The Best Cruelty-Free Haircare Products

On the JJ Barnes Blog, I discover the best cruelty-free hair products and embrace ethical beauty that delivers stunning, compassionate results!

Lately, I’ve been swept up in the haircare craze that’s taken over my social feeds, with influencers and beauty lovers raving about multi-step routines that promise glossy, healthy hair. As someone who’s always on the hunt for products that make my locks feel as good as they look, I’ve become pickier about what I put in my hair—and what those products stand for. That’s why I was thrilled to dive into a new study by Vera Clinic, which ranks the best cruelty-free hair products.

This shift toward ethical beauty has me buzzing, not just because it aligns with my love for animals and the planet, but because it proves you don’t have to sacrifice performance for principles. Let me take you through the top cruelty-free hair products and share why going cruelty-free has become such a personal mission for me.

The Study: How the Rankings Were Determined

Vera Clinic, a leading hair transplant clinic, conducted a comprehensive study to identify the best cruelty-free hair products, drawing from Allure’s 2024 recommendations. The study focused exclusively on cruelty-free products—those not tested on animals—and ranked them based on the percentage of five-star reviews on Amazon. This approach ensures that the rankings reflect real consumer experiences, highlighting products that deliver exceptional results while adhering to ethical standards.

The Best Cruelty-Free Haircare Products

Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Hair Cream by Donna’s Recipe

Leading the pack is Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Hair Cream, created by actress and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown. With an impressive 81% five-star rating from 413 reviews, this product is celebrated for its nourishing, hydrating formula that enhances natural hair texture and promotes healthy growth. Infused with wholesome ingredients like sweet potato and vanilla, it caters to curly and coily hair types, offering moisture and definition without harmful chemicals. Its cruelty-free status aligns with Brown’s commitment to vegan and ethical beauty, making it a standout for conscious consumers.

R+Co Control Flexible Paste

Securing second place with a 79% five-star rating from 539 reviews, R+Co’s Control Flexible Paste is Allure’s top-rated pomade for 2024. This versatile styling product provides a flexible hold, perfect for creating sleek or textured looks without weighing hair down. Its cruelty-free formulation ensures that style doesn’t come at the expense of animal welfare, appealing to those who prioritize both performance and ethics.

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo and Conditioner (Tied for Third)

With a 77% five-star rating from 256 reviews, Maria Nila’s Head & Hair Heal duo is a favorite for its soothing, scalp-nourishing properties. Designed to combat dryness and promote hair health, this vegan and cruelty-free line incorporates natural ingredients like aloe vera and peptides. Its gentle yet effective formula makes it ideal for sensitive scalps and those seeking sustainable haircare solutions.

K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo (Tied for Third)

Also earning a 77% five-star rating from 397 reviews, K18’s Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo is a science-backed marvel. Known for its patented peptide technology, it repairs and protects hair from damage caused by heat, chemicals, and environmental stressors. As a cruelty-free product, it offers a guilt-free way to maintain strong, resilient hair.

Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

Ranking fourth with a 73% five-star rating from 716 reviews, Olaplex’s Volumizing Blow Dry Mist is both vegan and cruelty-free. This lightweight mist adds volume and protects hair during heat styling, making it a go-to for achieving salon-quality blowouts at home. Olaplex’s commitment to ethical formulations has made it a trusted name in the industry.

Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser and Frizz Control Duo Conditioner

Rounding out the top five, Curlsmith’s Frizz Control duo earns a 69% five-star rating from 92 reviews. Tailored for curly and wavy hair, this cruelty-free set tames frizz while enhancing natural curl patterns with nourishing ingredients like sunflower oil and coconut extract. Its focus on clean, ethical beauty resonates with curl enthusiasts seeking effective, animal-friendly products.

Saltair Moisture Bound Leave-In Conditioner

With a 64% five-star rating from 91 reviews, Saltair’s vegan and cruelty-free leave-in conditioner hydrates and detangles hair, leaving it soft and manageable. Its lightweight formula is perfect for daily use, catering to a wide range of hair types.

Hairstory New Wash Original and Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up + Brow Filler (Tied for Eighth)

Both products hold a 63% five-star rating. Hairstory’s New Wash Original redefines cleansing with a detergent-free formula that nurtures hair and scalp health, while Madison Reed’s root touch-up offers a cruelty-free solution for covering grays and enhancing brows.

Why Cruelty-Free Haircare Matters

The rise of cruelty-free haircare reflects a broader shift in consumer priorities, driven by increased awareness of animal welfare, environmental impact, and personal health. Choosing cruelty-free products means supporting brands that reject animal testing, a practice that subjects millions of animals to suffering each year for cosmetic purposes. By opting for cruelty-free haircare, consumers contribute to a movement that prioritizes ethical standards and encourages brands to adopt humane practices.

Moreover, cruelty-free products often align with cleaner, safer formulations. Many of the top-ranked products, such as those from Olaplex and Saltair, are also vegan, free from harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens, and crafted with sustainable ingredients. This synergy of ethical and health-conscious values appeals to consumers who want to look good while doing good.

The environmental benefits of cruelty-free haircare are equally compelling. Brands like Maria Nila and Curlsmith emphasize eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing, reducing their ecological footprint. By supporting these brands, consumers help drive demand for greener practices in the beauty industry, contributing to a healthier planet.

The popularity of these cruelty-free hair products underscores a cultural shift toward mindful consumption. Influencers and social media have amplified the visibility of ethical brands, empowering consumers to make informed choices. As the haircare industry continues to evolve, the demand for cruelty-free products is likely to grow, pushing more brands to eliminate animal testing and embrace sustainable practices.

Methodology 

The rankings were based on Allure’s 2024 top hair products, filtered to include only cruelty-free options.  
 
Products owned by parent companies that do not adhere to cruelty-free standards were excluded. 

Amazon reviews were analysed, with products ranked by the percentage of five-star ratings.  
 
Items with no available reviews were removed from the study.