Vegan and Cruelty-Free Hair Care

Many consumers today are searching for hair care options that are in line with their personal beliefs and values. The exclusion of animal ingredients within products and elimination of animal testing are two points that many people feel strongly about. The hair care industry is responding to the wishes of consumers, and there are many brands available that offer vegan and cruelty-free hair care products.

Avoid these hidden animal ingredients

Ingredient lists can be confusing. Many animal products may not be recognizable if you don’t know what you’re looking for. These chemicals found in a product’s ingredient list indicate animal products are included:

• Hydrolyzed Animal Protein: Usually derived from cows, chickens, and pigs, this ingredient is found in shampoos.
• Stearic Acid: This ingredient may be derived from cows, sheep, dogs, and cats, and can be found in conditioner.
• Steroids: Steroids present in conditioners are often made using animal glands.

There are many other ingredients commonly used in hair care products that are animal-derived; find a complete list at PETA.org.

Vegan Hair Care

Vegan hair care products used a variety of plant-based ingredients rather than animal derivatives. Many plant sources can offer the same ingredients as animal sources used for hair care items. Don’t assume that a product’s ingredients are plant-sourced rather than animal derivatives; if not stated on the packaging, you cannot be sure.

Popular vegan hair care brands include:

• Aveda
• Pureology
• LUSH

Cruelty-Free Hair Care

Cruelty-free products are those that are not tested on animals. While many of these products use plant-based ingredients, they may not necessarily be vegan or vegetarian. Makers of cruelty-free products are committed to protecting animals and many advocate for the elimination of animal testing in the industry.

Popular cruelty-free hair care brands include:

• Paul Mitchell
• Giovanni
• LUSH
• Alba Botanica