When we think of uses for crude oil, gasoline is one of the most obvious. In 2015 alone, almost three-quarters of oil usage in the U.S. was used for transportation, but the rest is used in all kinds of products and applications that make our modern life what it is. One often overlooked sector – the beauty industry. No matter what we’re trying to achieve, many of those makeup items contain petroleum byproducts that lend their properties to these centerpieces of not just American culture, but cultures around the world.
In fact, cosmetics account for a large chunk of some people’s expenses and daily preparation routine. According to Women’s Health magazine, the average woman spends 55 minutes primping every day. Translation: we, as a nation, spend a lot of time and a lot of money to look our best. MarketResearch.com estimated that the U.S. cosmetic market was poised to exceed $62 billion in 2016 alone.
That’s because there is now a product for everything. Especially things that cover up our flaws or accentuate our flattering features – cosmetics help to give a boost of confidence when someone wants to look their best. Products like lotions and creams can help protect our skin from the elements. A little breakout can be quickly covered up by concealer. Lip plumper can help enhance your pucker for a night out on the town. And if you are fair skinned like this author, sunscreen is probably one of your best friends. Something that many of the products in your bathroom have in common is that they contain some sort or petroleum product and/or they probably come in a plastic container made from an oil byproduct.
Byproducts of oil may account for up to about 80% of ingredients in some makeup products. Looking to bring out your eyes with some mascara? Oil helps make it possible, and with roughly 118 million Americans using mascara in 2016, those same people will likely need something to take it off. For most an oil based makeup remover can help with that, why, because like dissolves like. No matter how you look at it, the cosmetics industry is deeply intertwined with the petroleum industry. From plastic combs to painted toes, petroleum products help keep us in style. Some of these products include but are not limited to:
- Hand Lotion
- Nail Polish
- Vaseline
- Deodorant
- Soft Contact Lenses
- Hair Curlers
- Lipstick
- Shampoo
- Mascara
- Eyeliner
- Hair Spray
- Hair Ties
- Perfume
- Hair Dyes
- Foundation
- Eye Shadow
The byproducts for these goods make our life so much different from how past generations used to live and sometimes we take them for granted.
So remember, oil and gas do more than heat our homes and fuel our cars. It’s also the asphalt on the road, the rubber in our tires, and the plastics in our cars, which keep us safe when we’re driving to all those important places we’ve just taken the time to get ready for. Most of all, it’s part of that confident stride you take when you’ve achieved that perfect look for an event or maybe even that date night you’ve been anticipating.