With a name like Hempz, it’s not surprising to know their secret is Hemp seed oil. Their aim is nourished skin and healthy-looking hair but do they prioritize cruelty-free and vegan policies?
Hempz is 100% cruelty-free and vegan. It doesn't conduct animal testing on its products or use animal-derived ingredients.
Hempz has been on a mission since 1998 to show just how excellent their star ingredient - hemp seed oil is.
When Hempz began over 20 years ago, hemp seeds were popular in health food stores but not the beauty aisle. Today the pioneers offer products for a whole body experience, head to toe.
Their iconic hemp leaf advertising is enough for many people to pick up the bottle with curiosity.
Many people’s first question is if the products contain any THC (it doesn’t). However, have they considered their impact on the environment or animal welfare in their plans?
Hempz Ethical Overview
Hempz is 100% 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
Hempz is 100% cruelty-free with the world’s best accreditation to prove it!
Further, Hempz is not owned by a big parent company with differing values. They are owned mainly by Rick Hough, CEO, and president of Cosway Company.
Does Hempz Test on Animals?
Hempz hasn’t always been very transparent on its animal testing policies, but as of 2020, they have been openly against animal testing throughout its production line.
What Is Hempz Cruelty-Free Status in 2022?
Here is a screenshot of Hempz’s official statement regarding its cruelty-free policies and vegan products, taken from its website:
Hempz is Leaping Bunny Certified.
When it comes to cruelty-free certification, Leaping Bunny is the international gold standard. You can count on them to keep to their rigorous standards and regular audits to ensure they are upheld.
Leaping Bunny certification proves that:
Is Hempz Sold Where Animal Testing is Required By Law?
Hempz does not distribute any of its products to China or any country that requires animal testing on cosmetics by law.
China has a shocking track record. It is the country with the most animal testing globally, with over 20 million animals used per year.
However, if you live in China or are concerned about its cruel beauty policies, there are a couple of loopholes.
Here's how to find cruelty-free cosmetics in China: Are Cosmetics Made in China Cruelty-Free?
Hempz is Vegan
Hempz has a long history of being 100% vegan with all its hair and body products! You won’t find any animal-derived ingredients here.
However, it's worth knowing that Hempz is the exception, not the rule.
Most mainstream skincare brands are not 100% vegan. These animal-derived ingredients to look out for in general include honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, squalane, and carmine.
The Best Vegan Hempz Products
If you’re looking for 100% cruelty-free, vegan and natural products (and all with hemp seed oil), then there are plenty to choose from by Hempz.
To save you some time, here are some of its most popular skincare products:
For a complete list of Hempz’s vegan products, you can find everything on the website.
Vegan Alternatives to Hempz
Brand | price range | 100% vegan | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
$10 - $70 | Yes | Leaping Bunny | |
$30 - $80 | Yes | PETA, Leaping Bunny | |
$20 - $50 | Yes | PETA, Leaping Bunny | |
$15 - $50 | Yes | Leaping Bunny | |
$5 - $20 | Yes | Leaping Bunny |
Hempz is Not Considered 100% Natural
Hempz formulates their products with ingredients that are non-toxic and plant-based. While they state their favorite ingredients “come from nature, not a test tube,” they are not 100% natural.
They like to use natural and organic ingredients like their star ingredient, hemp seed oil which is pure and organic.
But they do not advertise themselves as 100% natural and organic. They still use synthetics like most brands (which isn’t a bad thing).
All products use a certain amount of synthetic ingredients in their formulas. Hempz 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.
The naturally-derived ingredient Hempz uses in every product is Hemp seed oil.
This ingredient is known for its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and balancing properties.
High in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E with 10 Amino Acids, minerals, and antioxidants.
The brand claims that hemp oil has all these properties and can help with numerous skin concerns or health problems.
Hempz Has a 73 – 91% Allergen-Free Ranking
According to Skin Safe, Hempz has a 73 – 91% allergen-free ranking for each product.
Many of Hempz’s products are free of allergens such as gluten, nickel, top common allergy-causing preservatives, lanolin, paraben, topical antibiotic, MCI/MI, soy, irritant/acid, dye, and SLS.
Reading the ingredient list is crucial because Hempz is not 100% hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic, and they do not claim to be.
However, certain products are specifically for these concerns, so make sure you buy what your skin needs.
The EU/UK Have Stricter Ingredient Regulations
We don’t want to scare you, but you HAVE to read up on any product’s ingredient list before you make a purchase – 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, Hempz sets a great example of what true clean beauty is meant to be, and you shouldn’t have to worry about any hidden severe nasties in its products.
With personal care products, you want to avoid these ingredients:
Hempz Is Ethical, But Not Sustainable
Some of the ethical causes Hempz supports are LGBTQ communities, healthcare workers, mass incarceration prevention, and hunger relief.
They do this through donations to Resource Center, dozens of hospitals across the USA, The Equal Justice Initiative, and the North Texas Food Bank.
It's no secret that the world has a huge waste problem, and cosmetic brands only make it worse by using unsustainable packaging and harmful ingredients.
When it comes to the brand's sustainability initiatives, it’s more than a little disappointing.
Unfortunately, Hempz has little to no mention of environmental policies online.
They like to mention how sustainable hemp is as an ingredient, but it’s all vague facts. There is no information on their own initiatives or practices to be found.
All products also come in virgin plastic packaging, and there is apparently no intention of reducing their use or finding other solutions.
Final Thoughts
Hempz does have a lot going for it, and it has a solid image. The brand is growing daily with its 100% vegan and cruelty-free products. Many customers swear by them, and it’s not difficult to see why.
When it comes to their transparency with their supply chain, we can rely on Leaping Bunny to make sure there isn’t anything fishy happening in regard to animal testing.
But anything outside of their realm leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to openness about their ethics and sustainability with the sourcing of their ingredients.
Overall they aren’t the worst choice for those looking for the ultimate hydration and restoration products, all while meeting their cruelty-free and vegan standards.
Hopefully, with time (and some pushing from their customers), we will see more initiative to make the brand friendlier to the planet!