Short for "beneficial corporation," B Corp is a special status given to brands that meet a high standard of social and/or environmental performance and legal accountability. Basically, they're doing their part to make the world a better place.
B Corp status isn't easy to achieve. The process is pretty rigorous and the company must undergo certain tests where it has to earn a minimum score in areas of environment, social and governance practices. Once a company earns B Corp status, it needs to uphold certain standards or else it'll lose the accreditation.
Given all the energy that goes into achieving and maintaining this prestigious distinction, we want to acknowledge these special beauty brands by highlighting our favorite products from their impressive lineups.
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If you're ever in need of a self-care moment, The Body Shop has you covered. The brand pulls ingredients from all over the world to create luxurious oils, creams, scrubs, soaps and more. Plus, it has played a notable role in influencing legislation regarding animal testing and has an in-store recycling program. The Body Shop also has a "Triple Bottom Line" that measures success not just by profits, but through social and environmental impact.
Sunday Riley's lineup includes everything from potent lactic acid treatments to hydrating vitamin C creams to jelly body scrubs. The brand earned its B Corp status for the way it works with its employees, its Supplier Code of Conduct and its charitable donations. The brand is also cruelty-free, mostly vegan, has a zero waste oil process and is committed to environmental progress via matching programs, donations and company volunteering.
With a strong focus on clean cosmetics, Beautycounter is on a mission "to get safer products into the hands of everyone." The brand also focuses on environmental sustainability from sourcing to packaging, educates the public about unsafe ingredients and donates to nonprofit organizations, such as the Environmental Working Group, Stand Up To Cancer and Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.
Cheekbone Beauty prides itself on creating cruelty-free, sustainably-focused, high-quality cosmetics. Indigenous founded and owned, the brand also aims "to make a difference in the lives of indigenous youth through donations addressing the educational funding gap, and to create a space in the beauty industry where indigenous youth feel represented and seen."