The 21st Century has presented our global society with significant challenges; among which are climate change, poverty, decreasing biodiversity, and gender and racial inequality; all compounded by a global pandemic. 119 countries have adopted the United Nations’ seventeen sustainable development goals and 169 targets to address these challenges by 2030. This will require heroic and imaginative effort. Every day, the cosmetics and personal care sector delivers hygiene and dignity to the world’s population and, as demonstrated by its magnificent efforts to help during the COVID pandemic, it is well positioned to take a lead role in achieving many of the sustainable goals.
Briefly, the UN Sustainable Development Goals are (1) to end extreme poverty, (2) to eradicate human hunger, (3) good health and well-being, (4) quality education for the world’s children, (5) gender equality, (6) clean water and sanitation, (7) affordable clean energy, (8) decent work and economic growth, (9) Industry Innovation and infrastructure, (10) reduce inequality. (11) sustainable cities and communities, (12) responsible consumption and production, (13) climate action, (14) sustain life below water, (15) sustain life on land, (16) peace, justice, and strong Institutions, (17) partnerships for the goals.
Examples of the cosmetics sector’s role include:

• Responsible sourcing of sustainable materials; that address goals 2, 3, 9, 12, 13, 14, and 15.
• Local sourcing, production, and leadership address all 17 goals.

The intent of this talk is to present a status report card on the contributions of the cosmetics industry and cosmetic science and technology to global sustainability and to anticipate targets that are reachable by 2030.