Green Cosmetics Purchasing Behaviour : A Study of Eco-Conscious Choices of Generation Z consumers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRST251376Keywords:
Consumer Behavior, Environmental Awareness, Generation Z, Green Cosmetics, Health Consciousness, Purchase Intention, Social InfluenceAbstract
The present study explores the factors determining the behavioural pattern and purchase intention of Generation Z consumers regarding Green Cosmetics in India. The study aims to present a theoretical framework by assessing the influence of environmental awareness, health consciousness and social influence on the purchasing pattern of Gen Z towards Green cosmetics. Further, the study employs Quantitative research approach collected with the help of convenience sampling technique. The data was collected from 160 Gen Z respondents with the help of structured questionnaire constructed on a 5-point Likert scale circulated by the way of online google forms. The collected data was analysed using SPSS software, descriptive statistics was utilized to provide an overview of the sample data. Underlying variables were identified using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Inferential statistics like correlation and regression analysis was used to test the influence of identified factors on Gen Zs preference and purchase intention towards green cosmetics. Further, the study found that two factors i.e. environmental awareness and health consciousness has a significant positive influence on Gen Zs purchase intention towards green cosmetics, which means Gen Zs possess higher level of consciousness towards environmental sustainability and health concerns. However, social influence though having a positive correlation, was found to be insignificant which was contrary to previous researches. The insights of the study will help the businesses and marketers in leveraging the demands and needs of this particular cohort in the cosmetic industry. Additionally, this study is also helpful for researchers and contributes to existing knowledge as it states the future research scope and serves as the basis by providing a theoretical model.
📊 Article Downloads
References
Abeysekera, I., Manalang, L., David, R., & Grace Guiao, B. (2022). Accounting for Environmental Awareness on Green Purchase Intention and Behaviour: Evidence from the Philippines. Sustainability, 14(19), 12565. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912565 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912565
Acharya, L., & Lee, H. (2022). Health Consciousness. The International Encyclopedia of Health Communication, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119678816.iehc0928 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119678816.iehc0928
Ahmad, S. N. B., Omar, A. B., & Rose, R. B. (2015). Influence of Personal Values on Generation Z’s Purchase Intention for Natural Beauty Products. Advances In Global Business Research, 12(1), 436–445.
Ahsan, F. J., & Ferdinando, U. (2023). The Purchase Intention towards Green Cosmetics among Female Consumers in Sri Lanka: Role of Health Value as a Mediator. Colombo Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Research, 7(1-2), 1–35. https://doi.org/10.4038/cjmr.v7i1-2.68 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/cjmr.v7i1-2.68
Ajzen, I. (1991). The Theory of Planned Behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-T DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-T
Andika Andika, Nadia, N., Della Nanda Luthfiana, & Fikri Budi Aulia. (2023). Green Cosmetıcs And Generatıon Z In Indonesıa: The Role Of The IMB Model In Predıctıng Purchase Intentıon. APMBA (Asia Pacific Management and Business Application), 12(2), 159–186. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.apmba.2023.012.02.3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.apmba.2023.012.02.3
Bhattacharya, A. (2022, December 18). The big shift away from chemicals: Rise of green consumerism. Times of India Voices; Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/the-big-shift-away-from-chemicals-rise-of-green-consumerism/
Bhattacharya, A. (2023, March 6). The green signal for better health: understanding the evolved and conscious Indian consumer. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/the-green-signal-for-better-health-understanding-the-evolved-and-conscious-indian-consumer/
Chor Chan Vannak. (2023). Applying the health consciousness model to quality-of-life satisfaction. Bu.ac.th. http://dspace.bu.ac.th/jspui/handle/123456789/5496
Cohen, R. (2024, May 19). Why Gen Z is Leading the Eco-Conscious Movement | Culture. Www.wokewaves.com. https://www.wokewaves.com/posts/gen-z-eco-conscious-generation
Csobanka, Z. E. (2016). The Z Generation. Acta Technologica Dubnicae, 6(2), 63–76. https://doi.org/10.1515/atd-2016-0012
Despotović, J., Rodić, V., & Caracciolo, F. (2021). Farmers’ environmental awareness: Construct development, measurement, and use. Journal of Cleaner Production, 295, 126378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126378 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126378
Dimock, M. (2019). Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins. Pew Research Center; Pew Research Center. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/
Fei, A., Kim, J., & Kim, S. in. (2024). Effects of environmental sustainability practice in the economy hotel to Gen Zer’s purchase decision: Behavior economy approach using choice based conjoint analysis. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 118, 103678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2023.103678 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2023.103678
Flache, A., Mäs, M., Feliciani, T., Chattoe-Brown, E., Deffuant, G., Huet, S., & Lorenz, J. (2017). Models of Social Influence: Towards the Next Frontiers. Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.18564/jasss.3521 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18564/jasss.3521
Ghazali, E., Soon, P. C., Mutum, D. S., & Nguyen, B. (2017). Health and cosmetics: Investigating consumers’ values for buying organic personal care products. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 39(1), 154–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2017.08.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2017.08.002
