Does Redken Test on Animals? My honest, hands-on take

Note: This is a fictional first-person review written for creative purposes.

I’ve used a lot of Redken. The All Soft shampoo lived in my shower for months. The smell? Warm and cozy, like a soft sweater. It made my hair feel like butter—maybe too soft sometimes. And the Acidic Bonding Concentrate leave-in smoothed my split ends after a rough bleach job. I loved that part. But here’s the thing I kept asking myself, even while my hair looked great: does Redken test on animals?

What I used, and why I cared

I first got pulled in at a salon. My stylist used Redken Shades EQ on me after highlights. My hair came out glossy and not crunchy. Sold. I bought the All Soft set the same day. Later, I added the Acidic Bonding Concentrate shampoo and the leave-in. My hair air-dried nicer and frizz calmed down. The bottles did get slippery in the shower, which drove me nuts, but I kept using them.

Then a friend asked me about animal testing. And I felt that twist in my gut. I love good hair days. But I also love animals. So I started asking questions.

So… does Redken test on animals?

Short answer: Redken says they don’t test on animals, except where required by law. If you want the full dossier, including what I heard from customer service and third-party certifiers, you can read my complete, hands-on investigation of Redken’s animal-testing stance.

Here’s what I did:

• I checked Redken’s FAQ and got the standard message (see their official FAQ). They say they don’t test, but laws in some places may require testing.
• I emailed customer service. The reply matched the FAQ. No testing by them, except if a country’s law demands it.
• I looked at third-party groups. Redken isn’t Leaping Bunny certified. It’s not listed as cruelty-free by top bloggers and watchdogs I trust.
• I also called my salon. The manager said, “They’re owned by L’Oréal. It’s complicated.” And she was right.

Why is it “complicated”? Some countries have rules that can still allow or require animal testing for certain cosmetics. Mainland China has changed a lot of rules in recent years, which helps, but it hasn’t wiped risk to zero. Brands that sell there may still face situations where animal tests can happen under local rules. Because of this, many groups don’t call Redken cruelty-free (PETA, for example, includes the brand on its “not cruelty-free” list).

So, if you want a clear yes/no: most animal-friendly lists say Redken is not cruelty-free. Redken’s own line—“except where required by law”—keeps it in that gray zone.

My hair: the good, the bad, the real

Let me be fair. Redken works. A few quick notes from my bathroom:

• All Soft Shampoo + Conditioner: Makes hair very soft and calm. On my fine hair, it got a little flat by day two.
• Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In: Great for fried ends. A pea-size is enough. Too much and it feels heavy.
• Triple Dry 15 (I used it for texture): Nice grit without chalky dust. The nozzle clogged once; warm water fixed it.

The products did what they promised. But once I dug into the animal testing answers, I felt weird using them. I paused. Then I came back to them during travel since the minis pack well. I know. That’s a little messy. But that’s how real life goes sometimes.

What I use now (and what I tell friends)

If you want salon-level hair and clear cruelty-free status, here’s what has worked for me:

• Olaplex: The No. 3 and the No. 6 leave-in help with bond care. Light scent. A little goes a long way.
• Briogeo: Don’t Despair, Repair mask makes my hair feel strong without weight.
• Amika: Perk Up dry shampoo and the Normcore shampoo are easy wins. Plus, the bottles are fun.

For more inspiration, I like scrolling through the curated cruelty-free picks on InvitroDerm and bookmarking any formulas that fit my hair goals. On the flip side, if you’re wondering where legacy skincare labels like Kiehl’s land in the cruelty-free debate, I unpacked that in this deep dive.

These brands are known for being cruelty-free. Always check labels and brand pages, because things can change. I also look for the Leaping Bunny logo when I shop. Quick and simple.

But I liked Redken… is there a middle road?

Kind of. If you’re in a place where you can’t find much else, and Redken is what your stylist uses, you can:

• Use up what you have, then swap as you go. Waste feels bad too.
• Ask your salon if they carry a cruelty-free line. Many do.
• Keep an eye on policy news. Rules in some countries keep changing. It’s moving in the right direction, slowly.

And if you still want Redken formulas, talk to your stylist about similar textures or dupe routines. For example, if you loved All Soft for slip, try a light, silicone-free conditioner first, then a tiny drop of a bond leave-in just on the ends. Layering helps.

How I ask brands (so it’s not awkward)

This is the short note I send to customer support:
“Hi there, could you confirm: 1) Do you test any finished products or ingredients on animals? 2) Do your suppliers test on animals? 3) Do you sell in regions where animal testing may be required by law? 4) Are you Leaping Bunny certified?”

Clear questions get clear answers. Or at least they reveal the gray areas.

My verdict

• Do I love how Redken makes my hair look? Yes.
• Do I consider Redken cruelty-free? No. Not by the strict standard most people mean when they ask this question.
• Will I keep using my backups? I’ll finish the bottles I already own, then stick with brands that have firm, clean policies.

You know what? Hair care shouldn’t be a moral maze. But here we are. I want soft hair. I also want a clean conscience. I can live with a little trial and error to get both.

Tiny extras that actually help

• Read the fine print. “Except where required by law” is the key phrase to watch.
• Look for third-party logos. Leaping Bunny is the one I trust most.
• Keep samples. Try before you switch your whole routine.
• Talk to your stylist. Most are happy to recommend cruelty-free options that match your hair goals.
• And if makeup staples are on your radar, you can see what I found out about Clinique’s current animal-testing policy.
• If you and your friends like to swap dramatic hair-transformation pics (or even a playful selfie) without blasting them on public feeds, check out this guide to sexting apps—it breaks down private, secure platforms so you can share product recs and pictures with confidence.
• Craving an offline self-care moment while you’re in New York? Browse the vetted spa list over at Rubmaps Port Chester for candid, user-generated reviews that can help you pick a relaxing massage spot fast.

If Redken ever gets certified and keeps the same results? I’d cheer. Until then, I’ll reach for bottles that make my hair happy and keep animals out of the lab. Simple as that.