Friendly Soap
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
7 out of 10
10 out of 10
8 out of 10
about
Friendly Soap makes sustainable minded home cleaning and personal care products.
highlights
Plastic-free and recyclable packaging
Dry-bar alternatives to liquid shampoos and conditioners
Made with renewable energy
Toxin-free
sustainability
score:
7 out of 10
details:
Packaging
Friendly Soap’s packaging is plastic free. All packaging, both product and shipping are made with recycled and recyclable materials, though exact details are not given.
Material Sustainability
Friendly Soap’s formulations are sourced almost entirely from low-impact crops, inducing a number of ingredients that are sustainable upcycled from byproducts of other industries, including Citrus Limon Peel Oil (derived from lemon peels) and Oilve Seed Powder (byproduct of olive oil production).
There are some ingredients, including Patchouli Oil, Argan Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Cedarwood Oil, etc., that are either derived from high-impact (unsustainable) crops or carry risks of deforestation and overharvesting. The sourcing of these ingredients are not specified or verified as sustainable, which raises some concern.
Energy Use and Footprint
Friendly Soap uses 100% renewable energy in at least 96% of operations (verified by Ethy). They measure their emissions and footprint and are taking active steps to reduce it.
Waste Management
Friendly Soap uses the cold press method to manufacture their soaps and shampoos, which requires substantially less energy and produces zero by-products.
Business Model
The brand offers a mostly evergreen collection with limited seasonal or trend-driven items.
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
Friendly Soap’s formulations are free from drying alcohols, silicones, sulfates, SLS, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, sulphates, PEGs, petroleum, silicones, propylene glycol, microbeads, talc, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene, synthetic fragrances, perfume and colourants including animal-derived dyes (verified by Ethy). The brand’s products are exceedingly non-toxic.
social responsibility
score:
8 out of 10
details:
Friendly Soap is a certified living wage employer, and actively contributes to relevant environmental causes and projects. They are certified vegan and cruelty free. There are some ingredients that carry a risk of fair-labor violations, and sourcing practices are not clear or verified as fair trade.
