Garnier awarded 'Cradle to Cradle' silver status for sustainability efforts

Garnier is the latest major beauty brand to step up its efforts to focus on sustainability.

Five products in the L'Oréal-owned brand's SkinActive line have achieved "Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver" status, making it the first mass market skincare brand to receive the accolade.

The newly-certified products include the brand's "Deep Pore Facial Cleanser with Green Tea," "Refreshing Facial Cleanser with Aloe Juice," "Soothing Cleansing Milk with Rose Water," "Deep Pore Exfoliating Face Scrub with Green Tea" and "Refreshing Cream Cleanser with Aloe Juice." The line, which features recycled plastic as part of its packaging and is manufactured at a US facility powered completely by renewable electricity, was awarded the status for its approach to material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship and social fairness practices.

Cradle to Cradle offers proof of a manufacturer's ongoing commitment to sustainability and awards five levels of certification: basic, bronze, silver, gold and platinum.

"We know our consumers value sustainability and to us that means demonstrating sustainability leadership across the value chain, from formulation to manufacturing to renewable resources to social fairness," said Danielle Azoulay, Head of CSR & Sustainability for L'Oréal USA, in a statement.

Garnier is the third L'Oréal USA brand to achieve Cradle to Cradle certification for a selection of its products, alongside Biolage and Kiehl's.

Sustainable beauty has become a major focal point within the cosmetics industry recently, with REN Clean Skincare, Bliss and Eminence all rolling out eco-friendly initiatives this year. Beauty giants Clarins, Coty, L'Oréal and Groupe Rocher clubbed together last November to launch a joint "Responsible Beauty Initiative" (RBI), which aims to encourage sustainability within the industry on an ethical, social and environmental level.