In recent years, interest in natural products and cosmetics not tested on animals has been growing steadily. Consequently, manufacturers are progressively moving toward cruelty-free testing and biosustainability, producing organic and vegan lines that are not tested on animals. But do we know the true meaning of the “cruelty-free” label? Are all vegan cosmetics not tested on animals? What are the characteristics of vegan shampoo? Let’s clear things up together.
Cruelty-free and vegan products: differences and similarities
Let’s start with the main premise: vegan products and cruelty-free products both work to defend and safeguard animal welfare. When we find a product bearing the cruelty-free label, it means that the product, before being placed on the market, was not tested on animals in any way, nor did it cause suffering to any living being. A company that defines itself as cruelty-free is simply one that adheres to the International “cruelty-free” Standard and declares that, in addition to the finished product, the components used in its formulation have not been tested on animals either.
However, if a product is defined as cruelty-free, it does not mean that it is free of animal-derived ingredients and therefore composed solely of plant-based substances: in that case, the product must carry the Vegan OK label. The prestigious Vegan OK certification for hair care products guarantees the consumer the absence of animal-derived components at every stage of product development, and the INCI of vegan hair products will therefore exclude ingredients such as collagen, squalene, beeswax, propolis, lanolin, cochineal, elastin, and so on, in favor of plant-based and synthetic substances.
Why use vegan haircare products and what are the benefits for our hair
Every day we are constantly exposed to external agents that are highly damaging to our hair: all the substances present in the air we breathe, smog, metals, fine dust, combined with humidity and harsh temperatures, can drastically damage the regenerative capacity of the hair bulb, making the hair more fragile, dull, and progressively thinner. Frequent washing, especially in summer, along with chlorine and UV rays, also represent a major threat to hair and are among the most common causes of weakening of the scalp structure.
Choosing products that are too aggressive can also weaken the hair’s “barrier” function: commercial haircare products are in most cases composed of silicones, sulfates, and substances that are irritating and harmful to the scalp and hair fiber, which can weaken hair and lead to breakage and hair loss.
To improve natural properties and safeguard hair from potential damage caused by the chemicals it is subjected to daily, it is essential to change our habits and orient them toward a completely organic haircare routine. Vegan shampoos are free of animal-derived ingredients and contain organic and certified active ingredients that take care of hair health, helping to restore the hair follicle and its natural balance. Furthermore, vegan haircare products do not contain silicones, parabens, salts, sulfates, or fragrances that, in the long run, can contribute to drying out and weakening the hair fiber, causing future breakage or hair loss.
They are therefore particularly suitable for those with fine and fragile hair and for the care of children's delicate hair. Frequent use of vegan products will help improve the natural regenerative capacity of the hair, allowing it to grow healthier, stronger, and fuller after just the first few treatments. Among the other benefits that can be observed after constant use of vegan products, we find the enhancement of the natural color, which will soon appear brighter and revitalized without the aid of aggressive illuminating treatments.
Well, girls and guys, we have explained why it is so important to start using natural, organic, and vegan treatments for our hair care instead of the classic shampoos we traditionally find on supermarket shelves. Using cruelty-free hair products is first and foremost an ethical choice, but also and above all one of the greatest secrets to having beautiful, strong, and healthy hair every day!
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