*PR: Some items were gifted

Sian Victoria © - Silver ash blonde wavy hair

Cruelty-Free brands with vegan products

There are four things I look for when it comes to searching for haircare products. They must be vegan, cruelty-free, and contain mostly natural ingredients and hair and scalp-loving vitamins that will encourage my hair to be healthy, manageable and strong.

Like many, I’m pleased that vegan and cruelty-free products are finally becoming mainstream and are easy to get your hands on in supermarkets and high-street stores. Hopefully, more and more brands will continue to follow suit now consumers are becoming aware of what goes on in the beauty industry and for this reason are encouraging change with the demand for ethical beauty products on the rise.

Meanwhile, this post features sustainable brands who’s always had ethics in mind when creating effective haircare ranges.

1. Green People

Sian Victoria © - Green People Intensive Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

Green People is an organic lifestyle brand I’ve used for many years since they have a variety of ranges for all your natural beauty needs. It’s so easy to convert your entire hair, face, and body regime to this brand. For this reason, they also feature in my clean plant-based SPF face creams and cruelty-free makeup brands post.

Until recently I had only used skincare and makeup products from the Green People. So was looking forward to trying their hair collection too to see if they’re just as good. As I have coloured and damaged hair, I opted for the Intense Repair Shampoo & Conditioner infused with Green Tea & Orange peel. The organic vegan and cruelty-free formula help to revive hair by locking in colour to prevent fading and keep your colour vibrant for longer. While nourishing the hair to strengthen and leave it looking shiny.

As well as green tea and orange. This hair care duo also contains sustainably sourced Yucca, Quinoa and Sandalwood making it rich in nutrients and proteins. The Green People Intensive Repair Conditioner is made of 91% certified organic ingredients whereas the shampoo is 81% organic, so their kind to sensitive skin. And unlike most mainstream brands found on the high street. Green People hair care is SLS-free, silicone-free & gluten-free so it’s much kinder to your hair and most importantly it will look after your scalp too.

2. Cake

Cake is a Canadian haircare brand who create sweetly scented product ranges that are 100% vegan and not tested on animals. Their natural formulations are manufactured in Canada and the UK. They refuse to sell products to countries who require animal testing. This means they’ve been given the paw of approval by PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnie's certification.

The luxe pink packaging with catchy product names caters for all your hair care needs. Favourites of mine are The Big Big Deal shampoo and The Big Wig conditioner formulated to create volume and thicken locks. For styling, The Do Gooder volumising dry shampoo and The Hold Out hairspray refreshes roots and keeps waves in all day while leaving behind a delicious fragrance.

3. Infuse My Colour

Sian Victoria © - Influse My Colour Platinum Shampoo

As a blondie whose hair is prone to brassy yellow hues. Purple shampoos and silver toners have been an essential staple in my haircare regime for as long as I can remember to keep my hair glowing bright with ash blonde tones.

Thankfully, vegan and cruelty-free colour enhancing shampoos are on the rise with Infuse My Colour creating a wide range of toning shampoos that infuse your hair with colour pigment as you shampoo, and it's not just for blondes.

There are toning shampoos to refresh red, black and brown hair too. Or if you want to live out your pink hair dreams the Quartz shampoo is for you whereas their Graphite toner will reveal your inner granny-chic hair goals.

All Infuse My Colour hair products are 100% PETA Certified, Cruelty-Free and Vegan as well as free from parabens, silicones and sulphates.

4. Kevin Murphy

Sian Victoria © - Kevin Murphy Hair Masque’s

Sian Victoria © - Kevin Murphy texture hairspray & root touch-up

Kevin Murphy is a salon professional hair care brand who are 100% cruelty-free and have mostly vegan products designed to protect, curl, detox, hydrate, thicken, rejuvenate and add volume, texture and smoothness to all hair types with the use of their hair rinses, washes, treatments, styling and colour care range.