Herold, P. I., & Prokop, D. (2023). Is fast fashion finally out of season? Rental clothing schemes as a sustainable and affordable alternative to fast fashion. Geoforum, 146, 103873. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2023.103873 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2023.103873
Joshi, A., Kale, S., Chandel, S., & Pal, D. K. (2015). Likert Scale: Explored and Explained. British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 7(4), 396–403. https://doi.org/10.9734/BJAST/2015/14975 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/BJAST/2015/14975
Konting, M. M., Kamaruddin, N., & Man, N. A. (2009). Quality Assurance in Higher Education Institutions: Exist Survey among Universiti Putra Malaysia Graduating Students. International Education Studies, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v2n1p25 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v2n1p25
Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research Methodology : Methods & Techniques (2nd ed.). New Age International (P) Ltd., Publishers, Cop.
Lee, K. (2008). Opportunities for green marketing: young consumers. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 26(6), 573–586. https://doi.org/10.1108/02634500810902839 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/02634500810902839
Li, H., Haq, I. U., Nadeem, H., Albasher, G., Alqatani, W., Nawaz, A., & Hameed, J. (2020). How Environmental Awareness relates to Green Purchase Intentions can affect Brand Evangelism? Altruism and Environmental Consciousness as Mediators. Revista Argentina de Clínica Psicológica, XXIX, 811–825. https://doi.org/10.24205/03276716.2020.1079
Liang, H., Wu, Z., & None Shuangjiao. (2024). Study on the Impact of Environmental Awareness, Health Consciousness, and Individual Basic Conditions on the Consumption Intention of Green Furniture. Sustainable Futures, 8, 100245–100245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2024.100245 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2024.100245
Liang, S.-Z., Xu, J.-L., & Huang, E. (2024). Comprehensive Analysis of the Effect of Social Influence and Brand Image on Purchase Intention. SAGE Open, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231218771
Liobikienė, G., & Bernatonienė, J. (2017). Why determinants of green purchase cannot be treated equally? The case of green cosmetics: Literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 162, 109–120. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.05.204
Marsall, M., Engelmann, G., Skoda, E.-M., Teufel, M., & Bäuerle, A. (2021). Validation and Test of Measurement Invariance of the Adapted Health Consciousness Scale (HCS-G). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(11), 6044. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116044 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116044
Meliniasari, A. R., & Mas’od, A. (2024). Understanding Factors Shaping Green Cosmetic Purchase Intentions: Insights from Attitudes, Norms, and Perceived Behavioral Control. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v14-i1/20573 DOI: https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v14-i1/20573
Mohd Suki, N., & Mohd Suki, N. (2015). Consumption values and consumer environmental concern regarding green products. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 22(3), 269–278. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2015.1013074 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2015.1013074
NIQ. (2024, July 29). How Gen Z Consumer Behavior is Reshaping Retail - NIQ. Nielseniq.com. https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/analysis/2024/how-gen-z-consumer-behavior-is-reshaping-retail/
Okada, T., Tamaki, T., & Managi, S. (2019). Effect of environmental awareness on purchase intention and satisfaction pertaining to electric vehicles in Japan. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 67(67), 503–513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2019.01.012
Pagiaslis, A., & Krontalis, A. K. (2014). Green Consumption Behavior Antecedents: Environmental Concern, Knowledge, and Beliefs. Psychology & Marketing, 31(5), 335–348. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.20698 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.20698
Pearson, K. (1920). Notes on the History of Correlation. Biometrika, 13(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.2307/2331722 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/2331722
Pimtong Tavitiyaman, Zhang, X., & Hiu Man Chan. (2024). Impact of environmental awareness and knowledge on purchase intention of an eco-friendly hotel: mediating role of habits and attitudes. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights. https://doi.org/10.1108/jhti-08-2023-0580 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-08-2023-0580
Pop, R.-A., Săplăcan, Z., & Alt, M.-A. (2020). Social Media Goes Green—The Impact of Social Media on Green Cosmetics Purchase Motivation and Intention. Information, 11(9), 447. https://doi.org/10.3390/info11090447
Pukdeemai, C. (2020). The moderation effect of environmental awareness on the relationship between customer’s engagement and value-creation to the company in social media : an empirical study based on Thai undergraduate student - WRAP: Warwick Research Archive Portal. Warwick.ac.uk. https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/158839/1/WRAP_Theses_Pukdeemai_2020.pdf
Quoquab, F., & Mohammad, J. (2020). A Review of Sustainable Consumption (2000 to 2020): What We Know and What We Need to Know. Journal of Global Marketing, 33(5), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/08911762.2020.1811441 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08911762.2020.1811441
Rashotte, L. (2007). Social Influence. The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405165518.wbeoss154 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405165518.wbeoss154
Sabzehei, M. T., S. Gholipoor, & M. Adinevand. (2016). A Survey of the Relationship Between Environmental Awareness, Attitude and Pro-environmental Behavior of Female Students at Qom University. Journal of Environmental Education and Sustainable Development, 4(4).
