Is Zest ethical and cruelty-free?

Overview

Zest is a British brand founded in 2015 with a mission to create effective, natural skincare and home fragrance products without harming animals or the planet. The brand is known for its minimalist, plastic-free packaging—using glass, aluminum, and cardboard—and for formulating products with ethically sourced, plant-based ingredients. Zest is privately owned and operates as a separate entity without a publicly traded parent company. It has grown through online direct-to-consumer sales and partnerships with independent retailers, maintaining a reputation for transparency about its supply chain and environmental impact.

Certifications

Zest holds the Leaping Bunny certification from Cruelty Free International, confirming that no animal testing is conducted at any stage of product development. Their products are also certified vegan by The Vegan Society, ensuring no animal-derived ingredients are used. Additionally, Zest is a Certified B Corporation (since 2020), meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. They are also registered with 1% for the Planet, committing at least 1% of annual sales to environmental causes.

Animal testing & vegan range

Zest has a strict policy against animal testing and does not sell in markets where animal testing is required by law, such as mainland China (their products are not sold there). All Zest products are 100% vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or honey.

Sustainability pledges

Zest is committed to being a zero-waste brand by 2030. They use only recyclable or compostable packaging materials (glass, aluminum, and paper) and have eliminated single-use plastics from their supply chain. The brand also offsets its carbon emissions through a partnership with Ecologi, planting trees and funding renewable energy projects. Their manufacturing processes are energy-efficient, and they use cold-press methods for oils to reduce energy consumption.

Sourcing & labor

Zest sources raw materials like essential oils and plant extracts from certified organic farms where possible, prioritizing fair trade suppliers. They publish a list of their ingredient suppliers on their website, along with details about labor practices. However, the brand does not have a publicly available full supply chain audit, and independent verification of labor conditions beyond supplier certifications (e.g., Fair Trade) is limited. Their B Corp certification requires them to assess and improve labor practices across their operations.

Controversies context

Zest has no major controversies on public record. Minor criticisms have included the relatively high price point of their products, which can be a barrier to accessibility, and some customers have noted that their ambitious sustainability goals (e.g., zero waste by 2030) lack detailed interim milestones. The brand has responded to these concerns by publishing a sustainability roadmap with specific targets, such as reducing water usage in manufacturing by 20% by 2025.

Bottom line

Zest is a strong choice for ethically conscious consumers who prioritize cruelty-free, vegan, and plastic-free products. While their sustainability claims are robust and certified by third parties, their higher price point and the need for more granular transparency in labor practices mean they may not suit all budgets or those seeking ultra-detailed supply chain disclosure. Overall, Zest sets a commendable standard for ethical branding in the beauty and home fragrance sector.