Under Luna

Packaging

All products are packaged in infinitely recyclable containers (shampoos and conditioners were transitioned from glass to 100% recyclable aluminum bottles). The brand explicitly avoids plastic: every order ships plastic-free using 100% recycled materials. Packaging elements like caps and labels are minimal and designed for easy recycling (metal caps for aluminum bottles, and likely paper-based labels/boxes, though specific ink/adhesive details aren't disclosed).

Overall, Under Luna's packaging is fully recyclable and often recycled (using high PCR content in shipping materials), plastic-free, and aimed at circularity.

Ingredient Sustainability

Nearly all ingredients are low-impact, plant-derived, non-GMO, and renewable, with a heavy use of organics and no known environmentally harmful agrichemicals. The brand uses preservatives systems like radish root ferment and lactobacillus, which are entirely biodegradable.

Their Warrior Shampoo similarly uses plant-derived surfactants and adds organic horsetail, yarrow, white willow bark, etc. Their Revive Conditioner illustrates uses plant-based fatty alcohols (cetyl & stearyl alcohol from vegetable sources) and colza-derived conditioning agent (behentrimonium methosulfate from non-GMO rapeseed) in place of silicones or quats. In the new Body Cleanser, Under Luna replaces conventional sulfates with an organic aloe vera juice base and saponified coconut oil (potassium cocoate. Every key ingredient is from renewable plant sources, and most are readily biodegradable in the environment. The brand actively avoids petrochemicals: there are no mineral oils, synthetic polymers, or non-renewable ingredients in these formulas.

Under Luna doesn't publish specific sourcing details for each ingredient, and some sustainable certifications (Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, etc.) are not explicitly mentioned for globally sourced inputs like coconut or frankincense.

Energy Use and Footprint

Under Luna is a small-batch producer, which inherently keeps its energy footprint lower than mass-production brands. They have not yet publicly disclosed specifics about their facility's energy use or any renewable energy initiatives

Local sourcing of many ingredients and local production mean shorter supply chains and fewer transportation emissions compared to global mass-market products.

Waste Management

In manufacturing, products are made fresh and shipped frequently, which means minimal overstock or expired inventory waste. Additionally, Under Luna has taken steps in their product line to promote longevity and reduce waste: they decided to streamline to one universal size (9.5 oz) for shampoos and conditioners to simplify packaging and reduce complexity.

Business Model

Under Luna's business model is built around quality, multi-functional products and education, which generally promotes mindful consumption rather than excess. Under Luna's marketing is focused on education and solving concerns (postpartum hair loss, dandruff, etc.) rather than pushing constant new releases or frivolous purchases. The limited SKU count is another positive: Under Luna keeps a relatively small, cohesive product line.

All products are formulated without the usual toxins found in mainstream hair care. For instance, sulfate detergents (SLS/SLES) are replaced by mild coconut-based cleansers like coco-glucoside and soapbark extract; these effectively clean without irritation and are rated low hazard by EWG. Parabens or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are absent. Instead Under Luna uses an innovative food-grade preservation system. This choice is Made Safe® style formulation, avoiding any conventional synthetic preservatives.

Synthetic “fragrance” is entirely avoided. Under Luna either uses no added scent (several products are essential-oil free for sensitive users) or scents with natural essential oils and botanical extracts.

Their ingredient lists are short and comprehendible, with every ingredient chosen for safety and nourishment. The brand provides full transparency on their website, and by formulating to standards that likely meet EWG Verified™ and MADE SAFE® criteria (even if not formally certified), they ensure consumers are not exposed to harmful chemicals.

Under Luna products are handcrafted in the USA by a small team in Portland. This means production is subject to U.S. labor laws (fair wages, safe working conditions). By working directly with local herb farms and distillers (many likely in the Pacific Northwest or within the U.S.), the company supports small farmers and avoids the murkier labor issues that can accompany overseas supply chains. For more globally sourced ingredients (such as shea or coconut, if used), Under Luna doesn't provide specifics.

Under Luna is a cruelty-free brand that takes animal welfare seriously. They emphatically state that their products are “absolutely cruelty-free.” Although Under Luna has not publicly posted a Leaping Bunny certificate, their cruelty-free claim aligns with Leaping Bunny standards and has been echoed by retailers (it's listed under cruelty-free collections at ethical shops, and no animal testing is a core value). We found no animal-derived ingredients in the vast majority of their products. In fact, Under Luna confirms all products are vegan except two conditioners that contain ethically-sourced honey.

The brand's primary form of engagement is through education and support of its customer community (“UL community”). They maintain an active Journal (blog) with educational posts about hair care, scalp health, and transitioning to natural products. Unlike some sustainable brands, Under Luna is not (yet) a member of 1% for the Planet, and we found no mention of philanthropic campaigns on their site or press.