Cruelty-Free Hair Care Thread

[LisaMonster]

Anyone else strictly cruelty-free with their products?

I know it's tough to find cheap, effective brands that don't test on animals.


What are you using?

Right now, I'm alternating shampoos with Organix and Burt's Bees, and Trader Joe's and Yes to Carrots for conditioner, along with herbs and teas and oils and all that jazz.


To check if your products are animal friendly:

http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/companies/default.aspx

[LisaMonster]

No one at all?

[Vipera Berus]

I only use cruelty free cosmetics and products. Obviously its impossible to be completely cruelty free, but I try to do the best I can.

At the moment I´m using Nature´s Gate and Faith In Nature shampoos and conditioners.

[celebriangel]

I don't have this as my first priority, but for any UK LHC-ers, superdrug say "Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Superdrug is against animal testing." on all their own-brand products, or at least all the ones I've seen. Since their own brand condishes are almost all conefree, and smell yummy, this is an extra bonus.

[kyandii]

I try, but it is difficult sometimes.
But if I see something that says cruelty free I will almost certainly buy it! :)

[Bene]

A lot of products that are "cruelty-free" are dependent on research done in the past. The ingredients used in cruelty-free products of today had already been tested on animals long before. So, the only reason Burt's Bees or Trader Joe's know for a fact that their products haven't been tested on animals is because some other cosmetics company already did the dirty work for them.


I think Burt's Bees was bought by Clorox a few years back. Clorox makes Pine-Sol and Formula 409 and Liquid Plumber, products whose research had been done long before people became all that concerned about animals.


Either way you look at it, the "ethical" products are very much dependent on the research of the not-so-ethical companies. And in a lot of the situations, you're still giving your consumer dollars to people who test on animals.

[wvgemini]

I try to when I can, but like many said, it's not always easy. And, like Bene pointed out, most of the stuff has been tested at some point. I would be a little concerned about safety if some compound had never been tested on anything ...


I think Burt's Bees was bought by Clorox a few years back.
I didn't know that :( I used to buy Burt's Bees stuff when it was harder to find (a local greenhouse carried it and the farm co-op) but I stopped when I noticed that the quality just didn't seem the same. This was about the same time that you started being able to find Burt's Bees products everywhere (even WalMart). That would just about fit the time frame.

[Captain Nikki]

I always try to buy cruelty free cosmetics, skin care & hair care products. Unfortunately i'm yet to find a cruelty free conditioner that works for my hair but i'll keep searching!

[newbeginning]

As an animal lover I try to go cruelty free as well.

[knottynutter]

Yes! I'm glad someone started this thread! I've been wondering what other LHC members are using. I use Nature's Gate at the moment and have used Paul Mitchell in the past. I am in the UK and use the BUAV website or Uncaged website to source products. Hair care is the area I struggle with the most. Jason Organics is one I have used but it is quite expensive for the amount you get. I am CO at the moment so will stick to Nature's Gate and have a try at the others mentioned on here.

[Buggheart]

I'm also glad someone started this thread as I'm making a commitment right here and now to use only cruelty-free beauty products. I was worried that I wouldn't find anything I like, but I've used Yes to Carrots before and liked it so I'll go back to that and try out some products from Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. I do love Aussie hairspray so I'm worried I won't find anything I like nearly as much, but I'm gonna try.

[saskia_madding]

Yes, non animal tested products are dependent on research done in the past. But don't you think that it is better to go with a company who is completely against animal testing CURRENTLY?

I mean, ALL products, those currently not tested AND those currently tested on animals, rely on research done in the past. So isn't it better to stick with the companies that are not currently testing ANYMORE?

In my estimation, the thing to watch out for is certain lines of products being non animal tested, but the parent company still tests on animals. For example - The Body Shop used to be owned by themselves, and the company didn't test on animals. About 8 years ago they got bought out by Clairol, one of the worst animal testing companies out there (along with Johnsons & Johnson, Gillette, and Proctor & Gamble). The Body Shop line still does not animal test, but the profits from sales of the company go to Clairol, which are horrible.

The key is to find a company that does not test ANY of their products on animals.

