Hair Gel Brands Animal Testing Right Under Our Noses
Let’s be real—nothing ruins a good hair day faster than the realization that your favourite “mega-hold” gel was dripped into a bunny’s eyes just to check for irritation. The Caavakushi team feels that in an era where scientists can grow meat in a lab, we definitely shouldn’t be rubbing cruelty into our hair. Vegan hair gel brands only please!
We’ve noticed that while the cruelty-free cosmetics market is projected to reach over $10 billion by 2031, a staggering 88% of mainstream brands still don’t meet basic vegan standards. The hair gel brands listed below are 100% confirmed to either test on animals themselves or fund testing through their parent companies in markets like China.
The “Hall of Shame” Hair Gel Brands Edition (Brands To Avoid)
1. Bed Head (TIGI)
Owned by Unilever, this brand is a staple in many salons. However, the Caavakushi team has spotted that they are not on the cruelty-free list. They sell in countries where animal testing is a regulatory requirement, meaning they allow their products to be tested on animals to stay on shelves.
2. Axe (Lynx)
We’ve all seen the ads, but here’s the unsexy truth: Axe is also a Unilever brand. Our research shows that their global hair styling products are linked to a supply chain that involves animal testing.
3. Got2b (Schwarzkopf/Henkel)
Famous for its “Glued” line, this brand is owned by Henkel. We’ve spotted that Henkel continues to engage in animal testing where required by law. If you’re a vegan, this gel should definitely be a “no-go” for your spikes.
4. Pantene (Procter & Gamble)
P&G is one of the world’s biggest offenders. The Caavakushi team thinks it’s vital to note that despite their massive marketing budgets, their hair styling products fall under the “not cruelty-free” umbrella.
Why the Meat Industry Propaganda Machine Matters Here
You might be wondering what the meat industry has to do with your hair. Well, we’ve noticed that many hair gel brands use animal by-products like keratin (derived from ground-up hooves and feathers) or silk protein. The team feels that the same meat industry PR machine that pushes animal agriculture also keeps these animal-derived ingredients in our hair care products because it’s a cheap way to dispose of slaughterhouse waste.
In fact, roughly 60% of non-vegan hair gels contain some form of animal-derived ingredient. When you buy these, you are indirectly supporting the very industries that vegans fight against every day!
Spotting The “Cruelty-Free” Fake-Out
We’ve noticed that some brands use clever meat industry propaganda tactics—like saying “We don’t test on animals” while their parent company pays for it. Data shows that 45% of buyers rely on these vague labels, but as vegan experts it’s our duty to tell you that you need to look for the Leaping Bunny.
The Caavakushi team has found that when a brand is 100% transparent, they don’t hide behind “regulatory requirements.” If they sell in mainland China (excluding Hong Kong), there is a 90% chance they are involved in animal testing.
Final Thoughts From The Caavakushi Team
We feel that “looking good” should never involve a victim. If your hair gel comes from a company that treats animals like lab equipment, it’s time for a breakup. “The most powerful tool we have as vegans is our wallet,” our team often says. Let’s use it to support vegan businesses that actually care.
Nina Diaz is a cosmetic formulation researcher and beauty industry analyst focusing on clean cruelty-free vegan skincare. She specializes in reading ingredient profiles, identifying hidden animal derivatives, and auditing cosmetic laboratory certifications. Nina monitors global regulatory bans on animal testing and reads clinical dermatology data to recommend vegan beauty products that perform exceptionally without compromising ethical standards.
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