No. 5 (2025)
Essays

Changing Toxic Beauty Culture and the Climate Crisis in Nigeria

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  • Emmanuel Nwakanma,
  • Adaku Ubelejit-Nte
Emmanuel Nwakanma
University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Bio
Adaku Ubelejit-Nte
University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Bio
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/fh-3546

Published 30-06-2025

Keywords

  • aesthetics,
  • consumer culture,
  • environmental impact,
  • negative aesthetics,
  • Sustainable Fashion Practices

How to Cite

Nwakanma, E., & Ubelejit-Nte, A. (2025). Changing Toxic Beauty Culture and the Climate Crisis in Nigeria. Fashion Highlight, (5), 88–100. https://doi.org/10.36253/fh-3546

Copyright (c) 2025 Nwakanma, E, Ubeletjit-Nte, A. A

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate connections between evolving beauty standards, the pervasive "toxic beauty culture" that disproportionately impacts people of colour (POC) and its influence on deteriorating environmental conditions. The continuous shift in beauty ideals and the societal emphasis on achieving a "pleasing" appearance significantly influence how men and women make beauty choices. The relentless pursuit of these ideals often predisposes people to harmful procedures that exacerbate environmental deterioration and impact on health. The study aims to examine these beauty ideals and toxic beauty trends, analysing their impacts on POC and the subsequent consequences for environmental conditions. Descriptive survey design with primary and secondary data were used to demonstrate the implication of toxic beauty trends. The environmental injustice perspective and anthropogenic climate change frameworks were adopted to explain the intersectional systems of oppression, racialised beauty practices and the consequences of toxic beauty culture on health and the environment. The paper argues that hazardous ingredients banned in developed nations have remained vital components of beauty products exported to developing nations, including Nigeria. The study concludes by recommending that the adoption of sustainability principles within beauty practices and the beauty industry is crucial for promoting both human health and an eco-friendly environment.

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