When it comes to our haircare, most of us want two things: products that work and products we can trust. However, we’re often left in the dark regarding the safety of available shampoos and conditioners.
Browsing a haircare aisle, you might assume everything you see on the shelves undergoes rigorous safety checks. In reality, that’s not necessarily the case. It may seem surprising, but as long as the packaging follows certain rules, very little stands in the way of launching a new product.
For those wondering which brands to trust, we’re exploring the importance of seeking out companies that use third-party testing to go the extra mile to validate the quality of their products.
Why third-party testing matters
In the U.S, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authority over cosmetics is post-market; the FDA takes regulatory action if a cosmetic product has been adulterated or misbranded, leaving safety and quality to the responsibility of the company or individual. Basically, this means a new shampoo or styling product could contain questionable ingredients and still be sold as long as the packaging — and not the contents — meet the labeling rules.
Third-party testing, though optional, can demonstrate a brand’s integrity to prove their claims and ensure the quality and safety of a product are confirmed. The process is a serious commitment that demands significant resources — namely, time and money. (Some evaluations can even span an entire year or more to cover a range of safety and performance verifications.)
What to know about third-party testing
For haircare products, third-party testing is a voluntary evaluation conducted by an independent laboratory with no financial stake in the outcome. It typically includes:
1. Safety and contaminant testing
Products are subjected to various conditions — i.e., different temperatures, types of lighting, and humidity levels — to ensure nothing harmful grows or alters the formula over time, including microbial testing, preservation efficacy testing, and packaging integrity tests.
2. Shelf-life verification
Third-party labs run accelerated and long-term stability tests to determine if a shampoo or styling product will remain safe and effective over months (or even years) of sitting on a shelf. Some testing phases can last six months to a year and extend even longer.
3. Packaging integrity
Just like the formula of a shampoo or conditioner, packaging must also be evaluated to help verify that acceptable materials have been used to package the product. For context, a poorly made cap or an unstable bottle can compromise the entire product.
The benefits of third-party testing for hair product users
As mentioned before, many people assume that every shampoo or conditioner goes through government-regulated clinical trials before hitting shelves. But as we’ve learned, that really isn’t the case. Luckily, consumers can use “third-party tested” to verify a brand's integrity.
When you see a “third-party tested” designation, it generally means that one or more of the following tests have been completed. All tests are conducted individually.
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Safety. The product is less likely to harbor bacteria or dangerous substances.
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Integrity. The formula efficacy and ingredients remain consistent to maintain the completed third-party testing. Even changing a single ingredient would require the brand to re-run costly testing.
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Longevity. The product’s shelf life and packaging have been challenged to ensure it still works as intended a year or two down the road.
Whether you have sensitive skin, scalp issues, or just want peace of mind about what you’re using every day, opt for brands like ROgHA® with third-party-tested products that can stand by their claims — because they’ve proved them.
Choose hair products that are committed to your safety
Confidence in your haircare routine begins with knowledge. When a brand voluntarily goes through extended, expensive third-party testing, they are showing their commitment to your safety. Pair third-party testing with a clear list of omitted ingredients, and you can rest (or shower) easy knowing the products you use have been independently evaluated.
It’s true; trustworthy information can be hard to find, especially when it comes to haircare. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to start, look for third-party verification, thoughtful product formulation, and an open-door policy on what’s inside the bottle. Your scalp — and your future self — will thank you for it.
Explore the full ROgHA®’s Hair System of pH-appropriate, third-party-tested haircare products.