Necessaire
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
7.5 out of 10
10 out of 10
8 out of 10
about
Necessaire offers minimalist body and hair-care essentials formulated to facial-grade standards with emphasis on sustainability.
highlights
Certified B Corp
Climate and Plastic Neutral (certified)
1% for the Planet Member
Non-toxic formulations
PCR packaging and bio-plastic packaging
sustainability
score:
7.5 out of 10
details:
Packaging
The company uses a mix of recycled and recyclable materials: post-consumer recycled (PCR) aluminum and PCR resins, plant-based bio-resins, plus virgin glass and aluminum for containers. Its hand cream and similar products come in recyclable aluminum tubes (with PET caps). They partner with How2Recycle to label each package and even offer a TerraCycle recycling program for hard-to-recycle parts (tubes, caps). In late 2024 the brand announced new paper-sachet sample packs (63% paper) to replace plastic tubes, cutting sample carbon footprint by ~69%. Most shipping boxes and inserts are FSC-certified (100% recycled post-consumer fiber).
However, not all packaging is optimal. Many bottles and tubes are still plastic. The brand offsets its plastics footprint (Plastic Neutral via rePurpose, 2021+).
Ingredient Sustainability
The brand’s formulas rely heavily on plant-derived actives (fruit extracts, seed oils, vitamins) and intentionally avoid many petrochemicals. For example, the Body Wash is enriched with sugarcane and citrus extracts, meadowfoam and marula oils, niacinamide and vitamins. Triethyl citrate (used in deodorant) is a common biodegradable odor inhibitor. They even specify “sustainable palm source” for any palm-derived esters.
There are some ingredients present in formulations that are better replaced by sustainable alternatives. For example, phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative despite it bioaccumulating and having limited biodegradability. Potassium sorbate is a more environmentally friendly alternative.
There is limited transparency regarding the sourcing of fragrance ingredients that could carry environmental concerns like sandalwood or eucalyptus.
Energy Use and Footprint
Manufacturing and shipping are US-based (Utah, California, Vermont facilities) with a “dual transit” system to reduce mileage, and the B Corp profile notes full annual offsets of Scope 1-3 emissions. The brand is certified Climate Neutral and offsets all emissions.
Waste Management
Nécessaire’s encourages reuse and refills. Notably, they offer refill canisters for Body Wash – e.g. a 500ml aluminum refill bottle that refills two standard 250ml bottles. There is little information available regarding production and manufacturing waste mitigation, but the brand’s B Corp certification process suggests that operational waste is under evaluation as well.
Business Model
Nécessaire’s core line has only gradually expanded (body wash, lotion, deodorant, shampoo, etc.), avoiding rapid “drop” culture. Products are presented as essentials, and the site offers a “Subscribe & Save” program, suggesting regular replenishment rather than impulse buying.
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
Nécessaire’s formulations are transparently listed and generally very clean. The brand explicitly advertises that all formulas are EU-compliant (no EU Annex II banned ingredients). On-product claims note “No Silicones, No Phthalates, No Parabens, No PEGs”.
Indeed, their ingredients tend to be common, well-studied actives: amino acids, peptides, AHAs (mandelic in deodorant), B and C vitamins, botanical oils, etc. For example, the body lotion contains ceramide precursors, peptides, niacinamide and plant oils, with a pH-optimized formula for skin health. The Shampoo (fragrance-free) is a mild surfactant system (coco-glucoside-based) rated low hazard by EWG for endocrine disruption.
They also emphasize gentle profiles: nearly every product has a fragrance-free option, and the scented versions use essential-oil or fine-fragrance blends (e.g. hinoki, sandalwood, eucalyptus) in low concentrations. Many items are labeled hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic.
social responsibility
score:
8 out of 10
details:
The company is Certified B Corporation (2022), which means it has undergone rigorous vetting of social and labor practices. B Corp status implies commitments to worker welfare, community engagement and ethical governance, although the brand doesn’t publicly detail supply-chain audits.
On animal welfare, Nécessaire is clearly cruelty-free: it advertises no animal testing (and indeed its B Lab profile confirms a Leaping Bunny certification). All products are vegan, with plant-based ingredients only.
For community engagement, Nécessaire channels revenue back into good causes. It is a member of 1% For The Planet, donating 1% of all sales to environmental NGOs. This is a significant, ongoing commitment (since 2019). The brand’s communications focus mostly on environmental rather than social programs: we did not find mention of local community projects or charity beyond planet-related giving.
