L’Oréal, Kao Corporation and Natura have been named as some of the world’s most ethical companies of 2019.
The trio received the honour as part of think tank Ethisphere’s annual World’s Most Ethical Companies list, which celebrated 128 companies across 50 industries and 21 countries.
It is the tenth year that French beauty giant L’Oréal has been awarded the prize.
Jean-Paul Agon, CEO of L’Oréal, said: “This tenth recognition from Ethisphere confirms that a company can be both ethical and successful.
“Ethics is one of the Group's transformation drivers, of which all of our employees around the world are particularly proud.”
Japanese firm Kao – who owns cosmetic brands Bioré, John Frieda and Molton Brown – has made the list for 13 consecutive years.
Michitaka Sawada, President and CEO of Kao, said: “Our culture of Integrity has remained the same since Kao began business 130 years ago.
“We live in times where great volatility and change are the norm and so the demand for leadership in compliance and ethical business is greater than ever before.
“Integrity will continue to be the cornerstone of our company's existence."
According to Ethisphere, the companies must meet rigorous criteria across five categories covering the quality of their ethics and compliance programme, organisational culture, corporate citizenship and responsibility, governance, and leadership and reputation.
Timothy Erblich, CEO of Ethisphere, added: “Today employees, consumers and stakeholders value companies that show both a commitment to business integrity, and also have the organisational humility to never stop seeking improvement.
“The World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees understand that this approach has a profound impact on communities and is the foundation for broader success and profitability.”