Child labour in the cosmetics industry

The ugly truth behind the cosmetics industry

They may make you glow and shine, but behind the glitter of beauty and cosmetic products lies an ugly secret - child labour.

Research shows that there are six commonly used ingredients that are at risk of using child labour: palm oil, cocoa, vanilla, shea, mica, copper

Instead of going to school, many children help grow, harvest, mine and transport these ingredients. They work in dangerous places at risk of injury, heatstroke, diseases and even death. And sometimes for as little as $2 a day.

Whilst there is an increase in consumers seeking out natural and organic cosmetics, many consumers are unaware that terms like ‘cruelty free’ don’t necessarily mean that a brand’s supply chain is free from human rights abuses such as child labour.

The cosmetics sector is projected to grow from $532 billion in 2018 to $716 billion in 2025. But this growth must not come at the cost of a child’s education, health or even their life.

Four ways you can help

There's a lot you can do to help reduce or end child labour. These four actions can make a difference:

Spread what you know: Raising awareness about child labour in the cosmetics industry is crucial to create change. Share our #ShadyBeauty film with friends and family, and spread the word on social media.
Hold brands accountable: Engage with your favourite beauty brands on social media, and ask about their efforts to ensure child labour-free supply chains for these six ingredients.
Choose ethical brands: When farmers and miners are paid a fair price, families are better able to care for their children. Supporting responsible brands helps break the cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Advocate for change: Use your voice to lobby for child protection in supply chains. Encourage lawmakers to investigate and prosecute those who exploit children.

You can also support World Vision's work to tackle the root causes of child labour, and keep children in school, by making a donation today.

I'll help to stop child labour

How we're helping children

As a Christian children's charity, we are committed to helping children experience fullness of life - including ending child labour in the cosmetics industry. To reduce child labour, we must reduce child poverty.

Two girls giggle as they hold a child protection magazine in the Philippines

Education

We ensure children have access to a quality education, understand their rights, and provide training, life skills and entrepreneurship to improve their access to future employment.

Faith leader stands outside a church in Sudan telling people about good hygiene practices for COVID-19

Empowered communities

We work with communities and families to protect children from hazardous work, forced labour and exploitation.

A family in South Sudan smile at the camera and their family goat which will help the family income

Better opportunities

Thanks to supporters, we can help parents improve their incomes and food security so that children don’t need to work to support the family.

A girl receives a Crest and bouquet of flowers in Bangladesh

Advocacy

We advocate for national and UK child labour laws and their enforcement, and promote accountability for communities, governments, and businesses.

The high price of beauty

Multinational cosmetic companies are profiting from the industry’s rapid growth leaving children to pay the price.

World Vision’s recent report, ‘The High Price of Beauty’, reviewed the policies of the seven largest beauty companies in 2018, and again in 2022. It found that while some major corporations have made public commitments to end child labour, concrete actions are still lacking.

Increased awareness is imperative to holding companies accountable to implementing long-term strategies to eradicate child labour from their supply chains. Corporations must continue to strive to protect the human rights of the communities that produce their key commodities.

Download the report

Child labour facts

Almost 1 in 10

children worldwide are involved in child labour.

2.1 million children

are estimated to work on cocoa farms in Côte D’Ivoire and Ghana.

22,000 children

in India work in small mines with their family members to find mica.

With your support, we work towards the elimination of child labour, to help families break this cycle of poverty. We advocate for children’s rights, support families financially and ensure that children stay in education - tackling the roots of the problem.

I'll help to stop child labour

Girl sits on the floor next to the embers she sells to support her family in DRC, as a person walks past

Vanilla farming

Peter, 17, Uganda

Not far from the capital of Kampala in Uganda, vanilla flourishes around the city of Mukono. However, the high value and delicate nature of the crop has its own hidden costs, as the son of one farmer in this district knows all too well.

Peter, 17, has been working on his father’s vines since he was eight. He only finished primary school at 15. “We have gained from it, we have bought cows, chairs and fixed the house."

"Not having to go to school so that I stay home is painful because I love both of them, but I have to prioritise," explains Peter. "I can’t refuse to make time for vanilla if it’s time to harvest, because otherwise I would have put in a lot of time and it would be a loss.”

Peter's father has taken note of the affect vanilla has had on his son's education. "World Vision advises us to... send our children to school and we are starting to realise that it’s a good thing," he says.

“I have been working on it and I am making sure that the children take school seriously without being disturbed,” Peter's dad explains. “To replace their labour, I have made sure I have people who can help me and who understand this line of work.”

I'll help children like Peter

Keep me updated