Three powerful women making progress towards sustainability in the beauty sector

Emma Lewisham, a New Zealander, has founded a natural skin care brand that focuses on sustainability and circularity. The brand, which is offered at Net-a-Porter, is the first beauty brand to be endorsed by Dr. Jane Goodall. Emma Lewisham is known for her evidence-based natural skincare products and is committed to a circular and carbon positive business model. The brand’s range is designed to be refilled, with refill products having a 74 percent lower carbon score than their original barrels. Emma Lewisham was also the first beauty brand in the world to be certified climate positive, meaning they offset more carbon emissions than they produce.

Founded by former model Nuria Val, Rowse is a plant-based beauty brand that offers sensory formulas for a variety of skin concerns. The brand’s tagline, “plant-based beauty with a purpose,” reflects its commitment to creating products that harness the power of plants for skin health. Nuria Val and her co-founder, Gabriella, emphasize the purity and efficacy of vegetable oils extracted from different plants. Rowse products are designed to be in harmony with nature, taking into account seasonal variations in plant characteristics to create eco-friendly formulas. The brand’s Winter Body Oil is specially formulated with plants that thrive in extreme winter conditions to nourish the skin during the colder months.

Emma Lewisham and Rowse both prioritize sustainability by focusing on natural ingredients, refillable packaging and ethical practices. Emma Lewisham’s circular business model includes a returns program that focuses on refilling products rather than recycling them. The brand sterilizes, refills and sells returned products, and if an item cannot be refilled, they ensure it is properly recycled through a specialist partner. Emma Lewisham’s commitment to being climate positive includes measuring and offsetting emissions from all aspects of their operations, including energy use and supply chains. Rowse’s emphasis on plant-based beauty reflects the founders’ passion for nature and the purity of plant extracts in skincare formulations.

Both Emma Lewisham and Rowse are calling for a shift towards more sustainable practices in the beauty industry. Emma Lewisham emphasizes the importance of creating renewable and plastic-free products, such as the mycelium desk and curtains made from algae in their store. They also have pineapple leather in their display, with alternative materials that are environmentally friendly. Rowse’s commitment to plant-based beauty with a purpose highlights the power of plants in skincare formulations and the brand’s focus on offering sensory products for a variety of skin concerns. The founders’ commitment to nature and sustainability drives their brand’s mission to create eco-friendly beauty products that benefit both the skin and the environment.

Through their innovative products and sustainable business practices, Emma Lewisham and Rowse are leading the beauty industry towards a more environmentally conscious and ethical future. Their focus on natural ingredients, refill options and carbon offsets sets them apart as leaders in creating beauty products that benefit not only consumers but also the planet. As consumer demand for sustainability and ethical practices continues to grow, brands like Emma Lewisham and Rowse are setting new standards for the beauty industry and inspiring others to follow suit and prioritize sustainability in their own product offering.