Self Leuv

rating tier conscious

brand rating & evaluation

Self Leuv

brand rating & evaluation
overall rating: Conscious
rating tier conscious

Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice).

See how we rate.


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

sustainability
5.2 out of 10
non-toxic
7.0 out of 10
social responsibility

about

Self Leuv is a beauty brand focused on natural nail care and restoration.

sustainability

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Sustainability
score:
5.2 out of 10

details:

Packaging

Self Leuv’s packaging shows a mix of sustainable choices and remaining plastic elements. Most primary containers are glass, which is infinitely recyclable and inert.

The L’Antidote nail oil is packaged in a glass roll-on bottle (with a metal rollerball) and the Le Baume cuticle balm comes in a clear glass jar. These materials are easily reusable or recyclable by consumers. The brand explicitly highlights “Recyclable Packaging” in its marketing. However, plastic has not been eliminated entirely. Caps, droppers, and jar lids are made of plastic (likely PP or similar), and no information is given about using recycled plastic or bioplastic. 

Ingredient Sustainability

Self Leuv’s formulations are made up of natural botanical ingredients and a few nature-identical additives, chosen for both efficacy and sustainability. We examined at least five product formulas across the range (oils, balms, creams, etc.), and found that virtually all key ingredients are renewable plant-based materials with low environmental footprints. There are no petrochemical-derived ingredients or environmentally persistent microplastics in these products.  The brand consciously avoids ingredients that score poorly on sustainability indices (no petrochemicals, no non-RSPO palm derivatives, no rare animal-derived materials). Instead, it focuses on herbal ingredients often certified organic or wildcrafted in sustainable ways. 

Energy & Carbon Footprint

Self Leuv is a small-scale producer, which inherently means a lower absolute carbon footprint than large manufacturers. Their products are hand-crafted in Lebanon (likely in a small facility or lab), so heavy industrial energy use is not in play. However, when evaluating efforts and transparency around carbon emissions, the brand shows little proactive engagement.

 Waste Management

Self Leuv shows a moderate awareness of waste reduction, primarily through its product design and production practices, though it has not fully embraced circular economy initiatives. On the production side, making products in small batches means lower waste – they likely mix only what is needed, avoiding large-scale overproduction that could lead to unused stock being thrown away.

In terms of product lifecycle, the brand’s ethos encourages reducing wasteful beauty practices. By offering a holistic nail care ritual, they help customers break away from high-waste habits like acrylic nails.

When it comes to packaging waste, as discussed in section 4a, they use recyclable materials but do not yet have refill or take-back programs.

Business Model

Rather than seasonal collections or constant new launches, Self Leuv has a focused line of core products (oils, balms, and a few accessories) that are available consistently. The variety in their catalog comes from addressing specific needs (nail growth, antifungal, post-chemo care, etc.) with tailored formulas, not from chasing fads. They also educate customers that they don’t need a 10-step routine or a drawer full of products – just a few “ritual” items used consistently.

non-toxic

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Non-toxic
score:
7.0 out of 10

details:

Self Leuv’s formulations are not only environmentally sustainable, but also exceptionally human-safe and non-toxic. The brand’s guiding rule is “If we can’t eat it, we don’t use it”

The core ingredients (plant oils, butters, herbal extracts) are generally recognized as safe and have a long history of traditional use on skin. For instance, calendula, chamomile, and tamanu oil are known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory effects and low incidence of irritation. 

Oils and anhydrous balms have pH near neutral and don’t disturb the skin’s acid mantle drastically. Even the antifungal kit, which might use mild acids or urea to soften nails, would be using those in safe concentrations (and likely buffered with nourishing oils).

social responsibility

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Social responsibility
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details:

Fair Labor

Self Leuv is a small founder-led business, which inherently allows for greater control over labor practices in its immediate operations.For the supply chain, Self Leuv sources ingredients from Europe and possibly other regions for specific botanicals. “Ethically sourced” is mentioned, but without detail. Europe as a source is a positive indicator – European suppliers of cosmetic-grade essential oils and butters often adhere to stringent EU labor laws and safety regulations. 

Animal Welfare

The company confirms that it does not test on animals at any stage of production, nor are its ingredients tested on animals on its behalf. Because the brand is based in Lebanon and sells primarily online/directly, it does not face regulatory animal testing requirements. All Self Leuv products are free of animal-derived ingredients. The ingredient lists we inferred contain no beeswax, no carmine, no keratin from animals – instead they use plant waxes, plant oils, and plant keratin.

Community Engagement

The brand is very focused on its mission of personal healing and empowerment for its customers – essentially building a community of individuals regaining confidence in their natural beauty. However, when it comes to formal community support or charitable initiatives, we found no evidence that Self Leuv is involved in philanthropy or social campaigns beyond their product offerings.