RMS Beauty
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Conscious

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

6.6 out of 10

10 out of 10

7 out of 10
about
RMS Beauty is a clean beauty brand focused on making non-toxic transparent products with a heavy emphasis on sustainable practices and sourcing.
highlights
Woman-owned business
Strictly non-toxic formulas
Transparent and sustainable ingredient sourcing
Strong sustainable packaging initiatives
sustainability

score:

6.6 out of 10
details:
Packaging
Much of RMS’s cream cosmetics are packaged in glass pots (a forever recyclable). The brand uses aluminum and PCR materials to a great extent to cut down on plastic waste. By 2022, RMS succeeded in transitioning all lids and caps to 100% PCR plastic. RMS has also embraced refillable packaging for many of their products, which has led to significant plastic savings.
For secondary paper packaging, cartons are made from at least 80% PCR paper (reaching 100% for some packaging). They print with vegetable-based inks and source paper from vendors using renewable energy. RMS joined the PACT collective to improve post-consumer recycling rates and work to recycle hard-to-recycle beauty industry packaging.
Ingredient Sustainability
The company’s ingredient philosophy centers on low-impact, plant-based inputs that are organically grown, which tend to have a lower environmental impact than conventionally farmed or synthetic ingredients. Wildcrafted ingredients (harvested from their natural habitat) like certain herbal extracts and oils are sourced in a way that does not rely on intensive farming, though RMS ensures these are gathered responsibly to avoid depleting wild plant populations (uncertified).
RMS relies on plant-derived oils and waxes and has confirmed that these are obtained via fair-trade and cruelty-free supply chains. The brand also uses organic, ethically sourced beeswax, obtained in ways that prioritize the health of bee populations and local ecosystems. No nano-sized particles are used in their formulations, eliminating concerns about potential environmental persistence. When it comes to synthetic or petrochemical-derived ingredients, RMS Beauty’s stance is that they only use synthetics if they are proven safe and necessary, and many conventional petrochemicals are avoided.
Energy Use and Footprint
RMS Beauty has made some efforts to reduce its energy footprint, though detailed data on the brand’s carbon emissions or energy usage is not publicly provided. One notable initiative is the use of renewable energy in the manufacturing of their packaging materials. RMS Beauty has publicly stated a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint “wherever possible.” While specific metrics are not given, this ethos is reflected in their business decisions.
One area where RMS could improve transparency is in carbon offsets or renewable energy for its own operations. As of now, there is no evidence of carbon-neutral shipping or formal carbon offset programs for the brand’s direct shipments.
Waste Management
In terms of operational waste, RMS has also taken steps behind the scenes. The brand mentions working with vendors to recycle or upcycle store display units and other marketing materials once they are no longer needed. There isn’t much public information on RMS Beauty’s handling of manufacturing waste or returns. However, the use of high-quality natural ingredients often means fewer hazardous by-products in production. And by keeping their product lineup relatively streamlined (focusing on multitasking products and long-lasting staples), RMS likely avoids overproduction and excess inventory that would go to waste.
Business Model
A defining feature of the RMS model is product design that emphasizes quality over quantity. The brand offers a curated range of multitasking products (many items have multiple uses). By focusing on hero products that have enduring popularity, RMS avoids the fast-beauty habit of constantly churning out new, disposable collections.
non-toxic

score:

10 out of 10
details:
The company was literally born out of a concern for toxic exposure – the founder’s personal health scare with chemical buildup from cosmetics drove her to create products that would be safe for the body. RMS Beauty maintains a “free-of” list that bans many chemicals commonly criticized in cosmetics. All RMS formulas are free from parabens (preservatives linked to hormonal disruption), phthalates (plasticizers often found in fragrance that can affect endocrine function), sulfates (harsh detergents), and talc (which can be contaminated with asbestos).
They also exclude synthetic fragrances and dyes in nearly all products – and on the rare occasion they use a synthetic pigment for a color pop, it’s at a very low concentration and chosen from a safety-approved list. The brand proudly discloses 100% of its ingredients on product labels and on its website
Many clean brands use lots of essential oils for scent or preservative qualities, but RMS actually formulates without steam-distilled essential oils in most products. This is because essential oils, despite being natural, can cause skin irritation or sensitization with frequent use, and some can degrade the potency of other botanical extracts.
social responsibility

score:

7 out of 10
details:
The brand is certified by PETA’s Global Beauty Without Bunnies program as a company that never tests on animals. Moreover, while not all RMS products are vegan (due to the use of beeswax and, in some cases, organic lanolin or carmine in a few formulas), they are transparent about it and work with ethically sourced animal by-products only.
The brand’s transparency in supply chain for notoriously problematic materials (palm, mica, shea) has been rated highly by independent reviewers. Ethical sourcing extends to human labor considerations as well. RMS has made it clear that they require fair labor practices from their ingredient suppliers.
RMS Beauty engages in philanthropy and community support that aligns with its values. RMS often uses its voice to push for industry-wide changes, encouraging consumers to demand transparency and safer ingredients.