What In Shampoo Isn't Vegan?
Thomas StrangwoodShare
With so many vegan-friendly haircare options available today, it's easy to assume most shampoos are vegan by default. But that's not always the case. A number of common shampoo ingredients are derived from animal sources — and unless you know what to look for on the label, it's hard to tell. Here's a complete guide to the non-vegan ingredients you might find in shampoo, and what to look for instead.
Non-Vegan Ingredients Commonly Found in Shampoo
Keratin
Keratin is a structural protein naturally found in human hair, skin, and nails — but commercially, it's most commonly derived from animal sources including hooves, horns, and feathers. It's added to shampoos to strengthen and smooth the hair shaft. Because it's predominantly sourced from animals, keratin is not considered vegan-friendly in most products.
It's worth noting that keratin can occasionally be extracted from wool residue without slaughtering the animal, but this is not the industry standard and products rarely specify the source.
Collagen
Collagen is a structural protein derived from animal skin, bones, and connective tissues — typically bovine or marine sources. It's added to shampoos to strengthen hair and stimulate growth. Because it's derived from animal byproducts, collagen is not vegan-friendly.
Lanolin
Lanolin is a waxy substance secreted from sheep's wool. It's widely used in haircare and cosmetics as a moisturising agent because it closely mimics the skin's natural oils. While harvesting lanolin doesn't require the slaughter of the animal, it is still derived from an animal source — so it's not considered vegan.
Beeswax
Beeswax has been used in haircare and beauty products for centuries. It provides a protective coating on the hair shaft and is used in styling products for hold and shine. As it's produced by honeybees, beeswax is an animal-derived ingredient and is not vegan.
Glyceryl Stearate
Glyceryl stearate is an emulsifying agent that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together. It can be derived from either plant or animal fats — commonly from beef tallow in non-vegan formulations. When it's animal-derived, it's not vegan-friendly. Vegan versions derived from plant oils (such as palm or coconut) do exist, but products don't always specify the source.
What to Watch Out for in Vegan Shampoos
Just because a shampoo is vegan doesn't mean it's necessarily great for your hair. There are a few things worth checking even in vegan-certified products:
Sulphates
Sulphates such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are synthetic surfactants used in shampoos to create lather. They're technically vegan, but they can be harsh on the scalp, strip the hair's natural oils, and cause dryness, frizz, and irritation over time — particularly for colour-treated or sensitive hair. Look for sulphate-free options where possible.
Silicones
Some vegan shampoos replace keratin with silicones, which can be derived from either synthetic or plant sources. While silicones can initially make the hair feel smooth and shiny, they build up on the hair shaft over time — leaving it feeling heavy, greasy, and dull. They can also form a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the hair cuticle, leading to dryness and breakage in the long term. This is particularly noticeable on fine or thin hair, where silicone build-up can weigh strands down noticeably.
The Best Vegan Shampoos and Haircare Brands
The good news is that there are excellent professional vegan haircare brands that don't compromise on quality. Two of our favourites are:
- Maria Nila — a fully vegan and cruelty-free professional brand with a wide range of shampoos, conditioners, masks, and styling products. Their entire product range is 100% vegan, PETA-certified, and free from parabens and sulphates. A fantastic all-round choice.
- Affinage — a professional haircare brand with a strong range of vegan-friendly products including their popular Kitoko range, formulated with botanical ingredients and free from harmful additives.
Browse our full vegan hair colour collection and shampoo and conditioner range for more vegan-friendly options. Free UK delivery on all orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients in shampoo are not vegan?
Common non-vegan ingredients found in shampoo include keratin (derived from animal hooves, horns, and feathers), collagen (from animal skin and bones), lanolin (from sheep's wool), beeswax, and glyceryl stearate (when derived from animal fats). Always check ingredient labels or look for certified vegan products to be sure.
Is keratin in shampoo vegan?
In most cases, no. Commercial keratin is predominantly derived from animal sources including hooves, horns, and feathers. While keratin can occasionally be extracted from wool residue without harming the animal, this is not the standard and products rarely specify the source. If you're looking for a vegan alternative, look for shampoos that use plant-based proteins instead.
Is lanolin vegan?
No. Lanolin is a waxy substance derived from sheep's wool. While harvesting it doesn't involve slaughtering the animal, it is still an animal-derived ingredient and is therefore not considered vegan. It's commonly used in shampoos and conditioners as a moisturising agent.
Can vegan shampoo still damage hair?
Yes — vegan doesn't automatically mean gentle or high quality. Some vegan shampoos still contain sulphates (like SLS and SLES) which can strip natural oils and cause dryness or scalp irritation. Others use silicones that build up on the hair over time, causing dullness and heaviness. Look for professional vegan brands like Maria Nila that are also sulphate-free and silicone-free for the best results.
What is a good vegan shampoo brand?
Maria Nila is one of our top recommendations for vegan haircare — the entire brand is 100% vegan, PETA-certified, sulphate-free, and paraben-free, without compromising on professional-grade performance. Affinage's Kitoko range is also excellent for a botanical, vegan-friendly option. Both are available at Revive Hair Artists with free UK delivery.
How do I know if a shampoo is vegan?
Look for certified vegan logos on the packaging (such as the Vegan Society or PETA logos), or check the ingredient list for common animal-derived ingredients including keratin, collagen, lanolin, beeswax, and animal-sourced glyceryl stearate. Many professional brands now clearly label their products as vegan, making it easier to choose with confidence.