Flora + Bast is a rapidly burgeoning brand in the beauty industry, focusing primarily on skincare products that harness the power of natural ingredients, particularly cannabis. Founded by Derek Chase, the brand purports to follow clean and sustainable beauty practices, presenting customers with products devoid of harmful synthetic chemicals. Flora + Bast takes pride in delivering simple yet effective skincare solutions, free from unnecessary additives common to the industry.
Their line of products boasts offerings such as the Age Adapting Facial Serum, the Age Adapting Sleep Tincture, and the Age Adapting CBD Crème. Each product aims to capitalize on the benefits of CBD, a potent antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. But as more consumers seek transparency and authenticity in their beauty brands, it’s pertinent to delve deeper into Flora + Bast’s claims of being a clean, cruelty-free, and vegan brand.
Understanding the Clean Beauty Movement
The Clean Beauty Movement has been gaining momentum as an increasing number of consumers are becoming environmentally and health-conscious. This movement is characterized by a shift towards non-toxic, ethically-sourced, and cruelty-free products. Many brands in the beauty industry are now prioritizing the use of natural, organic ingredients over synthetic compounds that could pose risks to health and the environment.
However, the term “clean” lacks a standard definition and regulation, which often leads to its misuse. Brands may loosely interpret the term, leading consumers to believe their products are safer or more ethically produced than they truly are. This is commonly known as ‘greenwashing’ within the industry. Consumers are thus challenged to thoroughly scrutinize brands and their products to ensure their clean beauty claims hold water.
Flora + Bast’s Position in the Clean Beauty Space
Flora + Bast, right from its inception, has been vocal about its commitment to clean beauty. They pledge to use only natural ingredients, avoiding the use of parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, and colors, among other potentially harmful synthetics. Their label features minimal ingredients, most of which are easily recognizable and pronounceable, adhering to one of the unwritten rules of clean beauty – simplicity.
Their primary ingredient, CBD, is extracted from organically grown hemp, lending credence to their clean beauty claims. Furthermore, Flora + Bast is transparent about their production process, ensuring that their CBD extraction process is free from solvents, which could otherwise leave harmful residuals. The brand’s philosophy seems well-aligned with clean beauty. However, their cruelty-free and vegan claims necessitate further investigation.
Investigating Flora + Bast’s Cruelty-Free Claims
Flora + Bast’s website proudly displays the Leaping Bunny logo, a globally recognized certification indicating that the brand does not test its products on animals at any stage of product development. Moreover, they assure that their suppliers also adhere to these cruelty-free practices. The brand has successfully managed to position itself as cruelty-free, a central pillar to the clean beauty movement.
However, it is worth noting that while Leaping Bunny certification is a strong indicator of a brand’s commitment to avoid animal testing, the absence of an official body to enforce these standards may allow for potential discrepancies. Therefore, consumers are encouraged to do their own research beyond brand-provided certificates.
Is Flora + Bast a Vegan Brand?
The brand claims that all its products are 100% vegan. The vegan label implies that not only are the products free from animal testing, but they also do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. An examination of their product labels seems to support this claim, featuring ingredients such as CBD, MCT oil, and essential oils.
Yet, as with the cruelty-free claims, the lack of regulation regarding the term “vegan” in cosmetics creates potential for misuse. It’s essential for diligent consumers to verify these claims independently, perhaps by seeking out third-party certifications, where available.
Behind Flora + Bast’s Product Ingredients
Exploring Flora + Bast’s ingredients, it becomes evident that their products primarily rely on CBD (cannabidiol). Scientific research affirms the therapeutic and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, making it an attractive ingredient in skincare products. In addition to CBD, their products also contain other natural ingredients such as MCT oil and essential oils.
However, it is crucial to note that while these ingredients are natural, they are not necessarily risk-free. Allergic reactions or sensitivity to certain ingredients can still occur. Therefore, consumers should always perform patch tests before incorporating any new product into their skincare routine.
Expert Opinions on Flora + Bast’s Ethical Standing
Renowned beauty experts and influencers have generally spoken favorably about Flora + Bast’s commitment to clean, cruelty-free, and vegan beauty. They appreciate the brand’s transparency regarding their sourcing and production processes, and praise the effectiveness of their skincare products.
However, a few experts have warned consumers about the potential for allergic reactions, particularly in those with sensitive skin. They also highlight that while the brand is making commendable strides towards clean beauty, there is always room for further improvement and transparency.
Conclusion: Is Flora + Bast Truly a Clean Brand?
After conducting a deep dive into Flora + Bast’s practices and claims, it is safe to conclude that the brand does uphold the clean beauty ethos to a significant extent. Their commitment to natural ingredients, their avoidance of potentially harmful synthetic chemicals, and their pledge to cruelty-free and vegan practices position them as a clean beauty brand.
However, the loosely regulated nature of the beauty industry and the potential for greenwashing necessitates continued vigilance on the part of consumers. It is crucial to independently verify any claims and to stay educated about the ingredients used in products. In conclusion, Flora + Bast is making praiseworthy strides in the clean beauty space but, as with all brands, it’s essential to keep asking questions and seeking transparency.