My vegan favourites from Kevin Murphy are the Young.Again infused treatment oil packed with antioxidants to restore and replenish the hair while offering heat protection up to 200°F and the Bedroom.Hair texturising hairspray to add body and texture to messy beach waved hairstyles.

The brand doesn’t have vegan certification due to a few products containing beeswax, however, there are over 80 vegan Kevin Murphy products conveniently categorised making shopping for vegan haircare easier, so you know what items to avoid.

5. Faith in Nature

Sian Victoria © - Faith in Nature shampoo & conditioner

Holland & Barrett is always my go-to for finding cruelty-free vegan products from sustainable brands. It’s how I came across my ultimate favourite eco-beauty brand Faith in Nature. The British company based in Manchester have been creating natural cosmetics since 1974 and using recycled and fully recyclable packaging since 1999.

All products are made in the UK, using 99% ingredients of natural origin and 100% natural fragrance & essential oils. Plus, all items are parabens and SLS free and approved by the Vegan Society and are Cruelty-Free.

To further reduce waste all hair care, body wash and handwashes come in 400ml bottles which I love as most products on the shelves come in 150-250ml bottles, so Faith in Nature cosmetics lasts twice as long for approximately £5.79. Additionally, they sell supersized 5-litre containers of most products that can either be bought directly for just £45.20 or you can refill your 400ml bottles at a variety of zero waste pay by the weight shops that have the 5-litre containers.

Alternatively, you can use the Freepost address to post all your empty Faith in Nature bottles so that they can be deep-cleaned and re-used. The Lavender & Geranium Conditioner is my favourite it makes my hair soft and silky without the build-up and smells lovely. Another way they are reducing waste is with shampoo bars which are 100% of natural origin and have a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

6. Rossano Ferretti

Sian Victoria © - Rossano Ferretti haircare

For decades the most iconic luxury beauty brands have been conducting animal testing. Thankfully with Rossano Ferretti, an Italian designer haircare brand you can appreciate quality without the unnecessary need to harm animals in the name of beauty.

This trio of Rossano Ferretti haircare is both cruelty-free, natural, contains no harsh chemicals, is paraben-free and formulated with up to 99% natural ingredients. Although not all products are vegan-friendly as a few contain honey.

A popular vegan product of theirs I’ve enjoyed using is the Extra Volume Shampoo. The hair-boosting cleanser is sulphate free and is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to fortify the scalp and strengthen tresses.

7. Windle London

Sian Victoria © - Windle London, Ultra Nourishing Masque & Everyday thickening shampoo

The independent Windle London is an award-winning hair salon in Covent Garden with a luxury eco haircare line that creates tea-infused shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products. The British beauty brand makes, researches and develops all products at the Windle lab in the Lake District to stay true to its British heritage that was founded in England 32 years ago by Paul Windle.

At the lab, an organic skincare expert produces hair and scalp care products using ingredients that utilises the hair benefits of herbal teas such as White, Rooibos, Green and Yerba mate as well as Green coffee and Monoi and Babassu oil. The entire hair care range is free-from sulphates, silicones and parabens and is Cruelty-free and dermatologically tested.

More than half of their haircare is vegan and gluten-free. But be sure to check the ingredients as beeswax is used in their styling products and silk powder is used in some conditioners.

8. Dr Organic

Sian Victoria © - Dr.Organic haircare & bodycare

Another beauty brand I found through Holland & Barrett is Dr.Organic. As you can see I use a variety of product ranges from Dr.Organic and have been using the cruelty-free brand's hair and body products for almost two years except for occasionally switching to try other brands.

Although just like Faith in Nature, Dr.Organic is always an eco-conscious brand I come back to as I can conveniently buy them along with my essential health foods from Holland & Barrett and earn points in the process.

The award-winning Dr.Organic is free from Parabens, Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), Synthetic colours, Mineral oil, DEA, BHT and Isothiazolinones. The brand uses organic and Bioactive ingredients to create effective natural cosmetics.

