Is Glossier ethical?

Overview

Glossier, founded in 2014 by Emily Weiss, has grown from a beauty blog (Into The Gloss) into a cult-favorite brand with a strong online community. Its product line focuses on skincare, makeup, and fragrance, emphasizing a 'skin-first' philosophy. While Glossier is widely recognized for inclusive shade ranges and relatable marketing, its ethical profile is mixed. It performs well in animal testing policies but falls short in transparency around sourcing, labor practices, and comprehensive environmental commitments. The brand does not sell in China (where animal testing is required for imported cosmetics), a strong positive. However, it lacks third-party certifications for organic ingredients or fair trade, and its vegan offerings are not systematically labeled.

Certifications

• Leaping Bunny: Glossier is Leaping Bunny certified by Cruelty Free International, ensuring no animal testing occurs at any stage of product development or by third-party suppliers.
• Cruelty-Free: The brand is also listed on PETA's 'Beauty Without Bunnies' program as cruelty-free.
• No other major certifications: Glossier does not hold organic, vegan, fair trade, or B Corp certifications. Products are not universally vegan, and the brand does not use USDA Organic or Ecocert labels.

Animal Testing & Vegan Range

Glossier is 100% cruelty-free and does not test on animals anywhere globally, confirmed by both Leaping Bunny and PETA. The brand does not sell in mainland China, avoiding mandatory animal testing requirements. However, Glossier is not a fully vegan brand. Some products contain beeswax, lanolin, or other animal-derived ingredients. For example, the popular Balm Dotcom contains lanolin, and some formulas use carmine. Glossier does not provide a dedicated vegan product list or certification. Customers seeking vegan options must check ingredient lists manually, which is a notable transparency gap.

Sustainability Pledges

Glossier has made incremental sustainability efforts but lacks a comprehensive public plan. Their 'Glossier Green' initiative includes: reducing plastic waste through refillable and recyclable packaging (e.g., the reusable Cloud Paint tube is made from 50% recycled plastic); using FSC-certified paper for cartons; and committing to carbon-neutral shipping via offsets (though no third-party verification of offsets is provided). The brand does not disclose its carbon footprint, water usage, or specific reduction targets. No statement on palm oil sourcing was found. Critics point out that many products still use single-use plastics and non-recyclable pumps.

Sourcing & Labor

Information on ingredient sourcing and labor practices is limited. Glossier states they work with 'reputable suppliers' but does not publish a supplier list, code of conduct, or audit results. No certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance are used. There have been no major labor controversies, but the lack of transparency prevents a full ethical grade. The brand manufactures primarily in the United States and Italy (with some products in China for global markets, but not for sale in China). Wages and working conditions are not publicly reported. Glossier’s employee policies are considered progressive (e.g., paid parental leave, mental health days), but this does not cover contractors or supply chain workers.

Controversies Context

Glossier has faced no major brand-damaging controversies as of 2025. Minor criticisms include: occasional stockouts causing customer frustration; limited shade range expansions (though they have improved); and internal employee complaints about workplace culture (reported in 2019-2020, but not sustained). No lawsuits or scandals related to environmental harm, labor violations, or deceptive marketing have been substantiated. The brand's avoidance of selling in China is consistently praised by animal rights advocates.

Bottom Line

Glossier is a solid choice for consumers prioritizing animal welfare and avoid China-sold products. However, for those seeking a fully vegan, deeply sustainable, or transparently sourced brand, Glossier falls short. The 68/100 ethics score reflects a decent but incomplete profile. If Glossier adds vegan labeling, publishes a sustainability roadmap, and obtains a B Corp certification, its ethical standing would improve significantly. For now, it remains a moderately ethical option with room for growth.