Redken

How ethical is Redken?

Redken is a brand of hair care products which has a below-benchmark score on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Shampoo & Conditioner Ratings Table. Although Redken has not yet met our ethical benchmark, we hope to see the brand make progress in the future.

We would have extra confidence in Redken if it submitted itself to apply for Ethical Accreditation, whereby The Good Shopping Guide would make further detailed assessment and recommendations for ethical improvement.

Find out more about the ethical issues facing the Ethical Shampoo & Conditioner sector.

What does Redken do?

Redken is a hair care brand founded by Hollywood actress Paula Kent with her hairdresser Jheri Redding in 1960. The brand is now owned by L’Oreal.

 

In which areas does Redken perform poorly?

Redken was marked down under our criteria for Animal Welfare as the brand’s parent company, L’Oreal, features on PETA’s list of companies that do test on animals, despite claiming that it does not use animal testing. It also scores poorly for GM, as L’oreal signed a deal to develop a biosynthetic ingredient.

Find out more about how we rate by exploring our ethical criteria.

Past Criticisms of Redken’s record

Redken’s parent company, L’Oreal, was criticised for the brutal treatment of women in Malaysian and Indonesian palm oil plantations.

In which areas does Redken score well for its ethics?

Redken’s parent company, L’Oreal, has a booklet named ‘L’Oreal for the Future’ with targets for 2030 and 2050, and evidence of progress, so Redken scores well for its Environmental Report.

We found no criticisms of Redken relating to; GM, Nuclear Power, Fossil Fuels, Political Donations, Armaments or Irresponsible Marketing, so it scores well for these criteria.

How can Redken improve its ethical rating?

The below-benchmark score that Redken is awarded with on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Shampoo & Conditioner Ratings Table is the result of an evaluation of multiple ethical criteria.

To reach our minimum ethical benchmark and qualify for Ethical Accreditation, Redken has some issues to resolve, including its vague Environmental Report and support for GM ingredients. If it applies for Ethical Accreditation, The Good Shopping Guide will be able to give Redken some guidance to improve on these areas.

Were you aware that your brand could benefit from Ethical Accreditation? Brands accredited by The Good Shopping Guide can display our ethical mark, showcasing to consumers that it is an ethical and sustainable brand. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us or complete a Free Initial Assessment form.