Nécessaire, a skincare brand launched in 2018, has rapidly gained recognition in the beauty industry. The brand’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief of creating personal-care products that are both effective and safe for the skin and the environment. Their tagline, “Where personal care meets personal health,” reflects their commitment towards making products that are not only nurturing for the skin but also promote overall health.
Nécessaire’s products are designed with a focus on clean, sustainable, and transparent practices. They claim to use high-quality, natural ingredients and avoid synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and other harmful substances commonly found in skincare products. They also assert to be a cruelty-free and vegan brand, raising their appeal among conscious consumers.
However, the legitimacy of their claims to be a clean, cruelty-free, and vegan brand has been questioned by some. This investigation aims to delve into the veracity of these claims and to explore Nécessaire’s overall commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
The “Clean Beauty” Movement: Nécessaire’s Stance
The clean beauty movement advocates for transparency about ingredients used in beauty products and promotes the use of non-toxic, ethically sourced, and environmentally-friendly ingredients. Nécessaire aligns itself with this movement, stating that they prioritize both the health of their consumers and the planet.
Nécessaire provides a comprehensive list of all ingredients used in their products on their website. They claim to avoid harmful substances including synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and more. They also state that the fragrance used in their products is entirely derived from natural sources.
However, it’s important to remember that the term “clean beauty” is not regulated. This means that any brand can label their products as “clean” without meeting any specific criteria or standards. It’s therefore crucial to examine their practices and ingredients closely to determine whether Nécessaire truly lives up to its claims.
Nécessaire’s Cruelty-free Claims – The Details
Nécessaire claims to be a cruelty-free brand, which means they assert that they do not test their products or ingredients on animals. To strengthen this claim, the brand states that it’s aligned with the European Union’s ban on animal testing.
However, Nécessaire does not appear to have certification from any recognized cruelty-free organizations such as Leaping Bunny or PETA. While this doesn’t necessarily mean their cruelty-free claim is untrue, certification from such organizations adds an extra layer of assurance for consumers.
It’s also worth noting that being cruelty-free does not automatically make a brand vegan. A brand can be cruelty-free and still use animal-derived ingredients in their products. Therefore, it’s important to separately investigate Nécessaire’s vegan claims.
Is Nécessaire Truly a Vegan Brand? Investigating Ingredients
Nécessaire claims that their products are 100% vegan, meaning they don’t use any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. They state that their formulas are designed with pure, potent, and natural ingredients that are safe for both users and the environment.
A closer look at the brand’s ingredient lists appears to support this claim. Products such as their “The Body Lotion” list ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and marula oil – all of which are vegan.
However, as with their cruelty-free claim, Nécessaire doesn’t seem to have vegan certification from any recognized organizations, such as Vegan Action or The Vegan Society. While this doesn’t necessarily negate their vegan claim, it certainly leaves room for doubt and further investigation.
Navigating Controversies – Allegations Against Nécessaire
Despite their prominent stance on clean beauty and ethical practices, Nécessaire hasn’t been immune to criticism. Some consumers and experts have raised concerns about the transparency and authenticity of their claims.
One controversy revolves around their use of phenoxyethanol, a common preservative in cosmetics. Although Nécessaire lists it among their ingredients, they don’t highlight its potential skin-irritating properties. This omission has led some to question the brand’s commitment to full transparency.
Another concern is the lack of certification for their cruelty-free and vegan claims. While it’s not mandatory for brands to be certified, certifications from recognized organizations add credibility to these claims, something Nécessaire currently lacks.
How Reliable Are Nécessaire’s Sustainability Claims?
Nécessaire also promotes itself as a sustainable brand, asserting that they use recyclable packaging and prioritize environmentally-friendly practices. However, some have questioned the depth of their commitment to sustainability.
The brand claims that their packaging is 85% post-consumer waste boxes and 100% recyclable paper. However, they don’t provide information on their supply chain, manufacturing processes, or whether they offset carbon emissions, factors that also significantly impact a brand’s overall sustainability profile.
Moreover, while their packaging may be recyclable, it’s worth considering that not all recyclable materials actually get recycled. Therefore, while Nécessaire’s efforts are commendable, they could still improve their transparency and broaden their sustainability efforts.
Industry Opinions: Experts Discuss Nécessaire
Beauty industry experts seem to have mixed opinions about Nécessaire. Many appreciate the brand’s clean aesthetic, high-quality ingredients, and focus on wellness. Their products have been praised for their efficacy, and the brand has been widely featured in prominent beauty publications.
However, others have pointed out the lack of certification and transparency regarding their cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainability claims. They argue that while Nécessaire may preach clean beauty, their lack of independent verification leaves room for doubt.
Ultimately, experts agree that Nécessaire has made a strong start in the clean beauty space but suggest that the brand should seek to address the concerns raised about their transparency and authenticity.
Conclusion: Is Nécessaire Worthy of the Clean Beauty Badge?
In conclusion, Nécessaire certainly seems to be making strides towards clean, ethical, and sustainable beauty practices. Their commitment to avoiding harmful substances and prioritizing natural ingredients aligns with the principles of the clean beauty movement.
However, their lack of certification for their cruelty-free and vegan claims, as well as the controversies surrounding some of their practices, suggests there’s room for improvement in terms of transparency. In addition, the brand could do more to prove its commitment to sustainability beyond using recyclable packaging.
Ultimately, whether Nécessaire is worthy of the clean beauty badge depends on one’s personal criteria for clean beauty. Consumers should consider not only the brand’s claims but also scrutinize their practices and ingredients to make an informed decision.
