What Is ‘Clean + Planet Positive’ Skincare Exactly?

You opt for organic when it’s available, you sort your recycling, and you walk instead of drive when you can. You’re doing your part to be more green for the greater good, but what about the beauty brands you’re buying? They tout their products as “clean” but are they really walking the walk behind closed doors?

Wonder no more: Sephora has created a new standard for their clean beauty category called Clean + Planet Positive. Products that meet the standard will have a special seal. When you see the seal, it means not only are you getting the clean ingredients you love (no parabens, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, mineral oils, formaldehyde, and more) but that the brand is doing its best to be eco-conscious behind the scenes too.

According to Zero Waste Week data from 2018, more than 120 billion units of packaging are produced globally every year by the cosmetics industry, contributing to the loss of 18 million acres of forest annually.

I know what you’re thinking: Can my beauty products really make a difference when it comes to the environment? Yes! And this is exactly why it’s so important to support brands that are taking a stand to do something about it. And with incredible brands leading the charge (peep more on my fave product picks below), you can be a part of this positive change while still being able to indulge in skincare, makeup, or any other form of beauty.

Here’s exactly how brands make the cut for Sephora’s Clean + Planet Positive Seal:

• Clean Ingredients: Clean at Sephora approved. No parabens, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, mineral oils, formaldehyde, and more. See a full list of Sephora’s excluded ingredients here.
• Climate Commitment: Brands must meet at least one of the following climate goals: Carbon-neutral operations, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, or corporate office and owned operations powered by 100% renewable energy.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Cruelty-free, using only sustainably harvested palm oil and mica, no microplastics, and up to Sephora’s CBD standards.
• Responsible Packaging: Must reduce, recycle, and reimagine the way they package. That means: No single-use items or unnecessary materials. Designing with recyclability in mind. Innovating with plant-based ink, biomaterials, refillable components, post=consumer recycled materials, and more.
• Environmental Giving: Donate at least 1% of profit to a credible, long-term giving program that is multi-year and ongoing, or be a Certified B-corp.

Ready to shop? Here are a few favorites that hold the Clean + Planet Positive seal.