Do You Really Know What the Symbols on Hair Product Packaging Mean?
Every day we use beautiful bottles in the salon, covered with small icons and mysterious symbols.
But how many of us actually know what they mean?
To explain everything in detail, I chose a real example: Fortify Shampoo by Roverhair — a product that shows real care and transparency in every detail.
So let’s decode them one by one, without marketing fluff.
1. GREEN BEAUTY CONCEPT
This symbol shows that the brand follows a sustainable philosophy: cleaner ingredients, low-impact production, and recyclable packaging.
It doesn’t mean “100% natural,” but that the company works to reduce its environmental footprint and improve traceability of raw materials.
2. MARINE CITRUS FLORAL MUSKY
This refers to the olfactory family, describing the scent profile of the product.
In the case of Fortify Shampoo, it combines marine, citrus, floral, and musky notes — fresh, elegant, and pleasant.
It defines the product’s identity just like a fine fragrance would.
3. VEGAN FRIENDLY FORMULA
This label confirms that the formula contains no animal-derived ingredients — no animal keratin, honey, or beeswax.
Perfect for salons offering ethical and cruelty-free lines.
4. TAILOR MADE FOR SALONS
Means that the formula is designed specifically for professional use.
It’s not the same version found in supermarkets: it’s more concentrated, more technical, and built for immediate salon-level results.
5. CLINICALLY TESTED
Indicates that the formula was tested under medical supervision in certified labs.
In Fortify Shampoo, the phytohormonal complex has been clinically proven to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase (the enzyme that triggers hair loss) and stimulate regrowth.
It’s a symbol of science, not marketing.
6. PETA APPROVED
This means the brand fully complies with the Global Animal Test Policy.
No animal testing, anywhere, for any ingredient.
Roverhair proudly displays this international ethical certification.
7. RECYCLE NOW
Encourages users to correctly separate materials and recycle the bottle.
Roverhair uses post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) up to 20%.
A small action that, multiplied by thousands of bottles, makes a real impact.
8. TRIANGLE SYMBOLS – PP and PET
These triangles with numbers and letters identify the type of plastic used:
- 5 PP (polypropylene) → the cap material. Strong, heat-resistant, easily recyclable.
- 01 PET (polyethylene terephthalate) → the bottle material. Light, clear, and 100% recyclable.
Separating cap and bottle improves recycling quality and reduces waste.
9. “12M” SYMBOL
The small open-jar icon with “12M” indicates the period after opening — the time the product remains safe and effective once opened.
In this case: 12 months.
It’s a legal requirement in Europe and an essential sign of cosmetic safety.
10. EAC MARK
The EAC mark certifies compliance with Eurasian technical standards (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan).
It shows that the product is approved for export and meets all safety regulations.
11. DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED
Means the product has been tested on human skin under dermatological supervision.
It doesn’t guarantee “hypoallergenic,” but it does confirm good tolerance and safety.
12. QR CODE / DISCOVER IT
Scanning the QR code opens a dedicated page with the product sheet, usage tips, and videos.
It’s a modern way to reduce text on packaging while offering a transparent digital experience — something every professional brand should do.
Every symbol tells a story — of science, ethics, or sustainability.
Understanding them helps us professionals explain what we use and why.
A special thank you to Roverhair for their availability and transparency in allowing us to analyze every single detail of the Fortify Shampoo packaging.
That’s how real trust in professional brands is built: with knowledge, consistency, and clarity.
And you?
Have you ever stopped to read the symbols on your shampoo bottle?
Join the conversation on Il Magazine del Parrucchiere Telegram channel.
Lorenzo – Technical Director of Il Magazine del Parrucchiere
