Why responsibility is the goal…

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By contributor, Arden Andrews.

It’s Earth Month, and it’s actually Earth Year, Earth Eternity… you get the idea. And in an effort to prioritize our entire source of life, “responsible” beauty is the category to watch, especially now that the term “clean” has become as fuzzy as it is popular.

What does responsible mean, then? Think steps toward more planet-friendly practices and official B Corp certifications (acquired by brands that meet standards of performance, accountability, and transparency on a range of factors like employee benefits, charitable giving, and supply chain practices).

“We want our customers to feel confident about the product they’re investing in, which is why our independent certifications are so important,” says Pai Skincare founder Sarah Brown, who shares that all of the brand’s products are certified vegan, cruelty-free and COSMOS Natural or Organic as well as independently patch tested to confirm they’re clinically proven for sensitive skin. “These accreditations, along with our B-Corp certification, all verify our products live up to their promises so that our customers can put their full trust in them, and be proud to have them on their bathroom shelf.”

Flo Glendenning, VP of Product & Sustainability for The Nue Co, notes that the brand treats health as an ecosystem of physical, mental, and environmental wellbeing. “Our collective health is intrinsically connected to the health of the planet, and we believe it’s our responsibility as a business to raise the bar for our sector through operating in a way that respects and preserves our environment.” And with that attitude in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 7 of the standout certified beauty brands — and their hero products — to watch, love, and shop:

1.Pai Skincare: Rosehip Bioregenerate Facial Oil

Pai Skincare is Cosmos Certified as well as Certified B-Corp, and their Rosehip Bioregenerate Facial Oil is their bestseller for good reason. “It’s made using Super Critical CO2 Extraction, which takes place at 30°C without any thermal stress or organic solvents. Not only is this better for the environment than cold-pressing, but it creates a purer and more potent product,” says Brown, adding that it also contains 60% more sterols and 700% more polyphenols than other leading oils on the market, meaning it’s better for your skin (and your wallet).

2.Ursa Major: Golden Hour Recovery Cream

You’ve likely seen Ursa Major’s Golden Hour hero in your social feed with reviews of how the calendula and sea buckthorn-spiked recovery cream seems to be a do-it-all skin savior. “How can we walk the walk for our co-workers, customers, community, and environment?” asks co-founder Emily Doyle, who notes that their B-Corp certification keeps the entire team accountable with a full-time, long-term commitment to transparency, learning, and leveling-up. “For us, that looks like using only ingredients that are safe for our skin and our planet, empowering our team members (like giving everyone stock in the company), pursuing sustainable packaging, ethical production practices, and so much more.”

3.Sunday Riley: Good Genes

For Certified B-Corp brand Sunday Riley, their bestselling skin exfoliator rich in lactic acid will arrive in a recycled pulp board tray that was shipped with carbon offset freight (meaning that they purchase credits to reduce the environmental footprint). “We support a program called Green Worms,” the brand notes. “Green Worms not only prevents plastic from entering landfills or the ocean, but creates jobs for over 300 women.”

4.The Nue Co: Forest Lungs functional fragrance

The Nue Co’s award-winning Forest Lungs functional fragrance contains patchouli oil from Indonesia, vetiver from South Haiti, bergamot from Italy and benzoin from Cambodia – all supporting community growing initiatives. “Since day one, we have been committed to making ethically and environmentally responsible decisions – from choosing packaging that is infinitely recyclable, to working with sustainably grown and harvested ingredients,” says Glendenning. “Wherever possible we work with programs that support the communities who grow our extracts, ensuring direct economic investment, employment and growth to local communities.” They’re also Certified B-Corp, Plastic Neutral, Climate Positive (meaning they offset 110% of all carbon emissions) and donate a percentage of proceeds to long-term partner charity: water.

5.HIGHR Collective: HIGHR Lipstick

"When we started development on HIGHR Lipstick, we worked with organic ingredients and a clean supply chain by focusing on renewable energy,” says HIGHR Collective founder Molly Har. “We completely scrapped the way lipstick is normally made and pieced together a new way of working.” In addition to reimagining the makeup staple, Har made the brand’s B-Corp certification official. “This is beauty, but HIGHR."

6.Prima: Certified B Corp (CBD)

The radiance-enhancing powers of Prima’s Night Magic Oil or Enlightenment Serum are thanks to a clinically-proven blend of nourishing essential fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, and hemp CBD. The brand is B-Corp Certified and every product in their line is certified Glyphosate Residue Free, meaning that nothing they make includes the world’s most common pesticide. Plus, they’ve received a gold certification by Green America, which requires commitment to social equity including the well-being of workers, customers, suppliers, and the greater community. “Prima is proud to be a certified Green America Business at the highest level — GOLD — and is the first hemp CBD brand to achieve this certification,” the brand shares.

7.Aromatherapy Associates: Forest Therapy Bath & Shower Oil

Inspired by the Japanese art of forest bathing, this Forest Therapy bathing oil blends Peruvian Pink Pepper fruit, Juniper Berry gathered from Macedonia’s mountains, and calming Mediterranean Cypress for what’s designed to be an emotionally healing experience. Founded in the ’80s, Aromatherapy Associates launched with a goal of supporting its customers wellbeing, and its 2020 B-Corp Certification made it official. "With our B Corp certification, we are able to create a better business that represents the highest standards of environmental and social impact,” says CEO Anna Teal. “Our task now is not to rest on our laurels but to work together as a team, engaging with communities and inspiring others.”