Is Meow Meow Tweet ethical?

Overview

Meow Meow Tweet is a Brooklyn-based, independent skincare and personal care brand founded by Tara Pelletier and Jeff Kurosaki. The brand is built on a philosophy of radical transparency, simple and effective plant-based formulas, and minimal packaging. Their product range includes deodorants, face oils, lip balms, and sunscreens, all crafted in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is a standout—made with non-nano zinc oxide, organic oils, and without synthetic fragrances, parabens, or preservatives. It reflects the brand's core values: safe ingredients, ethical production, and low-waste design.

Certifications

Meow Meow Tweet holds three major cruelty-free certifications: Leaping Bunny (Cruelty Free International), PETA Approved, and Certified Humane (by Humane Mink, though note the brand does not use animal-derived ingredients, the certification ensures no animal testing in the supply chain). These certifications are independently verified, giving consumers confidence that no animal testing occurs at any stage of production. The brand does not use animal-derived ingredients in any of its products, including the Mineral Sunscreen, making it fully vegan-friendly. Notably, Leaping Bunny is widely considered the gold standard for cruelty-free verification, requiring ongoing audits.

Animal Testing & Vegan Range

Meow Meow Tweet is fiercely against animal testing. They do not test on animals, nor do they ask third parties to test on their behalf. They also ensure that their raw material suppliers are cruelty-free. The brand's entire product line is 100% vegan, meaning no beeswax, lanolin, honey, or other animal-derived ingredients are used. The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is no exception—it’s formulated with plant-based ingredients only. This commitment is reflected in their Leaping Bunny and Vegan certifications.

Sustainability Pledges

Sustainability is deeply embedded in Meow Meow Tweet’s business model. For the Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, the packaging is a reusable or recyclable glass bottle with a metal cap, with a clearly marked recyclable plastic pump. The brand prioritizes zero-waste shipping: orders are packed using recycled and compostable materials (e.g., cornstarch packing peanuts, paper tape). They operate a closed-loop system where customers can return empty glass containers to be refilled (via their Refillery program) or recycle them. Additionally, they offset carbon emissions from shipping through carbon offset programs. The brand minimizes water usage in formulations and uses organic, cold-pressed oils sourced from small farms where possible.

Sourcing & Labor

Ingredients for the Mineral Sunscreen are sourced from ethical and organic suppliers when available. Key components like non-nano zinc oxide (a natural mineral) and organic sunflower oil, coconut oil, and shea butter are traceable. Meow Meow Tweet explicitly states they work with suppliers that provide fair wages and safe working conditions, though they do not have third-party fair-trade certifications. The brand’s small-batch production is done in-house in their Brooklyn studio, ensuring direct oversight of labor practices. They are transparent about their supply chain, listing suppliers on their website and detailing where each ingredient originates. While not certified by Fair Trade USA, their commitment to small-scale, direct-trade sourcing supports ethical labor practices.

Controversies Context

As of the writing of this profile, there are no major controversies associated with Meow Meow Tweet. The brand maintains a positive public reputation, with transparent communications and consistent ethical practices. Minor criticisms from some consumers include the price point (which is higher than mass-market brands due to small-batch production and premium ingredients) and the need for a separate plastic pump for the sunscreen (though the pump is recyclable and the brand encourages reuse). No reports of greenwashing or ethical violations have been documented, making them a reliable choice for conscientious consumers.

Bottom Line

Meow Meow Tweet’s Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is a strong contender for ethically-minded shoppers who value rigorous cruelty-free certification, vegan ingredients, and substantial sustainability efforts. With a high ethics score of 92/100, the brand’s only minor weakness is the lack of formal fair-trade certification for sourcing, but their direct and transparent supplier relationships mitigate this. Overall, Meow Meow Tweet exemplifies how small brands can lead with integrity without sacrificing product quality. Recommended for those seeking a safe, eco-friendly, and animal-friendly sunscreen.