REN

Is REN skincare good for the planet, for animals and for people?

REN is a skincare brand owned by Unilever, one of the biggest retail corporations in the world.  Due to the unethical business activities of REN’s parent company, Unilever, this brand unfortunately does not score well in The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Skincare Ratings Table.

REN was founded in 2000 and is marketed as a ‘clean’ beauty and skincare brand. Consumers should be wary of brands that use the term ‘clean’, as this is often used to greenwash and ethical-wash companies that have vague or unclear business ethics. This is the reason The Good Shopping Guide exists; to cut through the greenwash, independently research the facts and dispel the fiction.

We encourage REN and other skincare brands that receive low Good Shopping Guide scores to keep striving to improve the ethics of their business activities, and to push the skincare sector to lead the way when it comes to protecting the Environment, Animals and People.

Where does REN receive a good rating?

REN receives a top rating in the Environmental Report criterion, as Unilever’s latest Annual Report contains information on the company’s sustainability goals, reflecting a commitment to improving its environmental record.

Additionally, REN has attained a middle rating for our Vegetarian/Vegan Verified category, as although it does not have certified vegan products, it does have some products it claims are vegan friendly.

Where does REN receive a bad rating?

Despite achieving a middle rating for its vegan friendly products, REN regrettably receives a bottom rating for Animal Welfare. This is because its parent company, Unilever, confirms on its website that it tests on animals when legally required, such as when its products are sold in the Chinese market.

REN also receives a bottom rating for Political Donations, as Unilever makes regular political donations in the United States, amounting to hundreds thousands of dollars in the past few years.

How could REN become an ethical brand?

REN is held back in becoming a more ethical company by its parent corporation, Unilever. However, we encourage REN and other Unilever brands to obtain both vegan and organic certification, in order to better conserve the vulnerable Environment and Animals. Additionally, Unilever should cease animal testing and political donations so it can receive a better rating in these categories in the future.