They have started using post-consumer recycled (PCR) bottles for their Organic Calendula range with the intention to use them across other ranges too. Other Dr.Organic vegan & cruelty-free ranges are Aloe Vera, Dead Sea Minerals, Rose Otto, Shea Butter, Tea Tree, Lavender, Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E among others.

Most products are vegan although they do have a vegetarian range with the use of animal by-products like honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly and snail secretion. So, you may want to avoid them.

9. Aveda

A premium beauty brand that was the first to use 100% post-consumer recycled packaging is Aveda. The cruelty-free brand also manufacturers its products in a 100% wind-powered facility and has hair and skincare ranges made up of mostly naturally derived ingredients.

Although Aveda is not fully vegan they do have a growing range of Aveda vegan-friendly haircare in a variety of ranges suitable for many hair types such as the damage remedy line to repair damaged hair, the invati advanced range for hair loss, the sun care protective hair veil to protect hair from UV damage and the camomile range to naturally lighten blonde hair without the need for harmful chemicals.

Most products are available in 250ml bottles and 1-litre bottles. As the products are relatively expensive, I would recommend purchasing the 250ml bottles first to see if the products are suitable for you. If they are then upgrading to the 1-litre bottles might be ideal to make a saving, reduce resource consumption and to keep you going for a while.

10. Lee Stafford

A hair care brand I’ve been using for as long as I can remember is Lee Stafford. Maybe it’s their cult pink packaging, gorgeous scent, effective formulations or the fact they’ve always been cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly that’s tempted me to continuously come back to try their extensive range of beautifying hair products.

The founder, Lee Stafford is a professional British hairdresser who has a host of celebrity clients and has made appearances in a variety of TV shows. My favourite Lee Stafford ranges have always been the Hair Growth and the Bleach Blondes Purple Reign collection.

Currently, Lee Stafford has 101 vegan-friendly products out of 160, which is pretty good. The cult pink haircare brand is available in Boots. Although the brands own website makes it super easy to find all Lee Stafford vegan products, plus it gives you a visual description of the top beautifying ingredients each product contains which I find helpful and interesting.

11. Bleach London

Sian Victoria © - Bleach London haircare

Another long-term cult favourite of mine is Bleach London, who first came on the haircare scene in 2010 and have been fully vegan since 2017 but always cruelty-free.

The British indie brand with 3 London hair salons is my go-to when in need of fixing my brassy blonde hair after a bleaching session. My bleach drama saviours are their effective white toner and smoky shampoo followed by the must-have reincarnation mask to save locks after a chemical treatment.

When I’m craving the messy beach wave hair look, the Bleach London sea salt swamp spritz is the effortless styling product you need to create curls without heat.

To see more from Bleach London, check out my before and after white toner review or my how to create beach wave hair post.

12. Charles Worthington

Sian Victoria © - Charles Worthington haircare

Charles Worthington the well-known hair brand available in most beauty stores on the highstreet is owned by PZ Cussons who are against animal testing. They also own a lot of other beauty brands such as Original Source, Sanctuary Spa, Imperial Leather, Carex and St Tropez. So, it is great to know these are cruelty-free too.

Charles Worthington has products for all hair types such as the Grow Strong, ColourPlex, Everyday Gentle and Volume & Bounce range. Most of the product formulations are vegan and some contain all-natural ingredients, or the packaging can be 100% recycled.

For an affordable mainstream brand, it is great to know the company are making positive change and are a popular choice of many that may not consciously choose to purchase more ethical and sustainable haircare.

13. Andalou

Sian Victoria © - Andalou Age Defying Treatment Shampoo

Ever since a disastrous trip to a hair salon in September 2019 where my scalp was left burnt after bleaching. My hair and scalp have never been the same. I lost a lot of hair and its now a lot finer.

Because of this when I’m picking out a shampoo the first thing, I look for besides it having to be vegan, natural, and cruelty-free is that it must be formulated with plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to encourage hair growth while providing volume and not weighing it down so that it doesn’t look flatter.

