L'Oréal, Neutrogena, and Nivea Lead Charge on Eco Labels with New Beauty Scoring System

A significant shift is underway in the cosmetics world. The EcoBeautyScore Association has officially launched EcoBeautyScore, the first science-based environmental scoring system for cosmetics and personal care products, which the industry has widely adopted. For the first time, consumers in select European markets can now compare the environmental impact of products from brands like L’Oréal Paris, Neutrogena, Nivea Q10, and Eucerin, thanks to this new rating system.

So what exactly is EcoBeautyScore?

Three years in the making, this not-for-profit initiative brings together over 70 global manufacturers and trade associations. The system was built around the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint methodology, which means it's grounded in robust science and designed to reflect real-world impact. Products are evaluated across 16 different environmental categories, including carbon emissions, water consumption, land use, and resource depletion, to provide a comprehensive view of their full lifecycle footprint.

The outcome is simplified into a label ranging from A to E. It’s a straightforward scorecard, easy for consumers to understand but backed by complex data. External experts have reviewed the methodology, and all participating brands undergo regular independent audits to ensure credibility and consistency. At launch, the system covers four product categories: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face care. More categories are expected to be added soon.

And the timing couldn’t be better.

Research conducted across key markets, China, the United States, France, and Brazil, shows that more than two-thirds of consumers say the EcoBeautyScore label builds trust. A majority also say they would consider it when making a purchase decision. In an era where greenwashing is a growing concern and shoppers are becoming more eco-savvy, this level of transparency could redefine how beauty products are evaluated and purchased.

The platform is now open to all manufacturers globally. Free trials and onboarding support are being offered to encourage adoption. Over time, the initiative aims to expand across the full range of cosmetics and personal care products.

But what’s driving this move?

In short, consumer expectations have undergone significant changes. People want honest, transparent, and verifiable information about the products they use, especially when it comes to sustainability. Yet, nearly half of European consumers still doubt the legitimacy of brands’ environmental claims. EcoBeautyScore steps in as a much-needed solution. It offers brands a credible way to communicate their environmental impact, while providing consumers with a trustworthy and straightforward tool to guide their choices.

Beyond trust, the platform delivers real business value. It helps companies identify environmental problem areas in their products and make improvements early in the design process. This isn’t just about meeting consumer demand; it’s also about developing smarter, more sustainable products.

As Europe’s beauty market is set to surpass $150 billion by 2025, EcoBeautyScore is positioning itself as a defining benchmark for the industry. One that could influence not just how products are made and marketed, but how consumers think about beauty altogether.