Tower 28
Tower 28
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Average
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
4.5 out of 10
7 out of 10
6.7 out of 10
about
Tower is a clean beauty skincare and cosmetics brand.
highlights
Use of PCR materials in packaging
Vegan and Cruetly-free
sustainability
score:
4.5 out of 10
details:
Packaging
Tower 28 uses plastic packaging for nearly all their products. They use at least 50% PCR material for this packaging. Secondary packaging is made using FSC certified paper and is printed by a carbon-neutral certified printer that uses plant-based inks instead of the standard, petroleum-based alternatives. Shipping boxes are made from 98%+ recycled paper.
Ingredient Sustainability
Tower 28 uses a high percentage of petro-based, non-biodegradable ingredients in their formulations. Their SOS FaceGuard™ SPF 30 Sunscreen is reef safe (meaning it uses a mineral active ingredient that does not harm marine life), but nevertheless incorporates several non-biodegradable, petro-derived ingredients that accumulate and harm aquatic life. The brand is not clear about the sourcing of palm-derived ingredients, which if not sourced sustainably, contribute greatly to deforestation and habitat destruction.
Energy Use and Footprint
There is little to no information available regarding efforts to measure, reduce, or offset emissions across the supply chain.
Waste Management
There is little to no information available regarding efforts to mitigate waste in production or on the consumer side.
Business Model
Tower 28’s business model includes a mostly evergreen selection and limits products that are seasonal or trend driven, but slow consumption practices or multi-purpose products are nevertheless limited.
non-toxic
score:
7 out of 10
details:
Tower 28 positions itself as a clean brand designed for sensitive skin, and many of its formulations are streamlined and fragrance-free. The brand highlights exclusions such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, essential oils, and added fragrance. It also holds National Eczema Association certification for several products.
However, some ingredients across Tower 28’s makeup range may raise flags for those adhering to stricter clean or non-toxic standards. These include FD&C dyes (e.g., Red 27 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Red 6 Lake, Red 28 Lake), which are synthetic petroleum-derived colorants permitted by the FDA but associated with allergic reactions and behavioral sensitivity in children. These are often excluded by strict non-toxic standards due to contamination risk with heavy metals like lead or arsenic unless rigorously purified.
Most of Tower 28’s base and skincare formulations avoid high-risk ingredients such as parabens, PEGs, formaldehyde-releasers, and undisclosed fragrance blends. That said, some of the color cosmetics rely on ingredients that are generally considered safe under FDA regulation but would not meet the stricter thresholds of EWG Verified or MADE SAFE.
social responsibility
score:
6.7 out of 10
details:
Tower 28 claims that all the mica used in their products is sourced from a single US supplier that adheres to ethical mining practices. Likewise, all Toer 28 products are manufactured in the US and Canada, indicating they adhere to stricter labor standards than brands that produce their products in countries with looser labor regulations. The brand engages minimally in charitable work, donating 100% of its profits on Earth day to the nonprofit Heal the Bay, supporting clean-up of the Greater L.A. coastline.
Tower 28 is 100% vegan and PETA certified cruelty-free.
