PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross has been making waves in the beauty industry since its debut in 2019. Launched by renowned actress, CEO, and cultural influencer, Tracee Ellis Ross, PATTERN was birthed out of Ross’s personal journey for better hair care products that cater to the unique needs of the curly, coily, and tight-textured hair community. The brand purports to be an embodiment of inclusivity and empowerment, promoting self-love, authenticity, and the celebration of our natural patterns.
PATTERN aims to redefine the beauty industry standard, by providing a line of thoughtfully curated, clean, cruelty-free, and vegan hair care products. From nourishing conditioners, moisturizing leave-in treatments, to hydrating shampoo, all products intend to transform the haircare routine into a rejuvenating ritual of care and love.
A vital question that arises in the consumer’s mind is, “Is PATTERN a reliable clean brand that lives up to its cruelty-free and vegan claims?” Let’s delve deeper into this inquiry.
The Meaning of a “Clean” Beauty Brand
A “clean” beauty brand is one that is committed to developing products that are free from toxic and harmful ingredients; they prioritize both the health of the consumer and the environment. This includes avoiding substances that have been linked to health concerns like cancer, hormone disruption, or skin irritation, among other ailments.
Clean beauty brands also uphold ethical practices, including being cruelty-free—meaning no animal testing—and often embracing vegan-friendly formulas that exclude any animal-derived ingredients. They also frequently prioritize sustainability and social responsibility in their sourcing and manufacturing processes.
In the context of PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross, to be a clean brand would mean living up to these standards consistently across all their product lines and business practices — from the ingredients they use to their testing processes and supply chains.
PATTERN’s Cruelty-Free Claims Investigated
PATTERN underlines its commitment to formulating products that are cruelty-free. This means that none of its products or ingredients have been tested on animals at any stage of product development.
According to the brand’s official website, PATTERN is certified by Leaping Bunny, a globally recognized program that offers a gold-standard of cruelty-free certification. Leaping Bunny requires brands to annually recommit to their cruelty-free policy, ensuring it’s not merely a one-off claim.
However, the proof of a brand’s cruelty-free claim also lies in its supply chain. A truly cruelty-free brand must ensure that none of its suppliers or third-party labs conduct animal testing. PATTERN mentions its commitment to vetting suppliers for ethical practices, adding to the credibility of its claim.
Analysis: Is PATTERN Truly a Vegan Brand?
When it comes to its vegan claim, PATTERN has some gray areas. A vegan beauty brand is one that ensures no animals or animal-derived ingredients are used in the formulation of its products. However, PATTERN’s website clearly states that some of its products contain honey and beeswax, both of which are animal-derived ingredients.
While these ingredients are not harmful and are often used in natural and organic products, they do not align with strict vegan principles. Therefore, while PATTERN is largely plant-based and cruelty-free, it cannot be wholly classified as a vegan brand.
Insight into PATTERN’s Ingredient Transparency
Ingredient transparency is another critical aspect of clean beauty. Consumers have the right to know what they are putting on their bodies, and clean brands honor this by providing clear, full ingredient lists.
PATTERN is commendable for its openness about its ingredients. The brand’s website clearly lists all the ingredients used in each product, along with an explanation of their purpose. This transparency helps customers make informed decisions based on their specific needs, allergies, or ethical choices.
Moreover, PATTERN also emphasizes the use of safe and high-quality ingredients, avoiding harmful substances like parabens, phthalates, SLS, SLES, and formaldehyde.
Comparing PATTERN to Other Clean Brands
The burgeoning market for clean beauty has resulted in several other brands that share similar principles with PATTERN. Brands like Aveda, Briogeo, and Rahua also claim to offer clean, cruelty-free, and vegan products.
However, what sets PATTERN apart is its focus on the unique needs of the curly and coily hair community, providing them with specially formulated products that cater to their unique hair patterns. Additionally, PATTERN’s commitment towards ingredient transparency and ethical sourcing gives it a competitive edge in the clean beauty market.
Public Perception of PATTERN’s Ethical Commitment
Since its inception, PATTERN has garnered a large fanbase and has been generally well-received. Its commitment to clean, ethical practices and inclusivity has resonated with many consumers.
However, some criticism has arisen with regard to PATTERN’s vegan claim, given the presence of honey and beeswax in some products. While these are minor points of contention, they do point to a need for the brand to clarify its positioning in the vegan beauty space.
Overall, PATTERN’s ethical commitment is recognized and appreciated by its target audience, which is reflected in the high ratings and positive reviews many of its products receive.
Final Verdict: Is PATTERN a Genuine Clean Brand?
Based on our investigation, PATTERN seems to be a genuine clean brand. It is transparent about its ingredients, committed to cruelty-free practices, and certified by the globally recognized Leaping Bunny program.
Its use of honey and beeswax in some products does technically disqualify it from being entirely vegan. However, PATTERN’s dedication to providing high-quality, safe, and consciously produced products for the curly and coily hair community makes it a noteworthy player in the clean beauty industry.
In conclusion, PATTERN is a clean brand that mostly lives up to its ethical commitments. Yet, like all brands, it has room for improvement, particularly when it comes to its vegan claim. The hope is that PATTERN, with its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, continues to evolve and set new standards in the clean beauty space.
