Is Head & Shoulders Cruelty-Free and Vegan?

Head & Shoulders is an American brand that specializes in the manufacture of haircare products. The company was founded in 1961 and has evolved to become one of the fastest-growing haircare brands.

There are growing concerns about animal rights and animal protection. Many people are becoming more skeptical about the ingredients list and testing policy of various brands, mainly cosmetic, hair care, and skincare brands.

If you are curious about the cruelty free and vegan status of Head & Shoulders, then you have your answer right here. Now, is Head & Shoulders cruelty free and vegan?

Is Head & Shoulders Cruelty Free?

There are some factors and standards that can help ascertain the cruelty free status of Head & Shoulders. Before a brand can be labeled as cruelty free or not, it must meet the criteria below.

• The products or any of its ingredients must not be tested on animals even when requested by law.
• Their products should not be sold in mainland China
• They should not allow any third-party testing of their products or its ingredients on animals

Are Head & Shoulders Products Tested On Animals?

Head & Shoulders claims not to have tested their finished products on animals in over a decade. While this might be true, this doesn’t mean they are cruelty free. https://www.headandshoulders.co.uk/en-gb/about/ingredients/head-shoulders-shampoo-ingredients-whats-in-the-bottle

Above is the statement of Head & Shoulders on its animal testing policy on its official website. The company claims it doesn’t carry out animal testing; they don’t claim to be cruelty free.

Head & Shoulders does not debunk selling their products in areas where animal testing is required by law.

Do They Test Animals When Required By Law? Or Use a Third Party?

Yes, Head & Shoulders tests their products on animals when required by law.

According to the law, the company sells its product in areas where animal testing is compulsory for various cosmetics, makeup, skincare, and haircare products.

Consequently, the company makes its product available for animal testing in these areas.

While Head & Shoulders doesn’t contract third parties to test products on their behalf, third parties like law agents test Head & Shoulders products.

Are Head & Shoulders Sold In China?

https://www.head-shoulders.com.cn/ Head & Shoulders sells its products in-store in mainland China. Cosmetic, makeup, skincare, and hair care products sold in China must undergo mandatory animal testing.

Consequently, Head & Shoulders submit and pay for its products to be tested on animals in mainland China when required by law.

Does Head & Shoulders Have Cruelty Free Accreditation Certification?

No. Head & Shoulders does not have any cruelty free accreditation certification. The primary reason for the lack of accreditation certification is because they fail to meet some essential cruelty free standards.

Head & Shoulders sells its product in mainland China where animal testing is required, and it allows its product to be tested on animals when required by law.

Is Head & Shoulders Parent Company Procter and Gamble (P&G) Cruelty-Free?

Procter and Gamble (P&G) own Head Shoulders. This parent company does test on animals when required by law; hence, they are not cruelty free.

Nevertheless, they are spending and putting in a lot of energy to get a nod for various non-animal testing alternatives. P&G is one of the top brands at the forefront of creating an alternative to animal testing.

Is Head & Shoulders Vegan?

Vegan products are products that don’t contain animal materials or any animal-derived ingredients. Head & Shoulders is not 100% vegan because some of their products have animal-derived ingredients.

Although the company claims only to use animal-derived ingredients when there is a shortage or no alternative ingredients, it doesn’t change its non-vegan status. Head & Shoulders does not have any vegan certification.

Summary

Head & Shoulders is a non-cruelty free brand because it allows animal testing on its product when required by law.

Likewise, the company sells its products in mainland China where animal testing is required. Head & Shoulders is not 100% vegan because some of its product contains animal-derived ingredients.