What Are the Best Cruelty-Free Shampoos and Conditioners?

Ever wondered if your shampoo or conditioner might be harming animals?

I've spent countless hours researching products, ingredients, and ethical brands because clean beauty isn't just a business—it's a personal passion of mine. As the owner of Clean Beauty Market, I'm constantly looking for ways to help others make kinder choices, especially when it involves daily essentials like shampoos and conditioners.

But choosing a cruelty-free shampoo isn't as straightforward as it seems. Just because a shampoo is labelled vegan, doesn't always mean it's free from animal testing.

Wait, What's the Difference Between Vegan and Cruelty-Free?

This part can be confusing. Vegan shampoos don't contain animal-derived ingredients. But here's the catch—a brand might call its shampoo vegan yet still test on animals. That’s because "vegan" refers strictly to what's inside the bottle, not how it was tested.

This practice irritates me—brands cashing in on our good intentions without genuinely being cruelty-free. It's misleading, and it’s why I’m so careful about the brands I choose to feature at Clean Beauty Market. You can explore genuinely cruelty-free shampoos in our carefully selected shampoo collection. 

How to Make Sure Your Shampoo is Truly Cruelty-Free

The easiest way is looking for certifications like the Leaping Bunny or PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies logo. These symbols guarantee no animal testing was involved at any stage, including ingredient sourcing.

If you’re uncertain, you can always reach out directly through our contact page. I'm always happy to help clarify or suggest products that align with your ethics.

My Favourite Cruelty-Free Shampoo Brands

Not all cruelty-free shampoos are created equal. Some might be gentle but ineffective, or ethically sourced but harsh on your hair. Here are brands I personally trust—and use—daily:

1. Innersense Organic Beauty – Their products aren't just cruelty-free; they're also packed with nourishing organic ingredients. I'm a huge fan of their hydrating shampoo for daily use. Take a peek at our Innersense organic beauty range to see for yourself.

2. Rahua – This brand ticks all boxes: vegan, cruelty-free, and sulphate-free. Plus, it's fantastic for coloured hair. Check out the Rahua collection if your hair needs extra love.

3. Mukti Organics – An Australian favourite, Mukti shampoos use native botanical ingredients that strengthen hair naturally. You can explore Mukti products right here.

4. Evolvh – Evolvh shampoos are perfect if your hair is thin or losing volume. I find their products gentle yet effective. See the Evolvh lineup on our site.

Why Plant-Based Hair Care Makes Sense

Switching to plant-based shampoos and conditioners isn't just about ethics—it's about healthier hair. Plant-based products usually mean fewer irritants, making them great for sensitive scalps or dry hair. I've noticed my own hair feels softer and looks shinier since switching. If you're curious about the benefits, there's an insightful piece here that explains it beautifully.

Don't forget to complement your shampoo with a nourishing conditioner—our conditioner collection offers plenty of cruelty-free options. 

Be Careful with Labels

It drives me crazy when I see "cruelty-free" labels on shampoos sold in countries requiring animal testing, like China. Some brands exploit loopholes to appear ethical without fully committing. Always double-check a brand’s policy or look for trusted certifications.

This issue was heavily discussed online, where I found out that some brands market vegan products but still sell in places mandating animal testing. It just reinforces my commitment to transparency at Clean Beauty Market. Brands must do more than just remove animal products; they must prove they actively avoid animal testing at every stage.

Supporting Ethical Brands Makes a Difference

Each time you choose a cruelty-free shampoo, you’re telling the beauty industry to do better. You're also treating your hair and scalp to more natural, effective care. If you'd like personalised advice, I’m always here. We can even have a quick chat during a phone consultation—it’s one of my favourite parts of running this store.

Ready to Make the Switch?

It's never been easier—or more important—to switch to cruelty-free shampoos and conditioners. You’re making a kinder choice, and your hair will thank you.

Browse our curated shampoo and conditioner collections or reach out directly if you have questions. Let’s make beauty clean, ethical, and cruelty-free together.

And if you're curious about more ethical beauty practices, this list from Ethical gives a great overview here.