Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber are making waves in the world of beauty and skin care. But only one brand, hers, can stand tall in this sustainability battle.
Rare beauty: Selena Gomez’s vision for better beauty
Founder’s mission
“We wanted to create a brand that was thoughtfully crafted inside and out. From our products to our packaging to the suppliers we work with, we are constantly learning to make everything better for our customers and the environment. , it’s getting better,” Selena Gomez says on Rare Beauty.
Environmental impact and packaging initiatives
Rare Beauty’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the formulation of its products. A notable example of this commitment is our approach to packaging.
The brand uses recycled fibers in its shipping boxes, welcome cards and tissues, all of which are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. This impressive certification ensures that a company’s sourcing practices are in line with principles that minimize negative environmental impact.
That’s not all. These boxes are 100% recyclable and have minimal impact on the environment once their purpose has been achieved.
In addition to responsibly sourcing materials, Rare Beauty uses water-based inks for printing, which significantly reduces the negative impact on the environment compared to traditional inks.
Additionally, the product’s protective padding is made from corn-based foam, which is environmentally friendly and highly functional. This foam dissolves in water within 60 days and forms compost in moist soil. This is a remarkable advancement in sustainable packaging innovation.
Rare Beauty is committed to sustainable packaging, but there’s one glaring issue.
Since its launch in 2019, the brand has not included limited editions in this sustainable packaging initiative. The website provides no details as to why this is the case, even though there are means to do so.
Raw material sourcing and transparency
Best of all, the company’s website emphasizes its cruelty-free and vegan commitment. This effort is supported by PETA’s Global Beauty Without Bunnies program.
“Made with love for animals. We do not use any animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products, and we are never tested on animals (and we do not recommend any other products on our behalf). (We don’t ask people to test us).”, Rare Beauty Sourcing Statement
In addition to this, the brand partners with cosmetic manufacturing practices certified suppliers. Partnerships like this ensure that the rare beauty products supplier meets his GMP, which meets strict international regulatory standards.
Having said all this, it’s clear that the company still has a long way to go.
The majority of Beautyband products do not contain any ingredients of concern. This is not surprising given that all of our products are researched and tested in-house and by independent scientific experts (chemists and microbiologists).
While most of the company’s beauty products do not contain any ingredients of concern, some do contain undisclosed synthetic fragrances, an unnecessary marketing ploy.
Additionally, certain products manufactured by Rare Beauty contain mica. This mineral adds a shiny, shiny finish to the final product. Unfortunately, the use of mica in the beauty industry comes with harsh realities. Minerals are often mined using child labor in countries such as India and Madagascar, which can have a negative impact on supply chains.
Rare Beauty’s most popular product, Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, also contains this ingredient. Since 2019, Rare Beauty has not disclosed how it sources its mica.
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Road Skin: Hailey Bieber’s commitment to accessible and sustainable beauty
Founder’s mission
“My journey towards healthier skin has inspired me to develop products that truly work in a way that is accessible to everyone,” says Hayley Baber on the Lord Skin website.
Environmental impact and packaging initiatives
“Lord believes in reducing overconsumption and involving our community in the process. From limited product releases to consciously sourced ingredients, we are committed to keeping our minds in mind every step of the way. I am committed to complete skin care.”
One of the brand’s most impressive sustainability features is its packaging choices.
When customers purchase Rhode beauty products, they arrive in a zero-waste Box box. This is a significant change from traditional single-use shipping boxes as it can significantly reduce the environmental impact by 70%.
Not only are Boox boxes environmentally friendly, they are also designed to be reusable. It can be used 12 times before needing to be replaced, significantly reducing long-term waste.
Similar to Rare Beauty, Rhode Skin’s packaging does not contain bubble wrap or extra packaging materials. Inserts used in Boox boxes are manufactured from recycled paper and sourced from FSC.
The brand also makes it easy for customers to return their Boox boxes by simplifying the process.
To return a box, customers simply scan the QR code inside the box and follow a few simple steps. This user-friendly process allows customers to join Lorde’s sustainability efforts by easily returning their packages to their local drop-off location.
Raw material sourcing and transparency
“Lord is dedicated to creating products based on science and superior formulations, simplifying the many mysteries and complex stories behind effective skin care.”
Again, like Rare Beauty, Rhode Skin offers a wide range of vegan, gluten-free products for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Their products are set apart from others because they are never tested on animals, even in countries like China where animal testing is common.
Beyond the eye-catching cruelty-free label, the products contain high-performance ingredients for all types of skin care and sensitive skin. These include ingredients such as peptides, squalene, and niacinamide.
Considering Rhode Skin is vegan, that means it uses plant-based squalene, a completely natural and sustainable ingredient.
Additionally, the brand uses sustainable cupuaçu butter. Many indigenous peoples of the Amazon have used this fruit for generations in products such as ice cream, juice, and skin care because of its rich antioxidant content.
Extensive research has shown that cupuaçu can be grown sustainably without further damage to the world’s already dwindling rainforests. Moreover, this sustainable farming practice is an effective source of income for local farmers.
Despite its popularity among Gen Z, roadskin needs more transparency in disclosing the origin of ingredients and sourcing practices. If the company were more candid about its raw material supply chain, it would undoubtedly increase consumer confidence in its products.
Who are the sustainability champions?
Rare Beauty and Rhode Skin both offer impressive options. But Rhode Skin was the winner with a slim margin.
Rare Beauty deserves praise for its commitment to sustainable packaging. However, the sourcing of undisclosed fragrances and mica remains a pressing sustainability concern.
Rhode Skin, on the other hand, stands out with its innovative zero-waste Box boxes and easy-to-use return process. The brand prioritizes high-performance ingredients and ethical practices, including sustainably sourced cupuaçu butter.
There is room for improvement in ingredient transparency, but Rhode Skin is moving in the right direction.
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own and not those of Impakter.com. Featured photo credits: Rare beauty and road skin.
The Celebrity Sustainability Battle: Rare Beauty vs. Rhode Skin
