Lush is a cosmetic and personal care products brand, recognized for its ethical, sustainable and cruelty-free approach. Founded in 1995, the British company has gained global renown for its commitment to manufacturing fresh, handmade products, using natural and sustainable ingredients.
The growing preference for sustainable cosmetic products free of animal testing responds to a growing awareness of the importance of ethical and responsible practices. Contemporary consumers seek not only to take care of their own health, opting for natural ingredients free of aggressive chemicals, but also to contribute to the preservation of the environment. This is why Lush has become an option to consider for those looking to take care of themselves and the planet.
An ironclad commitment: no testing on animals, natural and quality ingredients
Created almost 30 years ago by Mo Constantine, Mark Constantine, Rowena Bird, Helen Ambrosen, Liz Bennett and Paul Greeves; The company’s founding was based on the belief that efficacy required no animal fats or animal testing, laying the foundation for its long-term commitment to sustainability. Currently, approximately 95% of Lush’s product line is vegan, reflecting their commitment to this cause.
The company doesn’t just take a firm stance against animal testing; goes above and beyond by finding and inventing safe alternatives for ingredients. Lush’s ethos focuses on responsible and sustainable sourcing of ingredients, avoiding harmful substances such as genetically modified organisms and pesticides.
Lush’s commitment to sustainability is even reflected in the choice of suppliers for ingredients such as honey and lanolin. The honey comes from Zambia, where traditional and sustainable beekeeping techniques are practiced, while the lanolin is obtained from sheep whose fleece is used for wool production, ensuring an ethical process from the beginning.
Lush has also taken significant steps in reducing plastic waste. Through recycling programs and the introduction of “naked” products (i.e., without packaging), the company seeks to minimize its environmental impact. Lush’s latest initiative in this area is a recycling program where customers ‘rent’ packaging and return it after use.
Lush sells “naked” products
Lush’s sustainable approach to packaging highlights its commitment to reducing environmental impact. With approximately 65% of its annual product line sold without packaging, known as “naked,” the brand offers consumers a zero-waste option. Using 100% recycled plastic in bottles, introducing biodegradable knot-wraps and using materials such as cornstarch eco-flo to protect products in gifts and online purchases. Additionally, the company uses sustainable bags and labels, completing a comprehensive approach that addresses plastic reduction, reuse and the adoption of biodegradable materials in its packaging.
Lush is anti-social
The cosmetics company has a very curious relationship with social networks. In 2021 it announced a campaign titled “Lush is becoming anti-social” with which it turned its back on its Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat profiles, arguing that the networks do not provide a safe environment for their users. The company expressed concern about the harmful effects of social media, highlighting the dangers and harm caused by algorithms and the lack of regulation on these platforms.
The brand, known for its ethical approach and commitment to wellness, seeks to disconnect from social media to protect its customers from the harm and manipulation associated with these platforms. Lush announced the deactivation of all its accounts on the aforementioned social networks and promised to invest in new forms of connection, as well as in improving alternative communication channels.
In fact, if we currently enter their Instagram profiles, both the British and Spanish accounts, we see only 9 publications in which they explain the damage they perceive on social networks.