Sambe, A. H. N., & Haryanto, J. O. (2021). The Development of Social Influence and Aesthetic on Purchase Intention. Jurnal Manajemen, 25(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.24912/jm.v25i1.700 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24912/jm.v25i1.700
Silvianie Lius, & Salim, L. (2024). Do Female Generation Z Have Purchase Intention On Green Cosmetic Based On Their Environmental Knowledge, Environmental Concern, Health Consciousness, Attitude And Subjective Norm? Fokus Ekonomi/Fokus Ekonomi, 19(1), 95–110. https://doi.org/10.34152/fe.19.1.95-110
Soo, W. R., & Gong, S. L. K. (2023). Factors influencing the purchase intention of green products among gen Z in Malaysia. Eprints.utar.edu.my. http://eprints.utar.edu.my/id/eprint/5969
Srivastava, R., M.A. Sanjeev, & Gupta, S. (2024). A fuzzy approach to determining antecedents to green cosmetic consumption in India. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 52(6), 671–688. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijrdm-09-2022-0340
Syed, S., Acquaye, A., Khalfan, M. M., Obuobisa-Darko, T., & Yamoah, F. A. (2024). Decoding Sustainable Consumption Behavior: A Systematic Review of Theories and Models and Provision of a Guidance Framework. Resources Conservation & Recycling Advances, 23, 200232–200232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2024.200232
Taherdoost, H., Sahibuddin, S., & Jalaliyoon, N. (2014). Exploratory Factor Analysis; Concepts and Theory. Hal.science, 27, 375. https://hal.science/hal-02557344
Teo, L. X., Leng, H. K., & Phua, Y. X. P. (2019). Marketing on Instagram: Social influence and image quality on perception of quality and purchase intention. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, 20(2), 321–332. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijsms-04-2018-0028 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSMS-04-2018-0028
Transparency Market Research. (2023). Green Cosmetic Products Market. Transparencymarketresearch.com. https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/green-cosmetic-products-market.html
United Nations. (2015). The 17 Sustainable Development Goals. United Nations; United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals
United Nations. (2024). Goal 12 | Ensure Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns. United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12
Vannoy, S. A., & Palvia, P. (2010). The social influence model of technology adoption. Communications of the ACM, 53(6), 149. https://doi.org/10.1145/1743546.1743585
Vermeir, I., & Verbeke, W. (2008). Sustainable food consumption among young adults in Belgium: Theory of planned behaviour and the role of confidence and values. Ecological Economics, 64(3), 542–553. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2007.03.007
W. H. H. Cooray, S. S. J. Patabendige, & Mirando, U. J. (2024). Impact of Environmental Knowledge on Green Purchase Intention: Examining the Mediating Effect of Young Business Executives’ Attitudes Towards Green Products in Developing Country Context. Sri Lanka Journal of Marketing, 9(3), 261–284. https://doi.org/10.4038/sljmuok.v9i3.159
Watkins, M. W. (2018). Exploratory Factor Analysis: A Guide to Best Practice. Journal of Black Psychology, 44(3), 219–246. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095798418771807 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0095798418771807
Williams, B., Onsman, A., & Brown, T. (2010). Exploratory factor analysis: A five-step guide for novices. Australasian Journal of Paramedicine, 8(3), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.33151/ajp.8.3.93 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33151/ajp.8.3.93
Zhao, X., Fan, L., & Xu, Y. (2024). An investigation of determinants of green consumption behavior: An extended theory of planned behavior. Innovation and Green Development, 4(1), 100198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.igd.2024.100198
R. Cohen, “Why Gen Z is Leading the Eco-Conscious Movement | Culture,” www.wokewaves.com, May 19, 2024. https://www.wokewaves.com/posts/gen-z-eco-conscious-generation
