Faced with growing environmental challenges, consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of the products they use every day. In the cosmetics sector, this expectation has led to the emergence of environmental rating systems designed to make the environmental footprint of products more transparent.
Today two main initiatives stand out: the Green Impact Index, created in France, and EcoBeautyScore, an international initiative that we will now present to you.
The EcoBeautyScore guarantees
Created through an international collaboration with the EcoBeautyScore Association, this system is based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology that uses a database of the impacts of ingredients and packaging materials. It is aligned with the European Union's Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) principles.
Key points of the EcoBeautyScore:
- Environmental impact assessment of cosmetic products using 16 indicators (carbon emissions, water consumption, resources, etc.).
- Rating from A to E, comparable between products of the same category. The "A" rating distinguishes products with the best environmental performance according to the EcoBeautyScore. Conversely, the "E" rating designates those with the greatest impact, for which improvement measures must be prioritized.
- Digital platform to calculate impacts and scores.
- Mandatory audit before publication, carried out by an independent third party such as Ecocert.
- Rating visible on cosmetic products. Although optional, it may be available to consumers.
The objective is to facilitate responsible choices by providing consumers with clear information on the environmental impact of cosmetics. At the same time, this allows brands to understand and reduce the ecological footprint of their products
Ecocert to guarantee the reliability of the score
Ecocert is a partner of the Association and has been working with brands for 30 years as an independent verification body. Ecocert's mission is to ensure that brands correctly use the scoring tools by verifying the quality of the data entered to calculate the scores and compliance with processes through rigorous auditsFor EcoBeautyScore, the consulting and training subsidiary Des Enjeux et des Hommes was requested to carry out a critical review of the methodology and analyze any discrepancies with emerging regulations to ensure compliance and contribute to the implementation of an external verification system, allowing brands to have their application of the EcoBeautyScore approach audited by approved bodies
Recommendations were made to strengthen the robustness and transparency of the system and conversations continue with the Association to support advances in standards and promote the integration of our proposals
- A focus on continuous improvement
Ecocert is committed to supporting initiatives that promote better consumer information, while ensuring that they comply with regulatory requirements and sustainability standards.
The diversity of tools can enrich the debate, as long as they are reliable, transparent, and verified. But beyond their methodological quality, it is essential that they allow for concrete transformation of actions on the ground. With this in mind, Ecocert collaborates with project leaders to collectively advance industry standards and promote real improvement in the environmental and social impact of cosmetic productsThe EcoBeautyScore approach is part of the innovative landscape of new environmental labeling systems, along with other initiatives such as the Green Impact Index, with which Ecocert also collaborates
Classification systems complement natural and organic cosmetic labels like COSMOS, which have been promoted at Ecocert for more than 20 years. These labels guarantee a firm commitment in terms of formulation, ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and respect for biodiversity
Environmental scoring systems, on the other hand, provide additional information based on quantitative and multicriteria data, allowing for the evaluation of the global impact of cosmetic products throughout their life cycle. Together, these approaches contribute to greater transparency and a sustainable transformation of the sector