Ursa Major Skincare: A Commitment to Sustainability
Ursa Major Skincare is not just a skincare brand; it’s a movement towards a more sustainable future. With a focus on clean ingredients and eco-friendly practices, Ursa Major is setting a new standard in the skincare industry. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in every product they create, ensuring that both people and the planet are prioritized. This article explores the sustainable objectives of Ursa Major and how they align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Main Benefits of Ursa Major Skincare
- Use of natural, clean ingredients free from harmful chemicals.
- Commitment to sustainable packaging and production methods.
- Active participation in community service and environmental initiatives.
- Transparency in sourcing and ingredient disclosure.
- Certification as a B Corporation, ensuring high social and environmental performance.
Clean Ingredients for Healthier Skin
Ursa Major Skincare believes in the power of nature. Their products are made with plant-based ingredients that are safe and effective. They avoid harmful chemicals like parabens and synthetic fragrances. This means that when you use their products, you are treating your skin to the best nature has to offer. The focus is on creating formulas that are not only good for your skin but also good for the environment.
Sustainable Packaging Practices
Packaging is a big part of sustainability. Ursa Major is working hard to reduce their plastic use. They have transitioned many of their products to use post-consumer recycled materials. This means that they are not just using new materials but are also recycling what already exists. Their goal is to have all their full-size plastic products in glass or aluminum by 2025. This is a big step towards reducing waste and protecting our planet.
Community Engagement and Service
Ursa Major is not just about skincare; they are about giving back. The company encourages its employees to participate in community service. They aim for each employee to dedicate 20 hours a year to volunteer work. This commitment to community helps to create a positive impact beyond just their products. It shows that they care about the people and places around them.
Transparency and Trust
Transparency is key in building trust with customers. Ursa Major provides full disclosure of their ingredients, ensuring that customers know exactly what they are putting on their skin. They are committed to sourcing ingredients responsibly and ethically. This level of transparency helps customers make informed choices about the products they use.
B Corporation Certification
Being a B Corporation means that Ursa Major meets high standards of social and environmental performance. This certification is not easy to achieve. It requires companies to score at least 80 out of 200 points in various categories, including community impact and environmental practices. Ursa Major is proud to be part of a community of businesses that are using their power for good.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
In conclusion, Ursa Major Skincare is leading the way in sustainable skincare. Their commitment to clean ingredients, sustainable practices, and community engagement aligns perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, visit Ursa Major Skincare. You can also check out their video here.
What Ursa Major actually does
Ursa Major is a Vermont skincare brand that makes face, body and hair care sold through its own store and a network of retailers. Founded by Emily and Oliver after years in New York City, it positions itself as “Clean Skincare Made in Vermont,” built on forest-derived ingredients with “no harsh chemicals or hidden junk” and scents that are “subtle (never synthetic).”
Its sourcing policy uses upcycled ingredients where possible, such as the red maple bark in its Alpine Rich Cream, and relies on safe, proven synthetics instead of over-harvested natural ingredients.
“Its formulas are hugely effective.”
Goop, as featured on the Ursa Major website
Where Ursa Major shows up
- Everyday skincare buyers: face, body and hair products without harsh chemicals, sold online and through retail stockists
- Low-waste shoppers: packaging redesigned in 2025 to use less plastic, plus a recycling route for returned product via Pact Collective
- Outdoor and conservation communities: partnerships with groups that protect outdoor spaces and widen access to them
Proof, not just claims
Ursa Major is a certified B Corp and a member of the B Beauty Coalition, a group of B Corp beauty and personal care brands working to raise industry standards. It is also reorganizing its distribution network to sit closer to customers and suppliers in order to cut carbon emissions.
Partners
rePurpose GlobalPlastic removal partner
Vermont Land TrustOutdoor spaces partner
One Tree PlantedOutdoor spaces partner
Outdoor AfroOutdoor access partner
Why this belongs on a sustainability directory
Personal care is a heavy plastic and ingredient-sourcing footprint. Ursa Major addresses both: it cut plastic use by more than half, funds removal of twice the plastic it produces, recycles returned product and uses upcycled ingredients, which ties directly to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Moving distribution closer to customers and suppliers targets transport emissions under SDG 13 (Climate Action). Its partnerships with Vermont Land Trust and One Tree Planted support SDG 15 (Life on Land), its formulations without harsh chemicals relate to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and its work inside the B Beauty Coalition and with nonprofit partners reflects SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ursa Major based, and who uses it?
Ursa Major is based in Vermont, United States, and was co-founded by Emily and Oliver. Its face, body and hair care products are bought by consumers through its online store and through retailers listed in its store locator.
Which SDGs does Ursa Major support, and how?
SDG 12 through a 50%+ plastic reduction, double plastic offset via rePurpose Global, product recycling with Pact Collective and upcycled ingredients. SDG 13 through a lower-emission distribution network. SDG 15 through land and forest partners such as Vermont Land Trust and One Tree Planted. SDG 3 through skincare made without harsh chemicals. SDG 17 through the B Beauty Coalition and nonprofit partnerships.
How is Ursa Major verified as a sustainability project?
Ursa Major is a Certified B Corporation, as stated on its About and Sustainability pages, which link to its B Corp impact profile. Its plastic removal is run through rePurpose Global and its product recycling through Pact Collective.
Looking for similar cosmetics and personal care projects?
See Cosmetics and personal care projects, or browse all Health & Well-being projects on Keys for Tomorrow.





