In recent years, a groundswell of consumers has sparked a significant shift in the beauty industry — a surge towards ethical, transparent, and sustainable practices. This movement is often referred to as the Clean Brand Movement. It’s more than just a trend, it’s a call for transparency, and a demand for companies to be held accountable for the impact of their products on our health and the environment.
While this movement has certainly ignited a wave of change, it’s also opened up a space for clever marketing tactics and questionable claims. Deciphering the truth from the fluff can be challenging. Brands often use terms like ‘clean’, ‘cruelty-free’, and ‘vegan’ loosely, and without regulation, leaving consumers to navigate a sea of uncertainty.
In particular, we’re taking a closer look at one such brand – Community Sixty-Six. Claiming to be a clean, vegan, and cruelty-free brand, we delve deeper into their claims to determine if they truly live up to these credentials.
What Does ‘Clean Brand’ Mean?
A ‘clean brand’ typically refers to products that are mindfully created and produced without any confirmed or suspected harmful ingredients. These include, but are not limited to, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. A clean brand also implies transparency in ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes.
However, it’s important to note that there is no universally agreed-upon or legally binding definition of what a ‘clean brand’ is. Different brands, retailers, and experts have varying definitions of what they consider ‘clean’. This lack of uniformity is what makes the term ambiguous and, often, misleading.
In the context of this article, when we refer to a ‘clean brand’, we are specifically referring to brands that not only abstain from harmful ingredients but also adhere to ethical and sustainable practices in their manufacturing processes. This includes being cruelty-free and, where possible, vegan.
Unveiling Community Sixty-Six: The Brand Profile
Community Sixty-Six is a relatively new player in the beauty industry, having only been founded in 2018. The brand claims to offer a range of skincare products that are ‘clean’, ‘cruelty-free’, and ‘vegan’. They pride themselves on a minimalist approach, touting products with simple, natural ingredients.
In addition to their skincare line, the brand is also known to be vocal about issues around sustainability and ethical consumerism. They have consistently communicated their dedication towards creating a positive impact on the environment and the communities involved in the production of their products.
Despite these claims and commendable stances, the question remains: Does Community Sixty-Six truly live up to their claims? Let’s dissect and validate their claims, one by one.
Debunking Community Sixty-Six’s Vegan Claims
‘Vegan’ in the context of beauty products typically means that the product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. A quick scan of Community Sixty-Six’s product ingredients list reveals that the brand does seem to uphold this claim. Their product range does not include any commonly known animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, collagen, or lanolin.
However, it’s worth noting that just because a product is vegan, it does not automatically mean it’s free from harmful synthetic ingredients. A further examination of their product ingredients lists reveals the presence of Phenoxyethanol, a common synthetic preservative which has been linked to skin irritation and allergies.
While Community Sixty-Six does indeed offer products free from animal-derived ingredients, the presence of potentially harmful synthetic ingredients calls into question their ‘clean’ claim.
Is Community Sixty-Six Truly Cruelty-Free?
To be considered ‘cruelty-free’, a brand must ensure that no animal testing is conducted at any point during the production of their products. This includes ingredients testing, in-production testing, and post-production testing.
Community Sixty-Six states that they do not conduct any form of animal testing. However, without a certified cruelty-free label from a reputable third-party organization, such as Leaping Bunny or PETA, these claims remain self-declared and, therefore, unverified.
It’s also worth pointing out that while Community Sixty-Six may not conduct animal testing themselves, the brand remains responsible for ensuring their ingredient suppliers also adhere to cruelty-free practices. The lack of third-party certification makes it difficult to confirm the brand’s cruelty-free status beyond their own assurances.
Behind the Label: Understanding Certifications
Certifications play a vital role in verifying brand claims. They provide a means of standardization in an industry plagued by ambiguity and self-regulation. Certifications such as ‘Leaping Bunny’, ‘PETA’, and ‘EcoCert’ are some of the most recognized and trusted labels to verify cruelty-free and clean claims.
Regrettably, despite their claims, Community Sixty-Six does not carry any of these certifications. The absence of these widely recognized seals of approval makes it difficult to substantiate their assertions of being a clean, vegan, and cruelty-free brand.
Though certifications are not the be-all and end-all, they certainly add credibility to brand claims in an industry where ‘greenwashing’ is widespread.
Ethical Consumerism: The Power of Informed Purchasing
The power to influence the market lies in the hands of consumers. Armed with the right information, consumers can make purchasing decisions that align with their values and force brands to adopt more ethical and sustainable practices.
However, the onus isn’t solely on the consumer. Brands must also strive for transparency and ensure accurate information is readily available. Community Sixty-Six, like many other brands, needs to do more in terms of third-party certification and full transparency of their supply chain to truly cement their position as a clean, vegan, and cruelty-free brand.
Informed purchasing sends a clear message to the beauty industry: Consumers value not only the quality of the products but also the ethics behind their creation.
Verdict: Can Community Sixty-Six Be Considered Clean?
After a thorough investigation, it’s clear that Community Sixty-Six indeed offers products that are free from animal-derived ingredients and asserts that they do not carry out animal testing – aligning with their vegan and cruelty-free claims. However, the presence of potentially harmful synthetic ingredients and the lack of third-party certifications erode the credibility of their ‘clean’ status.
It’s important for consumers to remember that ‘clean’, ‘vegan’, and ‘cruelty-free’ are more than just buzzwords. They are significant markers of a brand’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. And while Community Sixty-Six certainly talks the talk, they have a few more steps to take before they can truly walk the walk.
