Launched in 2022 by a consortium bringing together five cosmetics giants – L’Oréal, LVMH, Henkel, Unilever and Natura & Co – The Ecobeautyscore project gave birth to a Independent non -profit associationopen to more than 70 companies and professional federations. His goal: to create a shared scientific methodology allowing to evaluate, in a harmonized manner, the environmental imprint of cosmetic and hygiene products. The implementation required more than three years of development, involving experts in life cycle (ACV), NGO, public and industrial authorities, in order to build a credible, robust and technically large -scale operational system.
Ecobeautyscore: a notation tool from A to E to better orient yourself
Ecobeautyscore arises in the form of an easily readable visuallike the Nutri-Score:
- A Five letters scaleof A (low environmental impact) has E (impact fort) ;
- And progressive color codefrom dark green to orange, passing through yellow.
But unlike the Nutri-Score, which assesses the nutritional qualityEcobeautyscore is only interested in The global ecological footprint, underlines RMC. It allows you to compare Products within the same categoryfor example between two shampoos or two facial treatments, but Not between a deodorant and a mascara.
Each score is based on a Complete product life cycle analysisintegrating:
- The origin, transformation and biodegradability of ingredients;
- The type and recyclability of the packaging;
- Transport and conditions of use;
- The end of life of the product (waste management, composibility, etc.).
When and how will the score be displayed?
The display on the packaging will start from the November 19, 2025 In all the countries of the European Union, as well as in the United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland. Certain pioneer brands, such as Nivea, Garnier, Eucerin Ou Schaumahave already started to integrate this score On their websitesbefore progressive physical deployment.
The communication of the score is voluntarybut framed: if a brand chooses to display it for a given range, it will have to do it to at least 75 % of products in this range in a given country, including those with an unfavorable note.
A scientific methodology… but perfectible?
Ecobeautyscore is based on the European methodology PEF (Product Environmental Footprint)considered one of the most advanced to assess environmental impacts. She takes into account 16 different criteriaranging from water consumption to greenhouse gas emissions.
The score was validated by independent external experts and is based on a common database fueled by the brands themselves. This point nevertheless raises questions about the impartiality of the systemsome NGOs like Slow cosmetics expressing their doubts about the rigor of the criteria selected, in particular concerning microplastics, silicones or certain preservatives still authorized in Europe. “It will be difficult to be certain that no bias relating to certain petrochemical or plastic ingredients will have influenced the development of the tool”, alerted Slow Cosmetic in March 2023 in a press release.
Behind this environmental display, the ambition is clear: guide consumers to more sustainable choicesbut also Encourage brands to rethink their formulas and their production chains.
