NCLA Beauty

Production locations

• made in the USA

Working Conditions & Living Wages

All we know is that the products made in the USA, the brand provides no further details on the ethical production methods and workplace conditions. 

Ingredients

This is information collected from a small sample set and may not be reflective of the true sustainability of the brand.

Ingredients

• Organic Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) – Ethically sourced with moisturising and healing benefits. Low environmental impact when sustainably farmed.
• Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) – Hydrating and antioxidant-rich, but environmental impact depends on farming practices and certifications.
• Mango Butter (Mangifera Indica) – Nourishing and lightweight, with low environmental impact when sustainably sourced.
• Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus) – Emollient with anti-inflammatory properties, generally low environmental impact.
• Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera) – Lightweight and antioxidant-rich, typically low-impact as it’s a byproduct of wine production.
• Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) – Moisturising with a low environmental footprint when organically grown.
• Organic Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis Sativa) – Highly sustainable and nutrient-rich, with minimal environmental impact.
• Aloe Leaf Extract (Aloe Barbadensis) – Hydrating and soothing, typically low impact if organically grown.
• Cucumber Fruit Extract (Cucumis Sativus) – Cooling and anti-inflammatory, with minimal environmental concerns.
• Sorbitan Caprylate – Emulsifier with a relatively low environmental footprint.
• Glycerin – A humectant that hydrates skin; impact depends on sourcing (synthetic vs. natural).
• Mica-Colorant – Adds shimmer; requires careful sourcing to avoid unethical labour practices.
• Mineral Oil – Derived from petroleum, with a higher environmental impact due to extraction.
• Fragrance Oil – Environmental and safety impact unclear due to lack of transparency.

The brand claims that 100% of its products are natural, with some ingredients certified as organic. These claims can support reduced environmental impacts but are not yet verified by COSH!.

Packaging

Packaging

The brand provides no information regarding its packaging materials, either in e‑commerce or the supply chain. Transparency regarding material types and recyclability is essential to evaluate their environmental footprint.

Water usage

The use of organic-certified ingredients helps limit water pollution in production processes. However, the brand does not disclose its water usage or pollution impact during manufacturing.

NOTE: Water usage/​pollution down to the raw materials is generally impossible to track for cosmetic products.

Circular packaging design

The brand seemingly packages its products in plastic within paper boxes. This implies easy recycling, however no details are stated anywhere on their website or online. 

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Production locations: USA
• NCLA HQ is located in USA
• NCLA sells/​exports in these countries: Globally

Transportation

• Transportation in the supply chain: this information is yet unclear
• Transportation in e‑commerce: UPS shipping

NCLA Beauty claims to be vegan and cruelty-free, ensuring that no animal-derived ingredients or testing is involved in their products. Based on the provided ingredient list, no animal-related materials were identified. The brand also avoids sales in mainland China due to their laws on mandatory animal testing.

Product design

NCLA makes products that are natural and vegan, making it suitable for anyone to use. They also state all their ingredients honestly, ensuring that anyone with allergies can double-check whether the product is safe for them to use. The products are packaged in bright, attractive containers, appealing to young audiences who enjoy pampering themselves. 

The brand participates in seasonal collections, demonstrated by a special holiday collection designed to be gifted during holiday seasons. 

Transparency on product

The product pages provide extensive information on the ingredients and vegan nature of the product. However, there is no further information provided regarding packaging or production locations. 

Transparency on processes

Transparency within the cosmetics industry isn’t regulated yet, however, NCLA Beauty could take their transparency a lot further by providing details regarding ethical and sustainable production practices, certifications, carbon footprint, and much more.