that comes from the fruit of oil palm trees. It’s used in around 70% of cosmetics, thanks to its skin-conditioning properties, creamy texture, and long shelf life. It’s also one of the few naturally derived oils that remain semi-solid at room temperature, making it perfect for balms, moisturisers, and multi-use formulas.
The Problem with Unsustainable Palm Oil
The concern many people have comes from the environmental impact of unsustainable palm oil production:
- Deforestation of rainforests
- Habitat loss for endangered species (like orangutans and tigers)
- Human rights concerns for plantation workers
These are very real issues — but the solution isn’t to avoid palm oil completely.
Why Sustainable Palm Oil Is the Better Option
Here’s the part that most headlines miss: switching to other vegetable oils can be even worse for the environment.
Here's why:
- Palm oil is incredibly efficient, it yields 4–10 times more oil per hectare than alternatives like coconut, soybean, or sunflower oil
- Replacing palm oil with other crops would require more land, leading to more deforestation
- Sustainable palm oil is grown with strict environmental and social standards, reducing harm and supporting better practices
- By choosing sustainable palm oil, brands can help reduce demand for harmful farming practices while still using this ultra-effective ingredient.
What to Look For: RSPO Certified Palm Oil
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is the leading certification for palm oil that’s ethically sourced. It ensures:
- No illegal deforestation
- Protection of biodiversity
- Fair labour practices
- Transparency and traceability in the supply chain
At Dr.Lipp, we only use sustainable palm oil in our formulations and only when necessary to deliver performance, without compromising our values.
Why We Choose Sustainable Palm Oil
We believe in transparency, simplicity, and sustainability and that means being honest about ingredients. We focus on making choices that are truly better for the planet.
So no, not all palm oil is bad. But the kind we use? It’s carefully sourced, eco-conscious, and part of our commitment to stripped-back beauty that works for skin and the world.
Is Sustainable Palm Oil Better?
- Yes, when sourced responsibly, it’s a more efficient, lower-impact oil than most alternatives.
- RSPO certification helps protect forests, wildlife, and communities.
- Supporting brands that use certified sustainable palm oil is better than blanket boycotts.
Want to choose a better alternatives for your routine with sustainable palm oil?
Check out our Wash&Glow set here, simple and effective multipurpose products made with only ten 100% natural ingredients.
