Cosmetics brands need to become more sustainable

The cosmetics industry is struggling with its sustainability efforts: out of thirty examined brands, 22 fail to surpass a score of 30 % according to a Rank a Brand study. Only five get more than 50 %.

Only 5 passed, 9 brands should be ignored

The study took 26 different areas into account, ranging from climate, environment, animal welfare and health to working conditions. As a whole, the cosmetics industry’s performance is rather abysmal: out of thirty brands, only five have received a passing grade (Weleda, Dr. Hauschka, Logona, Sante and Botanique), which all are biological brands. 

Out of the remaining 25 brands, 22 could not get past a score of 30 %. Nine brands (Aveda, Biodermal, Kruidvat, Estée Lauder, HEMA, MAC, Rituals, De Tuinen and Rimmel) even received the lowest possible label (E), which means consumers should ignore these brands entirely for the time being. Remarkable is the fact that brands that promote their “natural” image (like The Body Shop and Yves Rocher) still have plenty of room for improvement. 

“Positive is that every brand has unveiled a plan to lower their emissions, but unfortunately, often this is the only step they have already taken”, Rank a Brand said. The international organization of responsible consumers was founded to help consumers make informed and responsible purchases and to stimulate brands to become sustainable, socially responsible and transparent.