Cosmetics
Founded in 1994. More than 600 stores in 43 countries. Co-founders Mark and Mo Constantine own the company with Helen Ambrosen. 85% of their products are vegan. Sold a 20% stake to Silverwood Brands in 2022.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Jan 2023)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Lush Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
Cruelty free company
This company has either signed PETA's statement of assurance or provided a statement verifying that they do not conduct or commission any animal tests.
Source: PETA
(2023)
Fair Tax Mark
This company has been awarded the Fair Tax Mark, indicating it is open and transparent about its tax affairs and seeks to pay the right amount of corporation tax at the right time in the right place.
Source: Fair Tax
(2020)
Mica replacement
In 2014 Lush committed to removing all traces of mica from its products over concerns that it is unable to guarantee that the mines which extract the product are free from child labour. The company will use a synthetic alternative instead.
Source: The Guardian
(2014)
Palm oil rating - WAZA
The PalmOil Scan app, produced by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), rates companies on their commitment to sourcing sustainable palm oil. Companies are scored on their use of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO), commitment to sourcing CSPO, on-the-ground conservation action, and membership to the RSPO. Companies can earn a rating of Excellent, Good, Poor or No Commitment. This company is rated "Poor" (retrieved 18 Nov 2023).
Source: WAZA
(2023)
Climate action commitments
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: adopt a science-based emissions reduction target.
Source: We Mean Business
(2021)
Ethical claims
This company has extensive ethical claims and policies on its website.
Source: company website
(2020)
Some use of microplastics
While the majority of this company's products do not contain plastic microbeads, some of its foundations and concealers do contain microplastics. These particles are not retained by wastewater treatment so end up in the ocean where they contribute to ocean plastic pollution, and are hazardous to sea life. While the effects of microplastics on human health are not completely understood, there are concerns about plastic additives, such as phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors which are shown to have harmful effects on life.
Source: Beat the Microbead
(2021)
Modern Slavery statement
California, the UK and Australia have all enacted legislation requiring companies operating within their borders to disclose their efforts to eradicate modern slavery from their operations and supply chains. Follow the link to see this company's disclosure statement.
Source: company website
(2018)
Skin Deep hazard scores
Skin Deep is an online safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products and their potential hazards and health concerns, with over 75,000 products rated from 1 (low hazard) to 10 (high hazard).
Company Details
Type:
Private company
Revenue:
524 million GBP
(2020)
Employees:
1,401
(2020)
Subsidiaries: