Is Saalt ethical?

Overview

Saalt is an Idaho-based social enterprise that has rapidly become a leader in the sustainable period care market. Founded with the mission to provide high-performance, sustainable alternatives to traditional disposable menstrual products, Saalt focuses on menstrual cups, discs, and period underwear. The company operates as a certified B Corporation, meaning it is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on its workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. Saalt stands out not just for its products, but for its 'period bliss' guarantee and its heavy investment in global menstrual health education and infrastructure.

Certifications

Saalt holds some of the most rigorous certifications available in the consumer goods sector. As a Certified B Corporation, they have undergone an extensive audit of their entire business model, scoring significantly higher than the median score for most businesses. They are also members of 1% for the Planet, committing 1% of their annual revenue (not just profit) to environmental nonprofits. Their products are further validated by Leaping Bunny and Cruelty-Free International, ensuring that no animal testing occurs at any stage of their product development or within their supply chain.

Animal testing & vegan range

For consumers concerned with animal welfare, Saalt is an industry gold standard. The brand is Leaping Bunny certified, which is the most stringent cruelty-free certification available, requiring regular independent audits. Saalt does not test its finished products or ingredients on animals, nor do they commission third parties to do so. Furthermore, Saalt does not sell its products in mainland China, where animal testing is often a regulatory requirement for foreign cosmetics and certain personal care goods. Their menstrual cups and discs are made from 100% medical-grade silicone, which is inherently vegan and free from animal-derived byproducts.

Sustainability pledges

Environmental stewardship is at the core of Saalt’s operations. Their primary goal is to divert millions of pounds of disposable period waste from landfills. A single Saalt cup can last up to ten years, replacing approximately 3,000 tampons. Beyond the product lifecycle, Saalt is committed to plastic neutrality; for every amount of plastic used in their packaging or products, they fund the removal of an equivalent amount of plastic from the environment through partnerships like rePurpose Global. They also prioritize recyclable packaging and are constantly working to reduce their carbon footprint through optimized logistics.

Sourcing & labor

Saalt maintains a transparent and ethical supply chain. Their menstrual cups are manufactured in the United States in ISO-certified facilities, which ensures high standards for both product quality and labor rights. By keeping production local to their primary market, they ensure fair wages and safe working conditions while minimizing transportation emissions. For their period underwear line, they partner with ethical factories overseas that adhere to strict social compliance standards, ensuring that workers are treated with dignity and paid fairly.

Controversies context

At the time of review, there are no major ethical controversies, lawsuits, or labor disputes on record for Saalt. The company has maintained a clean track record since its inception in 2018. Their transparency regarding their 1% for the Planet contributions and their B Corp impact reports provides a level of accountability that is rare in the personal care industry. They have avoided common pitfalls such as greenwashing by backing their sustainability claims with third-party certifications and measurable data.

Bottom line

Saalt is an exemplary brand for ethical consumers. With a 96/100 ethics score, they represent the pinnacle of conscious capitalism in the period care space. Their commitment to social impact—donating thousands of products to those in need and funding period education globally—combined with their strict non-animal testing policy and B Corp status, makes them a highly recommended choice for those looking to align their spending with their values.