When it comes to beauty products, we’ve all heard horror stories about animal testing. But have you ever asked yourself if your favorite shampoo and conditioner brand is affiliated with such practices? If you’re an OGX fan, this might be the question on your mind. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might expect.
There’s no denying that animal testing in the beauty industry can be cruel and inhumane, but some companies still choose to use this method as part of their research and development process.
Despite these concerns, OGX has made it clear that they do not condone or support animal testing.
But to get to the truth of the matter, we will need to dig a little deeper and find out if what they say is what they actually practice.
What is OGX?
OGX, formerly known as Organix, is a brand of hair and body care products that was established in 2007 under the parent company of Johnson and Johnson. Since then, they’ve become a household name and their products can be found in stores all over the world.
And why not? People love OGX for their paraben-free shampoos and conditioners, their unique blend of ingredients, and their luxurious fragrances.
It’s no surprise that OGX has become a leading brand in the beauty industry, but it does come with its own set of controversies.
In 2015, a class action lawsuit was filed against the company over their OGX shampoos and conditioners, which are said to contain a toxic ingredient that allegedly causes significant hair loss and scalp irritation.
The lawsuit is ongoing and goes to show that OGX is no stranger controversy. So how can you determine if their products are cruelty-free?
Is OGX Truly Cruelty-Free? Here’s the Verdict.
The short answer is no, OGX is not cruelty-free. Despite their public statements, OGX products are not cruelty-free because they’re sold in countries that require animal testing (read the last paragraph for the image below).
This fact was outed by PETA themselves, who have put OGX on their do-not-buy list of companies that test on animals.
Beauty products that are tested on animals can be anything from mascara to lip gloss, but one thing is for certain – it’s not pretty. Animals used in these tests suffer immensely.
They’re subjected to harsh chemicals applied directly onto their skin or forced to ingest them, and they experience physical and psychological trauma while locked away in cages with no hope of escape. Not only is this cruel, but the results aren’t necessarily accurate when applied to humans – meaning it’s not just cruel, but also unhelpful.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide what kind of products you want to support. If animal suffering is something that matters to you, then it’s best to steer clear of OGX and opt for cruelty-free alternatives instead.
Is OGX Vegan?
OGX products are not 100% vegan. While some products may be composed of mostly plant-based ingredients, others still contain non-vegan ingredients like albumen (egg white protein) and whey. It’s also worth noting that a company that still engages in animal testing would not truly be considered vegan by many standards.
If you’re looking for a truly vegan hair care line, there are plenty of options out there to choose from.
Is OGX Sold in Countries that Require Animal Testing?
Yes, OGX products are sold in countries that require animal testing, including China. This means that OGX must perform some sort of animal testing, otherwise their products will be banned from said countries.
This ultimately affects the bottom-line, which is why OGX is willing to embrace the horrible practice and hide behind the weak excuse of “well, other countries make us do it so we have to”. Plenty of other beauty brands will simply refuse to do business with these countries, so why should OGX be let off the hook?
Does OGX Have Any Eco-Conscious Certifications?
When it comes to OGX, you’ll find plenty of claims about their products being “natural” and “sustainable”. But unfortunately, the only certification they can truly boast about is making PETA’s list for animal testing — something nobody should be proud of.
Not surprisingly, OGX doesn’t have any certifications regarding being vegan, eco-friendly, or cruelty-free.
OGX may try to pretend like they stand for something, but the proof is in the pudding — and there just isn’t any pudding this time around.
Is OGX Sustainable and Eco-Friendly?
The honest answer here is no. Their products are filled with harsh chemical fragrances that can cause immunotoxicity and endocrine disruption, as well as octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) — a hormone disruptor that has been associated with biochemical and cellular level changes.
On top of this, their packaging is all single-use plastic containers, which are terrible for the environment.
Additionally, some of their products contain sulfates, which are bad for the environment. Sulfates can contribute to acidification of surface water and soil, and contribute to acid rain and fog that damage ecosystems, forests and plants.
So not only does OGX fail to meet ethical standards, but also sustainability standards as well — it’s a double whammy!
Final Thoughts
It’s up to you as a consumer to make sure the products you buy align with your values. If animal testing or environmental sustainability is something that matters to you, then OGX is definitely not the way to go. There are plenty of other cruelty-free and eco-friendly haircare brands available that can help you look and feel good without causing harm to animals or the environment.
Do some research, read labels, and don’t be afraid to ask questions — it’s the only way to make sure you’re supporting companies that share your beliefs.
So when it comes to OGX, the conclusion is simple: don’t do it. Find a better alternative and make sure your money is going where you want it to go.
By being conscious of our consumer decisions and making sure we support ethical companies, we can help create a better world for everyone — people, animals, and the planet. That’s something we should all be able to get behind and support.