Original Source

How ethical is Original Source?

Original Source is a brand of personal cleansing products which has a below-benchmark score on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Soap & Shower Gel Ratings Table. Although Original Source has not yet met our ethical benchmark, we hope to see the brand make progress in the future.

We would have extra confidence in Original Source if it submitted itself to apply for Ethical Accreditation, whereby The Good Shopping Guide would make further detailed assessment and recommendations for ethical improvement.

Find out more about the ethical issues facing the Ethical Soap & Shower Gel sector.

What does Original Source do?

Original Source makes a range of bath and shower products using all natural fragrances. The brand is now owned by PZ Cussons.

In which areas does Original Source perform poorly?

Original Source was marked down under our criteria for Organic due to a lack of certification. It also received only a middle rating for our Animal Welfare criteria, as it does have an Animal Testing Policy but no certification. Find out more about how we rate by exploring our ethical criteria.

Past Criticisms of Original Source’s  record

In 2022 Original Source’s parent company, PZ Cussons, was given Ethical Consumer’s worst rating for its use of uncertified palm oil. In the same year, Cussons was named as one of the companies sourcing palm oil from producers alleged to have withheld plasma or profits from plasma, from local communities.

In which areas does Original Source score well for its ethics?

Original Source scores well for its Environmental Report, as its parent company, PZ Cussons, has an Annual Report 2022 containing numerous targets including carbon emissions and packaging. It also scores highly for our Vegetarian criteria as it has products certified by the Vegan Society.

We found no criticisms of Original Source relating to; GM, Nuclear Power, Fossil Fuels, Political Donations, Armaments or Irresponsible Marketing, so it scores well for these criteria.

How can Original Source improve its ethical rating?

The below-benchmark score that Original Source is awarded with on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Soap & Shower Gel Ratings Table is the result of an evaluation of multiple ethical criteria.

To reach our minimum ethical benchmark and qualify for Ethical Accreditation, Original Source has some issues to resolve, including its lack of certification for Organic products or for its Animal Testing Policy. If it applies for Ethical Accreditation, The Good Shopping Guide will be able to give Original Source some guidance to improve on these areas.

Were you aware that your brand could benefit from Ethical Accreditation? Brands accredited by The Good Shopping Guide can display our ethical mark, showcasing to consumers that it is an ethical and sustainable brand. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us or complete a Free Initial Assessment form.