L'Oréal-owned Garnier has become the first mass market skin care brand to achieve Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification for five of its products, recognising its commitment to human and environmental health.
The independent third-party organisation assesses products based on their performance in factors including re-utilisation, renewable energy and social fairness.
Five Garnier products received Silver certification, the second highest grade possible: Garnier SkinActive Deep Pore Facial Cleanser with Green Tea; Garnier SkinActive Refreshing Facial Cleanser with Aloe Juice; Garnier SkinActive Soothing Cleansing Milk with Rose Water; Garnier SkinActive Deep Pore Exfoliating Face Scrub with Green Tea; and Garnier SkinActive Refreshing Cream Cleanser with Aloe Juice.
The products were praised for their sustainable packaging: the bottle for SkinActive Deep Pore Exfoliating Face Scrub with Green Tea is made from 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, while the three SkinActive cleansers feature 20% PCR plastic.
Meanwhile, all of the products are produced in L'Oréal USA's New Jersey facility, which is powered with 100% renewable electricity and uses optimised cleaning systems to reduce its water consumption.
Danielle Azoulay, Head of CSR & Sustainability for L'Oréal USA, said: “The Cradle to Cradle certification mirrors L'Oréal USA's holistic approach to sustainable product development.
“We know our consumers value sustainability and to us that means demonstrating sustainability leadership across the value chain, from formulation to manufacturing to renewable resources to social fairness.”
Garnier is L'Oréal's third brand to achieve Cradle to Cradle certification, alongside Kiehl's and Biolage.
Lewis Perkins, President of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, added: "By using the Cradle to Cradle Certified product standard as a framework for the continuous improvement of the material health and impact of its products, L'Oréal is leading the beauty industry towards greater transparency and trust with its consumers."
The latest certification is part of L'Oréal's ongoing Sharing Beauty With All programme, demonstrating its global commitment to reducing its environmental impact; the company has pledged that 100% of its products will have an environmental or social benefit by 2020.
