Green Edition FAQ

We consider an ingredient to be of natural-origin if it’s unchanged from its natural state or has undergone processing yet still retains greater than 50% of its molecular structure from the original natural source.   The remaining ingredients within each formula are needed to ensure the preservation of the product, the color cosmetic performance and efficacy as well as the overall sensory consumer experience with the product.

Some ingredients simply do not have alternatives that can be obtained from a natural source. To keep the level of pigment and performance in our products, certain non- natural origin ingredients must be used. These materials are still extensively vetted for safety and quality assurance.

Learn more about our Maybelline Safety Promise.
 
 Each ingredient was specifically chosen to ensure high performance as well as a high level of natural origin ingredients. The approach for the ingredients list was “less is more”. Our scientists used only what was necessary for the product to perform. Green Edition collection is formulated without parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum and silicones. Green Edition went through the same rigorous testing and formulation process as our existing products – the chemists have simply made swaps for natural origin ingredients while still maintaining the Maybelline high performance standard. Our formulas contain no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. When Maybelline says that the Green Edition formulas are vegan, it means they have no animal-derived ingredients.
We care for animal welfare and do not test on animals. The fact that Green Edition is not certified cruelty-free by a third party does not mean that the products are tested on animals. We practice effective non-animal ways to ensure the safety of cosmetic products.
Our Maybelline labs carry out testing using reconstructed skin (L’Oréal’s EpiSkin), which is created with human skin cells to mimic real skin. That way, we can effectively test all our products before they’re applied to your skin
EpiSkin isn’t the only non-animal method Maybelline uses – we also use digital tools and toxicology modelling amongst others.

Mascara: Tube (excluding wiper) and cap (excluding brush) made with 95% recycled plastic.

Tinter Oil: Glass bottle made with 20% recycled material.

Balmy Lip Blush: Cap and base (excluding inner shell) made with 95% recycled plastic.

 Because we cannot control the source of recycled materials, the use of PCR can make it difficult to perfectly control the color of packaging and to achieve bright colors. PCR material is typically dark gray, making it hard to achieve Maybelline’s traditional bright colors.   The color of the packaging does not remain consistent given the materials that make up the recycled streams, e.g., the colors of recycled plastic bottles.

Additionally, there is an increase in inclusions with PCR materials.  Inclusions are black dots / particles in the material.  This is due to the variety of recycled material included in the packs. For example, if there is a black dot on your foundation cap, it is not a dirt mark – it is a mixture of different recycled content.

Cradle to Cradle Certified® is a globally recognized and trusted, science-based measure of product sustainability. Cradle to Cradle Certified® provides brands with a framework for considering the impact of their actions on the environment and the communities involved across their value chain.

Maybelline NY’s Green Edition collection is the first makeup collection to be Cradle to Cradle Certified®. Cradle to Cradle Certified assesses all aspects of product design and manufacturing by evaluating products across five categories:

  • Material Health
  • Product Circularity
  • Clean Air & Climate Protection
  • Water & Soil Stewardship
  • Social Fairness

A product is then assigned an achievement level in each individual category. The minimum level of achievement in any of the five categories ultimately determines the final certification level. Cradle to Cradle certification is awarded at four different levels:

  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum

Footnotes:

*We consider an ingredient to be natural-origin if it is unchanged from its natural state or has undergone processing yet still retains greater than 50% of its molecular structure from the original natural source.

**Formulas that are vegan, meaning they have no animal-derived ingredients.

***Clean formula means that we choose to formulate this product without certain ingredients such as parabens and mineral oil, and other ingredients that are included on a list that some consumers are seeking to avoid.
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