HASK (Hair and Skin Kindness) stepped into the spotlight as one of Hollywood’s most recommended haircare products. While we do love luscious locks – we prefer ours cruelty-free and vegan. Does HASK meet the standard?
HASK is cruelty-free. It doesn't conduct animal testing on its products, nor does it distribute its cosmetics where animal testing is required by law. While HASK does offer a range of vegan cosmetics, it is not considered a vegan brand.
HASK is a clean beauty brand that asks us to be kind to our hair.
But why did it prioritize cruelty-free policies and not veganism?
We’re here to help you understand who you are supporting.
This article explores HASK’s animal testing policies, vegan status, and ingredient choices.
You’ll also decide whether you can confidently spend your money knowing that HASK considers the environment and social responsibilities.
Ultimately, we’ll help you decide whether to click "add to cart" for your next HASK purchase or if you need to send them a letter of suggestion with ethical beauty pointers for 2022.
Is HASK Cruelty-Free and Vegan?
HASK is Cruelty-Free
Test any of its products or ingredients on animals
NO
Purchase any ingredients tested on animals within its supply chain
No
Distribute its products to any countries that require animal testing by law.
No
HASK is Leaping Bunny certified. This is the only internationally recognized certification that guarantees a brand is cruelty-free.
The brand is also owned by Inspired Beauty Brands, a private cosmetics and beauty company not known to be associated with animal testing.
This brings us to our next point:
HASK is Not Vegan
Although HASK is not a vegan brand, it still caters to the vegan market!
HASK has an extensive range of vegan items that are easy to spot on its website.
If you're interested in which products are vegan or finding vegan brand alternatives – keep reading or click on this link: HASK vegan products.
Animal Testing Policy and History
HASK has been committed to creating clean, effective, and affordable cosmetics. The brand has been cruelty-free since 2019 and does not disclose policies before this time.
Cruelty-Free Status in 2022
Here is a screenshot of HASK’s official statement regarding its cruelty-free policies and vegan products, taken from its website:
Certification
HASK is Leaping Bunny certified.
While you might know PETA very well – it surprisingly doesn’t hold the strictest cruelty-free regulations. It only requires a brand’s written consent that abides by the PETA code of conduct.
Certification from Leaping Bunny is ideal because it holds rigorous standards and does regular audits to ensure they are upheld.
Is HASK Sold Where Animal Testing is Required By Law?
HASK does not distribute any of its products to China or any country that requires animal testing on cosmetics by law.
If you live in China or are concerned about its cruel beauty policies, there are a couple of loopholes to consider.
Here's how to find cruelty-free cosmetics in China: Are Cosmetics Made in China Cruelty-Free?
What HASK Products Are Vegan?
HASK’s Keratin Protein and Coconut Milk & Organic Honey ranges are not vegan formulas. Also, watch out for pearl protein in its ingredients list.
Beyond that – it’s got a lot of vegan products to try.
To save you some time, here are some of HASK’s most popular items to choose from:
Unfortunately, HASK does not have a dedicated page for its vegan products.
However, you can email customer service, and they will send you a list telling you exactly what you want to know.
You can also scroll through HASK’s website and see which products are vegan once you've selected them.
Vegan Alternatives to HASK
Overall, HASK offers excellent vegan options, and we wouldn’t dismiss them so quickly. Especially since they strive to be affordable and accessible.
But if you will not support a brand that isn't entirely vegan or if HASK isn’t available in your area – here are some great alternatives:
Brand | price range | 100% vegan | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 - $40 | Yes | PETA | |
$30 - $90 | No, vegan- friendly | None | |
$10 - $60 | Yes | None | |
$15 - $90 | Yes | Leaping Bunny | |
$10 - $30 | Yes | PETA | |
$30-$50 | Yes | PETA |
Is HASK Natural and Organic?
HASK uses many botanicals, but it isn’t considered natural or organic.
It does claim to use safe, simple, and clean ingredients. Its whole ethos is to make clean formulas and products that anyone can use.
All products use a certain amount of synthetic ingredients in their formulas. HASK is no exception – but it does choose to use better or clean synthetics.
If a synthetic ingredient is "clean," it means it is safe and non-toxic for us. Its purpose is to preserve the stability of a beauty formulation.
A few naturally-derived ingredients HASK uses to enhance its cosmetics include aloe vera, argan oil, and jojoba oil.
Does HASK Use Safe Ingredients?
According to Skin Safe, HASK has a 73- 91% allergen-free ranking across 94 products.
HASK formulations adhere to the standards established by California under Proposition 65 and by the European Union. HASK does not use sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten or aluminum starch, and over 1300 other harmful ingredients.
The EU/UK Have Stricter Ingredient Regulations
Reading up on any product’s ingredient list before you make a purchase is essential – especially if you live within the United States.
The reason why will shock you.
The FDA has only banned or restricted 11 harmful chemicals from cosmetics within the country. Europe and the UK, on the other hand, have banned 1,328!
Luckily, HASK sets a great example, and you shouldn’t worry about any hidden severe nasties in its products.
For good measure, here are some hair care ingredients to stay clear of:
Are Cruelty-Free Ingredients Safe?
There is no reason why cruelty-free products shouldn’t be as safe as anything tested on animals.
Not only is it easy to test ingredients without using animals altogether, but there are so many pre-approved ingredients you can use to make cosmetics that there is no need.
If you’re interested, here’s more on the subject: Are Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Safe?
Is HASK Sustainable and Ethical?
Some of the ways HASK is taking strong environmental accountability are by:
However, it would be great to see other efforts like sourcing palm oil responsibly (RSPO), developing refillable and long-lasting packaging, and using renewable energy at its manufacturing plants.
Final Thoughts
HASK has a lot to offer the cruelty-free and vegan communities.
Its Leaping Bunny certification and extensive plant-based product range get a big thumbs up from us.
Of course, since HASK is not 100% vegan – it might not be the best choice for activists who go the extra mile. Primarily since the brand also uses palm oil as an ingredient. (And they have disclosed if it’s sustainably sourced.)
But we wouldn't shut it down so quickly if we were you. This brand is developing and listening to your needs, so keep following its movements.