Personally, I got with Karen's Body Beautiful (http://www.karensbodybeautiful.com/). I'm in Canada and the shipping cost makes the conditioner BRUTALLY expensive. If you're in the USA, then it is extremely reasonable. And it is the best conditioner I have ever tried. EVER. That says a lot, because I've tried so many conditioners that it is appalling.

Using non animal tested beauty products is an absolute priority for me. I don't think any animal should ever have to suffer for my vanity. And it is vanity, because there are tons of non animal tested products that will do the job just fine. And with work, you can eventually find one that does the job incredibly well.

[princessp]

I am strictly cruelty free with all beauty products and vegetarian. If I include all the products in my home, conservatively, I'd say it is about 80% cruelty free (looking to reach 100% eventually). Currently I am using Nature's Gate shampoos/conditioners, but I've used a whole slew of things. I really love NG though so I likely won't be changing in a while. Thanks for posting this LisaMonster you are the best!

ETA: Regarding the testing that was done in the past, I always look for the bunny on the package:

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program administers a cruelty-free standard and the internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for companies producing cosmetic, personal care, and household products. The Leaping Bunny Program provides the best assurance that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers.

Yes there are some unsavory companies that try to get you to think they don't test. They might say something like this on their products: "final product not tested on animals". That always gets my goat (baaa)! Just look for the bunny and remember you are not going to change the world with one purchase, but you will start to change you. Once everyone starts to make these changes then we will change the world. But for now don't listen to the naysayers the change is starting with you. I think you and your body will be more beautiful from using compassionate products.

[pink.sara]

I remember I posted about realising HerbalEssences test on animals about a year ago and saying how disgusted I was given their advertising. I was basically told that everything ever had been tested in animals so why stop using it! My reply was also.... Yes "even the holy grail coconut oil" may have been tested on animals historically, but HerbalEssences were in a current European lawsuit about the death of 1900 pregnant lab rats.
All so my hair can smell nice :(
I look for the bunny and follow BUAV closely now.

[pink.sara]

Oh and thanks to BUAV the whole of Europe may be cruelty free by 2013, I hope this comes to pass: http://www.buav.org/our-campaigns/no-cruel-cosmetics

[BlazingHeart]

While as an animal lover I very strongly with cruelty-free ideology, PETA is not the best of sources. They think that we service dog partners are horrible people (despite the fact that my dog is happy and loves his job because it means he gets to spend every minute of every day with me, and is trained with positive-reinforcement training).

~Blaze

[princessp]

Oh and thanks to BUAV the whole of Europe may be cruelty free by 2013, I hope this comes to pass: http://www.buav.org/our-campaigns/no-cruel-cosmetics

Wow that is fantastic I hope is passes!

[archel]

While I usually take PETA with a grain of salt, I'm still glad Giovanni is on the list, since I'm wholly addicted to the stuff.

[chelles2kids]

Desert Essence...
http://www.desertessence.com/hair-care

But I purchase them through vitacost.com for a fraction of the price.;)


I've used the Italian Grape {favorite so far}...Apple & Ginger...& Red Raspberry. The Apple & Ginger was an okay one but the Red Raspberry isn't conditioning enough for my hair...I need something a bit on the 'heavy' side.
The Italian Grape smells like the Grape Hubba Bubba gum from the 80's if you remember it? It smells really, really good to me!

[QueenJoey]

I try to use only all natural oils and such. Most of my stuff isn't tested on animals. At least I doubt it.

[Buggheart]

Yes, non animal tested products are dependent on research done in the past. But don't you think that it is better to go with a company who is completely against animal testing CURRENTLY?

I mean, ALL products, those currently not tested AND those currently tested on animals, rely on research done in the past. So isn't it better to stick with the companies that are not currently testing ANYMORE?

In my estimation, the thing to watch out for is certain lines of products being non animal tested, but the parent company still tests on animals. For example - The Body Shop used to be owned by themselves, and the company didn't test on animals. About 8 years ago they got bought out by Clairol, one of the worst animal testing companies out there (along with Johnsons & Johnson, Gillette, and Proctor & Gamble). The Body Shop line still does not animal test, but the profits from sales of the company go to Clairol, which are horrible.

