Spotlight: Lush
Meet Lush… ethical beauty pioneer and Seeing Green Solutionist of the Day for September 15.
Lush isn’t your average beauty brand. Founded in the UK in the mid-90s, Lush built its reputation on fresh, handmade cosmetics that are as fun as they are ethical — think colorful bath bombs, fizzing bubble bars and packaging-free shampoo bars. Today, Lush operates shops in nearly 50 countries and continues to push the beauty industry toward cleaner, more responsible practices.
At the heart of Lush is a radical approach to ingredients and sourcing. The company prioritizes fresh, plant-based and cruelty-free formulas, sourcing ethically from suppliers who uphold fair labor and environmental standards. Many of their products are vegan, and none are ever tested on animals. Lush also invests directly in community projects through its SLush Fund, supporting sustainable agriculture and fair trade around the globe.
Lush is equally bold when it comes to packaging and waste reduction. Over half of its core products — like shampoo, conditioner, and massage bars — are sold “naked,” meaning no packaging at all. For the rest, Lush uses recycled, recyclable or compostable materials, and encourages customers to return empty black pots to be remade into new ones. Their goal is simple but ambitious: eliminate single-use plastics from their business entirely.
Transparency and activism are baked into Lush’s DNA. Stores double as advocacy spaces, where campaigns on everything from animal welfare to ocean conservation are front and center. Employees are trained to talk about not just the products but also the values behind them. For consumers, that means buying a bath bomb can also feel like joining a movement.
Lush proves that beauty can be playful, indulgent and still deeply sustainable. They’re showing millions of consumers worldwide that doing good for the planet can start with something as simple as your morning shower.