12.01.22
Over 100 cosmetic and personal care brands, including industry leaders, L’Oréal, Lush, Shiseido and Unilever, have joined the Shark Free campaign.
Inspired by the work of internationally acclaimed filmmaker and conservationist Rob Stewart, Shark Free is a campaign focused on removing all shark ingredients from consumer products. Shark Free supporters continue to grow with scientists, nonprofit groups and celebrity ambassadors — including musicians Bif Naked, Dirk Verbeuren, and Chantal Kreviazuk — joining the initiative.
More than 100 million sharks are fished each year to meet the global demand for shark products in cosmetics, pet food, fertilizer and seafood dishes. Shark liver oil is commonly listed in cosmetic and personal care products as squalene or squalane. With high quality plant-based squalene readily available, the cosmetic and personal care industries have the potential to significantly impact shark protection.
“The use of ingredients derived from sharks should no longer be happening as sustainable, plant-based alternatives are readily available,” says Darren Praznik, president of Cosmetics Alliance Canada. “Industry should look to their suppliers to help ascertain the source of their ingredients. The Shark Free initiative can also help industry to shift practices by providing sourcing solutions and resources.”
The Shiseido Blue Project
The Shiseido Blue Project has worked to protect oceans and support awareness campaigns with the World Surf League and WSL PURE, the WSL’s nonprofit organization since 2019. It also supports ocean lovers and professional surfers all over the world through the development of innovative technologies to protect skin in harmony with nature. Louanne McGrory, president of Shiseido Canada Inc. said Shiseido is working to improve the health and beauty of Earth’s oceans with its shark-free products and water-resistant formulations with sunscreen agents that consider the impact on coral colonies.
“Most people are unaware that endangered and threatened sharks are used in everyday products such as sunscreen, hair conditioner and lip balm. Through awareness and collaboration, we are working with brands and companies of all sizes to improve industry practices,” said Lana Brandt, executive director of the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation. “Shark Free is also dedicated to empowering shoppers to use their buying power wisely as people typically want to do the right thing once they become aware of the issues.”
Lush was one of the first Shark Free supporters and a longstanding supporter of Rob’s films and activist work over the years, raising over $1 million dollars for his initiatives such as Fin Free and United Conservationists.
“We’ve been shark-free for over 30 years, and have seen consumer awareness rise about the importance of shark protection and healthy oceans,” said Brandi Halls, chief ethics officer at Lush Cosmetics. “We’re proud to support this initiative to further empower consumers to make choices in line with their values.”
The Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation invites cosmetic and personal care brands and companies to sign up for Shark Free today. To learn more about this work visit SharkFree.com.
