Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Poor
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
2.6 out of 10
5.5 out of 10
6.2 out of 10
about
Fenty Beauty is a mainstream cosmetics label founded by Rihanna.
highlights
Some PCR packaging content
Reef safe SPF
sustainability
score:
2.6 out of 10
details:
Packaging
Fenty uses FSC-certified paper for its cartons and includes post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in many bottles, tubes, and jars whenever possible. Most of Fenty’s primary packaging is still plastic and not easily recyclable through curbside programs.
Ingredient Sustainability
Fenty’s ingredient sourcing is varied. On the positive side, the Fenty Skin avoids certain environmentally harmful chemicals. Its sunscreen, for example, is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it reef-safe.
However, many of Fenty Beauty’s cosmetics rely on conventional synthetic ingredients and petroleum-derived compounds. The formulas include typical cosmetic chemicals (emollients, silicones, pigments, etc.). There is no evidence that Fenty uses certified sustainable palm oil or other sustainably farmed inputs. Some products contain non-biodegradable components (for example, long-lasting polymers or microplastic-like glitter) that can persist in the environment.
Energy Use and Footprint
The company has not released a public carbon footprint or detailed climate impact report for its operations, manufacturing, or supply chain. There is little to no publicly available data on Fenty’s energy use, use of renewable energy, or greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.
Waste Management
Fenty Beauty has not shared much information about waste reduction or management in its production process. There are no known public commitments regarding reducing manufacturing waste, improving factory waste treatment, or minimizing waste in the supply chain.
Business Model
Fenty Beauty’s business model is that of a trend-driven, full-range beauty brand, which has negative implications for sustainability. The brand offers a wide array of products and frequently launches new collections to cater to consumer demand and maintain buzz.
non-toxic
score:
5.5 out of 10
details:
Fenty Beauty positions itself as a “clean” brand in terms of product safety, but the reality is nuanced. All Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin products are formulated without parabens and phthalates. The Fenty Skin line publishes a comprehensive “no-no list” of ingredients it refuses to use, which includes not only parabens and phthalates but also mineral oil, formaldehydes, certain chemical sunscreens (oxybenzone and octinoxate), microbeads, PFAS (like Teflon), and more.
Fenty’s makeup line, however, does not fully follow the same strict standards beyond avoiding parabens and phthalates. Additionally, some Fenty formulas include preservatives like BHT or certain polymers that carry moderate health hazard concerns (e.g., possible hormone disruption or irritation).
social responsibility
score:
6.2 out of 10
details:
As a brand under the LVMH umbrella, Fenty Beauty is expected to uphold the group’s labor and supplier standards, but the brand itself discloses little information about its labor practices. In its sourcing of materials, Fenty has taken a stance on child labor for at least one ingredient: the brand confirmed that its mica is ethically sourced. Fenty’s labor practices appear to meet basic ethical standards, especially in avoiding known labor exploitation in its supply chain, but transparency is lacking.
The brand is 100% cruelty-free, though this is uncertified.
Fenty Beauty’s community engagement is meaningful in the sphere of climate justice and inclusive representation. The partnership with CLF is a strong point, channeling funds to environmental and social causes, although the brand could expand its community initiatives further.