I’m always researching plant-based ingredients that are beneficial in hair care to prevent hair loss. An affordable option that I’m keen to keep up with is the Andalou Age Defying Treatment Shampoo. It’s been formulated to unblock follicles by removing toxins, product build-up and excess sebum and bacteria on the scalp that can contribute to hair loss.

The Argan Stem Cells, Biotin, White Tea, Flaxseed oil and Aloe Vera juice among many other effective plant ingredients then work in synergy to stimulate the scalp and encourage a healthy hair growth cycle while protecting against chronological ageing.

Andalou haircare achieves this while being cruelty-free, 98% Nature Derived, vegetarian with lots of vegan options, gluten-free and non-GMO.

14. Aussie

Sian Victoria © - Aussie SOS Kiss of Life Hair range

A PETA-certified cruelty-free brand, Aussie is a favourite amongst the haircare obsessed and is well known globally for their award-winning Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Moisture Treatment - accumulating over 3.7k positive reviews just on the Boots Pharmacy website alone. Originating from Australia, Aussie utilises authentic ingredients from down under that are natural and proven to benefit the hair.

Although not every product formulated by this fan-favourite haircare brand is vegan due to some items containing beeswax and honey, they’re still a brilliant brand for creating sustainable, cruelty-free, and organic haircare products. Plus, their Aussie SOS collection is completely vegan.

Sitting amongst their effective hair products is the Aussie SOS Kiss Of Life range. Perfect for those like me suffering from damaged hair due to colouring, heat damage or frizz. The benefits of switching to vegan hair care especially this carefully formulated – and completely vegan – range will bring your hair back to life after using its superfood ingredients.

Thanks to Australian superfruits being a key component within each of these products, the hair will be nourished and treated right from the roots and restored to an improved state. If you’re dealing with dull and dry hair, I’d recommend looking into this Aussie range. These luxurious yet relatively affordable haircare products will fight many hair concerns you have and will certainly benefit its condition.

15. Sukin

Sian Victoria © - Sukin Natural Balance Shampoo

If you’re big on the skincare you use being sustainable and completely natural, then this is the brand for you. The all-rounder beauty company Sukin uses 98.8% natural ingredients across its entire range, making its formulations as kind to the skin as possible. Plus, they're kinder to the earth and animals too – with 100% vegan and cruelty-free products and a commitment to offset carbon emissions, this company creates effective and sustainable beauty for all.

Sukin proves a company can be sustainable and natural while remaining incredibly beneficial and effective. With natural ingredients proven to treat the skin and hair, embrace your natural beauty with any of Sukin’s products.

As an avid user of natural haircare, I’m always searching for the next best hair product that will provide the benefits my hair seeks. Most recently, I’ve been using the Sukin Natural Balance shampoo. Well-loved by me and other avid haircare users, this shampoo is free from any harmful sulphates, silicones and chemicals that are often found in mainstream haircare products.

Ensuring the natural oils remain within the hair, the shampoo boasts baobab oil to help nourish and moisturise right from the roots and maintain the strength of the hair. Additional elements of burdock and horsetail extracts strengthen keratin within the hair follicles and encourage hair growth.

With a pleasant sweet scent, this shampoo retails for a relatively affordable £6.95 for a 500ml bottle and will help to provide nourishing ingredients to the scalp.

16. Foamie Dry Shampoo

The Foamie Dry Shampoo in Berry Blonde has quickly become a must-have in my haircare routine. This vegan and cruelty-free product does exactly what I need it to while aligning with my ethical values.

This dry shampoo effortlessly absorbs excess oil and revives hair between washes. Its berry blonde scent and shade blend seamlessly with lighter hair colours like my silver-toned hair, leaving no residue behind. It adds volume and freshness that lasts all day.

Foamie's commitment to vegan and cruelty-free practices is commendable, offering peace of mind for conscious consumers. It's free of sulphates and parabens, ensuring a healthier haircare experience. Although I would still recommend using a clarifying shampoo regularly to remove any possible build-up on the scalp as blocked hair follicles can lead to hair loss.