The key is to find a company that does not test ANY of their products on animals.

Personally, I got with Karen's Body Beautiful (http://www.karensbodybeautiful.com/). I'm in Canada and the shipping cost makes the conditioner BRUTALLY expensive. If you're in the USA, then it is extremely reasonable. And it is the best conditioner I have ever tried. EVER. That says a lot, because I've tried so many conditioners that it is appalling.

Using non animal tested beauty products is an absolute priority for me. I don't think any animal should ever have to suffer for my vanity. And it is vanity, because there are tons of non animal tested products that will do the job just fine. And with work, you can eventually find one that does the job incredibly well.

Thanks for the tip about Karen's Body Beautiful. I'll give that a try. Have you tried SkinDecent? She's in Saskatoon so the shipping may be more reasonable. Everything is vegetable based and her (Marliss) daily replenishing conditioner is the best I've ever used. But shipping from Canada to the US is slow and pricey so I don't order from her very often. I love her stuff.

http://www.skindecent.com/about_us.php

Also thanks for the leaping bunny advice. I downloaded the cruelty-free app for my iPhone so I can have access to the list wherever I go, but it's good to know that bunny is on the product as well.

[MidnightStar]

Bringing back this thread to lament that my much-loved Suave hair products are, at least according to this:
http://www.thevegetariansite.com/ethics_test.htm
Tested on animals!! Along with the Neutrogena makeup I've been using the past week...
It also says the info might not be totally accurate...anybody know for sure if Suave and Neutrogena do test? I've also been using VO5 conditioner and the bottle plainly says "we do not test our products on animals" so I'll use that instead...it's cheaper anyway. For clarifying, I know VO5 makes a clarifying shampoo, and I do still have some Giovanni left over which felt like a clarifier on my hair, so perhaps that will work.
Hmm. NOT happy about the makeup issue, though. I was using Urban Decay because I like the colors, but it's so pricey I was trying to transition to a drugstore brand. I know it's slightly off topic, but anybody have any suggestions for a good powder/foundation/blush not tested on animals? I wanna go throw all this stuff away now, it seriously makes me feel sick that I've been putting products on my body that have been tested on animals...

[jeanniet]

As much as possible I buy cruelty-free products. I'm now moving away from mass-market products and trying to use only homemade or small vendor products. The problem is that mega-corporations buy up any "good" brands that become popular, and then you have a parent company that may not be in line with your beliefs, or one that changes ingredients. This is a big problem with commercial pet foods, and it can be very deceptive.

[MidnightStar]

As much as possible I buy cruelty-free products. I'm now moving away from mass-market products and trying to use only homemade or small vendor products. The problem is that mega-corporations buy up any "good" brands that become popular, and then you have a parent company that may not be in line with your beliefs, or one that changes ingredients. This is a big problem with commercial pet foods, and it can be very deceptive.

I've noticed this too, and it drives me crazy. I think my beloved Burt's Bees has been bought out by some big company recently. I'm really starting to think that the only way to be "safe" as far as this is concerned is to just make my own stuff. I already do that with facial cleansers, but I don't think I can make makeup. And I just discovered that I need to toss everything I freaking own and buy all new stuff. I guess I'll go back to Urban Decay...more expensive, true, but at least my conscience will be clear!

[autumn leaves]

I've recently switched to more natural hair care and I've been primarily motivated by environmental factors (production and waste) and animal testing, as well as genuinely having some faith that it will also be better for my hair in the long run. Generally I also think worker's rights are very important, but I don't know anything about it in the context of hair products.

I'm currently using shampoo bars, various oils (coconut, olive, jojoba, castor), and conditioner. I've chosen my conditioners based on the rankings at ethicalconsumer dot org. They have a score card where you can adjust the rating based on what you think is most important to you (animals, environment, politics, and so on). I've been using urtekram and Faith in Nature so far, and am trying out a Burt's Bees one soon. I'm a bit confused about the latter because it's not on the ranking, but at the same time I'm sure it must be better than some of the other products at the bottom of the list, so I'm guessing it's just not been included for some reason. I was going to use Jason, too, before I realised that their conditioners have cones.

