Jessica Alba Steps Down as Chief Creative Officer of The Honest Company

Jessica Alba, actor and businesswoman, poses during the IPO of The Honest Company at the Nasdaq Market site in Times Square, New York, on May 5, 2021. Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Jessica Alba, the actress and entrepreneur who founded The Honest Company, is charting a new course within the organization.

After nearly 12 years as chief creative officer, Ms. Alba has decided to step down from this executive role but will continue to serve on the board of directors.

Ms. Alba made the announcement in an Instagram post on April 9, writing, “It is with a grateful heart that twelve years after founding The Honest Company, I am stepping down from my leadership role as Chief Creative Officer.”

Ms. Alba’s tenure as chief creative officer coincided with Honest’s rise as a leading clean living brand. Driven by a personal experience with allergic reactions to baby laundry detergents, Ms. Alba embarked on a mission to provide safe and effective household products for families.

Launched in 2012, the company carved a niche in the personal care market, navigating a competitive landscape with a focus on transparency and ethical sourcing. This dedication to purpose resonated with consumers, propelling Honest toward significant growth. A major milestone came in May 2021 with the company’s successful initial public offering. In the first quarter of 2023, revenue increased by 21 percent compared to the previous year.

Ms. Alba gained prominence at 19 as the lead actress in the television series “Dark Angel” (2000–2002), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She transitioned to film with roles in movies like “Honey”  “Sin City,” and the “Fantastic Four” franchise.

Reflecting on her journey with Honest, Ms. Alba shared on Instagram: “Building Honest has been a true labor of love. From the first concept book I pitched to my friends in Mommy and Me class, to ringing the bell at Nasdaq with my family by my side - this journey has been the ride of a lifetime, one that only existed in my wildest dreams.”

She also expressed her deep appreciation for the dedication of the Honest team, both past and present, and the loyalty of the company’s customer base, who have been integral to Honest’s success story.

Ms. Alba’s departure from the chief creative officer position signifies a strategic shift for Honest, which allows her to pursue “new ventures” while providing “support and leadership” through her role on the board, according to an April 9 press release on the company’s website.

Honest reaffirmed its commitment to its core mission and values under the continued leadership of CEO Carla Vernón.

“The Honest Company (NASDAQ: HNST) is a personal care company dedicated to creating clean and sustainably-designed products spanning categories across diapers, wipes, baby personal care, beauty, apparel, household care and wellness,” the statement reads.