We collect publicly available data and reports, ingredient lists, and third-party certification information. Transparency is a critical factor in our scoring, and the availability of information weighs on our final assessments.

We score brands across three comprehensive rubrics covering (1) sustainable practices, (2) non-toxicity of ingredients and/or materials, and (3) social responsibility and fair labor.

We calculate individual scores for our rubrics, weigh them separately, and then combine them to create a final, overall sustainability score. Using this number, we place brands on one of five tiers.