Emma Lewisham, a New Zealander, founded a natural skincare brand focused on sustainability and circularity. The brand, which is stocked at Net-a-Porter, is the first beauty brand to be endorsed by Dr. Jane Goodall. Known for its evidence-backed natural skincare products, Emma Lewisham aims to maintain a circular and carbon-positive business model. The brand’s range is designed to be refilled, with refill products boasting a 74 percent lower carbon score than their original vessels. Emma Lewisham was also the first beauty brand globally to be certified Climate Positive, meaning they offset more carbon emissions than they produce.
Rowse, founded by former model Nuria Val, is a plant-based beauty brand that offers sensorial formulas for various skin concerns. The brand’s tagline, “plant-based beauty with a purpose,” reflects its commitment to creating products that harness the power of plants for skin health. Nuria Val and her co-founder, Gabriella, emphasize the purity and efficacy of plant oils extracted from different plants. Rowse’s products are designed to be in harmony with nature, taking into consideration the seasonal variations in plant properties to create earth-friendly formulas. The brand’s Winter Body Oil is specifically formulated with plants that thrive in extreme winter conditions to nourish the skin during colder months.
Emma Lewisham and Rowse both prioritize sustainability by focusing on natural ingredients, refillable packaging, and ethical practices. Emma Lewisham’s circular business model includes a returns program that focuses on refilling products rather than recycling them. The brand sterilizes, refills, and resells returned products, and if an item cannot be refilled, they ensure it is properly recycled through a specialized partner. Emma Lewisham’s commitment to being Climate Positive involves measuring and offsetting emissions from all aspects of their operations, including energy use and supply chains. Rowse’s emphasis on plant-based beauty reflects the founders’ passion for nature and the purity of plant extracts in skincare formulations.
Both Emma Lewisham and Rowse advocate for a shift towards more sustainable practices in the beauty industry. Emma Lewisham highlights the importance of creating renewable and plastic-free products, such as the mycelium desk and curtains made from algae in their store. They also feature pineapple leather in their display cabinet, showcasing alternative materials that are environmentally friendly. Rowse’s commitment to plant-based beauty with a purpose emphasizes the power of plants in skincare formulations and the brand’s focus on offering sensorial products for different skin concerns. The founders’ dedication to nature and sustainability drives their brand’s mission to create earth-friendly beauty products that benefit both the skin and the environment.
Through their innovative products and sustainable business practices, Emma Lewisham and Rowse are leading the way in the beauty industry towards a more environmentally conscious and ethical future. Their focus on natural ingredients, refilling options, and carbon offsetting sets them apart as leaders in creating beauty products that not only benefit consumers but also the planet. As consumer demand for sustainability and ethical practices continues to grow, brands like Emma Lewisham and Rowse are setting new standards for the beauty industry, inspiring others to follow suit and prioritize sustainability in their own product offerings.
