Is Youth To The People ethical?

Overview

Founded in 2015 in California, Youth to the People (YTTP) has established itself as a leader in the 'clean' and conscious beauty space. The brand was built on the philosophy that what you put on your skin should be as nutrient-dense as what you put in your body, utilizing cold-pressed extracts, botanical actives, and clinical-grade ingredients. In 2021, the brand was acquired by L’Oréal, a transition that has allowed it to scale its distribution globally while maintaining its core ethical pillars. Despite the corporate acquisition, YTTP continues to operate with a high degree of transparency, prioritizing eco-friendly packaging and cruelty-free formulations that cater to a wide range of skin types.

Certifications

Youth to the People boasts an impressive array of third-party validations that affirm its ethical claims. Many of its core products, such as the Superfood Cleanser, are EWG Verified, meaning they meet the Environmental Working Group's strictest standards for health and transparency. The brand is also a Certified B Corporation, reflecting high standards of social and environmental performance. Their packaging often carries the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification, ensuring that the paper components are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Additionally, their status as a cruelty-free brand is verified by dual certifications from PETA and Leaping Bunny, providing consumers with high confidence in their animal welfare standards.

Animal testing & vegan range

Animal welfare is a cornerstone of the Youth to the People brand identity. The company maintains a 100% vegan product range, meaning no honey, beeswax, carmine, or other animal-derived ingredients are used in any formulation. Their strict no-animal-testing policy applies to both the development of the final products and the procurement of individual ingredients. While their parent company, L’Oréal, does sell in markets where animal testing may be required by law, Youth to the People has maintained its cruelty-free status and does not sell its products in mainland China where pre-market or post-market animal testing has historically been mandated for imported cosmetics.

Sustainability pledges

Sustainability is integrated into the brand’s operational DNA through its 'Give to the Future' initiative. One of Youth to the People’s most notable commitments is their use of glass packaging. By opting for heavy-weight glass bottles and jars over plastic, the brand significantly reduces the amount of single-use plastic entering the waste stream, as glass is infinitely recyclable. Furthermore, the brand uses 100% post-consumer waste paper for its boxes and ensures all shipping materials are recyclable. They have set internal targets to reduce their carbon footprint and frequently partner with environmental non-profits to support reforestation and ocean protection efforts.

Sourcing & labor

The brand emphasizes responsible sourcing, particularly concerning the superfood extracts that define their product line. They prioritize local sourcing within California and the United States whenever possible to minimize transport emissions. Youth to the People also maintains a commitment to social justice and human rights within their supply chain. As a B Corp, they are required to uphold rigorous labor standards, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. The brand also focuses on community impact through their 'To The People' fund, which supports non-profits working in the fields of climate justice, human rights, and gender equality.

Controversies context

There are no major ethical controversies or legal scandals on record for Youth to the People. The primary point of discussion within the ethical consumer community usually involves the 2021 acquisition by L’Oréal. Some purists express concern over 'parent company ethics,' as L’Oréal is not fully vegan and operates in regions with different animal testing regulations. However, YTTP has remained transparent about this partnership, asserting that their own internal standards and certifications (like Leaping Bunny) have remained intact and independent of their parent company's broader corporate policies.

Bottom line

Youth to the People remains a top-tier choice for ethical consumers who prioritize veganism, transparency, and high-quality glass packaging. With high ethics scores across their product range—from 89 for the Superfood Cleanser to 94 for the Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm—it is clear that the brand successfully balances luxury skincare performance with a robust ethical framework. While the association with L'Oréal may be a factor for some, the brand's individual performance in sustainability and animal welfare remains exemplary.