I know that they don't test on animals, and don't use animal byproduts, and all their packaging is post-consumer product, but I never hear anyone give them a shout-out, so I was wondering if there's something I'm missing...

i work for an aveda salon, and you are right about the things you said! they are also run on 100% wind power!

i think they are an amazing company...

and i dont know for sure but i have heard that the toxicity levels are high on some of the products. there is a database online to look that stuff up...unfortuneately i cant think of it right now!

but they are also organic too.

so i dont know!

For me: NO!!!! They are not kind life approved!!!

Because:Aveda is owned by the Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since 1997.

And the EL Company is still doing animal testing and accordingly gives comission for that to their suppliers.

When I found out, I was shocked because I liked Aveda-products and their philosophy very much.

But I can and will NOT give my money to Aveda when on the other hand that will benefit an animal testing parent company like Estée Lauder.

E.g. the same with The Body Shop taken over by L'oréal...

It is really a pitty that such good adresses were taken over by such cruel and nasty companies.

What do you think about these issues?! Would you still buy products from Aveda?

I can't afford Aveda products!

read the labels of their products - chemicals that you do not want to put on your skin! both the aveda and body shop are chock-full.    anyone can call anything organic and environmental  - be it food or beauty products - read the labels, research the ingredients and make your own choice - kiels is another that a lot of people (at least in nyc) think is so great because they have been around for so long and market them as pure, but if you read the label.....not so much!  the number of times I have seen something in the health food store that is labeled all "organic" and "cruelty free" and picked it up all excited....only to read the list of crap thats in it.  

Ugh, I was afraid of that. I caved and bought some Aveda shampoo and conditioner this past weekend.

If anyone can suggest vegan friendly shampoo and conditoner for thick coarse hair, I'd be eternally grateful. I've tried most of the brands at my local Whole Foods and nothing seems to work. ...

Kathleen,

Aubrey Organics is a wonderful line!  They have many diferent shampoos and conditioners as well as facial care and body products.  I use them ALL!  They are affordable too which is important.  Some of their products are not vegan so check the label on the back. 

AVEDA DOES NOT TEST ON ANIMALS. neither does estee lauder.

http://www.aveda.com/aboutaveda/anml_tstng_sttmnt.tmpl

and an interesting read:

http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip013.htm

I don't use Aveda just because every product I've ever tried has given me a severe rash, but I always thought that Estee Lauder was one of the few companies that DIDN'T test on animals?

I'm sorry, but Estée Lauder DOES animal testing. Aveda doesn't, that's right, but it is owned by Estée Lauder, which you give - in the end - your money when you buy Aveda... And that kicks Aveda out of the race - FOR ME.

Right now we're running a project, where we email to all Beautycompanies concerning animal testing. And because of the laws here in Germany a company is forced to tell the truth if they do AT or not. And Estée Lauder even writes it on their german homepage. Besides, when you say Estée Lauder is not testing, then why isn't the company neither to find at the Peta-Site:  http://www.peta.de/web/kosmetik.1724.html nor on the Cruelty-Free-List: http://www.gocrueltyfree.org/companies.php.

Please don't take this personal, I'm only trying to inform. For myself I would be very happy if they don't test...

Some brands that to 100 % do NO ANIMAL TESTING:

o e.l.f. – Eyes Lips Face o Urban Decay o Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics o Barry M o Hagina Cosmetic o Douglas (Douglas Beauty System, Venus Perfect Skincare, Douglas Hair, Baratti) o Gabriel Cosmetics Inc. (Gabriel Cosmetics, Gabriel Skincare, Zuzu Luxe, Clean Kids Naturally) o Ecco Bella o WALA Heilmittel (Dr. Hauschka Med, Dr. Hauschka Kosmetik, WALA Arzneimittel) o KIKO

I hope these are all brands that you know or can get in the US, cause this is part of a german list. Otherwise please take a look at the Peta-List (link posted above) for US-brands.

Thanks Jennifer, I'll have to look at the Aubrey Organic shampoos and conditioners the next time I am at Whole Foods. Thank you!

kathleen - try john master's organics products too - they carry them in most whole foods, and you can order them (free shipping!) online at

 http://www.johnmasters.com/

- I get my hair done in their salon and its amazing - also wind powered (in nyc...still can't figure that out!) and he doesn't use chemicals or test on animals, and there is usually John's adorable dog running around the salon.  The prices seem steep, but if you try the shampoo and conditioner and like it, you can buy it  bulk - this huge-ass container for like $60 - lasts me about 6 to 8 months, which when you break it down is not too bad.  

I try and do that - like my moitsurizer is $36 for this small tube....but it lasts 6 months so I'm spending $6 a month on cruelty free chemical free organic and effective product! 

I love LUSH products... theyre all handmade. Most products are vegan and not tested on animals. And they list which are and aren't vegan.They're also priced very fairly and have a wide range of skin and hair products. Their ingredients are really simple, which I dig. They have storesacross the world, and you can order online. http://www.lushusa.com/shop/about-lush/articles/ check them out!

Thanks for the recommendations Ann and Sonia!