Rahua: Vegan and organic hair care products

Rahua’s products are formulated and made in the United States. Their ingredients are sourced from more than 70 countries and their Symbiotic® ingredients from more than 10 countries within the Amazon basin. Symbiotic® is Rahua’s signature standard. To classify an ingredient as Symbiotic®, it must have been grown in the rainforest in undisturbed virgin forest, harvested and prepared using knowledge of indigenous people. In addition, it must be purchased at a price that helps grow and sustain these traditions, build economies and empower indigenous people. Consequently, Rahua’s products are processed according to strict protocols. “The laboratories and production facilities are safe, clean and certified as USDA organic facilities,” the brand says.

Rahua says they also have a protocol that allows them to closely examine all ingredients and their origins. Each ingredient must pass this vetting process. Exact names of countries or factories are not known.

To do its part, Rahua supports The Pink Flamingos Project, a project of Ecoagents. The brand is donating 10% of the proceeds from the “Rahua Enchanted Island Collection” to help protect the Galapagos coastal areas. To do this, Rahua is working with locals to remove plastic waste from the coastline and beaches. This keeps the habitat clean for flamingos, penguins, seabirds and more! In addition, the founders have built relationships with indigenous communities in the Amazon region, providing them with the legal resources and education they need to preserve the trees in the area to sustain the oxygen we breathe.

The products are made with plant-based ingredients, USDA-certified organic ingredients and handcrafted Symbiotic® tribal oils from the Amazon rainforest. This, according to the brand, empowers people to make healthier choices, live cleaner lives and connect with the Amazon rainforest. USDA-certified organic products must be produced in compliance with organic regulations and without the use of prohibited substances or excluded methods such as sewage sludge, irradiation or genetic engineering.

Rahua also makes it clear that they do not use parabens, the most commonly used chemicals for preserving beauty products. To extend the shelf life of the products, Rahua uses all-natural preservatives, including natural palo santo oil. Also, all products are free of sulfates and gluten.

Rahua uses essential oils, such as lavender and eucalyptus oil, as fragrances. These are plant-based fragrances, but note that this type of oil can be a potential allergen according to the Clean Beauty app.

It is difficult to verify how long the chain of Rahua’s products is. They indicate that the ingredients are sourced from more than 70 countries and more than 10 Amazonian countries, but we don’t know which countries or exact suppliers are involved. The path the products take may be longer or shorter for each product.

Rahua values the preservation of the Amazon forest. To protect this area, they work with indigenous people. This has provided legal instruments for full protection and preservation of about 150,000 hectares of pristine rainforest. These forests sequester 5 tons of CO2 per hectare per year; a total of 750,000 tons of CO2 per year. This makes Rahua a carbon neutral company.

In addition, Rahua contributes to rainforest conservation through their “1 bottle = 1 acre” action. This means that by buying one Rahua product you help preserve one hectare of precious rainforest!

All Rahua products are cruelty-free according to the brand itself. This means that the brand does not test products on animals and does not use animal protein in making their products.

In addition, all Rahua products are vegan. The brand states its commitment to the conservation and preservation of both animals and plants and the environment in which they live.

In terms of transparency, there is still room for improvement for Rahua. They do not communicate openly about their suppliers and production methods and location. At COSH! we think this is a shame, as the brand seems to have an eco-friendly heart with a passion for the Amazon.

Rahua (pronounced ra-wa) hair products are known for their pure ingredients and unparalleled performance. Long before Rahua was created, Fabian Lliguin, a well-known hairstylist and colorist in New York City, visited the Amazon rainforest as an environmental activist. Here, he taught indigenous people about their land and human rights. His attention kept being drawn to the beautifully long and shiny hair of the women he was surrounded by.

These women shared their secret with Fabian: rahua oil. For centuries, members of the tribe, living deep in the rainforest, had relied on this oil to nourish their hair and skin. Fabian knew then that he had something very special on his hands and also knew that he had to treat it with respect. Rahua oil was ‑and is- produced by the Quechua-Shuar tribe in complex, ritualistic and sustainable ways. Fabian did not want to disrupt this process. Together with Anna Ayers, a fashion designer, trend forecaster and environmentalist, he launched the Rahua brand to formulate a unique line that nourishes, heals and transforms.

For its hair products, in addition to rahua oil, the brand works with plant-based ingredients. Using these ingredients, Rahua has created specific lines for extra volume, hydration, curly and colored hair. Curious about how sustainable these products are? Then read on quickly.

Packaging

Rahua product packaging is recyclable, reusable and many are refillable. The products come in recyclable plastic or glass containers. The white pumps they use have no metal parts, making them more recyclable. The plastic Rahua uses for packaging is made of PET. This is a reusable/recyclable material. At COSH! we’re sorry Rahua didn’t go for a recycled alternative here.

And a sustainable tip: fill your full-size bottle with Rahua eco-friendly refill bags, made with 60% vegetable fiber. With a refill pouch, you’ll use about 90% less plastic than with a new Rahua bottle.

Slow business model

The idea behind Rahua is that by choosing a sustainable beauty routine, you encourage thoughtful use of the earth’s resources. Therefore, Rahua’s formulas are also highly concentrated, so you need to use less to get your hair clean and soft again. That way, your shampoo or conditioner will last a long time! Moreover, refill packs are also available for many of the products.

With the exotic fragrance of organic Palo Santo oil and powerful restorative Rahua, Morete and Sacha Inchi oils, Rahua hair products offer a luxurious experience and lasting results. Meanwhile, the brand already has many fans. Curious? Then check the map below for points of sale.