Summer Solace
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
7.8 out of 10
10 out of 10
6.7 out of 10
about
Summer Solace is a skincare and personal care brand that sources local, regerative tallow to craft skincare with an emphasis on sustainability.
highlights
Strong sustainable packaging profile
Sustainable, localized ingredient sourcing
Non-toxic
Small business
sustainability
score:
7.8 out of 10
details:
Packaging
Summer Solace’s primary packaging is mostly glass with aluminum lids, though plastic components or primary packaging remain for some products. Secondary packaging is mostly paper or muslin cloth. Specific packaging details are somewhat limited/ unavailable.
Ingredient Sustainability
The primary ingredient in Summer Solace’s formulations is beef tallow. The brand sources their tallow exclusively from farms with regeneratively raised, grass-fed and finished cattle that graze on open pastures. These farms, as well as the suppliers for other ingredients (plant-based, beeswax, etc.), are individually detailed and listed by name, which is an exceptionally transparent practice. Plant-based ingredients are grown by suppliers who practice organic or regenerative farming practices. Overall the ingredient sustainability profile for Summer Solace is exceedingly strong.
Energy Use and Footprint
All products are hand-poured in small batches, with no water blending or large-scale industrial processes. This slow-made approach minimizes energy use and waste, improving resource efficiency. The localized supply chain also reduces the overall footprint of operations. Beyond this there is limited available information regarding energy use and footprint.
Waste Management
All products are hand-poured in small batches, with no water blending or large-scale industrial processes. This slow-made approach minimizes energy use and waste, improving resource efficiency.
Business Model
Summer Solace demonstrates limited product churn and offers instead a limited selection of evergreen products. Overall, the brand’s business model lends itself toward slow, sustainable consumption.
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
Summer Solace’s formulations are minimal, limited in their ingredients, and use almost exclusively tallow in combination with a variety of non-toxic, plant-based ingredients. They completely avoid synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or emulsifiers. Their products are entirely non-toxic, though those with sensitive skin may elect for their unscented options to avoid essential oils.
social responsibility
score:
6.7 out of 10
details:
Summer Solace is not certified cruelty-free (though they do not engage in any animal testing). However, their sourcing transparency lends itself to an ethical approach toward sourcing animal ingredients. Specific practices can be examined individually thanks to this transparency, and suppliers demonstrate an abundantly ethical approach.
There is little available information regarding fair labor practices, though, once again, sourcing transparency allows us to examine supplier practices. This and overall operational size lend themselves toward a strong fair labor profile.
