We’re often asked by customers, “How does Honest determine what goes into its products?” And, as we continue to refine our formulas and introduce new products, this is a great question.

Creating Honest products is a complicated process. We carefully weigh a lot of factors: safety, efficacy, design, affordability, environmental attributes, source of ingredients, manufacturing practices, and more.

It’s a delicate balancing act, and it requires some give and take. While we aim for the product development stars, excelling in absolutely every attribute category results in an unattainable product. For example, we could make a handcrafted, 100% organic lotion in a biodegradable package and deliver it via bicycle, but the end cost would be so prohibitively high only 1% of the population could afford it.

To us, safety and effectiveness are imperatives, but everything else has to be weighed, juggled, and balanced until we find a path that still results in an accessible product. It’s part of a long-term plan to get better, safer products into more people’s hands. And, as more people buy them, the market shifts to meet that growing demand and prices then fall, too. Hopefully—ultimately—safe, eco-friendly products become the norm. They’ll be what everyone makes, what lines every store shelf, and what everyone buys. It’s a big dream, but we know it can be a reality!

By becoming an Honest member, you’re making an investment in a better future—not only for your family because you’ll be using safer, better products, but all families because you’re helping us drive market and social change. There’s a quote by L.N. Smith that says“Every dollar you spend . . . is a vote you cast for the world you want.”

We hope that people vote for an Honest world. Because all of us, together, can make it better.

It’s not a celebration without friends and family, so thank you for making Honest’s first birthday unforgettable by sharing your favorite memories from the past year. Here are just some of the #honestis1 highlights that made us smile. We truly appreciate being a part of your family!

Chelsea M. via Facebook: Baby’s first diaper & it’s an Honest diaper! #honestis1

Christina S. via Facebook: Where has the time gone. I still remember finding you [Honest] on the Internet after countless hours of searching for a company like you, a one-stop shop that made my life just a little easier. We took the Honest Leap in February 2012 and never looked back. Thank you Honest! #honestis1

Sarah W. via Facebook: Happy 1st Birthday Honest. Our family is thankful for your products! My favorite Honest Moment this year was Hudson’s 1st birthday. #honestis1

Jill W. (@apairofmittens) via Instagram: I am thankful for post-bath bonding! #babymassage #honestis1

Grace K. (@gracekhoma) via Instagram: #joliebean just rolled over for the first time in honor of the #honest company! #honestis1

Ahndea M. (@ahndeamay) via Twitter: Happy 1st Birthday to @Honest @JessicaAlba @Christopher_Gav My fav moment, our twins 1st b-day pic #honestis1

CiCi (@scorntrooper) via Twitter: @Honest My daughter brought the holiday spirit in her Honest diapers! #honestis1

We can’t wait to see what’s next! Keep us posted about your favorite Honest moments of 2013 by sharing them with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Dear Honest Friends,

One year ago today, we launched The Honest Company and whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just the past month, we want to say THANK YOU! Seriously, as a member of our community, you’ve made a real commitment to the Honest movement. You are a change-maker. A vital voice in the growing crowd of people demanding a safer, healthier, happier world for children.

When we started this journey, we really wanted to do things different and better, but we knew we couldn’t do it alone. We exist because of your support and constant feedback and engagement. Thank you for helping us reach this exciting milestone. Thank you for doing everything you do to create a healthier home (and planet). Thank you for helping build this movement.

You. Are. The. Best.

Together we WILL make it better!

Sincerely,

Jessica Alba & Christopher Gavigan

Although it’s the second day of 2013, we hope you are still celebrating new beginnings, thinking of the bright year ahead, and feeling excited about the possibilities that await us. Instead of talking about making (and breaking) resolutions, we want to kick off the New Year with a new approach. One marked by wishes to carry us forward and inspire our journey over the next 364 days. Enjoy these Honest Wishes for 2013 from our staff and friends!

My biggest wish and prayer is for my children to be healthy and happy. – Honest Friend Jennifer

I wish that all people across the world recognize the love that surrounds us – in a friend, nature, or within our own hearts. And then I wish that we spread this love everywhere we go!  – Honest Janine

Love, peace, and understanding across the globe – Honest Friend Haoi

Good health, happy memories, fun adventures. – Honest Laurel

My wish is that Honest will make its products available worldwide. – Honest Friend Yaya

I wish for less violence in the world…and that the Oregon Ducks win a National Championship. – Honest David

My wish is for my children to enjoy every moment, be healthy, and have everything they need. – Honest Friend Suzanne

Moving into the new year, I hope to continue to be a positive force in our movement as a company and in my community, I’d like to learn a second language so that it increases human connectedness, see a new part of the world, overcome my fear of singing Karaoke, climb a high mountain or complete a fitness challenge…and take more time to smell the roses. – Honest Jax

I left my job last week to pursue a children’s resale store in 2013. Along with my new adventure, I will now get to spend mornings with my kids and hike while they are at school for a better me. – Honest Friend Antonia

I am looking forward to becoming even more eco-friendly by getting solar panels installed on my home in early January 2013! I am excited to be joining the green energy movement and I hope more people will join me. – Honest Ashley

Peace for the world, strength for me, happiness for my loved ones. – Honest Friend Annie

What are you wishes for the next year?