Ethique
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Top Choice
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate
The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
certifications:
learn more about these certifications*
overview
sustainability
non-toxic
social responsibility
9 out of 10
10 out of 10
10 out of 10
about
Ethique makes solid bar haircare alternatives to traditional liquid haircare products with a strong commitment to sustainability.
highlights
100% home compostable packaging
Plastic-free
Solid-bar alternatives to liquid haircare
Non-toxic
Clear emissions reporting and reductions
sustainability
score:
9 out of 10
details:
Packaging
Ethique’s packaging is all 100% home-compostable and recyclable. They are an entirely plastic-free brand.
Material Sustainability
Ethique’s formations are almost entirely sustainable, with natural ingredients sourced from low-impact crops. The brand also creates solid bar haircare with limited water use, which is far more sustainable than the industry standard liquid haircare products.
Energy Use and Footprint
Ethique takes active steps to measure, reduce, and offset their emissions across their supply chain. They have succeeded in greatly reducing emissions despite substantial business growth, and they are clear and transparent about these processes. You can find more details about their emissions reductions here.
Waste Management
Ethique greatly reduces water waste by creating solid-bar alternatives to liquid haircare products. However, limited information is available regarding other waste mitigation strategies across their supply chain, outside of this and their commitment to compostable packaging.
Business Model
The brand offers a mostly evergreen collection with limited seasonal or trend-driven items.
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
Ethique’s formulations are essential 100% toxin-free, with only a few ingredients carrying minor risk factors for those with especially sensitive skin, which could include Cetyl and Stearyl Alcohol or Sodium Coco-Sulfate (SCS). These ingredients are still entirely safe and non-toxic.
social responsibility
score:
10 out of 10
details:
Ethique is a certified B Corporation that takes ethical sourcing for high-risk ingredients seriously. Ingredients that carry risk for fair labor violations are sourced from certified fair trade suppliers. 2% of every sale goes directly to environmental and social charities each year. Labor standards in their own production are certified through their B Corporation status. They are certified vegan and cruelty-free.
