Is ILIA Beauty ethical?

Overview

Ilia Beauty, founded in 2011 by Sasha Plavsic, positions itself at the intersection of skincare and makeup, emphasizing ‘clean’ formulations that deliver skin benefits. The brand’s cult-favorite Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 combines SPF, skincare actives, and lightweight coverage, earning an ethics rating of 88/100 on our site. Ilia is known for using bioactive, organic ingredients and prioritizing transparency in its supply chain, though it is not 100% vegan and does not claim zero waste.

Certifications

Ilia holds several respected independent certifications. Its Super Serum Skin Tint is EWG Verified, meaning it meets the Environmental Working Group’s strict standards for ingredient safety and transparency. The brand is also Leaping Bunny Certified, requiring a fixed cut-off date for animal testing and ongoing monitoring of suppliers. Additionally, many products, including the skin tint, carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. These certifications add credibility to Ilia’s clean beauty claims and make it a top choice for ethically-conscious consumers.

Animal Testing & Vegan Range

Ilia is Leaping Bunny certified and confirms it does not test finished products or ingredients on animals anywhere in the world, nor does it sell in stores where animal testing is required by law. The brand has a clear policy against animal testing and works only with suppliers who share this commitment. Regarding vegan products, Ilia states that all products are 100% vegan except for a few lip products containing beeswax. The brand provides a vegan product filter on its website for easy navigation. For strict vegans, the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is fully vegan-certified.

Sustainability Pledges

Ilia has made public commitments to reduce its environmental footprint. Packaging is primarily glass, PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastics, and aluminum, with a goal to increase recycled content. The brand is a member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of sales to environmental nonprofits. Ilia has also launched a packaging take-back program with TerraCycle to recycle hard-to-recycle components. However, the brand does not yet claim to be carbon neutral or fully plastic-free, and some components (like pumps and caps) are not yet fully recyclable at curbside. Overall, its sustainability efforts are above average for the prestige beauty segment but with room for improvement.

Sourcing & Labor

Ilia emphasizes ethical sourcing of key ingredients like organic aloe, rosehip oil, and marula oil, often from transparent, small-scale suppliers. The brand does not publicly disclose a full list of suppliers or a formal labor audit program, but it states compliance with California’s Transparency in Supply Chains Act. There are no public reports of ethical breaches in sourcing or labor practices. Ilia also manufactures in the United States, which typically implies higher labor standards, though the brand does not publish factory audit results.

Controversies Context

Our research, including reviews from ethical consumer databases, the brand’s own disclosures, and independent watchdog sites, found no major controversies involving child labor, environmental fines, or misleading claims. The brand has faced minor criticisms over the price point (premium) and the fact that some products contain synthetic preservatives (though they are EWG-accepted). No lawsuits, boycotts, or public relation scandals were identified. Ilia has responded transparently to such minor concerns via blog posts and customer service.

Bottom Line

Ilia Beauty earns a strong ethical rating of 88/100, driven by credible certifications, no animal testing, a solid vegan product range, and an active sustainability program (1% for the Planet, TerraCycle recycling). While not perfect—it still uses some single-use plastics and is not fully vegan—the brand is a reliable, transparent choice for consumers seeking high-performance, cleaner makeup with skincare benefits. For those wanting verified ethical and environmental standards without compromising on aesthetics or results, Ilia is a top-tier pick.