How does Sephora rank on toxic chemicals?

Sephora earned a grade of D, scoring 27.75 out of 135 possible points, ranking it 15th out of 30 retailers. On the positive side, they have an extensive Restricted Substances List (RSL) for their private label products, which, according to information provided by the company, includes all but two of the “Hazardous 100+” chemicals identified by Mind the Store. In fact, their RSL, which Sephora stated contained over 1,400 compounds, has been in place for a decade. Unfortunately, Sephora does not make its RSL publicly available, nor does it provide public metrics on the use or reduction of chemicals of concern. Sephora also does not appear to apply restrictions on the use of chemicals in products it sells from other brands.

Opportunities for Improvement: In addition to providing more public information about their ongoing efforts to address chemicals of concern in their private label brands, Sephora can expand their program to include products made by others sold in their stores, first through disclosure and ultimately with an RSL. They can increase transparency of ingredients of their private label brands by disclosing the constituents of fragrances. Sephora should also become a signatory to the Chemical Footprint Project and pilot it with key private label suppliers.

Summary of Sephora’s Grade

6 out of 15 points

Policy: Adopted a retailer safer chemicals policy

Explanation of Points

Sephora informed us that for the last ten years it has provided an RSL to the suppliers of its private label products, and that this RSL currently contains over 1,400 substances, including all but two (octyl methoxycinnamate and cyclopentasiloxane (D5)) that are included in Mind the Store’s “Hazardous 100+” list. They stated they have RSLs for both their products and for packaging. Sephora did not identify restrictions on products they sell other than their private label products, and Sephora has declined to make its RSL publicly available.

Sephora does not have a publicly available Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL), the policy does not appear to apply to operations, and the company has not set public quantifiable goals for reducing and eliminating chemicals of high concern.

3.75 out of 10 points

Oversight: Established management responsibilities and incentives

Explanation of Points

Sephora indicated to us that responsibility for “sustainable materials,” including the RSL and chemical safety, was formally added to the title and job description of a Senior Director overseeing their private label products. There is no indication of board level involvement or financial incentives for senior management to implement safer chemical policies.

5 out of 10 points

Accountability: Ensures supply chain accountability

Explanation of Points

Sephora stated to us that they provide training in their RSL requirements and conduct audits of supplier reports for the private label products subject to their policy.

The company did not indicate that there was any third-party testing or that it conducts its own testing to ensure supplier conformance with its safer chemicals policy.

0 out of 10 points

Disclosure: Requires suppliers to report use of chemicals in products to retailer

Explanation of Points

No discernible action on disclosure of ingredients that goes beyond that required by the US Food and Drug Administration for cosmetics.

3 out of 15 points

Action: Reduced or eliminated chemicals of high concern within the last three years

Explanation of Points

Sephora provided us with documentation that they have enforced their RSL for their private label products in recent years and that they added three chemicals to in 2017. Although it is unclear the number of impacted products or volumes of chemicals of high concern that may have been reduced, this action has resulted in a reduction in the use of CHCs in their private label products. They provided us, as an example, that prior to launch this spring, one product was reformulated to remove a synthetic wax that was not compliant.

0 out of 10 points

Safer Alternatives: Evaluates safer alternatives, avoids regrettable substitutes

Explanation of Points

While Sephora has indicated to us that they participate in industry coalitions that recommend safer alternatives, we are not aware of any requirements they place upon their suppliers to work towards exploring and testing safer alternatives.

0 out of 15 points

Transparency: Demonstrates a commitment to transparency and public disclosure

Explanation of Points

While Sephora has a Beyond Restricted Substance List (BRSL) that applies to its private label products, it does not make this list public, nor has it indicated an intention to do so.

Sephora does not appear to encourage or require the disclosure of ingredients in products sold online or on product packaging beyond that required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cosmetics.

0 out of 7.5 points

Chemical Footprint: Evaluates its chemical footprint

Explanation of Points

No discernible progress on chemical footprint, although Sephora indicated to us that they may explore this in the future.

0 out of 7.5 points

Third-party Standards: Promotes credible third party standards for safer products

Explanation of Points

No discernible progress on credible third-party safer chemicals standards going beyond regulatory compliance.

Extra Credit:

0 out of 5 points

Joint Announcement: Public commitment demonstrated through joint announcement

Explanation of Points

No discernible public commitment via joint announcement.

5 out of 15 points

Continuous Improvement: Shows continuous improvement by steadily expanding safer chemicals policy

Explanation of Points

Sephora noted to us that in 2017 they have continued to refine their RSL, adding three additional substances.

0 out of 5 points

Safer Products: Program to promote safer products in stores and/or on website

Explanation of Points

No discernible program to feature and market safer products on store shelves and/or website.

5 out of 5 points

Collaboration: Actively participates in collaborative process to promote safer chemicals

Explanation of Points

Sephora participates in the Forum for the Future’s Beauty and Personal Care Products Leadership Group.

0 out of 5 points

Impact Investment: Investing financial resources into independent research into safer alternatives and/or green chemistry solutions

Explanation of Points

Although Sephora does help support industry associations working on chemical and sustainability issues broadly, there is no indication that the company invests significant financial resources specifically into independent research into safer alternatives to chemicals of high concern and/or green chemistry solutions.

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