For Workers’ Day, we spotlight the women in the beauty industry whose stories are often overshadowed by the glamour of big-brand products.
As we celebrate Workers’ Day, we often think of industries that are visible and tangible, such as media, government, manufacturing, construction, or healthcare. However, there’s another sector that deserves recognition – the beauty industry. Behind the glamour and glitz of skincare, haircare, and makeup lies a workforce predominantly composed of women who toil tirelessly to ensure we look good. These women are the backbone of the beauty industry, yet their labour is often underappreciated and undervalued.
The labour behind big beauty brands
The global beauty industry is a $646.2 billion market that relies heavily on the labour of women. In Nigeria, the beauty industry is expected to reach $5.28 billion by 2026, from $4.2bn in 2021. From the professionals who provide services to the workers who source materials and those who make the products we use, these workers are the driving force behind this industry.
However, despite their crucial role, many of these workers face unfair treatment. Typically, women’s work, especially in informal sectors, has been considered inferior compared to other industries. They are frequently stereotyped as unintelligent and low-skilled.
Many roles, such as estheticians, nail technicians, and salon assistants, often come with modest pay, limited benefits, and variable schedules. Additionally, those in manufacturing and supply chain positions may also face low wages and challenging working conditions.
In 2024, Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) found itself on the UK government’s “name and shame” list, for failing to pay the minimum wage. Earlier in June 2023, Lloyds Pharmacy and Chanel faced similar scrutiny for underpaying workers. Other notable brands like John Lewis and The Body Shop were also named and shamed in August 2021 for violating minimum wage regulations.
Unfair treatment of workers
Behind every beloved beauty product lies a complex supply chain. While we know what goes into our favourite formulas, we might be less aware of everything that happens. From how ingredients are sourced, to the treatment of workers and the partnerships that bring these products from conception to our salons.
From child labour to labour enslavement to lower-than-low wages to there are a myriad of issues running rampant among big-brand beauty companies.
Beauty professionals, often celebrated for enhancing our wellbeing, are frequently overlooked as workers vulnerable to health risks. Yet, those who care for others’ bodies often sacrifice their own health, suffering from musculoskeletal issues and herniated discs. These health problems are due to working and standing for long hours and exposure to harsh chemicals in cosmetics that can cause skin problems.
In 2020, female workers at Voyant Beauty, a supplier for major brands like Victoria’s Secret, Johnson & Johnson, and Aveeno, took a stand against the company. They filed complaints alleging years of sexual harassment, coercion, racial and gender-based abuse, and hazardous working conditions, seeking justice and change.
Women at the facility united, presenting a list of demands for basic rights and dignity. Their demands included clean bathrooms, access to clean drinking water, regular breaks, safety equipment, and 15-minute lunch breaks. Simultaneously, a petition condemning ongoing sexual harassment gained momentum, with 50 women signing in solidarity. However, their collective action was met with swift retaliation: the company fired all members of the organising committee the following week.
Their stories are often overshadowed by the glamour of big-brand products, rather than the hard work and dedication that went into building the brands.
Protecting the workers in the beauty industry
Though past injustices in the beauty industry can’t be undone, our choices today can forge a better future. Governments should enforce strict labour laws, conduct regular inspections, and impose penalties for non-compliance.
As consumers, opt for cruelty-free, fair-trade, and ethically sourced products to drive change. When supporting a brand, consider their treatment of all workers, from sales teams to farmers, and choose companies that prioritise fairness and dignity for everyone.
As we celebrate Workers’ Day, we must recognise that the beauty industry’s success is not just about the products or the celebrities endorsing them. It’s about the women who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The women who make it thrive. As we move forward, we strive to create a world where their labour is valued, recognised, and fairly compensated.