[TrudieCat]

While as an animal lover I very strongly with cruelty-free ideology, PETA is not the best of sources. They think that we service dog partners are horrible people (despite the fact that my dog is happy and loves his job because it means he gets to spend every minute of every day with me, and is trained with positive-reinforcement training).

~Blaze

I'm not totally on board with PETA, either, for similar reasons. Also, I was looking through the lists today and see that the Pureology haircare line is listed as "cruelty free" and apparently if you buy Pureology through PETA's online mall then the company will donate to PETA.... but Pureology is made by L'Oreal, which is clearly on PETA's "companies that do test on animals" list. :confused: :confused: :confused:

And what about Beiersdorf, who make Aquaphor, Eucerin and Nivea? They are not on either PETA's good or bad lists. They clearly state on their website that they don't test "cosmetic products" on animals... WTH does that mean? Some websites list them as cruelty-free, some don't.

[TrudieCat]

I'm sorry to post twice in a row. One of my personal issues with this is I'm having trouble finding hypoallergenic alternatives to some of my go-to products that are not cruelty-free. But I'm realizing it's vitally important for me to go cruelty-free and I am working on transitioning. Can anyone mention some good hypoallergenic alternatives to stuff like Pond's Cold Cream and Suave conditioners?

I'm struggling because I've been trying out a lot of the cruelty-free natural conditioners at my grocery store lately and I'm not doing well with many of them. The Yes To brands make me itch like crazy and my scalp feels really funky itchy burn-y with pretty much anything with shea or tea tree oil or lavender oil in it. I can use shea on my ends but once it touches my scalp or skin I get red bumps - and I'm COing so I'm looking for a good gentle hypoallergenic conditioner that I can scrub my scalp with. Anyone have recommendations?

I'm trying to figure out this Beiersdorf issue I mentioned in my last post because I have never found a lotion that works as well as Eucerin for my skin. I get red bumps and itchies from a LOT of lotions, but not this one. I tend to have the same problems with "natural" lotions as I do with conditioners - my skin goes a little nuts with them. :( Just trying to figure out what to do here.

[TrudieCat]

Ack! It seems I can't stop posting on this thread!! :lol:


Bringing back this thread to lament that my much-loved Suave hair products are, at least according to this:
http://www.thevegetariansite.com/ethics_test.htm
Tested on animals!! Along with the Neutrogena makeup I've been using the past week...
It also says the info might not be totally accurate...anybody know for sure if Suave and Neutrogena do test? I've also been using VO5 conditioner and the bottle plainly says "we do not test our products on animals" so I'll use that instead...it's cheaper anyway. For clarifying, I know VO5 makes a clarifying shampoo, and I do still have some Giovanni left over which felt like a clarifier on my hair, so perhaps that will work.
Hmm. NOT happy about the makeup issue, though. I was using Urban Decay because I like the colors, but it's so pricey I was trying to transition to a drugstore brand. I know it's slightly off topic, but anybody have any suggestions for a good powder/foundation/blush not tested on animals? I wanna go throw all this stuff away now, it seriously makes me feel sick that I've been putting products on my body that have been tested on animals...


Alberto Culver, which makes V05 products, was acquired by Unilever in 2010 - 11. Link here (http://www.unilever.com/mediacentre/pressreleases/2011/UnilevercompletesAlbertoCulveracquisition.aspx). Alberto Culver had not been testing on animals in recent years.

Unilever does test on animals. Link to their policies here (http://www.unileverusa.com/resource/FAQs/default.aspx), scroll down to the bottom of the page. They did just receive some award from the Humane Society for innovations in non-animal safety testing (link here (http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2011/08/unilever_scientist_honored_08252011.html)) but clearly still test on animals and I do not consider that company to be cruelty-free.

[princessp]

I'm sorry to post twice in a row. One of my personal issues with this is I'm having trouble finding hypoallergenic alternatives to some of my go-to products that are not cruelty-free. But I'm realizing it's vitally important for me to go cruelty-free and I am working on transitioning. Can anyone mention some good hypoallergenic alternatives to stuff like Pond's Cold Cream and Suave conditioners?

