Forah
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The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
overview
about
Forah creates non-toxic, reef-safe skincare using certified organic, and nutrient-dense ingredients, with a clear emphasis on skin safety and environmentally conscious formulation. Highlights
• Reef safe sunscreen
• Eco-conscious packaging
• Toxin-free
sustainability
details:
Packaging
Forah uses 100% aluminum (a forever recyclable) for their mineral sunscreen packaging. External packaging boxes are made from FSC-certified compostable paper. They are entirely plastic free with the exception of their bottle caps.
Ingredient Sustainability
Forah's formulations are made without petrochemicals or chemical UV filters, electing instead for environmentally safe titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide as their active ingredients. There are a few ingredients where sourcing raises sustainability concerns. These include glacier water, which if actually sourced from glaciers would be considered ecologically irresponsible; almond oil, which is a water intensive crop; wildcrafted red clover (wildcrafting can often lead to overharvesting and the damaging of ecosystems); and seaweed extract, which if not cultivated, should come from a certified sustainable wildharvesting source. Their Dayglow Oil Serum includes wildcrafted geranium oil, which can be unsustainable if not carefully regulated. Beyond these exceptions, Forah sources mostly low-impact crops and altogether avoids ingredients considered toxic for the environment.
Energy Use and Footprint
There is little available information regarding energy use and carbon footprint reduction strategies.
Waste Management
There is little available information regarding production and waste management strategies.
Business Model
Forah uses an exceedingly slow business model and offers just a handful of products for sale with minimal to no overturn.
non-toxic
details:
The brand avoids many substances with known risks, including phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, microplastics, artificial dyes, and harsh preservatives. In place of chemical UV filters, many of which have been linked to hormone disruption and skin sensitivity, Forah uses non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two mineral-based sunscreens widely considered safer and more stable alternatives. Formulations mostly consist of certified organic plant oils, botanical extracts, and naturally derived emollients. One ingredient, grapefruit seed extract, can sometimes contain synthetic preservatives in commercial versions, though Forah's overall avoidance of synthetics suggests a cleaner source is likely.
social responsibility
details:
There is little available information available regarding fair labor practices or policies. The only animal product used by Forah is beeswax. They claim all products are cruelty-free, though this not yet certified by third parties. The brand is a member of 1% for the planet
