Fat and the Moon
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About Fat and the Moon
Fat and the Moon operates as an independent, small-batch herbal body care manufacturer from Nevada City, California, positioning itself within the artisanal beauty segment through locally sourced botanical formulations. The brand differentiates through handcrafted production methods and a comprehensive zero-plastic packaging commitment that extends across all product lines and shipping materials.
Sustainability performance demonstrates particular strength in packaging innovation and ingredient transparency, with documented policies avoiding synthetic toxins and PFAS compounds. The brand's environmental approach emphasizes material responsibility through recyclable and compostable packaging systems, coupled with carbon-neutral shipping options for consumers.
As an independent operation without parent company oversight, Fat and the Moon maintains direct control over formulation and sourcing decisions, though this autonomy comes with limited resources for formal certification programs and third-party verification systems that characterize larger beauty corporations.
The Good Stuff
Where Fat and the Moon appears to be making meaningful progress. We cross-referenced these findings with multiple independent sources.
Revolutionary Zero-Plastic Packaging
Comprehensive packaging system using exclusively recyclable, reusable, or compostable materials with zero-plastic shipping policies and take-back programs for specialized components
Handcrafted Non-Toxic Formulations
Small-batch production using organic, plant-based botanicals with explicit avoidance of synthetic toxins and PFAS compounds, ensuring ingredient safety through transparent sourcing
Carbon-Neutral Shipping Initiative
Partnership with verified offset programs providing customers carbon-neutral shipping options at checkout, demonstrating climate consciousness in distribution practices
The Reality Check
Areas where the publicly available data gets murky, incomplete, or concerning. We're transparent about the limitations of our analysis.
Independent Certification Void
Absence of third-party certifications including organic, fair-trade, or recognized cruelty-free verification systems limits external validation of sustainability claims
Water and Biodiversity Strategy Gap
No documented water use reduction programs or biodiversity conservation initiatives despite botanical sourcing dependencies on natural ecosystems
Impact Measurement Absence
Limited measurable social impact programs and no wildlife conservation funding or partnerships, restricting community and environmental contribution visibility
Fat and the Moon's
Impact Aura
A visual representation of Fat and the Moon's positive impact
across People, Planet and Animals
Each colored area represents the brand's performance in that sustainability category. The size and intensity of each blob corresponds to their score—larger, more vibrant areas indicate stronger performance.
Our Research
Key findings from our comprehensive analysis of Fat and the Moon's sustainability performance across People, Planet & Animals impact.
Positive Impact on People
Research Highlights
- Handcrafted formulations using organic, plant-based botanicals with explicit non-toxic ingredient policies
- Ingredient transparency demonstrates detailed origin sourcing and comprehensive component disclosure
- Labor practices operate through small-scale, in-house production without formal fair-trade verification systems
- Supply chain partnerships with aligned farmers and businesses lack independent audit documentation
- Marketing integrity shows strong alignment between non-toxic claims and verifiable ingredient lists
Evidence Strength
Strong documentation for ingredient safety and marketing claims, limited verification for labor standards and supply chain practices
Positive Impact on Planet
Research Highlights
- Zero-plastic packaging policy with exclusively recyclable, reusable, or compostable materials
- Carbon-neutral shipping initiatives through verified offset programs since 2022
- Green chemistry approach using herbal formulations while explicitly avoiding synthetic toxins
- Take-back program for plastic spray components through specialized recycling partnerships
- Water stewardship and biodiversity conservation initiatives lack documented programs or metrics
Evidence Strength
Excellent documentation for packaging innovation and chemical responsibility, significant gaps in water and biodiversity verification
Positive Impact on Animals
Research Highlights
- Cruelty-free practices confirmed through in-house testing protocols on family members only
- Partial vegan formulation with beeswax inclusion in select salves and lotions
- Sustainable sourcing claims for beeswax through ethical supplier partnerships
- Wildlife conservation and habitat restoration programs show no documented initiatives
- Conservation funding and species protection partnerships lack public disclosure
Evidence Strength
Moderate documentation for cruelty-free practices and sourcing claims, minimal verification for wildlife impact and conservation support
See the Receipts
We don't just make claims—here are the official certifications that prove Fat and the Moon's sustainability commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fat and the Moon sustainable?
Fat and the Moon demonstrates strong sustainability performance in packaging innovation and ingredient safety, with a comprehensive zero-plastic policy and handcrafted non-toxic formulations. However, the brand lacks formal third-party certifications and documented programs for water conservation and biodiversity protection, reflecting the resource limitations of independent operations.
Is Fat and the Moon cruelty-free?
The brand maintains cruelty-free practices through in-house testing protocols exclusively on family members, with no animal testing conducted. While not certified by major cruelty-free organizations, Fat and the Moon's small-scale production model allows for direct oversight of testing practices.
Does Fat and the Moon use clean ingredients?
Fat and the Moon formulates with organic, plant-based botanicals while explicitly avoiding synthetic toxins and PFAS compounds. The brand's handcrafted approach emphasizes ingredient transparency with detailed origin sourcing, though formal clean beauty certifications are not pursued.
Is Fat and the Moon plastic-free?
The brand maintains a comprehensive zero-plastic policy across all packaging materials and shipping practices, using exclusively recyclable, reusable, or compostable alternatives. This commitment extends to specialized take-back programs for components requiring specialized recycling.
Is Fat and the Moon carbon-neutral?
Fat and the Moon offers carbon-neutral shipping through verified offset programs, allowing customers to neutralize distribution emissions at checkout. However, the brand has not disclosed comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction targets or facility-level climate commitments.
Are Fat and the Moon products vegan?
The brand offers both vegan and non-vegan formulations, with beeswax inclusion in select salves and lotions. Products containing beeswax are sourced through claimed sustainable and ethical supplier partnerships, though third-party verification of these practices is not documented.
Where does Fat and the Moon source ingredients?
Ingredients are sourced from local and aligned farmers and businesses, with emphasis on botanical ingredients from regional suppliers. While the brand emphasizes ethical sourcing partnerships, independent audit documentation and formal traceability programs are not publicly available.
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The Bottom Line
Fat and the Moon demonstrates genuine commitment to sustainable practices through innovative packaging solutions and transparent ingredient sourcing, positioning itself as a leader in plastic-free beauty formulations. The brand's independent status enables direct control over sustainability decisions while limiting resources for formal verification systems that would strengthen external credibility.
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