Applying Foamie Dry Shampoo is a breeze. The foam formula dispenses easily, allowing for easy application. There's no white cast or powdery residue, making it suitable for darker roots. The pleasant berry fragrance leaves hair smelling fresh too. My only feedback would be for the applicator to have multiple holes like talc powder does for more even coverage.

This dry shampoo maintains clean-looking and revitalised hair for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent washing and as a bonus doesn't weigh hair down.

Overall, Foamie Dry Shampoo in Berry Blonde is a vegan and cruelty-free gem I’ll continue using. Its ability to refresh and revive hair, ethical values, and convenient and sustainable packaging makes it a recommended choice for all blonde-haired individuals seeking an effective and eco-friendly solution to reduce the appearance of unwashed greasy roots. Don’t worry there’s also one for brunettes and dark hair.

17. Holland & Barrett's own brand

Sian Victoria © - Holland & Barrett vegan shampoos

Holland & Barrett's own brand products offer a great selection for those looking for sustainable, cruelty-free, and vegan personal care options. Their Aloe and Coconut Shampoo is a fantastic choice for nourishing and refreshing your hair. It combines the natural goodness of aloe vera and the moisturising benefits of coconut, leaving your hair feeling soft, smooth, and revitalised.

The Tea Tree and Mint Shampoo is another standout product, harnessing the power of tea tree oil and the invigorating sensation of mint to purify your scalp.

What sets Holland & Barrett's own brand products apart is their commitment to sustainability. They have taken a step in the right direction by using fully recyclable plastic bottles, helping to reduce plastic waste. These affordable options make ethical and eco-friendly personal care accessible to everyone.

If you're seeking quality hair care that is kind to the planet and your wallet, Holland & Barrett's own brand products are worth a try. Their Aloe and Coconut Shampoo and Tea Tree and Mint Shampoo provide effective results while staying true to their sustainable, cruelty-free, and vegan ethos.

In a time where the cost of living continues to rise, this H&B range enables us to shop for beauty on a budget and not be forced to pay a higher price for being an eco-conscious shopper. Plus, with a 300ml bottle, it contains a lot more shampoo for less in comparison to other brands.

Thankfully, it’s not just haircare, as you’ll discover in my vegan and cruelty-free body care brands they also do shower gels and other essential toiletry items.

18. Avalon Organics

Sian Victoria © - Avalon Organics Peppermint Strengthening Shampoo

Avalon Organics is a brand committed to striking the ideal balance between ethical principles and nature's bounty. Their assortment of vegan and cruelty-free haircare products enriched with the healing powers of botanicals assures an effective and guilt-free beauty experience.

Their shampoos claim to be expertly crafted using only the finest organic ingredients, free from harsh chemicals and parabens, ensuring unmatched hydration, volume, and repair. Whether you seek the soothing benefits of lavender, the revitalising advantages of rosemary, or the refreshing properties of tea tree oil, Avalon Organics has a shampoo that's tailored to suit your unique haircare requirements.

My personal favourite, the Peppermint Strengthening Shampoo, offers a revitalising and nourishing experience that invigorates the senses while aiding in healthy and resilient locks. Not only do I appreciate the brand's ethical values and use of plant-based ingredients, but I am also pleased to discover that they have a range of SLS-free shampoos.

SLS is the culprit responsible for the lathering effect of many shampoos and the sensation of a thorough cleanse. However, this harmful chemical commonly found in hair care products can cause damage to both the hair and scalp. Therefore, if you seek vegan and sulphate-free shampoos, Avalon Organics is a brand to consider.

To conclude

So, there you go my favourite cruelty-free haircare brands who have animal welfare in mind when creating salon-worthy products. I’ll continue to update this post whenever I find a sustainable brand whose products deserve to be on my recommended list.

Follow & Support

18 Best Cruelty-Free & Vegan Hair Beauty Brands