Aesop: A B Corp Leader in Ethical Cosmetics

Editorial TeamEditorial Team
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October 6th, 2022

So far, Aesop has received many approvals and certifications from various organisations such as B Corp, Cruelty-Free International, PETA and Climate Active.

Since its inception in 1987, the Australian brand Aesop has been dedicated to creating high-quality face, body and hair care products with the scientifically proven benefits of natural plant extracts. Its formulas based on plant extracts are committed to protecting the skin and accepting it in a natural way. The ingredients are written on the front of the packaging, as opposed to the back in small print. Aesop took its first steps in 1987, when founder Dennis Paphitis opened a hair salon in Melbourne and started introducing essential oils into hair products, between design and sustainability. So the salon owner began to develop different types of products based on the needs of his clients' scalps, and success was not long in coming. The company is based on clear and transparent ethical principles: product quality, service excellence and integrity. Aesop aims to have a strong social and environmental impact. It is committed to supporting various causes related to the environment and social welfare. Firstly, by trying to reduce its impact on the planet and then by not testing its products or ingredients on animals or even using ingredients of animal origin such as beeswax, honey and lanolin.  

  Created with Botanical Ingredients The use of natural ingredients in the cosmetics industry has grown considerably in recent years and not so long ago they were a novelty in the market. Aesop presents a wide range of vegan products, from shampoo and conditioner to face, body and hand products, from fragrances and candles to household products, certified PETA and Cruelty-Free. Aesop advocates that all products on the market, including personal care and household products, should be cruelty-free. In fact, the company has been recognised by the Leaping Bunny international anti-animal testing programme. Cruelty-Free International issues the Leaping Bunny certificate and commits to regular checks to ensure that companies do not test on animals. Aesop has maintained an independent approach to the research and development of its products. Its team of qualified chemical scientists sources ingredients from the most reputable suppliers worldwide, blending contemporary technology with scientific practices.  

  Ethical Sourcing Aesop has established an "Ethical Sourcing" Programme to ensure that all suppliers pay attention to the environment and that the working conditions of employees are optimal. As a B Corp-certified company, Aesop is held to high standards of environmental stewardship, transparency and accountability. Over time, the brand has contributed to building a more sustainable economy by prioritising social and environmental impact over revenue. B Corp certification is awarded on the basis of performance in 5 categories: employees, community, environment, customers and governance. Aesop has demonstrated its approach in these categories through the sustainable design of its shops and products; ethical ingredient selection; support for local communities and respect for people.