Environmental issues are now a decisive factor in French consumers’ purchasing decisions. According to the GreenFlex–ADEME 2025 barometer, nearly seven out of ten consumers say they are committed to more responsible consumption. In this context, the Green Impact Index Consortium, in collaboration with the Verian Institute, conducted a study to measure French consumers’ perceptions of environmental and societal indicators applied to cosmetic products.
The study was conducted from September 3 to 8, 2025, with a sample of 1,000 French people.
Consumers are attentive, but still torn between convictions and constraints
Although French consumers are increasingly sensitive to brands’ environmental and social responsibility, their purchases are still influenced by price and perceived quality.
For example, 64% of respondents say they are willing to change brands based on a product’s environmental score, but only 45% believe that cosmetics and hygiene companies are truly committed.
“The French would prefer to turn to third parties, such as scientists, for reliable information. This expectation of clarity and credibility paves the way for reflection on the type of environmental and societal information sought,” explains the Verian Institute.
Transparency, multiple criteria, and scientific rigor: the pillars of a credible tool
Respondents expressed a clear demand: a single, easy-to-understand rating system that is common to all brands, displayed on products, or accessible online.
Three main principles structure consumer expectations.
First, transparency, which is considered essential for understanding the real impact of a product and making an informed choice.
Second, a multi-criteria approach that takes into account several key dimensions: the impact of ingredients on biodiversity (51%), on the climate and carbon emissions (43%), as well as the manufacturing process (37%) and the recyclability of packaging (35%).
Finally, methodological reliability appears to be a real guarantee of trust. Nearly one in two French people believe that the scientific soundness of the calculation is crucial to their acceptance of this type of assessment.
Sensitivity varies across generations
The study also highlights generational differences. Older people, particularly women over 65, are particularly sensitive to biodiversity conservation (64%). Those aged 18-24, on the other hand, are more focused on climate issues, reflecting a generation that is mobilized around global environmental emergencies.
For 78% of French people, clear labeling of environmental and societal impact is not only useful, but also likely to directly influence their purchasing decisions.
“Environmental labeling is not limited to providing information, but also has a concrete influence on consumer choices and can steer consumer loyalty towards more responsible brands.”
