What Does ‘Ethically Produced’ Really Mean for Skincare Brands?

“Ethically produced” has become one of the most commonly used phrases in beauty and skincare marketing — but it is also one of the most loosely defined. Without clear regulatory standards, brands are largely free to use the term as they see fit, making it difficult for consumers to know what they are actually buying into. This guide breaks down what ethical production genuinely means, what questions to ask, and what it looks like in practice.

What ethical production can mean

Ethical production in skincare broadly encompasses several distinct areas:

• Ingredient sourcing: Are the raw materials sustainably harvested? Are the communities that produce them fairly compensated? Does sourcing practices protect biodiversity and local ecosystems?
• Manufacturing conditions: Are workers involved in production treated fairly, paid a living wage, and working in safe conditions?
• Environmental impact: Does the production process minimise waste, energy consumption, and pollution? Are packaging materials recyclable or biodegradable?
• Animal welfare: Is the product cruelty-free — not tested on animals at any point in the supply chain? Does it avoid animal-derived ingredients taken through harmful practices?

Why UK production matters

Products manufactured in the United Kingdom are subject to some of the most rigorous regulatory standards in the world, covering cosmetic safety, labelling transparency, and manufacturing practices. UK-produced skincare must comply with the UK Cosmetics Regulation — a comprehensive framework that restricts or bans over 1,300 substances. Choosing UK-produced products offers an additional layer of regulatory assurance that is not always present with imports from less regulated markets.

The greenwashing problem

Greenwashing — the practice of making misleading claims about environmental or ethical credentials — is widespread in the beauty industry. Brands may use green packaging, earthy branding, and vague buzzwords such as “clean,” “green,” or “conscious” without any substantive practices to back them up. Genuine ethical brands are typically transparent about their supply chains, willing to provide information about their manufacturing processes, and certified by recognised independent bodies where applicable.

What to look for as a consumer

When evaluating a brand’s ethical credentials, look beyond marketing language to the specifics: Where are the products made? Where do the ingredients come from? Is there a clear cruelty-free policy? Does the brand publish information about its environmental practices? Independent certifications such as the Soil Association, Leaping Bunny, and B Corp offer verified assurances that a brand’s ethical claims have been independently assessed.

SkinOne’s approach

SkinOne products — including ZenGold Hair Growth Oil and Scarnil Scar Remover — are 100% naturally formulated and ethically produced in the UK. This means they are manufactured under UK regulatory standards, using natural ingredients without synthetic additives, and without unnecessary environmental impact. For more about SkinOne’s values and production approach, visit our about page.

Related guide: For a comprehensive overview, read our complete guide: The Ultimate Guide to Natural Ingredients in Hair and Skin Care