Packaging

No single-use petrochemical plastics are used in any primary containers. Instead, the brand has adopted a mix of glass, plant-based bioplastic, aluminum, and paper. For products like the Shampoo & Body Wash and Hair Conditioner, Kelsen uses tubes made from sugarcane-derived polyethylene, which is ~85% plant-based. Sugarcane resin is a renewable resource that captures CO₂ as it grows, giving these tubes a smaller carbon footprint than conventional plastic. Importantly, they remain 100% recyclable in normal plastic recycling streams. It is important to note that sugarcane-derived plastic is not compostable and behaves similarly to conventional plastic unless properly recycled.

Instead of typical plastic caps, Kelsen's tube closures are made from a biodegradable wood composite. Kelsen opts for infinitely recyclable materials (here: glass & aluminum) wherever possible.

Kelsen ships its products without plastic blister packs or shrink-wrap. The primary packaging itself is the shipping packaging in some cases (the pomade's cardboard tube doubles as its outer box). Although the company hasn't explicitly stated its mailer materials, the emphasis on sustainable packaging implies that shipping boxes and fillers are curbside recyclable (e.g. cardboard and paper) and plastic-free.

Ingredient Sustainability

Kelsen's formulations are built on biodegradable, natural ingredients and responsibly sourced materials. A signature of Kelsen is its use of a Marine Performance Blend – extracts of giant sea kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), sea holly (Eryngium maritimum), and sea rock fennel (Crithmum maritimum) in every product​. These coastal plants are sustainably harvested from the world's coasts​ meaning Kelsen's suppliers likely, though not certified*, practice wild-harvesting or aquaculture in a way that doesn't deplete ecosystems.

Kelsen avoids non-degradable polymers like carbomer, polyacrylates, or PVC commonly found in personal care. Natural thickeners such as corn starch, xanthan gum, and hydroxyethylcellulose are used to give products like the pomade their texture. Kelsen uses a gentle preservative system like Phenethyl alcohol, Caprylyl glycol, and Ethylhexylglycerin. These compounds, though synthetically produced, are rated as safe (Good Face Project gave Kelsen a top-tier “+” safety grade) and biodegradable in wastewater treatment over time. Kelsen uses non-nano zinc oxide as the active UV filter in their SPF products, which is reef safe. Even the fragrance ingredients are natural essential oils (cedarwood, bergamot, peppermint, etc.), which biodegrade, as opposed to synthetic musks that can persist and build up in aquatic organisms​.

One consideration: lanolin (in the pomade and sunscreen) is an animal-derived ingredient extracted from sheep wool. While lanolin is a natural, biodegradable substance and a byproduct of wool farming, its sustainability depends on ethical wool practices. Kelsen does not detail its lanolin sourcing, but given the PETA Cruelty-Free certification, we can infer no animals are harmed in obtaining it (wool grease is collected during routine shearing).

In summary, Kelsen's ingredient strategy emphasizes renewable, low-impact crops (seaweed, coconut, aloe, brassica, etc.) and avoids ingredients with high environmental cost. The few synthetics used are selected carefully for safety and are in line with the brand's clean standards.

Energy Use and Footprint

Kelsen's website and public materials focus more on materials and ingredients than on operational energy usage. The brand has not publicly disclosed details about its manufacturing energy sources or carbon emissions.

Waste Management

The company tackles waste on multiple fronts, primarily through packaging waste (elimination of single use conventional plastics) and product waste (biodegradability of residues).

Business Model

Rather than following a traditional mass-market route, Kelsen operates with a direct-to-consumer and niche retail strategy, coupled with conscious choices in product development and community engagement. Kelsen has kept a tightly curated product lineup, focusing on multi-use essentials rather than an overwhelming array of SKUs.