Ethically Chic: differences between vegan, organic and cruelty free products

The ethically chic movement isn’t new, but it is growing especially within the professional salon and spa industry. 

Organic salons are popping up in record numbers. More people than ever are choosing an ethical and sustainable lifestyle which includes where they spend their money. By offering choices that align with your clients; lifestyles, you are answering a need and will gain client loyalty while preserving the planet.

Ethically chic isn’t a fad, it’s a movement. 28 percent of men and 22 percent of women in the United States will mainly use organic skin care products, perhaps because nearly 40 percent of U.S. consumers believe that organic personal care and cosmetics products are healthier than conventional personal care and cosmetics products.

Avoiding parabens is very important but today we have come even further in understanding what clean living is all about. Ethical living is the philosophy of making decisions in daily life that consider ethical and moral values regarding sustainability, environmentalism, wildlife and the welfare of animals and people.  

Adding professional products that align with your clients and potential clients in a win-win. But where to begin when the claims of natural and organic are splashed around generously and often with false claims. Look for authentic certifications backed by a trustworthy source. 

Here are the 4 certifications to look for when seeking professional products that support a sustainable, ethical, and conscious business.

1. Vegan products

Vegan products have proven to be better for those who have sensitive skin resulting in a lesser chance of skin irritation or reactions.

Vegan products are also better for the environment, animal farming contributes significantly to climate change so switching to vegan skin care products are better for the planet. A product that is vegan does not contain any animal ingredients, or animal-derived ingredients. This includes honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, albumen, carmine, cholesterol, gelatin, and many others.

Perron Rigot Professional Cirépil Cristalline is a vegan hard wax bead that is ideal for sensitive skin and for all skin and hair types, plus it is very easy to use. And you can feel confident with the Perron Rigot Professional Cirepil Blue Lotion Cleanser and Pre-Depilatory Oil, both are vegan and paraben free- plus all Cirépil Products are cruelty free!

2. Recyclable packaging

Recycling reduces the need for refining and processing of raw materials which create substantial air and water pollution. As recycling saves energy, it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which helps to tackle climate change. Recycling will resource efficiency,  using products to their fullest potential. When a recycled material, rather than a raw material, is used to make a new product, natural resources and energy are conserved. This is because recycled materials have already been refined and processed once; manufacturing the second time is much cleaner and less energy-intensive than the first.

3. Organic 

Ahh…the leader of all claims but oh so confusing. 

Organic labeling indicates that the food or agricultural product has been produced through approved methods. The organic standards describe the specific requirements that must be verified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent before products can be labeled USDA organic. The USDA requirements for the use of the term “organic” are separate from the laws and regulations that FDA enforces for cosmetics. The FDA does not define or regulate the term “organic” as it applies to cosmetics, body care or personal care products. A USDA Organic label pertains only to food in the product. The other ingredients will likely not be organic but also not desirable. 

EcoCert Cosmos Organic is a French certification and one of the strictest in the world. EcoCert Cosmos Organic certifies that production respects human health, is free of petrochemicals, parabens, perfume, synthetic color, GMO’s and must have recyclable packaging.

Perron Rigot Professional has developed the first ever Certifed Ecocert Cosmos Organic Professional strip wax, Origine. It is the perfect choice for salons, spas and waxing boutiques wanting to offer an organic waxing choice for their clients. And they will thank you. Merci!

4. Cruelty free 

Cruelty-Free products are generally healthier. When you opt for products not tested on animals, you’re also eliminating harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. These cleaner products are better for your skin, which means less likelihood of breakouts, irritation, and inflammation. The animals used in experiments are not only confined to small cages and inhumane conditions, but they’re also subjected to tests that are beyond cruel. Some governments around the world have already banned animal testing for cosmetics including the European Union, Isreal, India, Norway, Switzerland, South Korea, and New Zealand. In the USA, it is important to research brands that are cruelty free.

Perron Rigot Professional Cirépil is one brand that is cruelty free, aligning with moral and ethical values and preserving the planet for future generations.

Article Written by Cali VanAelst, National Training Director at Perron Rigot Inc., 29 September 2021.