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Herbal Essences

Procter & Gamble (P&G)

our verdict

This Brand remains a bit of a grey area vis a vis animal testing. Some products have questionable ingredients. zoobop suggests using cleaner, safer, ethical alternatives.

2.3

Poor

0 1 2 3 4 5

1.4

Very poor

Clean formula

2.3

Poor

Green policy

2.5

Poor

cruelty free

5.0

Excellent

honest label

0 1 2 3 4 5

why this score ?

Herbal Essences is not clean.

1.4

Very poor

Criteria

synthetic free

naturally derived

organic certified

Ingredients used in products can be toxic to humans. Please tap the icons for more details under each criteriato understand why.

1.4

Very poor

Hazard index: according to global standards.

Please tap the ingredients to know more

7-10

potential human toxins.

3-6

moderate human toxins.

1-2

low or no human toxins

  • NO
  • YES
  • UNCLEAR
  • NOT ALL

synthetic free

Some products contain Fragrance~, Colour~, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, M.I.T, DMDM Hydantoin, PPGs~, P.E.Gs~, S.L.E.S, S.L.S, M.C.I, M.E.A, Isobutane, Alcohol Denat, P.G, Carbomer, Triisopropanolamine, C.A.P.B~, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, EDTA, PVP

~can be natural/ synthetic derived

naturally derived

Some products contain Fragrance~, Colour~, PPGs~, P.E.Gs~, C.A.P.B~

~can be natural/ synthetic derived

organic certified

Herbal Essences is not entirely green.

2.3

Poor

Criteria

earth safe

recycle material

We are not clear if Ingredients used in some products are eco pollutants. We have asked brand for further clarity.
Brand's recycling policies are not clear.

2.3

Poor

Please tap the ingredients to know more

  • NO
  • YES
  • UNCLEAR
  • NOT ALL

earth safe

Though Parent brand claims to be a responsible sourcer, the ingredients used in some products are not earth friendly.
Some products contain Parabens, Formaldehyde Releasers, P.E.Gs, S.L.E.S, S.L.S, PVP, Co Polymers*, Dioxanes

Their Hairsprays are in aerosol cans. These can have propellants containing hydrocarbons which contribute to global warming. CFC-free aerosols too emit the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which affect the ozone and the environment.

*unclear if this is water soluble or a micro plastic. We have asked brand for clarity.

recycle material

Brand uses plastic for products packaging.
We have asked them for more information on their recycling policies and plastic content.

Brand partnered with Terra Cycle to create a free recycling program for Herbal Essences hair care packaging.
Propellants in aerosol cans are highly flammable and can cause explosions and start fires. Empty aerosol cans are considered as hazardous waste in the USA and many countries.

unclear if Herbal Essences cruelty free.

2.5

Poor

Criteria

cruelty free

100% vegan

This is a bit of a grey area. Though Brand is PETA certified, because it claims to manufacture within China for China. The problem is that there is

2.5

Poor

Please tap the ingredients to know more

  • NO
  • YES
  • UNCLEAR
  • NOT ALL

cruelty free

This is a bit of a grey area.
Though Brand is PETA certified, because it claims to manufacture within China for China. The problem is that there is no surety on the transparency of raw materials used and sourced within China.
There can be no guarantee that the raw materials were not tested at any stage of production nor can the brand guarantee that their products may or may not be subject to animal testing at any time if authorities in China deem it necessary (and they can do this without any prior notice)

It should be noted that their parent brand tests on animals when required by law.

100% vegan

Some products contain Silk Protein, Honey, Chitosan, Lysine, Lactic Acid~, Glycerine~, Cetearyl Alcohol~, Cetyl Alcohol~, Stearyl Alcohol~, Panthenol~, P.E.G 2~, P.E.G 7~, P.E.G 8~, P.E.G 12~, P.E.G 16~, P.E.G 40~, P.E.G 60~
Brand has vegan options**

~can be plant/ animal/ synthetic derived
**users are advised to always check product labels for full ingredient content.

Herbal Essences is honest.

5.0

Excellent

Criteria

honesty

social service

Brand has transparent labelling. Complete ingredients used are mentioned on product label / their website.

5.0

Excellent

Please tap the ingredients to know more

  • NO
  • YES
  • UNCLEAR
  • NOT ALL

honesty

social service

Brand partner and collaborate with many global organizations working to help protect biodiversity and replant nature across the world.

Herbal Essences FAQs

Is Herbal Essences Cruelty Free ?
-

This is a bit of a grey area.
Though Brand is PETA certified, because it claims to manufacture within China for China. The problem is that there is no surety on the transparency of raw materials used and sourced within China.
There can be no guarantee that the raw materials were not tested at any stage of production nor can the brand guarantee that their products may or may not be subject to animal testing at any time if authorities in China deem it necessary (and they can do this without any prior notice)

It should be noted that their parent brand tests on animals when required by law.

Is Herbal Essences Eco friendly ?
-

Though Parent brand claims to be a responsible sourcer, the ingredients used in some products are not earth friendly.
Some products contain Parabens, Formaldehyde Releasers, P.E.Gs, S.L.E.S, S.L.S, PVP, Co Polymers*, Dioxanes

Their Hairsprays are in aerosol cans. These can have propellants containing hydrocarbons which contribute to global warming. CFC-free aerosols too emit the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which affect the ozone and the environment.

*unclear if this is water soluble or a micro plastic. We have asked brand for clarity.

Is Herbal Essences safe ?
-

Ingredients used in products can be toxic to humans. Please tap the icons for more details under each criteria to understand why.

Is Herbal Essences Organic ?
-

Herbal Essences is not organic certified.

Is Herbal Essences safe for kids ?
-

Ingredients used in products can be toxic to humans. Please tap the icons for more details under each criteria to understand why.

Is Herbal Essences vegan friendly ?
-

Some products contain Silk Protein, Honey, Chitosan, Lysine, Lactic Acid~, Glycerine~, Cetearyl Alcohol~, Cetyl Alcohol~, Stearyl Alcohol~, Panthenol~, P.E.G 2~, P.E.G 7~, P.E.G 8~, P.E.G 12~, P.E.G 16~, P.E.G 40~, P.E.G 60~
Brand has vegan options**

~can be plant/ animal/ synthetic derived
**users are advised to always check product labels for full ingredient content.

Does Herbal Essences use sustainable packaging ?
-

Brand uses plastic for products packaging.
We have asked them for more information on their recycling policies and plastic content.

Brand partnered with Terra Cycle to create a free recycling program for Herbal Essences hair care packaging.
Propellants in aerosol cans are highly flammable and can cause explosions and start fires. Empty aerosol cans are considered as hazardous waste in the USA and many countries.

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