L'Oréal Group — Ethics Grade C+

L'Oréal Group receives an overall ethics grade of C+ (58/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Consumer Goods. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 60
• privacy: 85
• consumer: 50
• environment: 65
• humanRights: 55

Documented incidents (3)

• Indirect Animal Testing (medium, 2021) — While L'Oréal claims not to test on animals, it has long sold products in mainland China where animal testing was legally required for many years, leading to accusations of putting profits above ethics.
• Palm Oil Supply Chain Issues (medium, 2020) — L'Oréal was linked to deforestation and land rights conflicts through its palm oil derivatives supply chain. Activists argue the company's certification schemes are insufficient to stop illegal clearing.
• Deceptive Anti-Aging Claims (medium, 2014) — The FTC settled with L'Oréal over 'deceptive' claims that its Lancôme Génifique products could 'target genes' to make skin look younger in just seven days, which lacked scientific proof.

Documented good deeds

• Waterloop Factories — L'Oréal converted several factories to 'Waterloop' facilities where all water used for industrial processes is recycled and reused on-site.

Ethical alternatives

• Lush Cosmetics — Strong anti-animal testing policy and minimal packaging (naked products).