| Items in this article are hand-selected and vetted for their commitment to minimizing their impact on the environment. If you purchase one of these items we may or may not earn a commission. |
It wasn’t that long ago that Sephora expanded on its skin, hair and beauty categories with its Clean label. Now, the beauty retailer (and beauty brand) has its eye on the environment with its Clean + Planet Positive label. The new initiative launched last week with 18 brands that meet the retailer’s formula standards and the Sephora sustainable packaging criteria.
From environmentally responsible packaging and ingredient transparency to conscientious energy consumption, we approach every challenge as an opportunity to innovate.
What’s the Sustainable Criteria?
While Sephora doesn’t specifically state its criteria for their clean and planet positive label, the brand does list a few of its own sustainable initiatives. Some of these can be found in their Chemicals Policy Progress Update. In the document, Sephora pledges to “reduce the number of products from all brands that contain any high-priority chemicals.” There is also a statement made to encourage safer alternatives and ensure that consumers are fully aware of the ingredients in all of their products.
Other sustainable initiatives the brand has taken are related to energy use and carbon emissions. To date, all stores, offices and distribution centers are powered by 100% renewable energy since Sephora’s dedication to green energy 7 years ago.
While Sephora hasn’t released the specifics of their new label, the beauty retailer has made headway in reducing their packaging waste. Shopper bags are partially made from post-consumer recycled materials. Excess packaging has been replaced for minimal designs and paper materials are sourced sustainably. These initiatives focused on reducing, reusing and recycling have helped to prevent 1.9 million pounds of waste from entering landfills.
What brands will be included?
By embracing efficient design, and encouraging the brands we carry to do the same, we save resources while incorporating recyclable materials. Sephora is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Our goal is to divert waste from landfill.
Tata Harper
Tata Harper is a skincare brand that has put sustainability at the forefront of their brand mission since day one. Not only is the line formulated with natural and potent ingredients, but each product is biodegradable and sustainably packaged.
Environmental Impact: Glass is infinitely recyclable and that’s the material of choice that helps this brand fit into Sephora’s sustainable packaging category. Other parts of their bottles- like the pump- are bioplastic made from sugarcane (not fossil fuels). Paper boxes are made from certified paper from sustainably managed forests and the ink used for the logo is soy based to reduce toxicity.
REN
REN has always been associated as a clean skincare brand. The cult label powers its formulas with plants like white mushrooms, elderberries and algae that have been proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines while giving skin a brightened glow.
Environmental Impact: This brand has made the pledge to be Zero Waste by the end of 2021. That goal will primarily be met by choosing packaging made from post consumer plastic, reclaimed ocean plastic and skipping boxes to reduce excess paper waste entering landfills. And, if you’re a fan of the single-use sachets, know that those will be discontinued as an initiative to further reach its zero waste goals.
Biossance
This brand has been saying ‘no’ to over 2000+ toxic ingredients for years. Instead of relying on chemicals, Biossance has set an industry standard for clean beauty and winning many awards along the way
Farmacy
As the name suggests- this brand is all about farm-to-face skincare. But, these ingredients aren’t only planted for moisturizers promising to make your skin look pretty, they’re also planted in an effort to help fight food insecurity and promote ethical production. They’re a proud partner of Feeding America and have donated 1.5 million meals in 2021.
Environmental Impact: In 2019 Farmacy reduced their packaging by 80% when they made the switch to use a 100% recyclable cap and jar. In 2021, thoseitems were made from 50% post consumer recycled materials. As for what’s next for 2022, that will be determined as the brand finds more and better solutions for their sustainable packaging.