Verb is a haircare brand that has made its name in the market by promising high-quality products with no harmful ingredients. Founded in Austin, Texas, the brand has been providing haircare solutions since 2012. Verb’s approach is simple; they believe in delivering salon-quality hair products at an affordable price. Their product range includes shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, styling creams, and more.
Besides offering a wide array of products, Verb is specifically recognized for its strong stand on ethical manufacturing. The brand claims to be cruelty-free, not testing their products on animals, and asserts that most of their products are vegan. Moreover, they emphasize the use of clean ingredients, which means they avoid substances that could potentially harm the hair or the environment.
One important thing to note about Verb is their transparency. They are open about their ingredients, manufacturing processes, and ethical claims. However, with the growing skepticism among consumers about brands’ ‘clean’ and ‘ethical’ claims, it’s worth investigating whether Verb truly lives up to its promises.
Exploring Verb’s Cruelty-Free Claims
According to the brand’s website, all Verb products are cruelty-free. This means they do not test their products on animals at any stage of product development. Furthermore, the company asserts that their suppliers also do not conduct animal testing, which is an important consideration in evaluating a brand’s cruelty-free status.
To validate their claims, Verb has partnered with Leaping Bunny, a globally recognized program that certifies companies as cruelty-free. Leaping Bunny’s certification is considered a gold standard in cruelty-free certification due to their stringent requirements. They not only verify that the final products are not tested on animals, but also investigate the entire supply chain to ensure no animal testing has taken place.
Moreover, Verb’s products are also PETA certified, which means they have taken a pledge not to conduct, commission, or pay for any tests on animals for ingredients, formulations, or finished products. This dual certification from reputable organizations adds credibility to Verb’s cruelty-free claims, although it’s important to understand what the certification process entails.
Understanding the Cruelty-Free Certification Process
The process of obtaining a cruelty-free certification is rigorous and thorough. Both Leaping Bunny and PETA require brands to submit detailed information about their testing methods, supply chains, and ingredients. The brands must provide legal documentation that not only their finished products but also their ingredients are not tested on animals.
For Leaping Bunny certification, companies must recommit to their cruelty-free policy annually and are subject to independent audits to verify their compliance. This means that Verb has been consistently subjecting itself to the scrutiny of Leaping Bunny auditors to maintain its certification.
PETA’s certification process is slightly different. They do not perform independent audits; instead, they rely on the company’s written declaration that they do not test on animals. However, PETA does perform unannounced checks and investigates any complaints they receive. The fact that Verb holds certificates from both these organizations shows their commitment to maintaining cruelty-free standards.
Verb’s Vegan Claims: A Closer Look
While all Verb products are cruelty-free, not all are vegan. A product is considered vegan if it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. According to Verb, most of their products are vegan, except for a few that contain honey or beeswax. This information is clearly stated on their website, demonstrating transparency.
Verb is not certified vegan by any organization, which may raise some doubts in consumers’ minds. However, the brand’s frankness about not all products being vegan adds an element of trust. It’s important for customers to read product labels and descriptions if they are looking for completely vegan products.
Verb’s approach to veganism seems to be about offering choice rather than having a strictly vegan product line. This allows them to cater to a wider audience while still offering options for those looking for vegan products.
The Difference Between Vegan and Cruelty-Free
It’s important to note that vegan and cruelty-free are not interchangeable terms. A product being vegan does not automatically mean it is cruelty-free, and vice versa. A cruelty-free product is one that has not been tested on animals at any stage of its development. A vegan product, on the other hand, does not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
For instance, a product could be vegan, but if it’s tested on animals, it isn’t cruelty-free. Conversely, a cruelty-free product may contain ingredients like honey, beeswax, or lanolin (from sheep’s wool), which are animal-derived, and thus, the product wouldn’t be considered vegan.
Understanding this distinction is crucial for consumers who are conscious about the ethical implications of their purchases. It’s always recommended to thoroughly check a product’s credentials and ingredients to ensure it aligns with your personal values and preferences.
Unpacking Verb’s Ingredient List
A significant part of Verb’s appeal comes from its ‘clean’ ingredient promise. The brand is committed to avoiding harmful substances and instead uses ingredients that are gentle on the hair and environment. All Verb products are free from parabens, sulphates, and gluten – substances often associated with hair damage and environmental harm.
In their products, you’ll find ingredients like pro-vitamin B5, sunflower seed extract, and hydrolyzed quinoa protein – all known for their beneficial properties for hair health. Pro-vitamin B5 is a moisturizer, sunflower seed extract provides natural UV protection, and hydrolyzed quinoa protein is known to improve hair color retention.
However, while Verb does use many natural and beneficial ingredients, they also use some synthetic ones. These include ingredients like fragrances, which can be potential irritants for some people. Overall, though, Verb’s ingredient list is cleaner than many traditional haircare brands.
Consumer Reviews on Verb’s Ethical Claims
As for how consumers feel about Verb’s ethical claims, the brand seems to have a positive image. Many customers appreciate their commitment to cruelty-free practices and clean ingredients. On various review platforms, consumers have praised the brand for being transparent about their processes and ingredients.
However, there are also some criticisms. Some customers have expressed disappointment that not all Verb products are vegan. Others have questioned the efficacy of their ‘clean’ ingredients, suggesting that despite the lack of harmful substances, the products did not deliver the desired results.
In general, though, the feedback on Verb’s ethical claims is positive. Consumers seem to trust the brand and appreciate their attempts to strike a balance between performance and ethics.
Conclusion: Is Verb Truly a Clean Brand?
After thorough investigation, it’s apparent that Verb does make a significant effort to be a clean and ethical brand. Their cruelty-free practices, certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA, are a testament to this commitment. While not all their products are vegan, they are upfront about it, ensuring consumers can make informed decisions.
Their ingredient list, largely free from harmful substances, further substantiates their claim of being a ‘clean’ brand. However, the presence of some synthetic ingredients and the mixed consumer reviews suggest there may still be room for improvement.
In conclusion, while Verb may not be 100% perfect, they are certainly on the right path. Their transparency, commitment to cruelty-free practices, and efforts to use clean ingredients make them a brand worth considering for those seeking ethically made haircare products.
