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New year, new plant-based ingredients for every hairstylist's favorite hair-care brand, R+Co. While the company has always been cruelty-free, vegetarian (meaning no animal ingredients but some animal byproducts), and formulated without parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or petrolatum, now, it's eliminated animal products entirely. Why the sudden change? Well, it apparently wasn't so sudden.
R+Co's co-founder, Thom Priano explained that becoming vegan 10 years ago changed his outlook on not only what he puts in his body, but the ingredients in beauty products as well. “It was important to make the line entirely vegan, because in today’s world we need to do everything we can to save this planet," he tells Allure. "Plant-based haircare is a small step but it can make a difference."
He believes the reformulated line will have a positive response from R+Co customers, especially the ones who appreciate innovation in the beauty space. "They are an educated consumer who recognizes the importance of changing the normal way things have been done for years," he explains. "[We have to] move forward with ways to help our planet survive."
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Instead of animal products, fruit waxes help condition the hair, such as in the popular Control Flexible Paste. The Dallas Thickening Spray now uses kiwi fruit extract to infuse hair with vitamins and minerals, as well as ginger root to soften strands and add shine.
So far, Priano's correct about the response. When R+Co announced the vegan news on Instagram, there were tons of questions about where to find the new products, and if the reformulation was difficult to do.
"There are synthetic or botanically-derived alternatives that perform in a similar manner," the brand explained. "There are no real challenges. Raw material suppliers now offer an array of botanically-derived and synthetic materials that provide great benefits."
The new R+Co is rolling out in select salons through February 1, and is available for purchase online and in stores today. Check the back of the packaging above the romance and how to use copy to be sure you're picking up the newly-formulated products.
More new hair products to check out in 2019:
- January Is Going to Be a MAJOR Month for New Hair-Care Products
- Clairol's Natural Instincts Line Just Got a Major Makeover, and Brunettes Are Going to Love It
- Your Favorite Indie Hair-Care Brand Just Dropped a Blow-dryer
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