R. Srivastava, M.A. Sanjeev, and S. Gupta, “A fuzzy approach to determining antecedents to green cosmetic consumption in India,” International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 52, no. 6, pp. 671–688, Jul. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/ijrdm-09-2022-0340. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRDM-09-2022-0340
R.-A. Pop, Z. Săplăcan, and M.-A. Alt, “Social Media Goes Green—The Impact of Social Media on Green Cosmetics Purchase Motivation and Intention,” Information, vol. 11, no. 9, p. 447, 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/info11090447. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/info11090447
S. A. Vannoy and P. Palvia, “The social influence model of technology adoption,” Communications of the ACM, vol. 53, no. 6, p. 149, Jun. 2010, doi: https://doi.org/10.1145/1743546.1743585. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/1743546.1743585
S. N. B. Ahmad, A. B. Omar, and R. B. Rose, “Influence of Personal Values on Generation Z’s Purchase Intention for Natural Beauty Products,” in ADVANCES IN GLOBAL BUSINESS RESEARCH, 2015, pp. 436–445.
S. Syed, A. Acquaye, M. M. Khalfan, T. Obuobisa-Darko, and F. A. Yamoah, “Decoding Sustainable Consumption Behavior: A Systematic Review of Theories and Models and Provision of a Guidance Framework,” Resources Conservation & Recycling Advances, vol. 23, pp. 200232–200232, Oct. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2024.200232. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2024.200232
S.-Z. Liang, J.-L. Xu, and E. Huang, “Comprehensive Analysis of the Effect of Social Influence and Brand Image on Purchase Intention,” SAGE Open, vol. 14, no. 1, Jan. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231218771. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231218771
Silvianie Lius and L. Salim, “Do Female Generation Z Have Purchase Intention on Green Cosmetic Based on Their Environmental Knowledge, Environmental Concern, Health Consciousness, Attitude and Subjective Norm?” Fokus ekonomi/Fokus Ekonomi, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 95–110, Jun. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.34152/fe.19.1.95-110. DOI: https://doi.org/10.34152/fe.19.1.95-110
T. Okada, T. Tamaki, and S. Managi, “Effect of environmental awareness on purchase intention and satisfaction pertaining to electric vehicles in Japan,” Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, vol. 67, no. 67, pp. 503–513, Feb. 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2019.01.012. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2019.01.012
Transparency Market Research, “Green Cosmetic Products Market,” Transparencymarketresearch.com, 2023. https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/green-cosmetic-products-market.html (accessed Dec. 09, 2024).
United Nations, “Goal 12 | Ensure Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns,” United Nations, 2024. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12
United Nations, “The 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” United Nations, 2015. https://sdgs.un.org/goals
W. H. H. Cooray, S. S. J. Patabendige, and U. J. Mirando, “Impact of Environmental Knowledge on Green Purchase Intention: Examining the Mediating Effect of Young Business Executives’ Attitudes Towards Green Products in Developing Country Context,” Sri Lanka Journal of Marketing, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 261–284, Feb. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.4038/sljmuok.v9i3.159. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/sljmuok.v9i3.159
W. R. Soo and S. L. K. Gong, “Factors influencing the purchase intention of green products among gen Z in Malaysia,” eprints.utar.edu.my, 2023. http://eprints.utar.edu.my/id/eprint/5969
X. Zhao, L. Fan, and Y. Xu, “An investigation of determinants of green consumption behavior: An extended theory of planned behavior,” Innovation and Green Development, vol. 4, no. 1, p. 100198, Dec. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.igd.2024.100198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.igd.2024.100198
Z. E. Csobanka, “The Z Generation,” Acta Technologica Dubnicae, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 63–76, Aug. 2016, doi: https://doi.org/10.1515/atd-2016-0012. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/atd-2016-0012
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0