The Ordinary

The Ordinary is owned by Estée Lauder.

Our “Planet” rating evaluates brands based on the environmental policies in their supply chains, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models and product circularity. Here we rate The Ordinary “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses few lower-impact ingredients.
• It’s set a science based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain but there’s no evidence it is on track.
• A high proportion of its palm oil is certified by RSPO.
• It uses some recycled packaging

Workers’ rights are central to our “People” rating, which assess brands’ policies and practices on everything from child labour to living wages and gender equality. Here we rate The Ordinary “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It traces some of its supply chain..
• There’s no evidence it ensures workers are paid living wages in its supply chain.
• It audits its suppliers but does not specify what percentage.
• During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it did not disclose adequate policies or safeguards to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus.
• There’s no evidence it provides financial security to its suppliers, which can result in poor working conditions and wages.

Brands’ animal welfare policies and, where applicable, how well they trace their animal-derived products are the focus of our “Animals” rating. Here we rate The Ordinary “Great”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It's certified as animal test-free by PETA.
• PETA listed the brand as vegan

Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate The Ordinary “It's a Start” overall.