Briogeo is a name that has been steadily gaining traction in the beauty industry, and for a good reason. This is a brand that promises to combine the power of nature with high-performance results, providing products that not only make you look good but also feel good about using them. Founded by Nancy Twine in 2013, the brand has been making waves with its range of hair care products that boast of a 6-free hair care classification, meaning they are free from harsh sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, DEA and synthetic color.
Briogeo’s philosophy revolves around the richness of nature and the concept of “beauty from within”. They believe in harnessing the power of natural, nutrient-rich ingredients to create products that not only enhance the beauty of hair but also promote overall wellness. From their best-selling “Don’t Despair, Repair!” deep conditioning mask to their “Scalp Revival” charcoal + tea tree scalp treatment, Briogeo’s products have been lauded for their natural ingredients and potent results.
At the heart of Briogeo’s ethos is the commitment to clean, responsible beauty. But what does this mean? How does Briogeo stand up to scrutiny in terms of their clean and cruelty-free claims? This article aims to delve into these questions and more.
Overview: The Clean Beauty Movement
The clean beauty movement has been a significant force in the beauty industry over the past few years. It advocates for products that are not only safe for our bodies but also environmentally friendly. This means no harsh or harmful chemicals, a commitment to cruelty-free practices, and often vegan formulas. Clean beauty brands are expected to maintain transparency about their ingredients and demonstrate a commitment to ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices.
Central to the clean beauty movement is the notion that beauty products should be as beneficial to our health and wellbeing as they are effective. This means moving away from synthetic chemicals and towards natural, plant-based ingredients. There has been a growing demand for products that are cruelty-free, meaning they do not test on animals, and vegan, meaning they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
The clean beauty movement is not just a fleeting trend but a discernible shift in the way consumers approach their beauty routines. It’s fuelled by a growing awareness of the potential harm caused by certain ingredients commonly found in beauty products, as well as a desire to make more ethical and sustainable choices.
Briogeo: The Brand’s Philosophy and Promises
Briogeo positions itself firmly within the clean beauty movement. The brand’s philosophy is based on “the power of putting nature and nurture into hair care”. They aim to provide high-performance hair care solutions that are customized for individual hair types and concerns, harnessing the power of nature’s best ingredients.
Briogeo proudly claims to be a cruelty-free brand, stating openly that they do not test their products on animals at any stage of product development. They also proclaim that all of their hair care products are 6-free, meaning they are free from harsh sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, DEA, and artificial dyes.
Moreover, Briogeo also touts a vast majority of their products as being vegan. This is a label that would suggest that no animal-derived ingredients are used in their formulations. With these claims, Briogeo sets high expectations for those in search of clean, ethical beauty products.
Scrutinizing Briogeo: Are They Truly Cruelty-Free?
Cruelty-free claims are a significant part of Briogeo’s brand persona. But are these claims substantiated? According to the brand’s official website, Briogeo is indeed cruelty-free. They assert that they do not test on animals at any stage of product development and their products are not sold in mainland China (a country where animal testing is required by law for imported cosmetics).
Furthermore, Briogeo is certified by Leaping Bunny, an internationally recognized organization that certifies brands as cruelty-free. Leaping Bunny’s certification process requires brands to provide a supplier monitoring system, which ensures that no animal testing occurs at any point in their supply chain.
This certification, combined with the brand’s explicit commitment to not entering markets that require animal testing, lends significant credibility to Briogeo’s cruelty-free claims.
Analyzing Briogeo’s Vegan Claims
Many of Briogeo’s products also carry the “vegan” tag, suggesting that they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, it’s crucial to remember that not all of their products are vegan. For instance, their “Farewell Frizz” smoothing conditioner contains keratin, a protein usually derived from animals.
The brand is transparent about this, listing all ingredients on their website and indicating which products are vegan and which are not. While it’s commendable that a large majority of their products are indeed vegan, those following a strict vegan lifestyle should be aware of and scrutinize individual product ingredients.
Spotlight on Ingredients: How Clean is Briogeo?
A closer look at Briogeo’s ingredients further reinforces their commitment to clean beauty. The brand shuns the use of harsh sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, DEA, and artificial dyes. These are substances commonly found in hair care products that have been linked to potential health risks.
Instead, Briogeo uses natural ingredients like avocado, quinoa, aloe, and rosehip oil. For instance, their popular “Don’t Despair, Repair!” deep conditioning mask combines rosehip, sweet almond, and argan oils with vitamin B5 and biotin to restore hydration and resilience to dry, damaged hair.
However, it’s worth noting that “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean “safe,” and “synthetic” isn’t synonymous with “harmful.” It’s the safety profile of each individual ingredient that matters, and Briogeo seems committed to maintaining a high standard of ingredient safety.
Consumer Reviews and Expert Opinions on Briogeo
The verdict from consumers and experts alike on Briogeo is overwhelmingly positive. Many users rave about the positive impact Briogeo products have had on their hair health and texture. Products like the “Don’t Despair, Repair!” deep conditioning mask and the “Scalp Revival” charcoal + coconut oil micro-exfoliating shampoo have consistently high ratings and glowing reviews.
Experts also praise the brand for their commitment to clean beauty. Beauty editors and hair care professionals frequently list Briogeo products among their favorites, citing their effective results and high-quality, clean ingredients.
On the flip side, some consumers have raised concerns about the price point of Briogeo products. While they value the brand’s commitment to clean beauty, the price tag can be a barrier for some.
Conclusion: Is Briogeo a Clean Beauty Brand?
In conclusion, after a deep dive into Briogeo’s philosophy, practices, and products, it’s evident that this is a brand that takes its commitment to clean beauty seriously. Their cruelty-free and mostly vegan product line, combined with their 6-free formulation and use of natural ingredients, aligns them firmly with the clean beauty movement.
Briogeo has demonstrated transparency, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to producing high-performance hair care that respects both individual health and the environment. While not all their products are vegan, they are open about this, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
Overall, Briogeo presents a compelling case for clean beauty, providing products that are not only effective but also ethically and responsibly produced. This is a brand that seems to truly embody the ethos of the clean beauty movement.
