TRANSPARENCY IN LABELING SINCE 1924
Kiehl’s was one of the first companies to proudly list ingredients on the front of its packaging in 1924—well before the US government mandated it in 1966. We have always believed in transparency and putting the power of knowledge in our customers’ hands.
HOW TO READ THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SCORE
The “Overall Product Environment Impact Score” is a cumulative score of 14 impact factors* measured at every stage of a product’s life cycle, from ingredient sourcing, packaging production and manufacturing, to customer usage (like the average quantity of hot water used during showering), biodegradability and disposal.
The 14 planetary impact factors are weighted according to the Planetary Boundaries concept established by the Stockholm Resilience Center. Each product can be ranked in comparison to other products in the L’Oréal Group portfolio within the same category sold since 2020.
The scoring information is displayed in a simple color-coded graph to help consumers stay informed. Every consumer product has some impact on the environment. A good score does not mean a product has a positive impact or no impact on the environment. The letters and colors used in this tool are designed to help consumers make comparisons to other similar products in L’Oréal’s global portfolio so they can make informed choices.
Carbon and water footprints are specifically highlighted as they represent two thirds, on average, of the overall environmental impact of cosmetic products assessed throughout this methodology.
We strive to lower the environmental impact of every product we make, and as part of our pledge of transparency, the Environmental Impact Score is one way of sharing our progress with you.
HOW WE COMPARE PRODUCTS
Each product is ranked in comparison to other products sold in the L’Oréal Group portfolio in the same cosmetic category (example: shampoos, conditioners, etc.) in 2020. The labelling gives each product a score, from A to E, with products labelled “A” considered best in class, in terms of environmental impact.
If you want to learn more, additional information is available on each formula’s product page. There you can find details on the manufacturing conditions, the packaging, and the social impact of a product—which considers if its raw materials have been sourced in a socially responsible manner.
DEVELOPED BY EXPERTS
This environmental and social labelling methodology was developed with the help of 11 independent scientific experts and is aligned with the highest global standards (European "Environmental Product Footprint") that aim to reduce the environmental impact of goods and services with a multi-criteria approach. Scores and footprint data are also verified by Bureau Veritas, an independent auditor recognized worldwide.
HOW WE DEFINE OUR IMPACT
Want to know more? Or looking to clean up your language around sustainability? Visit our sustainability glossary to see how we define terminology related to environmental impact.
OUR JOURNEY TO CIRCULARITY FOR A HEALTHY PLANET
We're on a mission toward circularity by 2030. Learn more about how we are respecting resources, designing out waste, and empowering communities along the way.