Youth to the People Is Redefining What Conscious Skin Care Can Be
Youth to the People launched in 2015 with a simple but ambitious idea. Skin care could do more than improve skin. It could reflect real values, inspire people to show up confidently in the world and create a positive ripple far beyond the bathroom shelf. Built on a foundation of superfoods and science, the company set out to design high-performance formulas with a conscience and to do it with transparency from day one.
For these efforts, Youth to the People is a Seeing Green Solutionist of the Day.
A Formula Philosophy Rooted in Superfoods and Science
YTTP’s approach blends professional grade performance with clean, vegan formulations. Their PRO-GRADE VEGAN formulas draw on nutrient-rich ingredients like kale, spinach and microalgae, paired with bioidentical synthetics when those are more sustainable or effective. Every ingredient is vetted for its environmental footprint and sourcing story. Whenever possible, they look to local suppliers, organic cultivation and growers working in ways that protect ecosystems and communities.
They have also pushed the industry away from animal byproducts. Choosing only vegan ingredients reduces long-term carbon emissions while ensuring no part of the process depends on animal testing. This commitment extends across their full supply chain including manufacturing partners and vendors.
Sourcing, Manufacturing and Emissions Goals
All Youth to the People products are made in California with direct oversight of ingredient sourcing and supply chain impacts. They evaluate each material for environmental and human considerations and work with partners who share their values.
They have set clear climate goals too. YTTP aims to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions created since launch and offset all future emissions. They have also committed to reducing energy use across their operations by 25 percent by 2025.
Packaging Designed With Circularity in Mind
Packaging has always been a centerpiece of YTTP’s sustainability work. The brand uses glass bottles and jars for nearly every product because glass is endlessly recyclable and offers a true circular path. To cut transport emissions, they have light-weighted their glass while keeping the premium look and feel that defines their line.
Some formulas, like shower-safe products, require plastic for safety. In those cases, they choose the highest possible percentage of post-consumer recycled plastic. All paper comes from FSC-certified mills to support responsible forestry and protect biodiversity.
Youth to the People has also moved beyond exploration into action with refill formats. Their Lightweight Superfood Cleanser refill pouch uses 96 percent less packaging by weight than two standard 8-ounce cleanser bottles, making it a meaningful step toward waste reduction and a lower footprint.
Giving Back Through the To The Planet Fund
In 2023, Youth to the People committed one million dollars through its To The Planet Fund. The fund supports nonprofits advancing climate justice, protecting wild spaces, advocating for women and BIPOC communities disproportionately affected by climate impacts and developing solutions to climate breakdown. It is an extension of the brand’s belief that sustainability must include people, equity and long-term community resilience.
A Commitment to Community and Collaboration
One of YTTP’s strongest values is a commitment to continuous learning. The team sees itself as students of social justice, science and the natural world. That mindset drives them to reject greenwashing and to openly share research and best practices with other beauty brands. They want to influence the broader industry, not just their own footprint.
A Better Tomorrow, One Choice at a Time
Youth to the People was founded on the belief that skin care can be both effective and deeply responsible. Nearly a decade later, they are proving that sustainable packaging, vegan formulations and climate action can live comfortably inside a premium skin care experience.
Their work shows that the beauty industry does not have to choose between high performance and high standards. It can deliver both. And when it does, it sets a new bar for what conscious consumer products can look like.
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