Intelligent Beauty

Everything you need to know about Cult Conscious

Last Updated: 10/05/2022

Honesty and transparency with our customers is a key priority here at Cult Beauty which is why we have partnered with transparency tech-platform – {Provenance} – to equip you with key facts that matter. With their coveted {Proof Points}, Provenance uses blockchain technology to digitally verify the wealth of information that pervades the beauty realm – from whether a product is vegan and cruelty-free, to whether it’s coral reef-safe or recyclable, Cult Beauty customers just need to look for the green tick to check out the ethical pros of each product (it’s found on the right at the top of the product page).

Keen to get started? Before you begin, we’ve created a glossary outlining all of the Proof Points so you can embark on your {Cult Conscious} journey. And remember, if a Proof Point appears alongside a brand bio, this means it applies to the brand overall. Products within the brand may have additional Proof Points – these are found in the Cult Conscious tab on the product page.

And one other thing… if a Proof Point is verified – meaning a third party has authenticated the accuracy of the statement – it will have a green tick next to it. If it doesn’t have a green tick, it just means the information hasn’t been verified by a third party but the brand will still have uploaded evidence that you can check yourself.

Here are the Proof Points to look for:

B Corporation

B Corporation is a certification offered by a non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation named B Lab. The certification allows consumers to identify businesses that serve society by meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance.

Black Founded Business

This ‘proof point’ indicates that in a firm, more than 51% of the people who started the company identify as Black.

Black Owned Business

Meanwhile, in this ‘proof point’, in a company, those who identify as Black control more than 51% of the shares in this business.

Carbon Offsetting

This indicates that a brand provides funds for external projects that avoid or sequester greenhouse gas emissions, in an effort to compensate for their own emissions.

Clinically Tested

Results-driven formulas clinically proven to work, our Clinically Tested products have undergone extensive independent research (on humans and never on animals), facing stringent testing conditions to ascertain – and measure – efficacy. By clicking on the Proof Point you’ll be able to read all about the scale and intricacies of the trial, for example: amongst 50 female subjects aged 35-65 for 12 weeks, those using the product saw a significant improvement in skin hydration.

Compostable Parts

Part of this product’s packaging is capable of decomposing naturally in a home compost or in an industrial compost environment, in a way that is not harmful to the environment and produces compost.

Coral Reef Safe

These products – usually {reef-safe sunscreens} – are made without any ingredients knows to be harmful to coral reefs. Sunning yourself safely shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment, so you can purchase these products and know that they’re free made without octinoxate, oxybenzone or octocrylene – the chemicals with links to coral bleaching.

Cruelty-free

Respecting the welfare of all who inhabit our planet, you can shop this collection of {cruelty-free} make up and skin care with absolute faith in the fact that no creatures were harmed to create them. Staunchly against any animal testing, these brands won’t be sold in a region where animal testing takes place.

Donates to Charity

This Proof Point shows that a brand’s {giving back} – using profits to offer monetary or in-kind donations to charitable organisations that chime with their ethos.

Family Owned Business

Keeping it in the family, this means that in a privately-held company, those who identify as a family control more than 50% of the voting rights and if it’s publicly-held, the family share at least 32% of the voting rights.

Female Founded Business

This ‘proof point’ indicates that in a firm, more than 51% of the people who started the company identify as female.

Female Owned Business

Close to our Cult Beauty hearts, women in business is something we’re eager to celebrate. This ‘proof point’ indicates that in a privately-held firm, people identifying as female control more than 50% of the voting rights, and at least 32% if it’s publicly-held.

Forest Stewardship Council Approved

Certified by the {Forest Stewardship Council}, these products use only sustainable forest materials and ethical forestry practices to help secure the future of the planet’s precious ‘lungs’. From biodegradable packaging to sustainably sourced palo santo, these products help to safeguard trees and those who live and work amidst our planet’s vital greenery.

Free from Artificial Flavours

This ‘proof point’ indicates that the product does not contain synthetically produced flavours. It may contain flavours derived from natural ingredients.