I'm struggling because I've been trying out a lot of the cruelty-free natural conditioners at my grocery store lately and I'm not doing well with many of them. The Yes To brands make me itch like crazy and my scalp feels really funky itchy burn-y with pretty much anything with shea or tea tree oil or lavender oil in it. I can use shea on my ends but once it touches my scalp or skin I get red bumps - and I'm COing so I'm looking for a good gentle hypoallergenic conditioner that I can scrub my scalp with. Anyone have recommendations?

I'm trying to figure out this Beiersdorf issue I mentioned in my last post because I have never found a lotion that works as well as Eucerin for my skin. I get red bumps and itchies from a LOT of lotions, but not this one. I tend to have the same problems with "natural" lotions as I do with conditioners - my skin goes a little nuts with them. :( Just trying to figure out what to do here.

I have very sensitive skin too. I have used Goth Rosary Nothingness shampoo and conditioners with good results. But I also seem to be able to use Nature's Gate without incident. I bought some of that kind of pricey Tate's Miracle Conditioner and have found this to be a heavy conditioner but a pretty good leave in. As for face moisterizers, I use a lot of different stuff. Right now I am using Derma E Ester C Creme with E (http://www.amazon.com/Derma-Ester-C-Creme-cream/dp/B00014DMLY) I got it at Whole Foods. I used to like the 365 hair products but I don't love them anymore since they changed their formulas. I also suggest Clinique products.

For shaving and body moisturizers I really like EO products (http://www.eoproducts.com/Default.aspx). I am currently using Alba Shave Lotion (http://www.amazon.com/Shave-Cream-Mango-Vanilla-Ounces/dp/B00014JO2A/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1315239180&sr=1-1) which is pretty good too. I am using Nature's Gate body moisturizer, but I also like Kiss My Face.

ETA: With all that said, I would like to use plain old soap nuts for shampoo at some point but haven't tried them yet. If you do let me know how they work for sensitive skin.

[MidnightStar]

Ack! It seems I can't stop posting on this thread!! :lol:



Alberto Culver, which makes V05 products, was acquired by Unilever in 2010 - 11. Link here (http://www.unilever.com/mediacentre/pressreleases/2011/UnilevercompletesAlbertoCulveracquisition.aspx). Alberto Culver had not been testing on animals in recent years.

Unilever does test on animals. Link to their policies here (http://www.unileverusa.com/resource/FAQs/default.aspx), scroll down to the bottom of the page. They did just receive some award from the Humane Society for innovations in non-animal safety testing (link here (http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2011/08/unilever_scientist_honored_08252011.html)) but clearly still test on animals and I do not consider that company to be cruelty-free.

Well...crap. No idea what I'm going to do now...

[Captain Nikki]

Looking at the PETA website, it says Avon do test. I'm sure it says on their brochures that they don't test. Also on another website i've read they don't test.

[MidnightStar]

Looking at the PETA website, it says Avon do test. I'm sure it says on their brochures that they don't test. Also on another website i've read they don't test.

Yes, I seem to recall reading on some other site (can't remember which now) that said Avon doesn't test. And, as was just pointed out to me, my VO5 bottles all say they don't test, but they company that produces those products is owned by a company that does. I guess it depends on what the standards are that the particular site is working with? Such as, PETA says Burt's Bees doesn't test, but I believe they, too, were recently purchased by a company that does (L'Oreal, I think?).
Aveda apparently doesn't test, and I used to like their rosemary mint conditioner...but it's expensive, and I found the Giovanni one I like on amazon for cheaper.
It's difficult to know these days what can be trusted.

[princessp]

Yes, I seem to recall reading on some other site (can't remember which now) that said Avon doesn't test. And, as was just pointed out to me, my VO5 bottles all say they don't test, but they company that produces those products is owned by a company that does. I guess it depends on what the standards are that the particular site is working with? Such as, PETA says Burt's Bees doesn't test, but I believe they, too, were recently purchased by a company that does (L'Oreal, I think?).
Aveda apparently doesn't test, and I used to like their rosemary mint conditioner...but it's expensive, and I found the Giovanni one I like on amazon for cheaper.
It's difficult to know these days what can be trusted.


