SUPPLIER
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Stated attributes
Publicly stated commitments — not necessarily independently verified.
Biore
Personal Care/BeautyPart of Kao Corporation · Headquartered in Japan
Biore, owned by Japanese cosmetics giant Kao Corporation, publishes sustainability commitments focused on packaging reduction and factory renewable energy. The brand aims for 100% renewable energy in US operations and a 30% reduction in fossil-fuel virgin plastic by 2025, with wastewater recovery by 2026. However, the brand is not independently certified cruelty-free; it sells products in mainland China where animal testing is legally required, and its parent company permits testing when required by law. Major concerns exist regarding parent company Kao's supply chain, with activist investor Oasis Management recently alleging (March 2026) that Kao sources from suppliers linked to deforestation and forced labor despite claiming a No Deforestation policy.
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable packaging
- Waste reduction
- Supplier code of conduct
How Biore scores
Three pillars, scored independently. Higher is better.
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Environmental37Likely fair
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Labor15.8Likely poor
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Compliance35.3Likely fair
What Biore does well
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Kao Corporation Participates in UN Global Compact
Kao Corporation, Biore's parent company, is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, committing to principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, as listed in the UN Global Compact participant directory.
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Kao Corporation Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure
Kao Corporation discloses Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions as part of its annual sustainability reporting, covering upstream and downstream value chain emissions according to its published Kirei Lifestyle Plan sustainability reports.
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Kao Corporation Supplier Code of Conduct
Kao Corporation maintains and publicly discloses a Supplier Code of Conduct that applies across its brand portfolio including Biore, covering labor standards, environmental requirements, and ethical business practices.
Controversies
Reported issues Leif found in public sources. Their presence lowers the rating.
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Oxybenzone and environmental concerns in sunscreen products
Biore sunscreen products containing oxybenzone have been subject to scrutiny following scientific studies and regulatory actions in jurisdictions such as Hawaii, which banned oxybenzone-containing sunscreens in 2018 due to documented harm to coral reef ecosystems.
The detail
Environment
Kao Corporation, Biore's parent company, publishes an annual sustainability report and has set targets related to reducing CO2 emissions and improving packaging sustainability under its 'Kirei Lifestyle Plan.' According to Kao's corporate sustainability disclosures, the company has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 and has reported on renewable energy use at its manufacturing facilities. Kao has also stated goals around reducing plastic packaging and increasing recycled content. Specific environmental data attributable solely to the Biore brand is not separately disclosed from Kao's consolidated reporting.
Labor
Labor and supply chain practices for Biore are governed by Kao Corporation's group-wide policies, including a Supplier Code of Conduct and human rights guidelines. Kao publishes information on its supplier auditing programs and has stated commitments against child labor and forced labor in its supply chain. Kao has disclosed participation in initiatives related to responsible sourcing, including for palm oil derivatives used in personal care products. Brand-level labor data specific to Biore is not publicly reported separately from Kao's consolidated disclosures.
Biore products on Amazon
2 products from Biore, sold on Amazon (US). Leif earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Leif's rating reflects an independent sustainability assessment of the brand — drawing on
disclosures, third-party certifications, and public information on its practices — not customer reviews.
Ratings are directional, not precise scores.
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