Featured Cruelty-Free Company: John Paul Mitchell Systems

John Paul Mitchell Systems Celebrates 25 Cruelty-Free Years

John Paul Mitchell Systems was launched in 1980 with the help of a $750 loan and great hope for the future. John Paul DeJoria and Paul Mitchell’s hair-care business grew as a result of their fair business practices and dedication to high-quality products and services, and in 2005, both the company and PETA celebrate 25 cruelty-free years.

John Paul Mitchell Systems has supported PETA’s efforts to end animal testing for many years. In 1989, it became the first hair-care company to publicly oppose animal testing when it signed on to PETA’s statement of assurance, pledging never to test its products on animals. In 1999, the company was a presenting sponsor and donor at PETA’s millennium gala. Other Earth-friendly efforts include harvesting botanical ingredients without harm to the ecosystem and using solar energy at its Awapuhi Farm in Hawaii.

Though some decisions were made for ethical reasons, others were made out of financial necessity: The company’s instantly recognizable black and white bottles were designed that way because in the early days, the duo couldn’t afford colored ink! These days, John Paul Mitchell Systems proves that luxurious hair care can have a conscience and that other companies have no excuse for continuing their cruel and pointless animal tests.

"Corporations can and should change the world for the better," says DeJoria. "We have the perspective needed to leave the world a better place for our having been here."

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