Free from Synthetic Preservatives

Meanwhile, this ‘proof point’ indicates that this product does not contain any synthetically produced preservatives. It may contain natural preservatives.

Fully Recycled Packaging

Our {recyclable products} applaud eco-conscious companies who’re leading the charge with commitment to low-to-zero waste packaging and practices. Ideal if you’re trying to make a step towards more sustainable buying habits, these products mean less will be destined for landfill.

Independently Owned

This ‘proof point’ indicates that the business is majority owned (51%) and operated by the same person or group of people.

Organic

Using only the finest certified ingredients, all lovingly reared without any exposure to pesticides, synthetics or non-organic matter that could compromise the purity, we’ve made finding {organic products} that meet your exacting requirements easy. Subject to rigorous standards to guarantee safety and efficacy, our organic edit is proof that pure can be potent.

Net Zero

This organisation has measured the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by its operations and supply chain or its product and has achieved net zero emissions by reducing its emissions and, where necessary, investing in carbon offsetting projects. Greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon emissions) caused by human activities are the most significant driver of climate change.

Partly Recyclable Packaging

Part of this product’s packaging is curb-side collected and can be broken down into raw materials and repurposed so it can be used again. This does not guarantee that it will be recycled – always check locally.

Partly Recycled Packaging

All or parts of this product’s packaging are waste materials that have been recovered, reprocessed and converted into reusable materials.

Person of Colour Founded Business

This ‘proof point’ indicates that in a firm, more than 51% of the people who started the company identify as being people of colour.

Person of Colour Owned Business

Meanwhile, in this ‘proof point’, in a company, those who identify as being people of colour control more than 51% of the shares in this business.

Reusable Packaging

This product’s packaging is designed to be reused for the same use case – something we’re very much here for at Cult Beauty. It’s capable of being used repeatedly without impairing its protective function.

Scientifically Tested

This innovative product was independently tested in a laboratory to ensure safety and performance before making it onto our Hall of Fame shelves.

Supports Biodiversity

Close to our Cult Beauty hearts, this business has implemented (and/or provided monetary or in-kind donations to) projects or initiatives supporting biodiversity conservation in its supply chain, as a means to mitigate its footprint on biodiversity.

Supporting Health

This business has implemented or provided monetary or in-kind donations to projects or initiatives supporting health in its supply chain.

Supporting Education

This business has implemented – or provided monetary or in-kind donations to – projects or initiatives supporting education in its supply chain.

Supports Local Community

From ethically sourcing ingredients to increasing awareness of local craftsmanship and providing jobs for local townspeople, these feel-good brands do their bit to support and advance smaller, close-knit communities.

Vegan

These products contain no animal products – or derivatives of animal products – and none were involved as part of the production process. From lanolin and beeswax to non-plant-derived squalane and oleic acid, you won’t find anything you shouldn’t in our {vegan} heroes.

Vegetarian

Each and every product marked with our Cult Conscious {vegetarian} tick means that you can be sure that it does not contain any ingredients that are the result of animal slaughter, or use any as part of the production process.

Widely Recyclable Packaging

You can be sure that this product’s packaging can be collected by your local council and be broken down into raw materials and repurposed so it can be used again. It may include up to 1% of non-recyclable components that won’t impede the overall recyclability.

Now you’re equipped with the knowledge, it’s time to meet your unique beauty needs.

DISCOVER CULT CONSCIOUS >>



Verity Douglas

Verity Douglas

Content Editor

Verity is our Content Editor and a Cult Beauty veteran. Currently on maternity leave, raising Cult Beauty’s honorary ‘word nerd’, Tabitha, she speaks fluent ‘beauty’ and loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm (and cleanser and candles… ad infinitum). Nothing can stop her from quoting Nancy Mitford, treating herself to yet another Bella Freud candle for her desk or buying that pilgrim-esque collared or heavily fringed outfit she’s been eyeing. You can trust her to debunk widespread beauty myths and dispense invaluable advice with ease…