Beauty Products From Etsy: Great Or Gross?

An article in today's New York Times sheds light on a question we've all been pondering: Is it actually a good idea to buy beauty products from Etsy? We generally think it is, especially if you're trying to avoid the harmful chemicals often found in mass-produced cosmetics and/or interested in supporting small, indie businesses. And, for out-of-the box beauty, Etsy can be a a veritable wonderland. The downside? As the Times eloquently puts it, there's an element of "ick."

The article states that indie brands are held to the same FDA regulations as large companies. But, of course, there's no beauty police making sure these laws are actually followed, and likewise, there's no way to tell if the Etsy product you're buying has been created on a clean surface with clean hands. Talk about a great way to get a staph infection!

On the flip side, the NYT notes that such problems are rare, and it's a worst-case-scenario sort of thing. When done right, homemade beauty products can be the perfect solution for people who can't find what they need in the mainstream market. It's also a great place for sellers to jumpstart their careers. One such seller quoted in the article said that Etsy is the best thing that ever happened to her and her business. And, because of Etsy's highly interactive format, sellers and customers can develop a relationship to improve the shopping experience — something that's never going to happen at Sephora, no matter how many insider points you rack up.

Head on over to the NYT to get the full story, and let us know what you think about the Etsy beauty space. (The New York Times)

SoGloss Silver Nail Wraps, $8, available at Etsy.