Skincare products manufacturer
Founded in Australia in 1953 by Gerald Oppenheim and his wife, Rae. Products are manufactured in Melbourne, Australia, and exported to over 20 countries.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Jun 2024)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Ego Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
4/5 for packaging performance
This company received a packaging performance level of 4 (Leading) in its 2024 APCO Annual Report. Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is a not-for-profit organisation leading the development of a circular economy for packaging in Australia. Each year, APCO Members are required to submit an APCO Annual Report and Action Plan, which includes an overall performance level from 1 (Getting Started) to 5 (Beyond Best Practice).
Source: APCO
(2024)
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 "No Commitment" (retrieved 18 Nov 2023).
Source: WAZA
(2023)
Misleading claims
In 2022 this company was fined $280,000 by the Auckland District Court after it made misleading claims about the sun protection factor (SPF) of two of its sunscreens.
Source: Inside FMCG
(2022)
Use of microplastics
This company uses plastic microbeads in some of its personal care products. 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)
Breaching advertising codes
In 2014 the Therapeutic Goods Administration's Complaints Resolution Panel upheld a complaint about an ad by this company on the grounds that it breached advertising codes. The ad was subsequently withdrawn.
Source: TGA Complaints Register
(2014)
Global Packaging Award winner
The WorldStar Competition is one of the major events of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and is the pre-eminent global award in packaging. This company won a WorldStar Global Packaging Award in 2023 for its etchðos personal care products.
Source: WorldStar
(2023)
Corporate responsibility claims
This company has corporate responsibility claims on its website in areas such as of responsible business, environmental solutions and community engagement
Source: company website
(2019)
Company Details
Type:
Family-owned private company
Founded:
1953
Revenue:
205 million AUD
(2020)
Employees:
440
(2020)
Contact Details
Products / Brands
Ego Pharmaceuticals
Aqium
Hand Wash/Sanitiser
Ego
Skin Care
Hairscience
Shampoo
Moov
Lice Treatment
QV
Skin Care
Sun Sense
Tanning Lotions
Sun Sense
Sunscreen