Totally forgot Aveda, I used their products for years and they are very good.

[TrudieCat]

Thank you for the recommendations, princessp! I'm going to check some of them out. :)

[princessp]

I think this thread need to be revived. I know we've talked about Natures Gate before but I just want to give a couple of thumbs up to NG's Tea tree. I've been trying the shampoo + conditioner combo with really good success.

I also just bought a shampoo bar from the Mendhi shop and it has also worked great after one wash. But then it occurred to me that I just assumed they were cruelty-free without asking. So anyway, I have a request in there now. I'll share the response I get regarding their cruelty status.

Anyone try any new cruelty-free products?

[Amber_Maiden]

I used Prairie Naturals and Oneka :)

[Annibelle]

I was cruelty-free before being on LHC. I used Tresseme (which wasn't great for my hair, but it wasn't tested on animals). When I got on LHC... I started trying so many things that I completely forgot to check labels. :( I feel really badly about that now-- it just hit me last night. This gives me all the more reason to try to learn how to make my own products... maybe someone here could direct me to some info about making one's own shampoo/cleanser and conditioner? :)

[princessp]

Wow they are quick! From Mendhi shop:


Yes, all of our items are cruelty free, we test them on ourselves and on white goat hair to get a good representation of color from our coloring herbs. (The hair is not attached to the goat at the time!) :)

But, we do have wonderful shampoo bars meant for pets! We use those on our animals, but that's pampering not at all torturous!
Dogs: http://www.mehandi.com/shop/dogshampoo/index.html
Cats: http://www.mehandi.com/shop/catshampoo/index.html

So those shampoo bars are a-okay. Annibelle, that might be something to try. Amber_Maiden, thanks I've never heard of them.

Uh oh, now I need to email hennasooq..... :)

[battles]

Wow they are quick! From Mendhi shop:



So those shampoo bars are a-okay. Annibelle, that might be something to try. Amber_Maiden, thanks I've never heard of them.

Uh oh, now I need to email hennasooq..... :)


"Rub cat with towel, and relase. Apply bandages to self as needed."

:D

[RedheadMistress]

- Sometimes it's not too hard finding vegan/no animal cruelty products, for ex. in the UK I buy Superdrugs own conditioner, which is Veeery cheap, around 1 pound, you get a lot and it's good for my CO and not tested on animals .


Doesn't Burts bees products have honey in them ?
Isn't very animal friendly really .

[MychelleC]

Being cruelty-free is so difficult. I make my all my own shampoos, conditioners, stylers, etc and of course I do not test on animals (well, I make a doggie wash but he loves it so there is no cruelty). :) Finding products not tested on animals is not that difficult, but let's get real - the individual ingredients in the products were tested on animals. There is no way to guarantee that the cetyl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, etc, that are in all hair care products are cruelty-free. These ingredients were tested a long time ago, and it's good that Aveda isn't rubbing their conditioner into rabbits eyes but Croda (ingredient manufacturer) certainly did. It's so tough. The best we can do is support companies who at least don't test the finished product on animals, or do not use animal by-products if we are vegan.

[princessp]

From Henna Sooq:


We surely don't test on animals nor use any ingredients that are tested on animals. They are all pure ingredients from the source of origin and we just create our own formulations and as for the herbs they aren't adultered in any way and there really is no need for testing to be done. So yes they are cruelty free. Thank you

:cheese::cheese::cheese:

[Annibelle]

I just picked up a new conditioner from Whole Foods today! :cheese: It's from Allafia, the brand that makes the Beautiful Curls line (which smells reaaaaaaaaaaally good; it's also the first SLS-free poo I'ved used). The one I bought today is a big container from their Everyday Shea line. Have you guys tried this? It's paraben-/cruelty-free and the one I bought is unscented. (The other two scents they had were "Vanilla Mint," which smelled really gross to me, and "Lavender," which always seems to be over-scented.) I'll let you guys know how it turns out!