about the brand
Ursa Major is a Vermont-based skincare company that offers clean, plant-powered formulations.
certifications
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Ursa Major
Brand Rating & Evaluation
Overall Rating:
Top Choice
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The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. These are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
sustainability practices
Ursa Major takes sustainability seriously across its operations and packaging. The company is a certified B Corporation, demonstrating adherence to strict social and environmental performance standards. They partnered with rePurpose Global to achieve Plastic Negative status, which means they remove twice as much plastic from the environment as they produce, with a focus on supporting waste management systems in underserved areas.
Ursa Major also emphasizes renewable energy and carbon-neutral production. Over 90% of their cartons are produced at a carbon-neutral facility powered by 100% renewable energy. Their packaging is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating recyclable materials such as aluminum tubes, paperboard boxes, and 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic bottles. These efforts help reduce waste and environmental impact.
However, the company does not yet disclose detailed metrics on their overall carbon footprint or energy use across all operations, which leaves slight room for improvement in transparency. Additional efforts to minimize reliance on plastic, even when recycled, would strengthen their sustainability initiatives further.
ingredients & materials
Ursa Major’s products are formulated with clean, plant-based ingredients, avoiding parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and silicones. Notable active ingredients include aloe vera, willow bark, and green tea, which are known for their soothing and antioxidant properties. Transparency is a core value for the brand, as all ingredients are listed on their website to help consumers make informed choices.
While their formulations are free of synthetic chemicals and cruelty-free, Ursa Major does not hold third-party certifications like COSMOS Organic or MADE SAFE®, which would validate the natural and non-toxic claims further. Adding such certifications could enhance consumer trust in their commitment to clean beauty.
social responsibility
Ursa Major demonstrates strong social responsibility through its B Corporation certification, which reflects high standards of governance, labor practices, and community engagement. Their partnership with rePurpose Global not only offsets their plastic use but also improves working conditions for waste workers in underserved regions. This initiative creates social and environmental benefits by addressing plastic pollution and supporting fair wages.
In addition, the company prioritizes local community engagement by advocating for environmental conservation and promoting access to outdoor activities.
certifications
B Corporation Certified
Plastic Negative
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learn more about these certifications
